No matter how many cups of water Akhila had, she couldn’t feel calm or composed.

It had been three years since she had stepped into any office, let alone attend an interview. Her progressing career as a software engineer had encountered a temporary break after she became a mom; a break that lasted for three years. Now she was all geared up for an interview at one of the topmost IT offices in the world. While her impressive skills and work experience would definitely earn her some good points, she was severely lagging behind in confidence.

‘Akhila Mehra!’ The receptionist called out after what felt like an eternity and gestured her to proceed inside a room. Wiping her clammy palms on her dress, Akhila stood up and marched to the room. She knocked and opened the door.

Even then, she already knew that this would be a lost case.

***

Karan tried not to react in any way when he saw Akhila, the first and only love of his life, the one who had broken his heart beyond repair and made him shy away from love forever.

Two voices warred in his mind.

She knew how much you loved her and never reciprocated. She kept you dangling by her finger!

It has been a long while, Karan. You both were immature then. Be the bigger person and move on.

After stringing you along for five years, she finally fell in love with someone else, sparing no thought for your feelings!

She never really told you that she loved you, right? You just kept hoping that she would fall for you someday.

She completely cut you off after her marriage! It has been what, ten years since you met or spoke to each other?

MOVE ON, Karan! It has been a long while.

While his mental soliloquy went on, the others in the panel were interviewing Akhila who kept casting uncomfortable looks at Karan.

“Any questions from you, Karan?” A panelist asked him, bringing him back to the present.

Karan shook his head.

***

Akhila knew there was no chance she would be selected.

At one time, Karan had been her best friend, always being there for her. Try as she might, she could never view him as anyone more than a friend. She never wanted to hurt him. But she had, eventually, and could never forget that.

It would be my come-uppance if he rejects my application and that would make me feel better. She sighed as she started searching for other jobs online.

***

Karan sat by the window of his house, watching the street below. Usually, he liked his solitude. But seeing Akhila today had messed up the carefully structured life that he lived. He felt restless and unsettled.

He already knew what he was going to do.

Select Akhila Mehra. He sent a message to the HR.

After a long time, he felt a sense of closure. Now he was ready to move on.