Marked By Darkness

Chapter 21- Our Heart Never Lies

Next day in College...

Ruhi grinned as she walked alongside Esha, still savoring the taste of the ice cream.

"That ice cream was so tasty," she said, a happy sigh escaping her lips.

Esha rolled her eyes, clearly amused. "Ruhi, I know ice cream is always tasty."

Ruhi chuckled, nudging her. "No, but seriously, Esha. He was so shy, and it made him look even cuter when he got all nervous."

Esha raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything, just listening as Ruhi continued.

"And you won't believe it, he told me I looked good in a red dress yesterday."

Esha's eyes widened with a teasing smirk. "Well, from now on, you should come to college in red every day."

Ruhi waved her off with a playful laugh. "Not every day, Esha. That'd be overkill."

Esha shrugged, still playful. "Why not? He specifically said you look good in red."

Ruhi rolled her eyes but a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. "He's said lots of things like that."

Esha raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Like what?"

Ruhi bit her lip, not sure if she should share more. "Well, he said I made his heart beat faster... but I was kind of pranking him. Maybe he took it seriously." She laughed, shaking her head.

Esha laughed with her, then nudged her playfully. "Then what happened?"

Ruhi's grin softened. "Then we just had a great time together."

Esha suddenly got more serious, looking at her closely. "Ruhi, can I say something?"
"Sure," Ruhi responded, not expecting what was coming.

Esha hesitated for a second before speaking. "I think you like him. You just don't want to admit it."

Ruhi's eyes widened, and she shook her head quickly, denying it. "What? No, Esha, he's just a friend. A good one, though."

Esha smiled knowingly, but there was no judgment in her expression. "I don't think you're fooling anyone, Ruhi. You've been talking about him for two hours straight. Don't even act like you didn't notice."

Ruhi froze, realizing Esha was right. Her face flushed a little. "Oh shit, I'm gonna miss my class!" She started to turn away, looking at the clock.

Esha grabbed her arm lightly. "Wait, no need to attend today."

Ruhi looked at her, confused. "But it's chemistry theory, Esha. I'll miss all the notes."

Esha shrugged, unfazed. "I'll collect them for you. But listen, Ruhi, I'm telling you, you like him. You just don't want to admit it."

Ruhi stepped back, looking uncertain. "I've never felt that way, Esha. How could I like him?"

Esha smiled softly, her gaze kind but insistent. "Oh, you felt it. It's all over the way you talk about him. You've unknowingly fallen for him, Ruhi. Ask yourself, don't you love him?"

Ruhi stood silently, processing Esha's words. She shook her head again, but her voice softened. "It's complicated."

Esha nodded, but there was no surprise in her expression. "Of course, it is. Because you're holding back. But you can't keep suppressing it. You've got to express yourself, Ruhi. And if you think I'm just saying random stuff, then go home and ask yourself. Your heart won't lie to you."

Ruhi smiled faintly, unsure of how to respond. "Thanks, Esha."

Esha grinned mischievously. "You're welcome. Don't overthink it. Bye, Ruhi."

At Home...

Ruhi stood in front of her mirror, absentmindedly adjusting the collar of her sweater, though her eyes were far from the reflection in front of her. Her fingers paused for a moment as she placed a hand over her chest, where her heart beat steadily beneath her palm.

Did she really feel something for him? Could it be love, or something else entirely? Every time she was near him, a warmth spread through her, making her feel safe, protected, almost as if his presence alone could lift her out of any bad mood.

She closed her eyes, replaying the way his words made her feel-how just hearing his name seemed to stir something deep inside of her. Her heart fluttered whenever he smiled at her, and when he said she made his heart race... Was that something more?

Could this feeling truly be love? She had always thought love was something that happened in movies, not in real life. But now, with every flutter in her stomach and every beat of her heart, she wondered if maybe... just maybe, she was slowly falling for him.

Sounak.

Was it really him who had caused this whirlwind of emotions to swirl inside her?

The thought made her heart race again. Could it be true?