Unrequited Beginnings

I never planned to write this chapter or write any chapter on Rohan's POV but on my readers' demand I am writing it, I hope you all will like it as this chapter has Rohan's POV. Happy Reading!!!

***

As I lay in bed, I couldn't stop worrying about the upcoming board exams. The pressure was always on my mind, reminding me how important these tests are for my future. Every day was filled with intense studying, late-night cram sessions, and the overwhelming need to do well. 

My textbooks were always with me, and I was constantly buried in notes and equations. It felt like I had to climb a mountain for every subject. The stress was getting to me, and even though I tried to stay focused, it was hard not to feel the strain. My days were all about studying, taking practice exams, and going over a never-ending list of topics. The pressure to succeed, not just for myself but also for my parents and teachers, was enormous.

The competitive atmosphere of our extra classes made it even more challenging. Everyone seemed to be in the same boat, trying to outdo each other, creating an atmosphere filled with tension and urgency. Even the smallest mistakes felt like they could affect my grades negatively. 

Despite my efforts to stay calm and focused, the constant pressure was overwhelming. My stress levels were at an all-time high, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to stay positive. The pressure to perform well and the fear of falling short created a relentless cycle from which I couldn't seem to escape.

Despite all the chaos the exams brought, there was one thing that offered me solace - Kanika. She was a constant source of comfort and joy in my life.

Kanika was everything to me. When I and Neha broke up, I was left all alone, I had no one to turn to, not even my parents because they were too busy with their work lives. When I met Kanika, she became my ray of hope. From the moment we first met, I was charmed by her kindness and the way she made even the most ordinary moments special. Her smile could light up the darkest of days, and her laughter was a comfort during times of stress. She had this great ability to make me feel at ease, even when nothing seemed to be going right.

Being with her helped me forget about the stress of exams. Kanika had a calming presence and understood me like no one else. Her unwavering support and belief in me gave me strength during tough times. We shared many memories together, from quiet walks in the park to late-night conversations. Each moment with her reminded me why I was working so hard—to build a future where we could be together and share our dreams.

Kanika was my anchor. She reminded me that, despite the stress and pressure, there was something beautiful to hold onto. She motivated me to push through tough days and showed me that there was more to life than just exams. She was the light at the end of the tunnel, the reason I was determined to succeed. With her by my side, I felt like I could face anything, even the overwhelming pressure of the board exams.

As I was thinking about Kanika, I heard my phone ring. I glanced at the screen and saw her name—Kanika. What a coincidence. A smile instantly spread across my face. I swiped to answer, and her familiar face appeared on the screen.

"Hey, Babe," I greeted, my voice softening as I saw her radiant smile.

"Hey, Rohan," Kanika replied, her voice a comforting melody. "How's it going? Are you surviving the exam madness?"

I leaned back in my chair, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. "It's been intense, honestly. The pressure is getting to me. But seeing you makes everything a little better."

Kanika's eyes twinkled with warmth and affection. "I'm glad I can help. I just wanted to check in on you. I know how stressful this time is. How about we take a little break from all this studying? Even if it's just for a few minutes."

I chuckled softly, appreciating her concern. "I could take a break. Tell me, how's everything going?"

Kanika's expression softened as she began to share her day. Her updates about her own activities were a welcome distraction. Her laughter, her stories, and her everyday moments were like a balm to my frayed nerves.

As Kanika and I were talking, a notification popped up on my phone. I glanced at it absentmindedly, only to see that it was a message from Maya, reacting to one of my stories with a laughing emoji. Immediately, irritation exploded within me.

Kanika noticed my change in expression and asked. "What's wrong, Babe? You look upset."

I sighed, running a hand through my brown hair. "It's this girl named Maya. I've been annoyed by her a lot lately. She's always seeking attention, acting weird, and honestly, she just gets on my nerves."

Kanika looked concerned. "What did she do?"

I scrolled through Maya's reaction and read it to Kanika. "Maya reacted to my recent story with a laughing emoji. She reacts to my stories like she's trying to stay relevant. It's like she's everywhere, and she's always doing something to get noticed."

Kanika listened intently, her brow furrowing. "I'm sorry she's bothering you. But you shouldn't let her affect you so much. You have enough on your plate with the exams and everything."

I continued, my frustration was obvious. "She's not just annoying; she's also a bad luck charm. In my previous relationship with Neha, things went south partially because of her even though she never interfered in us at that time. This annoying chubby girl always acts like she's the center of attention but in reality she is stupid, duffer, a girl nobody wants and someone who doesn't exist for me. I really hate being around her, but I don't want to be rude or hurt her feelings. I'm afraid she might get hurt if I'm too direct."

Kanika's expression softened with sympathy, but her eyes were still firm. "You shouldn't let someone who clearly upsets you have this much influence on your mood. If she's causing you stress and affecting your focus, maybe it's time to distance yourself from her. If blocking her will make things easier for you, then do it."

Her words struck a chord. I hadn't seriously considered blocking Maya until now. The idea seemed like a practical solution to avoid unnecessary stress and distractions.

"I guess you're right," I admitted, nodding slowly. "I'll think about it. It might help clear my mind and reduce the frustration."

Kanika smiled encouragingly. "Exactly. Focus on what matters to you and don't let anyone or anything drag you down. You've got enough to worry about with the exams. You don't need additional stress."

I felt relieved at her suggestion. It was true—I had been letting Maya's presence weigh on me more than I should. As much as I disliked the idea of blocking someone, it seemed like a small price to pay for my peace of mind and focus on what really mattered. But I decided to block Maya.

"Thanks, Kanika," I said, grateful for her support and advice. "I'll take your suggestion seriously. I feel better just talking it out with you."

"Now forget about Maya, you know what, I really miss you," she said suddenly, her tone sincere. "I wish we could spend more time together, but I know we both have our commitments. We'll get through this."

"I miss you too, Sweetie," I said, my heart aching a bit at the thought of how limited our time together had become. "Once this is all over, we'll have so much time to catch up and relax. I'm really looking forward to that."

Kanika smiled a look of understanding in her eyes. "You're doing great, Rohan. Just remember to take it one step at a time. You can do this. And I'm here for you, no matter what."

Her words provided comforting relief from the overwhelming academic pressure. We found solace in our conversation, even though it was through a screen. Talking to her reminded me of why I was working so hard—to create a future together where we could share our lives and dreams.

After saying goodbye and ending the call, I felt more enthusiastic. With Kanika's support and love, I was ready to face the rest of the exam period with more strength.