Who are you?

08(01)

Today, you helped me with my assignment.

I told you that's not needed, we could simply talk and have snacks while I do my assignment.

But you were determined in your words.

"I have to return you the favour, my friend!"

You mentioned it in a cheeky way, implying the episode of me helping you yesterday in your library duty.

I liked your cheekiness.

I don't see it often, but I would love to.

"It's nothing of a "favour", Chandra. It's just a help from a friend to a friend. Friends help each other in need, don't they?", I smiled.

"Yes they do, and so let me do the same.", and with that you picked up my laptop bag, heading towards the study hall.

"Chandra, listen! wait for me...", I followed you gathering my notebook and pouch, speeding up to catch your pace.

We headed to the study hall.

"Chandra, you are being to stubbron today, aren't you?", I said with a fake scowl.

"Yes, 'cause I want to spend some time with my friend, and help her with her assignment." , you cheekily smiled looking at my eyes, flashing your dimples.

Your dimples took away my heart for the uncounted time.

You are quite cheerful today. And I love it!

You placed the laptop bag on the table. And we proceeded with the assignment.

I was writing my final essay, and you were designing the front page for it on my laptop.

We were quite engrossed in our respective works.

When suddenly, you popped a question.

And that too, an unexpected one.

"Preet", you called my name, and I lifted my eyes to face you.

"If you are comfortable sharing...", you paused for a while and then continued,

"Can I ask you about them?....
I mean...you mentioned that day, that you liked somebody?"

That question.

Once again, it made me freeze for a second.

My heart started playing that familiar rhythm, and it was loud enough to make me hear it in my ears.

Why are you interested in knowing who they are?

You already have a crush on someone, don't you? And I know, it won't be of any good telling you whom I like.

When I know that you already like someone else.

"Preet", your voice brought me back to reality.

"If you aren't comfortable. It's completely fine. I was just being curious , you know..." ,you said with an assuring smile.

And it was like a statement of relief for me.

I breathed out the built-up stress and nodded with a tiny smile.

I always admire how mature you are in every situation, understanding others perspective in a conversation, and respecting their boundaries.

Though, somewhere inside me, I too wanted to ask you about your crush.

But, I didn't have the courage to.