Saharsh's POV:
I don't think I've ever taken this much time getting ready for college.
Normally, it's just-throw on the first T-shirt I find, drag my hair into place, grab my bag, and I'm out. But today? Today was different. Today I kept staring at the mirror like an idiot, running a hand through my hair for the tenth time, wondering if Sameera would notice.
Sameera Gayaki.
Her name alone was enough to pull me back to last night-the sound of the waves, the glow of the sunset, the way her lips had felt against mine. Soft. Hesitant. Real. My heart was still racing like it hadn't stopped since.
I tugged at my jacket, muttering to myself, "You're going to college, not on a date."
And yet, everything inside me felt like I was walking into something new. Because I wasn't just the guy secretly crushing on her anymore. She'd said yes. She was my girlfriend.
I grinned at the thought, wide and stupid. Then frowned.
"Wait... she did say yes, right?"
Yes. She did. But she'd said it softly, like it was fragile, like she might take it back if I pushed too hard.
That thought made me pause. I didn't want to scare her. I didn't want her to feel pressured. Sameera had walls, I knew that. But last night she'd let me in, even if just a little. And that little meant everything.
Daksh was already waiting outside. He glanced at me once and smirked.
"Bhai, tu ready hone mein ek ghanta kyun laga raha tha? College hai, shaadi nahi."
By the time I reached the college gate, Shivam was already parked with Kiara standing next to him. They were laughing at some private joke, fingers brushing, their closeness so obvious it drew glances from every passerby.
Daksh stiffened beside me, his eyes darkening for just a second before he looked away. I noticed it-like always-but this time, instead of feeling the weight of his silence, a smile tugged at my lips.
Because I wasn't thinking about Shivam or Kiara.
I was still stuck on her.
Daksh caught me smiling and frowned.
"Bhai, tu itna khush kis baat pe hai?"
"Bas... mood accha hai," I muttered, dodging before he could dig further.
---
In the middle of my MBA lecture, while everyone else scribbled notes, my mind kept wandering. My fingers hovered over my phone before I gave in.
Me: Hey... busy?
The reply came slower than I liked.
Sameera: In class. Why?
I smiled, shaking my head at her clipped tone.
Me: Nothing urgent. Just... it's strange, you're right here on the same campus, and still, it feels like I haven't seen you in forever.
Sameera: Forever? We just met yesterday evening, Saharsh.
Me: Exactly. And still, I miss you already.
The typing dots blinked, disappeared, then blinked again.
Sameera: You're impossible, you know that?
Me: I know. But you don't have to reply if I'm disturbing you. I just wanted you to know... I was happy last night. Truly. And not just because of what happened, but because it felt like I got to see the real you.
This time the pause was longer, but when her reply came, I could almost picture the way her lips curved, that shy tilt of her head.
Sameera: ...I was happy too.
My chest tightened, in the best way.
Sameera: We're having a study group session in the library after two lectures. Might stay till late. Just saying so you don't think I vanished after class.
I stared at the message for a long second, a smile tugging at my lips. Always so careful, this girl.
Me: Good thing you told me. Coincidence-we're planning a study session too. Guess I'll see you there.
There was a pause.
Sameera: Since when do you people have "study sessions"?
I chuckled under my breath.
Me: Since today. Don't doubt my sincerity, Miss Engineer.
Her reply came after a moment:
Sameera: Fine. But bring actual books this time, not just excuses.
Me: Noted. I'll drag my whole group in if I have to.
---
And that's exactly what I did.
When the lecture ended, I stood up with unnecessary determination.
"Library. Now."
Daksh frowned. "What?"
"Study session," I said firmly, shoving my notes into my bag. "We're behind. Badly. Do you even remember the last time you revised?"
Shivam raised a brow. "Who are you and what have you done with Saharsh?"
Kiara laughed. "Seriously. Since when do you force people to study?"
"Since today," I muttered, already walking out. "You can thank me later when you're not failing."
They groaned, cursed under their breaths, but followed anyway.
And as we made our way toward the library, I couldn't stop the grin that tugged at my lips. Because this wasn't about the books. It was about her.
Dragging three people to the library hadn't been easy. Shivam kept whining about football practice, Kiara was suspicious from the moment I suggested it, and Daksh looked like he'd rather be anywhere else. But somehow, they were here. And now, as soon as I stepped inside, I knew it was worth it.
Because she was there.
Sameera.
Head bent slightly, hair falling in waves over her shoulder, surrounded by her group. The way she glanced up the moment I walked in-it was quick, almost shy-but it was enough to light up something inside me.
Of course, Kiara noticed immediately. She followed my line of sight, and when her gaze landed on Sameera, her smirk was almost evil.
"Well, well," she muttered just loud enough for us to hear, "now I know why someone was suddenly desperate for a study session."
Daksh's eyes flicked at her, then at Janvhi across the table. His jaw tightened just slightly. Interesting.
Kiara, still grinning, waved at Janvhi. "Mind if we sit with you guys? Space is kind of tight."
The girls exchanged looks-Shreya's knowing smile, Manjiri's raised brows, Janvhi's suspiciously suppressed laugh. They didn't even try to hide that they'd caught on.
The only clueless one was Aryan.
"Wait, why are you all acting weird? Sameera, explain to me-"
I nearly laughed. She didn't even hear him-too busy flushing under my gaze. Her fingers trembled slightly against her pen, and I swear she forgot how to breathe for a second.
Sneha rolled her eyes, smacking Aryan with a notebook. "Don't stress her brain, idiot. I'll explain later."
They made space. I sat beside Sameera, pretending to settle my notes. Under the table, my hand brushed against hers. For a moment, I considered leaving it at that-but no. I let my fingers close around hers, hidden by the edge of the desk.
She tensed, heartbeat almost audible in the silence. And then... she didn't pull away.
That was enough to make my chest feel like it could burst.
Still, she cleared her throat a little too quickly and muttered, "I'm going to grab a book." Then she practically fled toward the shelves.
I bit back a smile.
Daksh leaned toward Shivam, smirking. "Bet you ten bucks he follows her in two minutes."
"One," Shivam countered.
I stood up, slinging my bag off my shoulder. "I, uh... need a book."
The table erupted in laughter, no one even trying to hide it now.
I ignored them. My eyes were already on her, disappearing between the tall shelves.
And without a second thought, I followed.
The shelves swallowed the sound of laughter behind me as I stepped into the quieter section of the library. Rows of thick engineering texts lined either side, the air faintly smelling of old paper. And there she was-Sameera, skimming her fingers over spines of books as though she actually cared which one she picked.
She noticed me instantly. Her brows shot up, lips parting in mock annoyance.
"You're in the wrong section," she whispered. "You won't find your fancy management books here."
I let out a short laugh-louder than I meant to.
Her eyes widened, finger darting to her lips. "Shhh! People will hear."
I leaned closer, lowering my voice, but I couldn't stop the grin tugging at my face. "What if I told you I wasn't looking for a book?"
Her blush gave her away, though she tried to roll her eyes. "You promised to take it slow..."
I chuckled under my breath, leaning just close enough so only she could hear. "After last night, it's really hard to take it slow."
Her head snapped toward me, eyes narrowing. "Excuse me? I was not the first one to kiss."
"Hmm," I tilted my head, feigning thoughtfulness. "But you were definitely the one who closed her eyes first."
Her jaw dropped slightly, and color rushed to her cheeks. She turned away too quickly, pretending to examine a random book.
I couldn't resist. "And... the one who didn't pull back." My voice was low, warm, teasing. "Don't deny it, Sameera-you enjoyed it."
Her fingers tightened around the book's spine, knuckles pale. She didn't turn back, but the way her shoulders stiffened told me everything.
And yet, when she finally did glance at me, her eyes were soft, betraying her.
The look nearly undid me. I wanted to reach out, to tug her into me right there between the shelves. But she pressed her lips together, whispering firmly, "Not here. We'll get caught."
I exhaled, trying to get my pulse under control. She was right.
"Fine," I murmured, brushing my hand briefly over hers where it rested on the shelf. "But just so you know-you can't hide that blush from me. Ever."
Her eyes widened again, and she snatched her hand away, muttering something about finding the book she came for.
I let her retreat. Barely. Because as much as I wanted to push, some part of me was enjoying this-her resistance, her flustered face, the tension humming like electricity between us.
And I had all the time in the world to break down those walls.
By the time Sameera and I walked back toward the study tables, I'd schooled my face into something neutral-though judging by the faint heat still clinging to her cheeks, she hadn't.
Janhvi's eyes darted up immediately, lips curving into a knowing smile. "Well, well. Look who suddenly found so much interest in library books."
Sameera shot her a glare sharp enough to kill, but it was too late. Shreya muffled her laugh behind her notebook. Even Aryan looked confused until Sneha leaned in to whisper an explanation, after which his eyes widened, and he mouthed a very obvious ohhh.
I bit down a laugh, sliding casually into the seat beside my group. But while everyone was focused on teasing Sameera, my eyes caught something else-Daksh.
Usually, he wore that same expression: studious, calm, unbothered by anything except maybe a pending assignment. But right now? His jaw was tight. His gaze had flicked to Janhvi, lingered, and then darted away as if it burned to look. And when Janhvi laughed again, bright and carefree, his hands balled into fists beneath the table.
Interesting.
We all wrapped up soon after-the bell ringing, bags zipping, chairs scraping against the floor. As the others moved toward the exit, I tugged Daksh by the arm, steering him into a quiet corner just outside the library.
"What's up with you?" I asked, my tone light but pointed. "You've been acting... off."
He frowned, trying to pull away. "Nothing."
"Don't give me that." I crossed my arms, studying him. "Daksh Singhania never shows emotions in public. Today, I saw them all over your face. Especially when Janhvi was talking."
His jaw ticked, muscles tightening. He looked anywhere but at me.
I stepped a little closer, lowering my voice. "What's happening between you and her? What's making you so tense? Because honestly, it's weird seeing you... feel."
For a long second, he didn't reply. His chest rose and fell heavily, and the sharp edge in his eyes made it clear I'd hit the mark.
Finally, through clenched teeth, he muttered, "It's complicated."
That was all he gave me. But the storm flickering in his expression told me there was so much more beneath it.
And for the first time, I realized-I wasn't the only one whose life was shifting quietly under the surface.