MY FOREVER WITH YOU

CHAPTER-2

"Crushes are very strange things; they're a warning sign in the word itself—crush: to deform, pulverize, or force inward by compressing forcefully". 

I didn't get to dwell too much on the earlier incidents as the conferences were scheduled back to back and it surprisingly felt interesting. Even Ayesha didn't discuss anything as she knew I needed my space, it was my common habit. Whenever anything out of normal happens, I tend to remain in my space until I could clear my mind to openly talk about it. 

But the subtle weary glances she kept giving me, I knew she'd sooner jump on me with her flood of questions.

What about her, even I can't believe I had raised my voice and practically created a scene because I hate being center of attraction. No one from my class had gotten a chance to interrogate it about me but I know it'd soon be a new highlight in their group chats.

A girl who always remain in shadows had outwardly faced the most popular student in the university. I internally cringed at its cliché tags. But I can't cry over spilled milk, what's done is done. I only hoped it didn't get any worse.

A plate was pushed in my hands, I blinked breaking from of train of my thoughts to see Ayesha holding her own while tugging my arm towards the Que. It was lunch time now as all the students were forming a line to be served even though the aroma of different dishes was filled in the room, the students were pilling their plates as if they hadn't eaten in days. I guess no one wants to miss free food. 

I was food lover myself it was one of the facts my weight kept increasing. Mainly because I had terrible sweet tooth.

Also being a half Bengali my genes were addicted to sweet treats blame it to my mama. Ayesha remarked saying the day I could control my cravings is the day I could control my measuring scale. She always tries to encourage me but I couldn't find that motivation to seriously take actions to correct my eating habits. I want to do it though. The grip on my arm loosened as I saw Ayesha having conversation with one of the large groups from our class. Ayesha's bubbly personality was welcomed always.

As for me not much, they managed to get her involved in some talk but when I glanced at them only Shruti one of the girl gave me a fake smile. They didn't invite me ever. So I didn't bother to join them, like always.

I decided to eat in the corner not willing to disturb Ayesha. I know she likes to mingle with people around her. So I took my plate hardly having anything because I can't eat in public. My stomach churns thinking that people are staring at me or judging the quantity of food in my plate.

 As I reached a corner dividing from the rest of the busied area there was suddenly some cluttering of plates behind me.

 I quickly turned around to find an old man who seemed like a waiter was apologizing to a boy. I took steps to see that maybe he ran into him as ingredients from the plates were scrambled on the floor.

Before I could react Arjun rushed to the man who was about to clean the boy's shoes with his bare hands, he made him stand back. The boy jumped a step back, I was not surprised much over his action. Arjun had this confident aura around him which demanded attention. I was no different. 

Their voices couldn't be heard from my distance but one look at Arjun's glare, few words from him made the arrogant boy scurry away. 

I smiled to myself seeing him cleaning the oil curry stains from the old waiter's wrinkly hands with his clean white handkerchief.

Maybe not through words, still he knows how to express his care. If he could show it to a stranger then what extend would he go for someone being part of his life. The thought melted my heart. Randomly then, he glanced in my direction. My heart skipped few beats, as he kept his stare on me.