Hope to Love

Chapter 6 - Predicament!

Abhimanyu

The beauty of the college campus always grabs my attention. Last year, it was all too new for me to properly enjoy the fresh birds stepping into this world with the aspiration to fly higher and reach the pinnacle of success in their lives.

This year is bringing a different experience altogether. I can sit on the platform stairs to enjoy the whole view of the campus while Nirvaan and Rudra are struggling through the admissions procedure.

Nakul and Chirag are right next to me, enjoying the view.

It's hilarious to witness the furious Rudra and a perplexed Nirvaan. Nakul and I can easily assist them, but where is the fun in that?

While Chirag and I admire the beauties about to join our college, Nakul's gaze tracks a single soul around the campus.

Ishaani Dixit. She is currently standing in front of the library, dressed in a white salwar kameez with a multicoloured dupatta. The upper half of her long, straight hair is held up with the help of a pin, while the lower half cascades down her back, waist, hips, and almost to her thighs.

She is the epitome of elegant beauty. Nakul has a decent choice after all.

Also, unattainable.

"Stop staring at her like that." Nakul smacks the back of my head.

I rub the spot and chuckle, "She is gorgeous. Are you sure you have a chance with her? With the age gap and all the fact that she's easy on eyes unlike you're grumpy self."

Nakul shrugs, staring at her with stars of love in his eyes. He is a fool, making his own death bed.

Mahi and Sakshi wander toward us, and Chirag's face shines with delight. I smile as I greet both girls.

"The crowd is maddening. How do people tolerate this heat?" Mahi says while fanning her cheeks and neck.

It's a pretty little ploy to attract attention. This time, it isn't limited to Chirag or me. She is also targeting Nakul, who doesn't bother to introduce himself to the girls.

"You can't wear enough short clothes to avoid the burn of this sun." I compliment her barely-there top and shorts; her hair is already short. There is not even a drop of sweat on her body.

"Exactly. You completely understand me, Abby." Mahi continues to fan her neck. "Can I sit here?" she asks, pointing at the steps below me.

Oh boy. She is implying something that I don't want to entertain in public.

Nevertheless, "By all means." I smirk, leaning behind.

She makes an enticing display of her body, sitting between my legs, a step below mine, and ultimately resting her hand on my knee.

I let her be comfortable, trying not to be distracted by the mocking look Nakul is shooting in my direction. He very well knows I hate PDAs.

Sakshi sits between Chirag and me, leaving a little breathing space between us. Both girls are suffocating me with their closeness.

The wind blows, and I catch a whiff of Mahi's hair. It's impossible not to gag or shudder at that awful odour. From this proximity, the amount of makeup plastered on her face and neck is also visible.

This is not happening.

After a few torturous minutes, Sakshi decides to shift close to Chirag, and I breathe.

"What have you been doing since morning?" Mahi turns to me. Hell! Even her breath is awful.

"Admiring the beauty of the campus," I reply honestly, mustering a smirk.