Unexpected Encounters

Falling into Place ~ 2

Nithya blushes slightly at his compliment feeling a rush of excitement and nervousness, that she's finally talking to him.

She raises her eyebrows in appreciation as she says, "Thank you. Gautham. Neengalum nalla dhan pesuringa."

[Thank you Gautham! You speak really well, though not as much as me.]

Gautham smirks, his eyes twinkling, before responding, "Nalla dhana? Irundhalum thanks. Unga alavukulam varadhunga madam."

[Oh is it? Thank you. However I can't beat you. You're a master at this!]

"Therinja seri", Nithya shrugs grinning.

[As long as you know!]

Gautham finally chuckles breaking character, and his laugh warms her insides. Nithya shifts her attention to Deepti, who is one step away from outrightly glaring at her. Sheesh woman, calm down, Nithya thought.

Deepti soon drags Gautham away, giving them a reason that sounded too stupid to be true. However, Nithya did not mind. She was happy she had such a fun conversation with Gautham. It sounded too good to be true.

Pooja clears her throat, making Nithya look at her.

"Happy ah madam?" Pooja raises her eyebrows.

[Are you happy now?]

"Adha kekava venum?", Vishnu butts in, rolling his eyes.

[Do you even need to ask that?]

"Ada ama. Yedho neenga rendu perum mattum inga irrukura madhri pesikitinga?", Kaushik questions.

[Yeah right. You guys were so wrapped up in your conversation to notice any of us sitting here.]

"Chumma irunga ya. Kannu vekadinga.", Nithya pouts, but a smile breaks free at their teasing.

[Shut up guys. Don't keep talking about it and jinx it.]

"Deepti definitely likes him, though.", Rashmi states, finally speaking up.

Shreya nods thoughtfully, "Yes. I think so too."

"Ana, oruthara pudichi, like panni, date pananumna time edukadhu? How does she already like him and is ready to date him?", Nithya questions innocently, a frown marring her forehead.

[But, how can people decide that they like someone and want to date them so quickly? Doesn't it take time?]

"Kozhanda di nee.", Vishnu responds ruffling her hair fondly.

[You are such a baby!]

"Po da. Ennaku badhil sollu.", Nithya pouts slapping his hand away.

[You better answer me!]

"Ok you first tell me, you like him right? How?", Vishnu questions her.

"I had a crush on him because of how he looked at first. And now after I talked to him, I like his personality too. But no, I will not do anything without getting to know him first.", Nithya responds.

"Not everyone is like you, Nithu.", Vishnu shrugs, giving her the most common sensical response.

Nithya nods, still lost in thought to reply to them.

***

College life soon became a routine for the group. Their assignments and tests started soon after and they were forced to focus on their academics. Life was however never boring, as the group was always lively and cheerful.

Nithya has always wanted to go up and talk to Gowtham, however she settled for what she got. Which was not much, considering he was in a different class. And even when he was free, Deepti always dragged him away from their group. Especially, Nithya. So she settled for getting a smile from him whenever they saw each other.