Main Beta hu : Stuck in Time Loop

Chapter - 5 The Story of Arjun, Lakshita, Pari, and Ashutosh

By the time Arjun reached 12th grade, he had grown accustomed to the sting of being overlooked. His experiences with Aarav, Sana, and even Abhinav Sir had left him wounded, but not entirely broken. He still harbored hope for meaningful connections. It was during math classes that he found solace in a small, unexpected group: Lakshita, Pari, Ashutosh, and himself.

This group of four emerged organically, drawn together by shared desks and a common struggle to untangle complex equations. Arjun and Ashutosh sat together at the back, while Lakshita and Pari occupied the row in front. Their dynamic quickly became a highlight of Arjun's day. Between solving problems and scribbling notes, the four of them would chat and share laughs, creating a bond that felt warm and uncomplicated.

For Arjun, these moments became a refuge from the disappointments of the past. He cherished the camaraderie, especially with Ashutosh, who shared his sense of humor and lightheartedness. Lakshita's bubbly personality and Pari's charm added a special spark to their group.

The Hidden Crush

As their friendship grew, Arjun found himself secretly drawn to Pari. She was everything he admired—charming, good-looking, and effortlessly engaging. Arjun never shared his feelings with anyone; he was content to bask in the joy of their group interactions. Yet, as time passed, he began to notice a subtle shift. Ashutosh, too, seemed to develop feelings for Pari, though it happened much later than Arjun's.

Ashutosh's attention toward Pari became more pronounced. During math classes, Ashutosh started pulling lighthearted pranks on Pari—teasing her, cracking jokes, and making her laugh hysterically. Arjun tried to mimic Ashutosh's playful energy, hoping to elicit the same response from Pari. But when Arjun tried, her reactions were muted, polite at best. Meanwhile, Ashutosh's antics seemed to brighten her day, her laughter coming easily and freely.

It was in these moments that Arjun began to feel invisible, a shadow in the group he once cherished. Lakshita and Pari's close friendship flourished, while Ashutosh became the clear focus of Pari's attention. Arjun felt like the odd one out, an unremarkable presence in a group that had brought him so much happiness.

The Birthday Disappointment

Arjun's birthday was approaching, and he saw it as an opportunity to reclaim a sense of belonging. He decided to invite Ashutosh, Lakshita, and Pari to celebrate with him at a mall. He imagined a perfect day where the group's attention—especially Pari's—would be on him. It was his day, after all. For once, he allowed himself to dream that things might go his way.

When the day arrived, Arjun dressed with care, excitement bubbling in his chest. At the mall, the group met up, and for a brief moment, everything seemed perfect. But as the hours unfolded, Arjun's excitement turned to dismay.

Rather than focusing on Arjun, the group dynamic shifted almost immediately. Ashutosh and Pari spent the majority of the time talking to each other, their chemistry undeniable. They clicked pictures together, exchanged inside jokes, and seemed oblivious to the fact that it was Arjun's birthday. Lakshita tried to include Arjun in conversation occasionally, but even she was drawn to the vibrant energy between Ashutosh and Pari.

Arjun felt sidelined, a mere spectator at his own celebration. What was supposed to be a special day for him had turned into a showcase of Ashutosh and Pari's growing connection. He smiled through the pain, but inside, he felt betrayed.

The Drift

The birthday experience marked a turning point for Arjun. He could no longer find joy in the group. Sitting with them in math class became unbearable, each session a reminder of his place on the periphery. Eventually, he stopped sitting with them altogether. He began skipping casual chats, choosing instead to focus on his studies or sit in solitude.

To his shock, no one seemed to notice his absence. Lakshita, Pari, and Ashutosh continued their lives as if nothing had changed. The bonds that had once felt so meaningful to Arjun seemed fragile and one-sided.

The Aftermath

After school ended, the group dissolved. Ashutosh moved to Australia, married, and built a new life. He never reached out to Arjun again, not even for a friendly hello. Lakshita and Pari faded into distant memories, their paths diverging from Arjun's.

Years later, in a moment of nostalgia, Arjun mustered the courage to message Pari on Facebook. Her response was polite but indifferent—a half-hearted "Hi" followed by a brief, generic exchange. It was clear she didn't share the same depth of connection Arjun had once felt. Hurt by her lack of interest, Arjun stopped trying to reach out.

Lingering Pain

As an adult, Arjun occasionally reflects on those days in 12th grade, particularly the group that brought him fleeting joy. He remembers the laughter, the shared moments during math classes, and the hope he had placed in their friendship. But those memories are overshadowed by the way it all unraveled—the way he was ignored on his birthday, the way Pari and Ashutosh grew closer while he faded into the background.

For Arjun, the pain of being overlooked isn't just about the group. It's about the pattern it represents—the repeated sense of being invisible, unimportant, and excluded. Whether it was Aarav, Sana, Abhinav Sir, or this group of four, the outcome always seemed the same.

Now, as he navigates life, Arjun carries these memories like a shadow, a reminder of how much he longed for connection and how often it eluded him. The question that lingers is whether he can let go of these hurts and rebuild his sense of self-worth—or if these moments will continue to haunt him.