38| Torn Between Love and Dreams: Flying High, Falling Hard

Henry's eyes sparkled with amusement as Rebecca's cheeks turned a deep, embarrassed red. He couldn't hold his eyes on her mesmerising beauty.

He struggled to stifle a laugh, nearly choking on his own saliva as he tried to contain his mirth at Rebecca's expense.

Henry usually sat at the far end of the desk in the classroom, just behind Rebecca's seat. They had been classmates in Geography and Philosophy for last six months, and Henry had spent many memorable hours studying alongside her at the same library table.

Yet, despite their proximity and shared academic pursuits, Henry had never mustered the courage to ask Rebecca out on a date though he wished to have. He had never spoken his heart before her.

Vicky stood beside the board, lecturing to favourite class, when he noticed that Rebecca and Henry were acting strangely. Both of them were not mentally present in the class.

Their unusual behaviour caught his attention, and he found himself distracted repeatedly by Henry's nonchalant gestures and shrugs.

"Let me finish my lecture, first," he thought.

Vicky's stream of thought was disrupted as he wondered what was behind their curious behaviour.

"Henry, are you with me, here in the lecture?"' Vicky asked abruptly, breaking the silence. Henry, caught off guard, stuttered, 'Y-yes, sir.' Vicky pressed on,

"Hove you got my point?" Henry hesitated, "Y-yes, sir... no, sir." Vicky's eyes narrowed, "See me after the class, Henry."

Henry used to carry a small school bag, kept only one chapter of the whole book, unlike his classmates who had more expensive ones.

He was often mocked for it, which confused Vicky, who wanted to help resolve the issue.

Under the shade of a beautiful birch tree, surrounded by cool and pleasant air, Vicky and Henry sat together to address the problem. 'Sir, I want to become a pilot,' Henry said.

'What's the issue, then?' Vicky asked, sensing something was amiss. 'There is an issue, sir,' Henry replied, looking down.

'Rebecca doesn't want me to become a pilot. She wants me to be a business tycoon.' Henry's voice cracked as he continued, 'And now, my passion is torn between my passionate love for her and my passion for flying.

I can't leave either of them!' Henry exclaimed, his heart heavy with emotion. 'I see,' Vicky nodded understandingly.

'You're caught between the devil and the deep sea,' Vicky consoled him. It's really tough to decide, Henry's difficult predicament.

"Well, I'd suggest you prioritize your passion first,' Vicky advised. 'If your passion remains unfulfilled, you'll soon grow dissatisfied with your love.

But if you pursue your passion, it may lead you to find an even better match, one that aligns with your dreams and aspirations.

"If you follow your dream, you might get better match."

Henry's mind started racing and his passion overcame his love a bit as both live in the same core of his heart"

Henry's mind began to whirl as he felt a glimmer of relief. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was determined to find a way to balance both his passion and his love, which were deeply entrenched in his heart.

He steeled himself to tackle the challenge ahead, knowing it would require effort and courage to reconcile his two loves.

Vicky felt a bit better and directed his thinking a sharp change. He knew it was tough, but he wanted to find some ways to make both his dreams and his love work, even though they were both very important to him.

He himself to face the challenge and try to make both of them happy.

'Do you think you love me as much as I love you?' Rebecca asked, putting Henry on the spot. He was taken aback, his mind racing, and his words caught in his throat.

Before he could respond, Rebecca accused, 'You don't love me at all.' Henry tried to interject, 'Listen to me,' but Rebecca cut him off, her anger palpable. 'You're just a fool, selfish and clueless!' Henry shot back, his frustration evident. Rebecca's response was fierce, 'I don't care, go to hell!' Her words were laced with aggression and hurt.

Henry's eyes welled up with tears as Rebecca's harsh words pierced his heart. He felt like a defeated man, his dreams of becoming a pilot shattered, and now his relationship crumbling.

He slumped against the wall, his shoulders sagging in defeat. 'I...I just wanted to make you happy, Rebecca,' he stammered, his voice cracking with emotion. But Rebecca was unforgiving, her anger and hurt consuming her.

She turned and walked away, leaving Henry alone in his despair. He slid down the wall, his body shaking with sobs, feeling like a complete loser.

Henry was overcome with emotion and remained silent. He skipped his lectures and went home, feeling lost and defeated.

Vicky noticed his absence and tried calling him, but Henry didn't answer. He lay in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling with wide, unblinking eyes, as if in a trance.

He was speechless, unable to process his thoughts or express his feelings.

The silence was oppressive, and the gloom suffocating.