The afternoon sun bathed the bustling streets in a warm, golden glow as Ishita navigated the familiar chaos, her heart racing with a tumultuous blend of excitement and apprehension. In just a matter of days, she would be leaving the only home she had ever known, embarking on a journey into the great unknown as she set off for Canada to chase her dreams at Humber College. The prospect of this monumental change thrilled her, igniting a fire within, yet the uncertainty that came with it also filled her with a palpable sense of trepidation.

Today was a bittersweet moment, a final outing with Rhythm, her closest confidante and anchor, before she took the leap into the unknown. As Ishita pulled into their cherished local hangout, the flutter of anticipation in her chest was akin to a caged bird, desperate to spread its wings and soar towards the horizon. Yet, an undercurrent of melancholy wove through her emotions, for she knew that this chapter of her life was drawing to a close, and the path ahead, while exhilarating, was also tinged with a bittersweet longing for the familiar comforts she would soon leave behind.

Moments later, Ishita's eyes caught sight of Rhythm's vibrant car approaching, its vivid hue cutting through the muted backdrop of the street. As Ishita glimpsed her best friend stepping out, her heart skipped a beat. Rhythm's hair caught the warm afternoon light, shimmering like spun gold. In Rhythm's hands was a stunning bouquet of vibrant red roses – the very flowers Ishita cherished. Alongside the flowers, a large card and a neatly wrapped gift radiated a palpable sense of warmth and friendship, filling Ishita with an overwhelming rush of gratitude. With a beaming smile, Ishita hopped out of her car and rushed to envelop Rhythm in a tight, affectionate hug.

"Look at you, all dressed up! You're going to make me miss you even more," Rhythm teased, pulling back slightly to scrutinize Ishita with mock seriousness, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Ishita's gaze was drawn to the bouquet, her heart swelling with emotion. "And you're going to make me cry with all this," she replied, her voice thick with sentiment as she gestured towards the vibrant flowers.

They climbed into Ishita's car, laughter erupting like fireworks, filling the space with a bittersweet warmth and familiar comfort. The air buzzed with a mix of excitement and melancholy as they headed to their cherished café, reminiscing about the countless memories they had forged over the years – moments that had shaped their deep bond and defined their shared journey. Ishita stole tender glances at Rhythm, whose radiant smile could light up the darkest corners of her world, illuminating the poignant realization that their carefree days were coming to an end.

"Remember those reckless days when we'd roam around the college campus, bunking lectures together and then getting caught red-handed by the same teachers?" Ishita chuckled, shaking her head at the absurdity of their youthful antics. The memory held a tinge of nostalgia, a reminder of the carefree spirit they had once embraced.

Rhythm's eyes sparkled with the shared recollection as she replied, "Of course! And do you recall Meghna ma'am's priceless expression when I told her I'd be on leave for two days because I was sick, only for her to spot me sipping cold coffee with you at that café? Damn, I had to submit two assignments early just to get back in her good graces." The laughter that followed held a bittersweet edge, for they knew such carefree moments were soon to be a thing of the past.

As they arrived at the café, the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods enveloped them like a warm embrace, providing a familiar comfort in this moment of transition. They settled into their usual corner table, a sanctuary where the world outside faded away, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in their cherished conversations. Over steaming cups of cold coffee and crispy paneer corn sandwiches, they engaged in light-hearted banter, but their discussion soon delved deeper, exploring the dreams Ishita held close to her heart and the gnawing fear of leaving behind the life they had so meticulously built together.

"By the way, are you sure you're ready for this?" Rhythm asked, her tone shifting slightly, laced with genuine concern. "It's a big change, bro. Canada is... totally different from everything you've known here."

Ishita paused, her voice steady yet tinged with uncertainty as she replied, "I know. But I've dreamed of this opportunity for so long. It's time for me to step out of my comfort zone, to challenge myself and see what else the world has to offer, right?"

Rhythm nodded, though the worry in her eyes didn't completely fade. "Just promise me you won't forget about us. No matter how far apart we are, okay? No formalities at all. You will call me whenever you want, whenever you need someone to lean on. No ifs and buts to that. Got it?"

"I promise," Ishita said, her heart swelling with affection and a tinge of sadness. "You're my person, Rhythm. Always, no matter the distance that may come between us."

Later, they picked up Ishita's mom from their home, laughter echoing as they rushed to the car, both of them playfully teasing her about being late for her hair appointment. The light hearted banter did little to mask the underlying melancholy of the day, as they all knew this would be one of their last outings together before Ishita's departure.

"Why do you have to bring so many things, Bacha? Just being with Ishita is more than enough," her mom scolded affectionately as she settled into the backseat, her eyes crinkling with love, her voice tinged with a hint of reluctance to see her daughter leave.

Rhythm grinned, though her eyes betrayed a twinge of sorrow. "How could I not, Aunty? This madam is leaving and isn't even sure when she will come back here again. So I had to make this day special for her, to create lasting memories before she embarks on this new journey."

As they drove, they blasted music, their voices intertwining in a joyful symphony, singing along to their favorite songs. The familiar melodies provided a temporary respite from the bittersweet reality that loomed ahead. When they returned home, Ishita excitedly unwrapped the gifts, her heart soaring as she revealed matching hug rings—a perfect symbol of their unbreakable bond that would transcend the miles between them.

"Oh, I love them! These rings will be a symbol of our unbreakable bond, forever linking us even as the miles between us grow," Ishita exclaimed, slipping the ring onto her finger, feeling the weight of their cherished friendship with every sparkling facet.

"Yes, no matter the distance that may one day separate us, our connection will endure," Rhythm added, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, reflecting the bittersweet reality of their impending farewell.

Next, they opened the card, which overflowed with pictures capturing their memories from the past six years. Each snapshot was accompanied by heartfelt messages that sent Ishita spiraling down memory lane, evoking laughter, warmth, and a deep appreciation for the shared experiences that had shaped their unbreakable bond.

After indulging in the cake Rhythm had thoughtfully brought, they documented every precious moment - snapping selfies, making silly faces, and capturing their infectious laughter, the kitchen buzzing with a bittersweet joy. Yet, the shadow of their impending separation loomed over them, a poignant reminder of the journey that lay ahead and the profound changes it would bring to their lives.

As the day wound down, the weight of the impending separation pressed heavily on Ishita's heart, like a lead weight. Tears threatened to spill, but she blinked them away, determined to stay strong and make the most of their final moments together. They embraced tightly, the world outside fading away as they clung to each other, whispering heartfelt promises to stay connected despite the distance.

Just as Ishita stepped through her front door, her phone buzzed—a message from Rhythm, simple yet profound: "I will miss you ❤️." The words resonated deeply, stirring a bittersweet mix of emotions within her. With a soft smile and a flutter in her chest, Ishita replied, "I will miss you more, bro 😘🩷🫶🏻❤️." The weight of those words captured the depth of their bond, a bond that transcended time and space.