My Ex - Crush

Episode 2

Deepika’s POV:

Things were finally starting to look up.

The introverted me had begun to make friends, something that seemed impossible just a few months ago. With so many group projects being assigned, I didn’t really have a choice but to interact more.

At first, Meera and I worked together on everything. Both of us were day scholars, so we only had time to discuss projects during college hours. We spent every free moment working, either on our assignments or cramming for tests.

To avoid the scorching morning sun and the suffocating bus crowd, I made a new habit of leaving home at 7:00 am, arriving at college around 8:30. With classes starting at 9:00, I had a little time to nap or read before the day began. It didn’t change the fact that the evening bus rush was still unbearable, but it helped.

Carrying my scale on the bus became a hassle, so I started leaving it at my drafting table in class every evening. It was one less thing to worry about during my commute.

Our lunch group had grown bigger too. More students who brought food from home started joining us in the classroom, avoiding the long walk to the canteen. Lavanya, whose house was close to Meera’s, became part of our group since she and Meera traveled together now.

“Honestly, I can’t understand a word of what this maths teacher is saying,” Sanjay complained. He lived in the same town as the college and rode his bike to campus.

“It’s just one semester,” I replied. “We won’t have maths after this.”

“Hey, Deepika taught me better than the teacher did,” Meera chimed in, nudging me.

Sanjay perked up. “Can you teach me for the upcoming internals?”

“Me too!” Lavanya added eagerly.

“And me,” Manoj groaned. “I joined architecture to escape math, but I just want to pass this semester!”

“Alright, how about we meet this Saturday?” I suggested. “I’m already planning to come for group work with Meera.”

“But it’s a holiday!” Manoj whined, earning a playful smack on the head from Sanjay.

“She’s crossing towns to come teach us, and you can’t bring yourself here on your bike from right behind the college?” Sanjay teased, making everyone laugh.

The next morning, I boarded my second bus and found a window seat. I plugged in my earphones and leaned back, watching the world pass by outside. The bus stopped at the toll gate, and I saw a familiar figure get on.

It was Arjun.

He waved at me, and I gestured to the empty seat next to me. He sat down, and I pulled out my earphones.

“You don’t usually come this early, do you?” I asked.

“No, my mom had to leave early for work today, so I thought I’d come early too,” he replied with a shrug.

I nodded.

“It’s already been a month since college started,” he remarked. “No one would believe you travel from another town every day and still manage to do better than most of us.”

I laughed. “Oh, if only they knew the truth.”

“I’ve seen your work in visual arts,” he said, his tone more serious. “It’s top-notch. Do you like painting?”

“I love painting,” I admitted, feeling a small sense of pride. “I used to stick to acrylics, but after the arts class, I’ve started liking watercolors too. I keep reworking them until they’re just right.”