The Unfinished Symphony of Suman’s Heart

In 2012, the city of Kolkata was bursting with the vibrant colors of Durga Puja, the charm of its narrow lanes, and the hum of the local adda. Among its crowd was a quiet, introverted boy named Suman. A student in class 10, Suman often lost himself in his mobile phone rather than his textbooks. It was his first phone, a small but meaningful device that opened a world of songs, social media, and friendship to him.

Suman’s best friend was Raju. Both were inseparable, with a shared fascination for the internet. They spent countless hours downloading romantic songs and chatting on Facebook. As they scrolled and laughed, they hardly noticed how time slipped away until exams loomed over them.

When exam results came, they were hit with a hard reality—neither had done well, and their scores led them to separate paths. Suman was admitted to a new school, while Raju stayed behind. Though he missed Raju, the change brought new faces into his life, among them a girl named Sukla. She was a cheerful soul, full of life, and for Suman, it was love at first sight.

Suman often found himself glancing at Sukla, captivated by her presence, yet too shy to approach her. He watched her from a distance, admiring her laughter, her kindness, and her way of lighting up a room. Suman was a reserved boy with a soft heart, yet he lacked the courage to tell Sukla how he felt.

In this new school, Suman also grew close to his teacher, Shyamal Sir. With genuine concern, Shyamal noticed Suman’s potential and encouraged him to take his studies seriously. Suman was inspired, and soon his life took a turn. With renewed dedication, he poured his energy into his books, balancing friendship and study.

During this time, he met Santu, a kindred spirit who soon became his closest friend. The years flew by, and before they knew it, they were facing their board exams. This time, Suman was prepared, and his hard work paid off—he scored a remarkable 85%, while Santu struggled. The two friends, however, dreamed of studying political science together in college. But while Suman secured a spot in his dream subject, Santu couldn’t make the cut. Once again, Suman had to part from a friend.

College brought new beginnings, and in the vibrant campus corridors, Suman met Sangita. She was smart, outspoken, and brought warmth to Suman’s heart like no one else. Though Sangita was going through her own heartbreak, Suman felt a deep connection with her. Sangita noticed Suman’s gentle nature and intellect, but she thought he was too ambitious for someone like her. This misperception kept her from expressing her feelings, despite sensing a mutual spark.

Suman’s closest confidant during this period was Sabir. Sabir was a loyal friend who listened patiently as Suman shared his growing affection for Sangita. The two would study together, share notes, and steal glances filled with unspoken emotions. Despite their bond, Sangita struggled academically, and eventually, their paths diverged. She left college, while Suman moved on, deeply missing her but determined to finish his education.

After graduation, life led Suman to new horizons. His academic success opened opportunities, and soon, he found himself in the United States. It was a different world, and though he missed his roots, he built a new life. He eventually married a kind woman named Anna, and together they carved a beautiful life. They shared laughter, dreams, and quiet moments of understanding, filling their days with happiness.

But late at night, when the world was silent, Suman would sometimes close his eyes and feel a quiet ache. Thoughts of Sangita would flood his mind—the way she would tilt her head while thinking, the sound of her laughter echoing in the college halls. He wondered what life would have been if he had been braver, if he had expressed the love he kept hidden for so long. Did Sangita feel the same way? Did she miss him, too?

In these quiet moments, Suman understood that some people never truly leave our lives. They linger like an unfinished song, reminding us of what was and what could have been. Though Suman’s heart had found a home with Anna, part of it would always carry a song for Sangita—a song without an end but filled with peace.

As he walked forward in life, Suman embraced his memories, grateful for each chapter. His journey taught him that love remains in our hearts, not just in the people we are with but in the ones we carry quietly forever.