When the leaves turn red

Prologue: Reflections in the Dark

Nikhil sat by the window of his dimly lit room, the silence of the night heavy around him. At thirty, working as a professional book editor meant he spent his days fixing other people's narratives, yet his own life felt like a collection of fragmented chapters. 

He glanced down at the old, worn photo in his hands, staring closely at a familiar face. A soft murmur escaped his lips as he whispered to himself, recalling the conversation he had earlier with his sister's son. For the first time in years, the boy hadn't thrown a tantrum or refused to eat. They had spoken calmly, almost effortlessly. 

Maybe things are finally fixing themselves, Nikhil thought, a faint, melancholic smile touching his lips. 

He opened his personal journal to write: 

July 12, 2018

Dear Diary,

Beginning with these words, I find myself looking back at one of my hardest days. Today, something unexpected happened. I spoke with my sister’s son, and surprisingly, he didn't throw a fit or refuse his food—he just talked to me peacefully. Maybe things really are turning around.

Do you remember what today is? It was on this exact date that you asked me for a promise. A promise that I would share all my moments with you—the good and the bad. I still remember that promise, along with every single second I spent with you.

People always say time heals all wounds, but as the days pass, I only miss you more. Why aren't my wounds healing?

That’s all for tonight. Good night.

Closing the notebook, Nikhil leaned back and gazed through the glass window. Outside, the old lemon tree stood under the night sky, its dried leaves gently falling off. A cool autumn breeze blew through, brushing against his skin and pulling him deep into the corridors of his past memory. 

Chapter 1: The Collision

April 15, 2003

It was fifteen years ago—Nikhil’s very first day at his new school. 

Being an introvert, entering a new school was his worst nightmare. He stood near the entrance, looking up at the high building while nervously talking to himself. 

"Is it really necessary to go to school every day? Wish I didn't have to," he muttered softly under his breath. "Nikhil, make sure you make good friends this time. Trust yourself." 

He sighed, trying to build up courage, but a small voice inside him instantly countered, "I say this to myself every single time..." 

Suddenly, the fast sound of approaching bicycle tires cut through his thoughts. Before Nikhil could even react, a bike came speeding straight toward him. Shocked, he shut his eyes tightly as the collision sent him tumbling to the ground. 

Slowly opening his eyes, Nikhil saw a boy around his age leaning over him, panic evident on his face. 

"I'm so sorry! So sorry! Are you okay? Are you hurt?" the boy asked hastily, his voice filled with concern. 

Overwhelmed by his introvert nature and the sudden chaos, Nikhil froze, struggling to find his words. 

"I... I..." Nikhil stammered. 

Seeing Nikhil struggle to speak, the boy grew even more worried. "Why aren't you saying anything? Did you hit your face? Is it hurting?" 

"Stop!" Nikhil finally yelled, overwhelmed by the barrage of questions. "Can you please get off me first? You're asking too many questions at once!" 

The boy blinked, realizing he was still leaning over Nikhil. "Oh! Yeah, sorry, sorry!" He quickly stood up and extended a hand to help Nikhil up. "At least your face is fine, right?" 

Nikhil dusted his uniform, avoiding eye contact. "Anyway... my name is Veer. What’s yours?" the boy introduced himself with a bright, energetic smile. 

"Nikhil," he replied quietly. 

"Nice to meet you, Nikhil! I'm really sorry you got hurt on your very first day," Veer said warmly. 

"It's fine, no big deal," Nikhil whispered. 

Just then, the loud sound of the school bell rang across the yard. 

"Oh no, we're going to be late!" Veer gasped. Before Nikhil could respond, Veer grabbed Nikhil’s hand firmly in his own and started running toward the school building. 

Nikhil looked down at their connected hands, his heart skipping a beat as he was pulled into the rhythm of a bond that would change his life forever. 

(To be continued...)