Main Beta hu : Stuck in Time Loop

Chapter - 3 Mistook her Noble Intentions for Love

A Budding Friendshipin 11th Grade

In 11th standard, Arjun found himself drawn to Sana, a girl in his class whose beauty, intellect, and humor set her apart from everyone else. Sana wasn't just pretty—she was magnetic, with a personality that made her effortlessly likable. She was witty, approachable, and carried herself with a quiet confidence. To Arjun, she seemed like the perfect blend of brains and charm.

Sana didn't run in Arjun's social circle, but they began to connect through small, genuine moments. It started during math class. Arjun was a little better at math than most of his peers and loved teasing those who struggled, though in a friendly way. Sana, despite her brilliance, would occasionally stumble on tough problems, and Arjun, ever eager to help, would step in with playful jabs.

"Stuck again, Sana? Want me to solve it for you?" he'd tease, smirking.

"Don't get cocky, Arjun. I'll figure it out!" she'd retort with mock annoyance, though a smile always followed.

These exchanges became a routine, and over time, their banter deepened into actual conversations. Sana shared Arjun's love for WWE, a niche interest that most girls in their class dismissed. Arjun would often bring her the latest updates about matches, predictions about upcoming championships, and even humorous anecdotes from the wrestling world. Sana laughed, genuinely enjoying his company.

One afternoon, during a particularly noisy break between classes, Arjun sat at his desk, flipping through his notes. Behind him, Sana was chatting animatedly with a friend. Suddenly, mid-conversation, she leaned on Arjun's shoulder for support, balancing herself casually as she continued talking. It was a fleeting moment, but for Arjun, it felt significant.

In that small gesture, he found comfort. It reassured him that, despite their differences in social circles, Sana saw him as someone she could lean on—literally and figuratively. Arjun felt a spark of hope, a quiet but growing belief that their connection might mean something more.

Dreams ofSomething More

As their conversations continued, Arjun's mind began to wander. He started imagining what it would be like to date Sana. They shared so many interests, and their chemistry felt natural. Even though Sana was part of the "cool crowd" that included Saumya, Aarav, and Arjun's own cousin brother, she still took the time to talk to him [Arjun]. To Arjun, this was proof that she was different—someone who could see beyond the superficial.

Arjun's thoughts weren't just about Sana, though. He also saw their potential relationship as a bridge to something bigger. Being with Sana could mean gaining access to the "cool group," a clique he had always admired from a distance. He fantasized about being included in their plans, their inside jokes, and their carefree camaraderie. With Sana by his side, he thought, he could finally be part of something he had longed for but never felt he belonged to.

TheDisappointment

One day, Arjun overheard the cool crowd planning a day out after school. It was an exciting plan—a movie, followed by snacks at a trendy café. As he listened to their conversation from a distance, he felt a pang of longing. He didn't expect an invitation from Saumya, Aarav, or even his cousin—they rarely included him in their plans. But deep down, he hoped Sana would remember him. After all, they had been talking so much lately. If anyone would think to call him, it would be her.

The day passed, and no invitation came. Arjun waited, checking his phone occasionally, but there were no messages. He was hurt, though he tried to brush it off. "Maybe she forgot," he told himself. But the thought lingered: Did she ever think of me at all?

For days after, Arjun wrestled with his emotions. He felt betrayed, but more than that, he felt invisible. He had believed Sana cared enough about him to include him, even if just as a friend. Her silence shattered that illusion.

TheCrushing Truth

A few days later, unable to hold back his curiosity, Arjun asked his cousin about the outing. "How was the trip?" he inquired casually, masking the ache in his voice.

"It was great," his cousin replied with a grin, recounting the fun they had.

Arjun hesitated before asking, "Did anyone mention me? Did anyone say I should've been there?"

His cousin paused, his expression softening into one of pity. "No one really brought you up," he admitted. "But... I did. I told them you should've been invited."

Arjun's heart lifted momentarily before his cousin added, "But Sana said, 'Why should we call him? He's not part of the group.'"

Those words struck Arjun like a blow. Of all people, Sana—the one person he thought understood him—had dismissed him so easily. Her words weren't just a rejection; they were a confirmation of his worst fears: that he didn't belong, that he was invisible to the people he admired most.

TheAftermath

Arjun couldn't shake the sting of Sana's words. Slowly, he began to withdraw from her. He stopped teasing her in math class, stopped sharing WWE updates, and stopped initiating conversations. It wasn't a dramatic fallout; it was a quiet fade. Sana, absorbed in her own life and the cool crowd, didn't seem to notice the change.

By the end of school, they had drifted apart completely. Sana moved on, graduating with her usual confidence and charm, while Arjun carried the weight of her words into his adult life.

YearsLater

Years passed, and Arjun stumbled across Sana's Instagram profile. She had moved to Germany, building a life of dreams—successful career, vibrant social life, and a string of adventures. Her posts radiated happiness and fulfillment. Arjun felt a mix of emotions: pride that she had achieved so much, but also a lingering ache.

Every time he saw her posts, he couldn't help but remember her words: "Why should we call him? He's not part of the group." They echoed in his mind, a painful reminder of a rejection he had never fully healed from.

Even now, as he sits scrolling through her photos, he wonders: Did I ever mean anything to her? Did she ever think of me?

It's a question that haunts him, leaving him torn between moving on and holding onto the past.