The Last Letter

Aiza and Bilal had grown up together in a small town. From childhood games to teenage secrets, their bond had been unbreakable. But life has a way of drifting people apart. When Bilal went abroad for work, he promised to stay in touch. At first, messages and video calls were frequent, filled with laughter, stories, and small arguments that reminded them of old days.

But months passed. Work, time zones, and personal struggles created a slow distance. Calls became less frequent, messages shorter, replies delayed. Aiza felt the absence, yet didn’t know how to express the growing sadness inside her.

One rainy evening, while cleaning her desk, Aiza found a yellowed envelope tucked in an old diary. Curious, she opened it. It was a letter from Bilal, dated almost a year ago—one he had never sent.

"Dear Aiza,
I don’t know if I should send this, or if it would change anything. But I want you to know… you’ve always meant more to me than I could ever express. I am afraid… afraid of ruining our friendship, afraid of losing you if I speak my heart. But I cannot hide it any longer. I hope you understand, and maybe one day, I’ll have the courage to tell you in person.
Always, Bilal."

Aiza’s hands trembled. She could feel the depth of emotions he had kept buried, the love that had never been spoken aloud. Tears rolled down her cheeks. How many chances had been lost? How many moments left unspoken?

For days, she could not think of anything else. Then, slowly, determination replaced sadness. She decided to write back, pouring everything she had kept hidden inside: her worries, her loneliness, her own unspoken feelings for him.

"Bilal,
I don’t know why we let so much time pass without saying what mattered most. I’ve missed you… more than I can say. Your letter reminded me that sometimes courage is worth the risk. I hope we can still talk, really talk, even after all this time."

After sending the email, Aiza felt a strange calm. Days of anxious waiting passed. Then, one morning, her phone pinged. A message from Bilal appeared:

"Aiza… I got your message. I can’t believe we waited so long. I’m so glad you wrote. Can we talk? Really talk?"

Aiza smiled, feeling the warmth of connection restored. It was a reminder that even after time, mistakes, and fear, love and hope can find a way.

kanza mughal