The heat of Chennai summer had begun to settle over the city like a heavy blanket, filling the air with the scent of dust, mangoes, and the distant clang of temple bells. With school officially over, the rhythm of Karthik's life had shifted dramatically. No morning rush. No ironed uniforms. No anxious silences in the classroom.
And most unexpectedly… no Ananya in his immediate orbit every single day.
It felt strange.
They still talked—every day, in fact—but without the structure of school, the connection felt both freer and more uncertain. Some days, they chatted for hours. Other days, just a short voice note. But it was never awkward. Just different.
That morning, Karthik sat on the terrace of his house, a steel tumbler of filter coffee in one hand, his phone in the other. He stared at the last message from Ananya:
> "Can we go somewhere today? Just us. I feel like disappearing for a few hours."
He smiled.
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By late afternoon, they met at Besant Nagar Beach. The sun still hung low, casting long shadows over the sand. It was less crowded than usual—families had retreated into the shade, and the vendors were just beginning to set up.
Karthik spotted her first. She stood near the rocks, her hair tied up messily, wearing a simple kurti and jeans, holding her sandals in one hand. Barefoot, she looked like she belonged to the sea.
"You're late," she said, turning as he approached.
He raised his eyebrows. "Five minutes."
"Still late," she teased, then smiled. "Come on."
They walked in silence for a while, the ocean lapping at their feet. The cool waves contrasted the heat in the air, and with each step, the city noise faded behind them.
"So," Karthik began, "why the sudden beach plan?"
Ananya shrugged. "I don't know. I guess… I've been feeling restless. Like the world is changing and I can't keep up."
Karthik nodded. "Yeah. I've been feeling it too. Like we're in some kind of in-between space."
She looked at him. "Like we've closed a chapter, but haven't opened the next one yet."
"Exactly."
They stopped walking. Ananya turned to face the sea.
"I'm scared, Karthik," she whispered. "Of college. Of drifting apart. Of not knowing where we're going."
Karthik took a deep breath. "Me too."
She turned to him, eyes vulnerable. "Then what do we do?"
He smiled softly. "We walk through it. Together. Even if the road changes. Even if we change."
Ananya blinked rapidly, clearly trying to hide the tears. "You're getting too good at this emotional talk."
"Been practicing," he said, nudging her shoulder.
She laughed, wiping at her eyes. "Don't make me cry at the beach."
"I'll cry with you," he said.
She sniffed and took his hand. "Promise?"
"Promise."
The sun dipped further, casting golden light on the waves as they continued walking—barefoot, unsure of the future, but certain of the moment. For now, that was enough.
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End of Chapter 116