The following morning, Amaan woke up early, the stress of exams now a distant memory. The sunlight streamed through the window, casting a golden glow over the room, and Amaan felt a rare sense of calm wash over him. With the bulk of their exams behind them, he was ready to enjoy a brief period of respite before diving back into their studies.

As he got ready for the day, he thought about the previous evening. He and Tanvi had spent hours walking around the campus, talking about everything from their plans for the summer to the future they were starting to envision together. It had been one of those rare, perfect moments where everything just seemed to fall into place. He smiled at the memory, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude for having Tanvi in his life.

After a quick breakfast, Amaan made his way to the library. Even though their exams were mostly over, he knew there were still a few loose ends to tie up with his coursework. He wanted to get a head start on the next semester, ensuring that he was as prepared as possible. After all, he was determined to excel, not just for himself but also for the future he was building with Tanvi.

As he walked into the library, he saw Tanvi already there, sitting at their usual table. She looked up as he approached, a smile lighting up her face.

“Good morning,” she greeted him, her voice cheerful.

“Morning,” Amaan replied, taking a seat across from her. “You’re up early.”

Tanvi shrugged, still smiling. “Couldn’t sleep in. My mind’s too wired from all the studying.”

Amaan nodded, understanding. He knew that feeling all too well—the post-exam adrenaline that made it hard to relax completely. “I figured I’d get a head start on the next semester. Might as well use this time productively.”

“Same here,” Tanvi agreed. “I was just going over some readings for our constitutional law class. I want to be as prepared as possible.”

They settled into a comfortable rhythm, working side by side in companionable silence. The hours passed quickly, and by the time they looked up, it was already afternoon. Amaan stretched, feeling the stiffness in his muscles from sitting for so long.

“Lunch break?” he suggested.

Tanvi nodded, closing her books. “Definitely. I’m starving.”

They left the library and headed to the campus café, where they ordered their usual meals and found a quiet spot to eat. The café was bustling with students, many of whom were also taking advantage of the brief lull in their schedules to catch up on work or socialize.

As they ate, Tanvi looked at Amaan thoughtfully. “You know, we never really talked about what we’re going to do over the summer break.”

Amaan raised an eyebrow, curious. “Do you have something in mind?”

She smiled, a little hesitantly. “I was thinking it might be nice to take a trip somewhere. Just the two of us. We’ve been so focused on studying and exams that we haven’t really had a chance to relax and just enjoy ourselves.”

Amaan’s interest was piqued. “A trip sounds like a great idea. Do you have any places in mind?”

Tanvi’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Well, I was thinking about a few different options. Maybe we could go to Rajasthan and explore the palaces and forts? Or we could visit Kerala—take in the backwaters, relax on the beaches. There are so many beautiful places we could go.”

Amaan considered the options, feeling a spark of excitement himself. “Both sound amazing. I’ve always wanted to visit Rajasthan, but Kerala sounds incredible too. I’m up for either.”

Tanvi grinned. “Why don’t we flip a coin? Let fate decide.”

Amaan chuckled. “Alright, you’ve got a deal.”

They found a coin, and Amaan let Tanvi do the honors. She flipped it into the air, and they both watched as it spun before landing on the table with a soft clink.

“Heads—Rajasthan,” Tanvi announced, her grin widening. “Looks like we’re going to explore the land of kings.”

Amaan smiled, feeling a rush of excitement. “Rajasthan it is. I can’t wait.”

They spent the rest of their lunch break planning the trip, discussing the places they wanted to visit, the food they wanted to try, and the experiences they hoped to have. It felt good to think about something other than exams, to imagine themselves far away from the pressures of school, just enjoying each other’s company.

After lunch, they headed back to the library to finish up their work. There was still a lot to do before the semester officially ended, but the thought of their upcoming trip made it easier to stay focused.

As the days passed, they continued to plan their trip to Rajasthan, researching the best places to stay and the must-see sights. It became a welcome distraction from the stress of the final few exams, something to look forward to as they pushed through the last of their coursework.

Finally, the last day of exams arrived. The campus was filled with a mix of relief and celebration as students finished their papers and made plans to head home or embark on vacations. Amaan and Tanvi were among the last to finish, having both chosen to focus on their studies until the very end.

When they finally walked out of the exam hall for the last time, they were met with a wave of satisfaction. They had done it—another semester complete, with all the hard work and late nights paying off.

“We made it,” Tanvi said, her voice filled with a mix of exhaustion and triumph.

Amaan nodded, feeling the same sense of accomplishment. “Yeah, we did. And now, we’ve got a well-deserved break to look forward to.”

They spent the rest of the day packing and making final arrangements for their trip. The excitement was palpable as they discussed their plans, their minds already halfway to Rajasthan. It was a chance to leave behind the stresses of academia and immerse themselves in a world of history, culture, and adventure.

The next morning, they were up early, ready to catch their flight. The journey to Rajasthan was smooth, and as they stepped off the plane into the warm, dry air, they both felt a thrill of anticipation.

Their first stop was Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and a city known for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and rich history. As they drove through the bustling streets, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Pink City, Amaan and Tanvi couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe.

“This place is incredible,” Tanvi said, her eyes wide as she took in the view of the Hawa Mahal, its intricate facade glowing in the afternoon sun.

Amaan nodded in agreement, equally captivated by the city’s beauty. “It’s like stepping back in time. I can’t believe we’re finally here.”

They spent the next few days exploring Jaipur, visiting the City Palace, the Amber Fort, and the Jantar Mantar. They wandered through the local markets, haggling for souvenirs and tasting the delicious street food. Every moment was filled with new experiences, and with each passing day, they grew closer, their bond strengthened by the shared adventure.

One evening, after a long day of sightseeing, they found themselves at Nahargarh Fort, perched on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking the city. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the landscape, and they sat side by side, taking in the breathtaking view.

“This trip was a great idea,” Amaan said, his voice soft as he gazed out at the horizon. “I feel like we’ve both needed this—just some time to breathe, to enjoy ourselves without any pressure.”

Tanvi nodded, her hand resting on his. “Yeah, I think so too. It’s been amazing, and I’m so glad we’re doing this together.”

Amaan looked at her, his heart swelling with affection. In that moment, surrounded by the beauty of the city and the warmth of the setting sun, he realized just how much Tanvi meant to him. She was more than just his friend, more than just his partner in this journey—they had shared dreams, hopes, and futures.

He took a deep breath, feeling a mix of nerves and certainty. “Tanvi, there’s something I’ve been wanting to say.”

She turned to him, her expression curious. “What is it?”

Amaan hesitated for a moment, but then he let the words flow. “I’ve been thinking a lot about us—about everything we’ve been through, and everything that’s still ahead. And I just want you to know that whatever happens, I’m in this with you, fully. I’m not just talking about law school or our careers—I’m talking about life. I want to be there with you through all of it.”

Tanvi’s eyes softened, and she squeezed his hand. “Amaan, I feel the same way. You’ve become such an important part of my life, and I can’t imagine going through any of this without you.”

They sat there in silence for a few moments, the unspoken promise between them hanging in the air. It was a promise of commitment, of a future together, and it filled Amaan with a deep sense of peace.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the city in a deep, dusky blue, they both knew that their journey together was only just beginning. They had faced challenges, overcome obstacles, and now, they were ready to embrace whatever came next, side by side, with the unwavering bond they had built together.

The trip to Rajasthan continued, each day filled with new adventures and deepening feelings. And when it was time to return to NLS, they did so with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to face the future together, no matter what it held.