A few weeks later
Past few weeks went very normally - no drama, no Taniya and her gang stirring problems. It was peaceful and calm, almost too good to be true.
While the group was gathered at their usual spot, chatting and teasing each other over the latest gossip, there was something subtly unfolding between two people within the group—something unspoken, something brewing beneath the surface.
Akansha and Aarav.
Unlike the loud banter of their friends, their interactions were quiet, understated. They weren't ones to seek the spotlight, but in their own way, they had been drawn to each other, their conversations lasting a little longer, their glances lingering just a second more than before. It wasn't obvious to the others, but they knew. They felt it.
It had started subtly, with their paths crossing more frequently than before—whether it was in the library, at the café near campus, or simply during walks back to the dorms. Aarav always seemed to find his way to Akansha, and she, despite her usual reserved nature, didn't mind his company.
Today was no different. While the group was animated in their discussion, Aarav leaned slightly towards Akansha. "Hey," he said in a low tone, just for her to hear. "Want to get some fresh air?"
She glanced at him, her curiosity piqued, but nodded nonetheless. "Sure."
Without making a fuss, the two of them quietly slipped away from the group and stepped outside. The evening air was cool, and the noise from the cafeteria dulled behind them. They walked side by side, the silence between them comfortable rather than awkward.
Aarav chuckled, shaking his head. "You've been avoiding me," he noted, tilting his head slightly as he observed her reaction.
Akansha scoffed, feigning innocence. "I have not."
"You have," he insisted with a smirk. "Every time I try to get you alone, you either conveniently have something to do or pull Komal or Shumaila along."
She sighed, looking down at her hands before mumbling, "I just didn't know what to say."
Aarav stopped walking, causing her to pause as well. He turned to face her completely. "Then let me say it."
Her heart skipped a beat. She could see the seriousness in his gaze, the hesitation mixed with determination.
"I like you, Akansha," Aarav admitted, his voice steady yet soft. "And I have for a while now. I wasn't sure when to say it, or how, but I figured if I kept waiting, I'd never get the chance."
Akansha opened her mouth, but no words came out. Her heart raced, and she felt warmth creeping up her cheeks. Aarav continued, not giving her a chance to overthink.
"I don't want to rush you or push you into anything," he added gently. "But I do want to court you properly. If you'll let me."
The sincerity in his voice made her chest tighten. No one had ever said something like that to her before—so patient, so sure, yet so respectful of her own feelings.
She swallowed hard, meeting his gaze. "I... I don't know," she admitted, voice barely above a whisper. "I mean, I like spending time with you, Aarav. A lot. But I never really thought about—"
"Then think about it," he interrupted, a small smile playing on his lips. "No pressure, no expectations. Just let me prove to you that I mean what I say."
Akansha stared at him, at the warmth in his eyes, the way he looked at her as if she was something to be treasured, not just pursued. And in that moment, she knew.
"Okay," she breathed out. "I'll think about it."
Aarav grinned. "That's all I ask."
They stood there for a moment, the air between them charged yet peaceful, before he finally broke the silence. "So... does this mean I can steal you away for more library study sessions?"
Akansha laughed, shaking her head. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves."
But she didn't say no.
And that was enough for now.