Karan Khatri

They say some people come into your life not to stay, but to show you a version of yourself you never knew existed. For Meher, that person was Ravi. In 2009, the classrooms of Mahesh Tutorials were always buzzing with the chaotic energy of teenagers stressed about their 10th Standard boards. Meher was the loud, bubbly Parsi girl who seemed to be friends with everyone. But beneath her bright laughter, she was anxious and overwhelmed about the future. Ravi was her quiet corner. He was a gentle, observant Gujarati boy who spoke less and listened more. During their breaks, they would sit on the worn-out wooden benches, completely lost in their own world. Ravi would talk about Math—how equations had a beautiful, hidden logic to them. Meher hated Math, but she loved the way his eyes lit up when he explained it. In return, they would fiercely debate which stall sold the best vada pav, with Ravi defending a local spot near the station and Meher swearing by the one outside her lane. While...