Bound by Destiny

Changes and Exams

A few days after their trip to the hill station, life on campus returned to its usual rhythm for Amaan and Tanvi. Their time away had been refreshing, and it had solidified the progress they’d made with Tanvi’s parents. Now, back at NLS, the focus was once again on their studies, with midterms fast approaching.

One afternoon, Amaan and Tanvi were seated in the library, their usual spot by the large windows that overlooked the campus courtyard. The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow on their desks, but despite the pleasant setting, the atmosphere was tense. Their upcoming exams were just around the corner, and the pressure was starting to mount.

Tanvi sighed, flipping through her notes on constitutional law. “I thought the first semester was tough, but this is on another level.”

Amaan glanced up from his laptop, his eyes tired but determined. “Yeah, but we made it through the first round, right? We’ll make it through this one too.”

She nodded, though her brow was furrowed with concern. “It’s just that there’s so much riding on these exams. I feel like every mark counts towards our future.”

Amaan reached across the table and gently squeezed her hand. “I know it feels overwhelming, but remember, we’ve got each other. We’ll study together, push through it together, and come out on the other side stronger.”

Tanvi smiled, grateful for his support. “You’re right. I’m just letting the stress get to me.”

They spent the next few hours buried in their books, occasionally exchanging a few words of encouragement or sharing a laugh over a particularly tricky legal concept. It was hard work, but being together made it a little easier to bear.

As evening approached, they decided to take a break and grab some food. They walked over to the campus café, where the scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods filled the air. After placing their orders, they found a quiet corner to sit and relax.

Amaan took a sip of his coffee, savoring the warmth. “So, how are your parents feeling after the trip? Do you think things have really started to change?”

Tanvi stirred her tea thoughtfully. “I think so. They’re definitely more open to the idea of us being together. My dad even mentioned you in a positive light the other day, which is a big deal.”

Amaan’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really? That’s huge!”

She smiled, nodding. “Yeah, it is. I think they’re starting to see you as more than just my boyfriend—they’re seeing you as someone who could be a real part of the family.”

The thought filled Amaan with a sense of pride and hope. He’d been working so hard to prove himself, and it was finally starting to pay off. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted, to be accepted by them. I know we still have a way to go, but it feels like we’re heading in the right direction.”

Tanvi reached out and took his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “We are. And I’m so glad we’re doing this together. I can’t imagine going through all of this without you.”

Amaan smiled warmly. “Neither can I.”

The days leading up to their exams were intense, filled with long hours of studying, late-night discussions, and moments of doubt and frustration. But through it all, Amaan and Tanvi leaned on each other, their bond growing stronger with each passing day.

Finally, the day of their first exam arrived. The campus was buzzing with nervous energy as students gathered outside the exam halls, exchanging last-minute notes and words of encouragement. Amaan and Tanvi stood together, the weight of the moment pressing down on them, but they felt ready.

“Good luck,” Tanvi said, giving him a quick hug. “You’re going to do great.”

“You too,” Amaan replied, squeezing her hand. “I’ll see you on the other side.”

The exam itself was challenging, but Amaan felt prepared. He moved through the questions with confidence, his mind sharp and focused. When he finally put down his pen and handed in his paper, a wave of relief washed over him. One down, a few more to go.

After the exam, he and Tanvi met up outside the hall. The tension that had been building over the past few days seemed to dissipate, replaced by a sense of accomplishment.

“How did it go?” Tanvi asked, her eyes searching his face.

Amaan grinned, a weight lifting off his shoulders. “I think it went well. How about you?”

She nodded, a smile spreading across her face. “I think I did okay too. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.”

They decided to take a walk around the campus to unwind after the exam. The evening air was cool and refreshing, and the sky was painted with the soft hues of sunset. As they walked, they talked about the exam, their study plans for the next one, and their hopes for the future.

Despite the stress of exams, there was a sense of peace between them. They knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, just as they always had.

When they returned to the hostel later that evening, Amaan felt a deep sense of contentment. The road ahead was still long, but he was confident that with Tanvi by his side, they could achieve anything they set their minds to.

As he lay in bed that night, Amaan couldn’t help but think about how much they had both grown since they first met. Their journey had been filled with ups and downs, but it had brought them closer than ever. And as they continued to build their future together, he knew that their bond would only grow stronger.

With that comforting thought, Amaan closed his eyes, ready to face whatever the next day would bring.