Chapter 1 – The First Crossroads (2017)

The school bell rang, echoing across the courtyard. Students spilled out of classrooms in a rush, some laughing, some anxious about unfinished homework.

Janani walked slowly, clutching her books tightly to her chest. She was in 11th standard now — a new phase, but her past still tugged at her mind. From 7th standard onwards, Ram had been following her. At first, she thought it was harmless, maybe even a childish crush. But as the years passed, his eyes never left her, and his persistence grew.

That year, Rishi entered the picture. 

One evening, as the tuition class ended, Ram cornered Janani near the gate.

> Ram (frustrated): “Why can’t you just say yes to me? You know how long I’ve been waiting.”

Janani (soft, hesitant): “Ram… I don’t want to hurt anyone. But I can’t accept you.”

She turned away quickly, but the words hit Ram harder than she thought.

Days later, she noticed Rishi’s smile. It wasn’t demanding; it was gentle. He  chased her, but he made her feel seen. Yet, that attention placed her in a trap. She felt like if she chose one, the other would turn against her.

Her diary entries at the time were filled with confusion:

 “If I accept Ram, I lose Rishi. If I accept Rishi, Ram will never forgive me. Why is love like this at my age? Why does choosing someone mean losing someone else?”

At first, her bond with Ram felt smooth. They exchanged laughs, shared secrets. But cracks began to form. Ram’s jealousy grew quickly.

One evening, Ram saw Janani talking to her tuition friend, a boy who was only helping her with maths.

> Ram (angrily): “Who is he? Why are you smiling at him like that? Don’t think I don’t notice.”

Janani (hurt): “He’s just a friend! Why do you always doubt me?”

These fights began to repeat, like a cycle she couldn’t escape. The weight of his suspicion crushed her sense of freedom. And so, Janani stepped back — ending things with Ram.

But fate was not done with her. After her 12th, Rishi entered her life more firmly. This time, she accepted him. He gave her comfort, and 2019 flowed smoothly like a river.

🌿 Psychological Layer

Ram’s psychology: He was insecure. His love wasn’t love, but possession. His fear of losing Janani made him cling harder, leading to doubt and anger.

Janani’s psychology: She was young, conflicted, and afraid of rejection. She wanted peace, but her inability to set firm boundaries trapped her in cycles of guilt.

Rishi’s psychology: He represented safety, but not depth. He did  pressure Janani, but he also did take responsibility for her emotions.

🌿 Public Awareness Note

At this stage, many young people confuse obsession with love. Doubt and control are not signs of care; they are red flags of insecurity.

Schools should offer awareness sessions on healthy relationships.

Parents need to create safe spaces where children can share without fear.

Young people should be taught: It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to walk away.