A Tale of Unrequited Love

There’s an old saying: a boy and a girl can never be just friends. Though many dismiss this as a myth, for some, it rings true. In every friendship, one person often harbors feelings of love, even if they go unspoken.

I had a best friend, and we used to chat and talk on the phone constantly. Our bond was strong, and I never realized when my feelings for her turned from friendship to love. I was confused and unsure whether to tell her that she wasn’t just a friend to me anymore—she was my girlfriend in my heart. But I kept quiet because I didn't want to lose her.

Finally, when I decided to confess my love, I was heartbroken. The girl I always wanted had entered my life, but just as I was about to tell her, she got a boyfriend. Despite my feelings, I remained her friend. We were great friends, and when her boyfriend left her, I wanted to ask her out. However, I knew she needed time to heal, so I waited.

Months passed, and I finally asked her. Her response was strange. She said she wanted to, but she couldn’t. She wasn't ready. I understood but remained confused. Then she started dating someone else. At this point, I wanted to give up, but I couldn’t.

I tried my best to show her my love. I waited for a girl like her for so long, and I was determined to keep her safe and happy. I didn’t care what others thought; to me, she was the most amazing girl in the world. Despite knowing she didn’t love me back, I continued to try.

One day, she told me her boyfriend had left her. She was single again, and while I felt bad for her, I was also happy. I was always there for her, trying to make her happy. Every time I got a text or call, I rushed to check my phone, hoping it was her. When it was, I couldn’t help but smile. When it wasn’t, I felt disappointed but not angry.

I loved talking to her, even if she didn’t try to make me smile—I smiled anyway. I made sure to reply instantly, wanting to prove I cared. She was my late-night chatting friend, and I stayed up just for her.

Sometimes I felt she loved me too. She often said I was more than a friend, that I was very important in her life. Yet, she couldn’t date me. Her reason was fascinating and strange: we weren’t of the same caste. She didn’t want to hurt me because we could never marry.

This was confusing because she had dated others who weren’t of the same caste. Why was this condition only for me? I told her many couples belong to different castes and even religions, yet are happy together. She insisted her parents would never agree to an inter-caste marriage.

Such societal issues still exist today. Despite her reasons, I continued to hope. Maybe we’d be together someday, maybe temporarily, maybe forever. If not, I’d always be her friend, always be there for her. She might not know it, but she was always on my mind.

If you’re going through this, do you tell yourself, “As long as she’s happy, I’ll be fine”? In reality, it’s a way to comfort yourself because you feel hopeless. Negative thoughts hurt, especially when you tell yourself, “She’ll never be yours.” It’s never good to think that way. I tried to stay positive, telling myself, “Never give up; you’ll get something out of it.” This gave me the courage to keep trying.

Still, she told me I was the best for her. But things changed. Sometimes she ignored me, and we didn’t talk as much. She seemed busy with her friends. You have the right to live with those who make you happy, but it doesn’t mean you should forget the one who can’t be happy without you. I still wanted to date her, not just date but have her in my life forever. Maybe she could never understand my feelings.

I didn’t want to lose a girl like her. She was the most beautiful and amazing girl to me. I was happy just talking to her. I hadn’t had relationships with many people, but I tried my best with her. She often said I deserved better because I had a beautiful heart and would be the best husband in the future. But I didn’t want anyone better; I wanted her. She was the best for me in this world. I was truly looking only for her.

Thanks to the pain I went through, I became stronger and learned to move on. Things are better now. I am happy, strong, and positive, and I don’t have to worry about anyone hurting me. I learned that you should love yourself as much as you want someone else to love you.