25th February 2024

Dear Palak,

When I was six, I figured out you meant something to me. We didn’t even know what love was back then, but I knew you were special.

I’d lost a front tooth and looked pretty funny. The mean kids in class were laughing at me, but you came over and showed me your own mouth, saying, “Look, I lost one too,” like you were trying to make me feel better. You were always so kind to me.

It took me years to realize I was in love with you. And once I did, I couldn’t stop thinking about you, except when Pallabi came along.

But all this time, I never once thought about owning you. I just wanted you in my life as a friend. That’s it. Even now. Please don’t take that away from me just because I did something stupid. Please. I’m begging you.

With love, hugs and other things,

P