For the last few days after Rahul asked me for my number, things have been awkward between us. I haven't met him since that moment — maybe he's avoiding me, or maybe he's just busy and has no time to see me.What am I even thinking…? He never reaches out first. I'm always the one who initiates the conversation and goes to talk to him.
Like every day, I was waiting for him at the entrance of the college before it started. He normally arrives half an hour early. As soon as I saw him arriving, I walked toward him.
Rahul's POV:
I got off the bus, stretching my arms and legs as I let out a big yawn."Aahhh… I'm so sleepy," I mumbled. I wiped my teary eyes with my palm, put on my glasses, and walked toward the college entrance.
When I reached the entrance, my junior Shruti came toward me with a pouting face.
Hi, I signed.
Why are you avoiding me and my messages, you— she signed immediately the moment she saw me. Her sudden accusation made me nervous.
I? I didn't avoid you! And I don't know anything about any message! I— I signed quickly, explaining myself.
You don't know about the message? She signed again, relief appearing on her face when she realized I wasn't lying.
I swear I didn't know! I— I signed again.
Give me your phone, you. She signed.
I looked around. Students walking by were staring at us like we were a couple arguing or something.
Let's talk in the cafeteria, okay? I signed, glancing left and right. Shruti noticed the staring too, and we both went to the cafeteria.
I ordered two coffees and two red velvet pastries. After collecting the tray, I walked toward the table where Shruti was waiting.
"Here, this is for you," I said as I set the pastry on the table and handed her one of the coffees before sitting down.
Give me your phone, Shruti signed again.
"Okay, okay. Here." I handed her my mobile and quickly looked away.She started doing something on my phone, and honestly, I felt a bit nervous — I have personal things in there. But I chose to trust her… and my phone's security… especially for my secret collection.What? I'm a healthy college student! Everyone has it in their phone. It's normal, okay?
Back to reality — I took a sip of coffee. Refreshing.
Shruti finally gave my phone back and signed:
It's my number. My own.
I looked at the screen and realized I did receive a message from that number earlier.
Oh! I didn't know. I was busy preparing for the competition. I— I signed.
It's okay now, she signed.
Drink your coffee before it gets cold, okay? And don't forget the cake, it's for you.
We finished our small meeting in the cafeteria.
While we were walking toward the class, I remembered something.
I took off my bag and pulled out two books:"How to Read People Like a Book" and "The Laws of Human Nature."I handed them to Shruti.
Read these books before starting 'leap reading.' They'll help you understand human nature and surroundings. It'll help you act even if you can't hear. I signed. I'm not a specialist, but these books are perfect for her.
Okay, I will try. But how much do they cost? Shruti signed, asking the price.
It's on me. Consider it a gift from your senior. I signed. Taking money from a junior felt pathetic.
Shruti immediately gave the books back and signed:I don't need gifts from seniors.
I didn't understand why she reacted this way, but I realized she would only take the books if she paid for them.
Okay, okay! They cost 1000 rupees, okay? I signed.
She opened her bag, took out her purse, handed me two 500-rupee notes, and then instantly snatched the books from my hands.
See you later, she signed and walked to her class.
I signed back: See you later.
I didn't fully understand what just happened, but I did learn one thing:
Shruti definitely knows how to treat men equally.