The Gifts She Never Signed

Meera and Ananya had been inseparable for years. They were the kind of best friends people often envied — the ones who laughed loudly in public places, shared secrets at midnight, and knew each other's thoughts without saying a word. Meera was the calmer one. Quiet, observant, and thoughtful. She preferred peaceful evenings with a book or writing in her diary rather than going out. Ananya was the opposite. Lively, talkative, and full of energy. She could turn even the dullest moment into something fun. Yet somehow, their differences made their friendship perfect. One evening, the two of them sat on the terrace of their apartment, watching the sunset. Ananya stretched lazily. “Meera… do you ever think about love?” Meera laughed softly. “You think about it enough for both of us.” Ananya nudged her. “Hey! I’m serious.” Meera smiled but didn’t answer immediately. “I think love happens quietly,” she finally said. “Not like in movies… but slowly.” Ananya rolled her eyes dramatically. “Wow. Philosophy again.” “Wait till you fall in love,” Meera teased. “I’ll tell the whole world!” Ananya declared proudly. Meera shook her head. “See… that’s the difference between us.” “You’ll shout it out.” “And you?” Ananya asked. Meera looked away toward the sky. “I’ll probably never say it.”