1 Echoes of Uncertainty

I was running quickly to meet Akash, who was already waiting at our regular spot. I didn't know why he had suddenly handed in his paper and bolted from the exam hall. After finishing my exam, I rushed out of the room in search of him. Gasping for breath, I made my way to the park and spotted him. His face was etched with sadness, his mind seemingly consumed by a thousand thoughts.

He hugged me tightly, tears streaming down his face. My heart ached witnessing his pain. 'Please stop crying,' I pleaded, unable to bear seeing him in such anguish. But he whispered brokenly, 'Leave me and find someone else who is better for you. Someone successful.' His words pierced through me, tears welling up in my own eyes.

This phase of our lives finds us grappling with our careers. While I had my own plans, Akash was fixated on securing college placements. Despite his intelligence and brilliance, his past mistakes had left him with a lower grade. Sitting in the exam hall, he was consumed by thoughts of our future, his career, and the possibility of my parents not approving of our marriage without him having a job. The weight of these worries overwhelmed him, leading him to overthink and ultimately leave the exam hall without completing the mid-semester exam.

I reassured him, 'Don't worry, baby. We'll figure something out together. I'm always here for you.' Slowly, my words seemed to soothe him, and we spent some time sitting together, finding solace in each other's company. Yet, the weight of his career weighed heavily on my mind, and I suspected it lingered in his thoughts as well. After a while, I walked with him to the bus stand, our hearts heavy with uncertainty, and then made my way back to my hostel.