"Don't limit yourself.

Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do.

You can go as far as your mind lets you.

What you believe, remember, you can achieve."

- Mary Kay Ash

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Like him??

Misha's POV

It's a common belief that girls tend to mature emotionally and intellectually faster than boys. They often start to explore emotions and develop crushes at a younger age. In my case, however, I followed a slightly different path. Instead of getting caught up in the whirlwind of crushes during my younger years, I focused on personal growth and independence, which took precedence in my life.

I recall my mother sharing stories of her youthful crush on my father when she was just 14, a time when they hardly knew each other. By the age of 20, they had me, which always fascinated me. Despite these romantic tales, I never really had the opportunity or inclination to pursue such experiences. It seemed like I was too engrossed in my own world, and the idea of finding a prince charming was nothing more than a distant dream.

However, life has its own way of surprising us. Against all odds, I've found myself falling for someone - Karan. This feeling caught me off guard because I never expected it to happen. It's like I'm living in a dream. But there's a catch; Karan is not someone I can openly express my feelings for. He's involved with someone else, a girlfriend who is known for her possessive nature, making any involvement with him practically impossible.

As I navigate this complex situation, I've come to understand the pangs of jealousy that can accompany such emotions. I still vividly remember the precise moment when I first realized that I had developed a crush on Karan.

Flashback ...

As I sat in the canteen with Tanya, enjoying our burgers at our usual spot, she confided in me about her crush on one of the boys in Karan's group. Her words were filled with a mixture of longing and disappointment.

"It's really tough to see him with other girls. I didn't know he was a bit of a flirt when I first started crushing on him. He seemed so sweet when I saw him helping the teacher earlier. But now, seeing him with other girls doing good deeds, it just breaks my heart..." Tanya's voice trailed off as I noticed Karan entering the canteen alone.

My thoughts drifted to Karan, wondering about the mysterious connection between us. Why had he taken me to see my mother, and how much did he really know about me? He was the first person who seemed to genuinely care about me and knew how to make me feel better. Despite his sometimes aloof and teasing demeanor, he had never hurt me, and being around him made me feel happy and safe. I longed to approach him, to confide in him about my life, and to learn more about him. Over the seven years since I'd met him, I had yearned to share my worries and joys with someone other than my mother or Sahil. Strangely, it felt as if I could trust him implicitly, certain that he would never hurt me. I found myself cherishing the moments when he playfully teased me and how effortlessly he convinced me to attend the camp.

Ever since I moved to New York and reconnected with Karan, my life has undergone a remarkable transformation. I found myself talking more, my relationship with Sahil had improved, and I was experiencing emotions I had thought were long lost. It was as though I was living in a beautiful dream where I had met my prince charming.

However, Tanya's voice brought me back to reality as she protested, "Hey, you can't just ignore your best friend, Mish." I reluctantly tore my gaze away from Karan, only to see him sharing an intimate moment with his girlfriend. My heart sank, and I turned back to my irate friend, Tanya.

End of the flashback...

As I sat on my bed, the weight of an impending conversation with my dad about the Manali camping trip bearing down on me, I couldn't help but feel restless. Tomorrow, my dad was due to return, and Sahil had plans to inform him about my upcoming trip. Deep down, I knew my dad wouldn't care much; in fact, he might even welcome the prospect of not having to deal with me for a few more days. 

It was a question that often haunted me: why did my dad seem to despise me so much? What had I ever done to earn his disdain? He had never shown any interest in me, not even a hint of sympathy when I was hospitalized in the past. All I wished for was for my mom to return and transform this apartment into a true home, a place where I could live without fear of making a mistake that would result in punishment or being treated as if I didn't exist.

Suddenly, the piercing sound of my alarm clock shattered my thoughts, and I realized I hadn't slept much at all. It felt like mere seconds had passed since I lay down. With a sigh, I got ready for college, trying to put on a brave face.

While applying some makeup, I heard voices downstairs, indicating that my dad had already returned. I hurriedly packed my bag and went downstairs for breakfast, where my dad and Sahil were waiting. I couldn't help but fidget uncomfortably as my dad's scrutinizing gaze was fixed on me, trying to understand why I was sitting with them today. 

I glanced at Sahil, who was absorbed in his phone, seemingly oblivious to the tension that surrounded us. I couldn't help but wonder when and how he planned to broach the subject with my dad. He was the one who insisted on this situation, and now he seemed indifferent, engrossed in his phone and wearing a smile that I found irritating today.

'Why am I even annoyed by his cute smile today? I can't stand this any longer.' I decided to get up and leave, but Sahil shot me a challenging look, silently daring me to exit the scene. I reluctantly took my seat again, giving Sahil a questioning look. 

He put his phone aside and cleared his throat.

"Dad, Mish has something she wants to discuss with you," Sahil said, taking charge of the situation.

'What? He wants me to speak up?' I shot Sahil a glare, but he offered me a reassuring nod. My dad remained silent, his eyes shifting between me and Sahil, trying to piece together what was happening. I was sure he was taken aback by Sahil's sudden change in behavior, and his willingness to speak up for me. My dad had never approved of our relationship, and his expression reflected his surprise.

"I'm leaving for a college camp in Manali tomorrow," I announced, deliberately involving Sahil in the conversation. "Sahil thought it was best to inform you, so here I am." I continued, watching as my dad's confusion deepened. He nodded tersely and left without saying anything.

Turning to Sahil, I was about to question him about what had just transpired, but he simply ignored my query. 

We both left for college and when we arrived, I met Tanya near my locker and shared the strange encounter with my dad. Tanya seemed unsure how to react, and with the busyness of college life, the topic faded away. 

Fortunately, our bags were already packed for the upcoming psychology camp, and I couldn't help but feel excited about my first-ever camp.

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Thanks for reading.

Lots of love...

Xxx