The day Kasturi was set to leave arrived faster than Meena could have prepared for. The Tripathis’ house was no longer the lively place it used to be. Boxes were stacked high, furniture covered in white sheets, and every corner seemed to echo with memories that would soon feel distant.
Meena, who had been avoiding Kasturi since the day she shared the news, couldn’t put it off any longer. Her mother nudged her gently. “Go, beta. You’ll regret it if you don’t say goodbye.”
Reluctantly, Meena walked over to Kasturi’s house. Her heart felt heavy as she stepped inside. The house, once warm and welcoming, now seemed foreign and cold.
She found Kasturi in her room, sitting cross-legged on the floor amidst open boxes and scattered belongings. Kasturi looked up when she heard Meena enter.
“You came,” Kasturi said softly, her voice breaking just a little.
Meena nodded and sat down beside her. “Of course I did,” she said, trying to sound steady. She glanced around the room. “It feels strange in here. It doesn’t look like your room anymore.”
Kasturi gave a small, sad smile. “It doesn’t feel like it either.”
There was a long pause before Meena pulled out a small notebook from behind her back. It was worn, with pages sticking out unevenly, but it was filled with care. “Here,” Meena said, handing it over.
“What’s this?” Kasturi asked, opening it to see scribbled poems, doodles of their adventures, and a few candid photos tucked between the pages.
“It’s… us,” Meena explained, her cheeks flushing. “I thought you’d want something to take with you. Something to remember me by.”
Kasturi’s eyes welled up as she flipped through the pages. “Meena, this is beautiful. Thank you,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Reaching behind her, Kasturi pulled out a soft pink teddy bear. “And this is for you,” she said, pressing it into Meena’s hands.
Meena looked at it, surprised. “A teddy bear?”
“Not just any teddy bear,” Kasturi said with a teasing smile. “This one’s special. It’s like me—a little annoying, very huggable, and always there for you.”
Meena laughed through her tears. “You’re ridiculous.” She hugged the teddy bear tightly. “I’m naming it Kassy. After you.”
Kasturi grinned. “Kassy, huh? I like that.”
The sound of a car horn outside broke their moment. “Time’s up,” Kasturi said, her voice trembling.
They walked to the garden together, the same spot where they had first met. The silence between them was heavy yet comforting.
“I’ll miss this place. This garden. Everything,” Kasturi said, looking around.
Meena nodded, tears rolling down her cheeks. “And I’ll miss you.”
They hugged tightly, neither wanting to let go. “I’ll write to you,” Kasturi promised. “And when I visit, we’ll sit here again and sing our songs.”
“You better,” Meena said, her voice cracking. She clutched Kassy as if it could somehow fill the void Kasturi would leave behind.
As the car drove away, Meena stood on the sidewalk, the notebook now feeling heavier in Kasturi’s hands, and Kassy held close to Meena’s heart.
Though the world around them would keep moving, for that moment, it felt like everything had come to a standstill, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a longing that only true friendship could create.
Cerebration 
It saddened me once again to think of Kasturi, uprooted from her favourite place , I wonder how she will settle in an unfamiliar world.
//As the car drove away, Meena stood on the sidewalk, the notebook now feeling heavier in Kasturi’s hands,//
The image of Meena on the side walk struck me. This chapter concise yet powerfully conveys the pain. Well done. 👍
LikeLike
This can’t be the end though
LikeLike
So she had to leave after all! What a beautiful friendship the girls were beginning to form! Sad to read this but I am sure there are good times ahead!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kassy, I like that too
Farewells and goodbyes are so tough. I feel like Kasturi will come back years later but the place won’t be the same. That “And when I visit, we’ll sit here again and sing our songs.” is not going to go as planned. Sigh!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Manali, I really appreciate it when, as a reader, you share your thoughts on the possibilities of the plot. It reassures me that a meaningful connection is forming between you and the characters. Your perspective as an accomplished writer adds depth to the discussion and offers insights into the story that I deeply value. It not only enhances my understanding but also inspires me to think more creatively about the narrative. Thank you so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How cute! I loved the diary as a gift. It’s similar to our scrapbook in school life na? You know what, I think the diary will make her recall the beautiful days even when she will grow up into a lady. Such precious is the childhood friendship.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes absolutely right! How crazy we were back then with scrapbooks. Ah an integral part of our childood life. Well that’s an interesting prediction, well let’s see, only time can tell!!!
LikeLike
The way you portrayed Meena and Kasturi’s farewell was so vivid; I could almost feel the weight of their emotions. The exchange of the notebook and teddy bear was such a heartfelt gesture, symbolizing their deep bond. Your description of the once lively house now filled with boxes and covered furniture painted a poignant picture of change and loss. The garden scene, where they first met and now part, beautifully encapsulated the full circle of their friendship. I found myself tearing up as the car drove away, leaving Meena clutching ‘Kassy’ and memories of their time together. Your storytelling captures the bittersweet essence of goodbyes and the enduring nature of true friendship. I’m eager to see how Meena copes with Kasturi’s absence in the upcoming chapters. Thank you for sharing such an emotionally resonant piece; it truly stays with the reader.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad that every nuance of their emotions, from exchanging gifts to bidding farewell, resonated with you. Your support means so much and makes the story even more special—thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
‘…last embrace’ the title says. Doesn’t bode well for their friendship. Im hoping for a happy twist somewhere down the line.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Let’s hope for the best!
LikeLike
Ahhh… the joy of naming soft toys is so relatable. Through your posts, I have time travelled to my childhood.
LikeLiked by 1 person