Hope to Love

Chapter 25 - Cherished Bond!

Avni

I wake up to the golden rays filtering through the curtains of the window. I have a pretty vague memory of the nightmare. It was strange, more like a bad dream. It was there, yet it didn't hold the power to destroy my sleep anymore. In fact, this might be the best sleep I have had in the past two to three months.

There might be other reasons for the decent sleep, but I'd still like to give a certain someone credit for my peaceful night. Even if it's for a single night.

I quickly shower and change into my uniform, which is not as per my requests, thanks to my lovely bhabhi. The whole chaos of Papa's illness and after didn't offer me enough chance to select the design that was preferable to my style. Even the measurements were taken by Bhabhi. She had just spared me a long enough dupatta to cover her creativity.

I grab the two copies of quick revision notes—one for Shaurya and me and the other one for the 'H' division trio—and neatly place them in my bag before heading to college.

It's just the journal submission along with the viva this week. Still, it would be a blessing if Mihika didn't distract Nirvaan or piss Rudra off before their turn is done.

Arriving at the college, I hand over the notes to Nirvaan and wish them luck for the viva. Shaurya and I reach our classroom and wait for it to begin.

I'm nervous, but more than that, I love to test my knowledge with Viva. They are the best way to figure out how much more I have to study to expect a perfect score on the written exam.

Watching Shaurya answer every question perfectly increases my excitement, making me impatient. I keep revising every single word and all the important points to the T until the moment my name is called.

The professor looks at my journal and, with a satisfied smile, asks me one simple question before calling out the next student.

I despise myself for my great record. It should be considered nice work. Still, somewhere, I am disappointed for not getting to test my knowledge.

With a huff, I stomp all the way to the canteen, ignoring the amused Shaurya behind me. However, my steps halt at the doorway to the canteen as my eyes take in the back of Abhi.

The sudden rush of warmth hits me, recollecting the memories from yesterday. Taking in a breath to calm the flutter of nerves, I move towards our table.

It's just us today, and as usual, Abhi is sitting opposite Nirvaan, Mihika, and Rudra, leaving the chair between Ishaani and Abhi empty.

Abhi looks up to meet my gaze, hitting me with the full impact of his dimpled smile. My nerves flutter unbelievably, making it impossible for me to breathe, let alone think properly. I've no idea how I manage to settle in the empty chair without either losing my footing and sploshing on the floor like a mess I am or turning around and escaping the intensity of the moment.

"Hey, girlfriend," Abhi whispers, scooting his chair closer to mine.

Lowering my head to hide the stupid grin on my face, I nod. Words! "Hi." I quickly add as an afterthought.

He chuckles, taking my bag from me, and takes the lunch box out of it while I do my best not to giggle or do any weird shit to make him regret his decision to ever choose me as his girlfriend.

"What're you smiling at?" Mihika's voice snaps me out of the zone. But she has her eyes narrowed on Shaurya.

"Just something Amma warned me this morning," Shaurya replies with a laugh.