32Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxvBiawL0fAs Maya returned from the university, she walked straight to her room without stopping for lunch. The moment she stepped inside, she shut the door with a loud bang.
Hearing the sound, her mother walked toward the room and knocked gently on the door.
"Maya," she called softly, "please open the door."
"I'm exhausted, Mom," Maya replied from inside. "Please don't disturb me."
"Just open the door. I won't take much of your time."
After a brief hesitation, Maya unlocked the door. Her mother stepped inside and quietly lowered herself into the chair beside the bed.
Her gaze lingered on Maya's pale face.
After a moment of silence, she asked gently, "Maya, what happened? Why do you look so upset? Did something happen at the university today?"
Maya remained silent, staring at the floor.
Her mother smiled faintly.
"You know, Maya," she said, "when we give our worries a voice, they often become lighter."
Maya finally looked up.
"There is so much favoritism at the university," she said bitterly. "My assignment was one of the best, yet the highest marks went to the teacher's favorites. All my hard work went to waste."
Tears welled up in her eyes before she could stop them.
Her mother reached out and gently squeezed her hand.
"My dear," she said, "hard work never goes to waste. Sometimes its reward arrives later than we expect. Don't chase grades alone. Chase knowledge, because no one can take that away from you."
With a reassuring smile, she quietly left the room, giving Maya the space she needed to gather her thoughts.
When Maya woke up that evening, the heaviness in her chest still hadn't faded. She reached for her phone, hoping that mindlessly scrolling through Instagram would distract her from the disappointment she had carried home from the university.
As she scrolled through countless posts, a single sentence suddenly caught her attention.
"Live each day as though tomorrow will never ask your name."
She paused.
Something about those words stirred her heart. Without thinking twice, she opened the profile and began reading more of the posts written by the young man.
Every quote carried the same quiet sadness, yet each one was beautifully written. The deeper she read, the more curious she became.
She tapped on his profile.
According to his bio, he was a twenty-two-year-old aspiring writer.
She scrolled through his photographs. There was nothing particularly extraordinary about his appearance, yet his calm expression and thoughtful eyes held a quiet sorrow that was impossible to ignore.
Then her gaze stopped at the final line of his bio.
"I am not interested in friendship, nor do I have the time for it. Please don't try to approach me."
Maya couldn't help smiling.
"For someone who doesn't want anyone to approach him," she murmured to herself, "he certainly knows how to make people curious."
She locked her phone and placed it on the table, but the young writer's words lingered in her mind long after she had left Instagram.
The following evening, as she absentmindedly scrolled through Instagram, his profile suddenly crossed her mind.
Without a second thought, she typed:
"Ayan's Soul-Touching Writings."
Several new posts appeared on her screen. She spent the next few minutes reading every one of them. Each piece carried the same quiet sadness, yet every word seemed to come straight from the heart.
Unable to resist her curiosity any longer, she opened the message box and began typing.
"Hello.
I'm writing this message simply because your words have touched the deepest corners of my heart. I genuinely wanted to appreciate your writing. I hope you won't misunderstand my intention or take this message in the wrong way.
Wishing you all the best for your writing journey."
After a brief hesitation, Maya pressed the send button.
She continued reading Ayan's posts, hoping for a reply. Minutes passed, but her inbox remained silent.
Eventually, she locked her phone and turned her attention to preparing her presentation.
Every few minutes, however, she found herself unlocking her phone to check for a response.
Her message had been read.
But there was still no reply.
She let out a quiet sigh.
"Mr. Ayan," she murmured to herself, "your posts reflect kindness and compassion for humanity, but your attitude seems to have no limits."
Shaking her head with a faint smile, she returned to her work.
By midnight, she had finally finished preparing her presentation. She organized her study table, made her bed, and lay down, hoping to get some rest.
Just as she closed her eyes...
Her phone vibrated.
The notification sound echoed through the quiet room.
Without a second thought, she reached across the table, picked up her phone, and unlocked the screen.
A notification from 'Ayan's Soul-Touching Writings' flashed before her eyes.
Her heartbeat quickened.
She immediately opened the message.
"Thank you for your kind words. Every writer hopes their thoughts find a home in someone's heart. I'm grateful that mine found one in yours."
Maya's face lit up with a smile as she read Ayan's reply.
Without wasting another moment, she typed:
"Beautiful writing has always fascinated me. I believe a person's writing is a reflection of the writer's personality.
Would you be willing to help me polish my craft? I'm a psychology student, and I love writing psychological dramas."
After reading the message twice, she finally pressed the send button.
As expected, the reply didn't arrive immediately.
Hours passed.
Maya wasn't disappointed anymore. She had begun to accept that Ayan always replied late.
She spent the rest of the evening reading more of his posts, occasionally sending him a message. In return, Ayan continued replying with brief, thoughtful, and to-the-point responses.
By midnight, Maya tried to sleep, but sleep refused to embrace her.
She felt an unfamiliar heaviness in her heart.
Letting out a quiet sigh, she got out of bed, poured herself a glass of water, and slowly returned.
Even with her eyes closed, Ayan's words kept replaying in her mind like endless Instagram reels.
She smiled to herself.
Almost instinctively, her hand reached for the phone resting on the bedside table.
She unlocked the screen and opened their Instagram chat.
After staring at the blinking cursor for a few moments, she finally began typing.
"Ayan,
I think I'm becoming addicted to your writing.
You probably can't imagine this, but even when I try to sleep, your words continue echoing in my mind.
Please don't misunderstand me.
I simply want to be your friend—nothing more.
I'll wait for your reply because I believe someone as soft-hearted as you wouldn't intentionally hurt another person's feelings.
Regards,
Maya."
Maya waited patiently for Ayan's reply, but as usual, it arrived the following evening.
The moment the notification appeared on her screen, she instinctively opened their Instagram chat.
His reply was brief.
"I hope you won't mind if my replies are short. I don't spend much time on social media."
Maya smiled faintly before typing another message.
"Ayan, do you believe in friendship?"
A few hours later, another short reply appeared.
"Of course. Life without friends is like a garden without flowers."
As the weeks turned into months, Maya tried to strengthen their friendship. Yet Ayan rarely spoke about anything other than books, writing, or psychology. Whenever she attempted to learn something about his personal life, he would gently change the subject.
One evening, Maya finally gathered the courage to ask.
"Ayan, it's been three months since we started talking, yet you've never told me about your family, nor have you asked about mine.
Would you mind if we talked over the phone just once?
I'd really like to hear your voice."
She waited eagerly for his reply.
One day passed.
Then another.
Three days went by, yet there was still no response.
Her excitement slowly gave way to anxiety.
Unable to bear the silence any longer, she sent another message.
"Ayan...
Why are you ignoring me?
If you don't want to talk to me over the phone, you can simply tell me. I'll understand.
But your silence hurts more than a refusal ever could.
If I've said something that upset you, I'm truly sorry.
I won't trouble you with any more messages.
Take care.
— Maya"
This time, Ayan's reply arrived within an hour.
"Sorry I couldn't reply earlier. I was dealing with some personal matters.
I want to be honest with you because I don't wish to deceive you.
It's my humble request that we keep our friendship limited to books and writing, just as you once promised.
I've never given you hope for anything beyond that.
I'm truly sorry if my silence upset you, but I assure you that being close to me would hurt you far more than my absence ever could.
Take care.
— Ayan"
As Maya finished reading the message, her eyes filled with tears.
She could no longer suppress the emotions she had been hiding for months.
Almost instinctively, she opened the chat box and began typing.
"Ayan,
Why do you always speak as though your life is wrapped in mysteries?
If there's someone else in your life, please tell me honestly. I'll accept the truth.
But before I read your reply, I need to tell you something I've been trying to hide from myself.
I don't know when it happened or how it happened...
Somewhere along this journey, I developed feelings for you.
I've tried countless times to convince myself that you're only a friend, but my heart refuses to listen.
I don't expect anything from you.
I simply couldn't keep these feelings buried any longer.
— Maya"
After a little while, Ayan replied.
"This is exactly what I was afraid of.
We became friends because you promised me there would never be anything beyond friendship.
There is no other girl in my life, nor will there ever be.
I sincerely respect your feelings, and I'm truly sorry that my words have caused you pain.
You're right—my life is shrouded in mystery.
Unfortunately, I can't tell you anything more than that.
I may not be able to send you any more messages.
Take care.
— Ayan"
As Maya finished reading the message, tears welled up in her eyes.
She read it again...
and again...
but this time, she didn't reply.
Outside, darkness slowly settled over the city.
She placed her phone on the table and lay down, hoping sleep would quiet her restless thoughts.
Instead, Ayan's words kept replaying in her mind.
"There is no other girl in my life..."
"My life is shrouded in mystery..."
She wondered what kind of mystery he was hiding.
Why were all his posts filled with sorrow?
Why did every sentence sound like a farewell?
She couldn't sleep the entire night.
The following morning, she woke with only one thought in her mind—to write to Ayan once again.
As she unlocked her phone, her gaze lingered on his latest Instagram post.
"Life is temporary.
Keep writing your emotions.
They will keep you alive in people's hearts forever."
She stared at the words for several moments.
Then she read them again.
A strange uneasiness settled over her.
She whispered to herself,
"Why would Ayan post something this tragic after our last conversation?
Something doesn't feel right."
Taking a deep breath, she opened their chat and began typing.
"Ayan,
I want to ask you for one last favor.
Please don't refuse me.
I promise this will be my final message.
After that, I won't disturb you again.
I only hope you'll reply."
For the first time, Ayan replied almost immediately after receiving Maya's message.
"Dear Maya,
If this is truly your wish, I promise I'll fulfill it.
Please feel free to ask for whatever you want.
— Ayan"
Maya stared at the screen in disbelief.
For the first time...
he had addressed her by her name.
She whispered softly,
"Dear Maya..."
The words lingered in her mind.
After sitting in silence for a few moments, she finally began typing.
"Ayan,
Since you've promised to fulfill my last wish, I'd like to meet you—just once.
The first meeting...
and the last.
I promise that after tomorrow, I'll cut off all contact with you.
If you agree, please let me know."
Her hands trembled as she pressed the send button.
This time, however, no immediate reply came.
The silence returned.
That evening, while she was quietly sipping her coffee, the familiar notification tone echoed through the room.
She had been waiting for it all day.
Without hesitation, she unlocked her phone and opened their chat.
"Alright, Maya.
We'll meet tomorrow at a place where you feel comfortable.
Send me the location and the time.
I'll be there.
— Ayan"
For a long moment, Maya simply stared at the message.
She could hardly believe he had agreed.
She read it once...
then again...
and yet again, as though afraid the words might disappear.
Finally, she shared the meeting location along with the time.
His reply arrived almost instantly.
"Alright.
See you tomorrow."
The next day, Maya wore her favorite outfit and applied a touch of light makeup.
She was excited.
Yet the thought that this would be both their first and their last meeting left an ache in her heart.
She quickly brushed the thought aside.
She didn't want anything to steal the happiness of this day.
A few minutes later, she arrived at the lakeside.
Her gaze wandered across the peaceful surroundings, searching every face.
But Ayan was nowhere to be seen.
Her heartbeat quickened.
Trying to remain calm, she unlocked her phone and typed,
"Ayan, I'm here, but I can't seem to find you."
The reply arrived within seconds.
"Tell me exactly where you're standing, and what color you're wearing."
After sending the details, Maya slipped her phone back into her bag.
Just then...
She felt a gentle touch on her shoulder.
She slowly turned around.
The sight before her stole the words from her lips.
A middle-aged woman stood quietly behind her.
A faint, sorrowful smile rested on her face.
"W... what's going on?" Maya whispered. "Who are you?"
The woman spoke gently.
"Maya... please don't be frightened.
Come.
Let's sit on that bench.
I promise I'll explain everything.
No one ever intended to deceive you."
Still unable to process what was happening, Maya silently followed her.
They sat together.
For a long moment...
Neither of them spoke.
Finally, the woman drew a slow breath, cleared her throat, and said,
"I am Ayan's mother."
Maya froze.
The woman continued softly,
"The young man whose photographs you saw on Instagram...
He was my son.
There's a truth my heart has never been able to accept.
Perhaps today...
I've finally found the courage to tell it."
Her voice faltered.
She lowered her gaze.
Tears slowly welled up in her eyes.
Maya sat motionless.
She didn't know what to say...
Maya gathered her courage and whispered,
"But Ayan promised to meet me today. He not only broke his promise... he shattered my heart into pieces."
Ayan's mother gently interrupted her.
"Maya, my son never deceived anyone, nor did he ever break a promise. Please don't judge him before knowing the truth."
She fell silent for a moment, gathering the strength to continue.
"One year ago, Ayan was working on a book titled, 'Live Each Day as Though Tomorrow May Be Your Last.' Day by day, he grew weaker. At first, I assumed he was simply exhausting himself by working too hard and skipping meals. I never imagined something far more serious was happening.
One day, when I noticed that he barely had the strength to stand, I insisted that he undergo a complete medical examination. After several tests, the doctors diagnosed him with blood cancer."
Her voice trembled.
"He was my only son...
...my only reason to keep living."
Maya looked at her in confusion.
"'He was' your only son? What do you mean?"
The woman slowly wiped away her tears.
"Yes...
he was my only son.
He fought with all his strength to survive.
During those painful months, he would often hold my hand and say,
'Mama... I don't want to die. I still have dreams to fulfill. I haven't even finished my book.'
I kept reassuring him that he would recover, that he would accomplish every dream he carried in his heart.
But his health continued to deteriorate.
Eventually...
he became too weak to write another word."
Maya parted her lips to speak, but no words escaped.
Silence settled between them.
The evening sky gradually darkened.
Yet Maya felt that the darkness surrounding the lake was nothing compared to the darkness slowly filling her heart.
After a long pause, Ayan's mother spoke again.
"But... destiny had written something else for us."
She lowered her head.
"My son survived only six or seven months after his diagnosis."
Unable to continue, she covered her face with both hands and broke into tears.
Although Maya's own body was trembling, she gently wrapped an arm around the grieving mother's shoulders.
After composing herself, the woman continued.
"Maya...
I never accepted that my son had left this world.
He's still alive...
alive in his words.
Every quote you've read on Instagram...
every post you've admired...
I published them.
They all came from the notes and unfinished manuscript he left behind.
He never wanted to deceive anyone.
Neither did I.
I simply couldn't accept a world without him.
To me...
he's still alive.
Look at his Instagram page.
Thousands of people read his words every day.
His followers continue to grow.
Isn't that proof that he still lives in people's hearts?"
By now, tears were streaming down Maya's face.
She whispered,
"I fell in love with Ayan because of his writing.
I had no idea that he had already left this world before we ever met."
Ayan's mother looked at her with regret.
"I'm truly sorry, Maya.
I should have told you the truth from the very beginning.
But every time I opened his Instagram account, it felt as though he were still sitting beside me.
My heart refused to believe he was gone."
Maya lowered her gaze.
Her voice trembled.
"Like you...
my heart refuses to accept this truth as well.
I admired him because his words touched the deepest corners of my heart.
But after hearing his story...
my respect for him has only grown stronger."
She paused, wiping away her tears.
Then she looked into Ayan's mother's eyes and said,
"I may never have had the chance to walk beside him in life...
but I can make sure his words continue their journey.
I promise you...
I'll complete his unfinished book.
I'll help his voice reach every heart it was meant to touch.
As long as his words are read...
Ayan will never truly die."
Ayan's mother could no longer hold back her tears.
She embraced Maya tightly.
For several moments, neither of them spoke.
The gentle breeze carried the silence across the lake.
Maya looked toward the darkening sky and whispered,
"Your book will be completed, Ayan.
Your dreams deserve to live on.
And so will you."
Some people leave this world.
Some leave behind words that never do.
The End
Author's Note
32Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMP9RlMtfQ1
This story was originally written as an entry for a Penana writing contest. It has been a wonderful journey bringing Maya and Ayan's story to life.
32Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ALgCrCEno
Thank you for taking the time to read it. If this story touched your heart, I'd truly love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
32Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoV1CZxaUiJ
With gratitude,
Saira Safdar32Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8YqqksCW9
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