The past four years had been a whirlwind of change, growth, and success for all of them. From carefree university students to accomplished professionals, each of them had carved a path that led them to where they stood today.
Akansha, the once easygoing and practical girl, had immersed herself in relentless preparation for government exams. Her hard work bore fruit, and she was now a respected government officer, serving with pride and dedication. Aarav, always the artistic soul, had pursued his passion wholeheartedly. His paintings, once merely sketches on his dorm room walls, now adorned India's top art galleries. He had become a well-known artist, his name recognised among the finest in the industry.
Komal, with her unbeatable creativity and sharp mind, had entered the entertainment industry and climbed the ranks rapidly. She was now a Creative Director, managing high-profile projects, making her a sought-after name in the field. Siddarth, ever the strategist, had become a Chief Sales Officer (CSO) at a top firm. He was still crazily in love with Komal, supporting her through every challenge while handling his own high-pressure career.
Sneha and Rudra, the most chaotic duo of them all, had finally put an end to their 'will-they-won't-they' drama and made things official after graduation. Sneha is now a successful Consultant, making waves in her industry, while Rudra has landed a position as a Database Manager at one of the most renowned tech firms. Despite their hectic schedules, their dynamic remained the same—laughter, teasing, and an undeniable love that had only grown stronger.
And then, there was Shumaila and Hamza, two people whose love story had been written in stolen glances, challenges, and undeniable chemistry. After graduating from Delhi University, Shumaila pursued her MBA at IIM Ahmedabad along with Sneha, pushing herself harder than ever. Now, she was the Founder and CEO of her own luxury brand that specialised in clothing, watches, jewellery, and footwear. Her brand had taken India by storm, and she was slowly making a name for herself globally.
Hamza had left soon after graduation, securing a spot at Stanford University for further studies. It had been four long years since they had last seen each other. Despite countless texts, calls, and video chats, the ache of physical absence had never truly faded.
Flashback: The Day He Left
The airport was buzzing with activity, yet to Shumaila, everything felt like background noise. The entire group had come to see Hamza off, their emotions swinging between excitement for his future and sadness at the temporary goodbye.
Komal hugged him first. "Don't go around breaking hearts in Stanford, Hamza."
Siddarth chuckled, clapping his back. "Make us proud, bro."
Aarav and Akansha hugged him next, Sneha and Rudra following suit. There were promises of keeping in touch, of late-night calls and through texts. But through all of this, Shumaila had remained silent.
She stood slightly apart from the group, her arms folded tightly across her chest, lips pressed into a thin, strained line. Hamza, who knew her better than anyone, sighed deeply before hesitating and then walking over to her, concern etched on his face.
"You're awfully quiet," he said gently.
Shumaila clenched her jaw. "You're leaving. What do you expect me to say?"
Hamza smiled softly, reaching into his pocket. "I expected that. That's why…" he trailed off as he pulled out a small box and opened it. Inside lay a delicate silver necklace with a small teardrop-shaped sapphire pendant.
Shumaila's eyes flickered with surprise as Hamza moved closer and clasped it around her neck. "I bought this for you before we even graduated. I knew this moment would come, and I wanted you to have something of mine with you. Always."
Shumaila swallowed hard, her fingers brushing over the pendant. She looked up at him, her lips parting slightly, but no words came out.
Hamza tilted his head, giving her his signature teasing smirk. "No goodbye kiss for your boyfriend?"
Shumaila exhaled sharply before pulling him down by his collar and pressing a firm kiss to his forehead. "Come back to me soon," she whispered against his skin.
Hamza's heart stuttered, and for a moment, he wished time would stop. But the final call for his flight echoed through the speakers, and he had to leave. With one last look at her, he turned and walked away, not daring to look back.
Present Day
Shumaila sat at her grand office desk, tapping a pen against the table absentmindedly. The group was gathered in her office, chatting and laughing about how far they had come.
"You know, sometimes I can't believe it's been four years," Aarav mused, leaning back on the couch. "We were just a bunch of college idiots, and now look at us."
"Speak for yourself," Komal smirked. "I'm still an idiot. Just a successful one."
Everyone laughed, but amidst the joy, Shumaila remained quiet.
Sneha, ever the observant one, nudged her. "You're thinking about him, aren't you?"
Shumaila snapped out of her thoughts, opening her mouth to deny it, but the group was already grinning.
Akansha folded her arms. "You miss him."
Shumaila sighed, rubbing her temples. "We talk all the time, but it's not the same. Four years is a long time."
"It is," Siddarth agreed. "But if anyone's coming back to you, it's Hamza. That guy's love for you is too deep."
Shumaila gave a small smile, her fingers absentmindedly touching the necklace Hamza had given her. "I know."
Rudra clapped his hands. "Alright, enough sentimental talk. Let's focus on what's important—when are you giving us free products from your brand?!"
The room erupted in laughter as Shumaila threw a crumpled paper at him. The conversation shifted to teasing and chaotic banter, but beneath it all, there was an undeniable truth.
Hamza would be back. And when he did, everything would change once again.