The Distance I Didn’t Choose
🕘 Friday – 9:05 AM – College Campus Lawn
Aarav arrives, scanning for Kavya like he always does. She’s there — laughing with Ishaan and Tanya. She sees him… but doesn’t walk toward him this time.
Aarav’s eyes meet hers.
She smiles politely.
Not like yesterday. Not like always.
It’s the kind of smile people give to strangers they used to know.
📱 Private Chat: Aarav ↔ Kavya
Aarav Malhotra ( Ml 1 )
You okay?
Kavya Yadav ( Fl 1 )
Yup. Just a little busy with events.
Aarav Malhotra ( Ml 1 )
Haven’t seen you around much.
Kavya Yadav ( Fl 1 )
I’ve been around. You just didn’t look.
Aarav Malhotra ( Ml 1 )
(Aarav stares at the message longer than he expected to. He types... stops... and locks the screen.)
📱 Group Chat: “Six Idiots 💥💬”
Tanya Sharma ( Fl 2 )
Guys!! It’s movie night at my place today 😍
Reyansh Mehta ( ML 2 )
I’m in!
Siya kapoor ( FL 3 )
popcorn already brought
Kavya Yadav ( Fl 1 )
I might be late
Aarav Malhotra ( Ml 1 )
I’ll come with Meher, she’s free today
Tanya Sharma ( Fl 2 )
Ohhh double date vibes, hmm?
Kavya Yadav ( Fl 1 )
(typing…)
Kavya doesn’t send anything.
Evening – Tanya’s house – 6:45 PM
The movie is about to start. Everyone's on beanbags, snacks everywhere. Aarav walks in with Meher. Kavya’s already there, sitting away from the usual spot beside him.
Meher
(laughing): Tanya, this house is so cute. Your vibe is very… chaotic aesthetic.
Tanya Sharma ( Fl 2 )
Thank you, we try. Chaos is our brand 😎
Aarav walks toward Kavya, hoping she'd shift or make space like always. She doesn't.
Aarav Malhotra ( Ml 1 )
(softly): You want to switch places?
Kavya Yadav ( Fl 1 )
(shrugs): No need. I’m fine here.
Private Chat: Sia ↔ Ishaan
Siya kapoor ( FL 3 )
She’s distancing herself.
Ishaan Roy ( ML 3 )
He’s just realizing it.
Siya kapoor ( FL 3 )
Too late?
Ishaan Roy ( ML 3 )
Maybe. Maybe not.
🎬 Mid-Movie Scene – Romantic moment on screen
Meher gently leans her head on Aarav’s shoulder. He tenses… but doesn’t move away.
Kavya sees it. Doesn’t flinch. Doesn’t look away. She just... turns toward the screen and finishes her drink in one long sip.
📱 Private Chat: Kavya ↔ Tanya (under the blanket)
Kavya Yadav ( Fl 1 )
I’m done, Tanu.
Tanya Sharma ( Fl 2 )
I know.
Kavya Yadav ( Fl 1 )
He doesn’t even know how he makes me feel — like a placeholder.
Tanya Sharma ( Fl 2 )
You were never a placeholder. He’s just... blind.
Kavya Yadav ( Fl 1 )
Maybe Meher’s better. Maybe she makes him happy.
Tanya Sharma ( Fl 2 )
But does she know him like you do?
Kavya Yadav ( Fl 1 )
Doesn’t matter anymore. I’m not going to beg for what should come naturally.
📱 Private Chat: Meher ↔ Aarav (after movie)
Meher
Thanks for tonight. Your friends are amazing.
Aarav Malhotra ( Ml 1 )
Yeah, they’re family.
Aarav Malhotra ( Ml 1 )
Especially her.
Meher
But you’re not dating her… right?
Aarav Malhotra ( Ml 1 )
no
Meher
So maybe there’s space… for someone else?
Aarav stares at her message. But for some reason, Kavya’s smile won’t leave his mind.
Comments