Uncharted Hearts

Chapter 6: BLOOMING FRIENDSHIP 🌱

Pranjal's pov
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"Next!"
I headed over to the counter to grab my plant and all the equipment we need for the planting. It's 10 o'clock in the morning and today is the first day of our awesome plantation club. The timings are from 10 to 10:45, and then we'll have a nice 15-minute break before our next class. I see that my lily plant is still small and needs more care, including proper watering and sunlight. That's why they scheduled the club activities in the morning. It's actually a good idea because morning sunlight is beneficial for everyone, including humans.
I stood to the side after getting my things.

I looked around, but I couldn't spot Atharva anywhere. Where is this guy? Did he not come to college today? But knowing how enthusiastic he was about this club, I don't think he would skip the first day. Should I give him a call?As I was about to dial his number, I noticed Atharva stalking towards me. He took out his phone and saw my name flashing on the screen. With a smile, he looked at me, as if to say "I'm here." I ended the call and returned his smile.

"Hey there, Miss. DDLJ!" he exclaimed, brushing my nose playfully. I responded with a huff, clearly annoyed, which only made him chuckle. "Hey Atharva!" I said, trying to sound casual. "What took you so long?"
"Well, actually, my class went on for longer than expected, so I couldn't leave that boring lecture," he explained, casually running his fingers through his stylish hair. It was undeniably attractive. I mean, I've seen plenty of guys do that, but when he did it, it was just... hot. Oh, come on, brain, stop thinking inappropriately.
I nodded slightly in response, and he mentioned that he would be back after getting his plant and equipment. Once again, I nodded in agreement. Playfully, he mimicked my gesture, and I pretended to be annoyed. This made him chuckle before he walked away. I couldn't help but smile at his playful behavior.

I plopped down at my spot with my plant, and soon enough, he came back and settled beside me, holding a pot in his hand. With a curious look, he asked, "Hey, Miss DDLJ, what plant are you working on?" I replied, "Well, um... it's a lily. But you know what? I really wanted a tulip plant. Unfortunately, they didn't have any available at the time, so I had to settle for a lily. I'm a huge fan of tulips, though. I just adore them." He listened intently to my words, but then something seemed to shock him. I couldn't help but wonder what was going through his mind.
"What's the matter? Why are you giving me that look?" I asked. He replied, "Miss DDLJ, you really love tulips?" I looked at him with even more confusion and responded, "Yeah, um... yes? Is there something wrong?"
"I'm sorry, Miss DDLJ!" I raised an eyebrow at his sudden apology. "What's wrong? Why are you apologizing to me?"

"I was not aware that you adore tulips so much. If I would have known then I could have chosen a different plant. I am sorry!"He said making a sad face. "Do you happen to have a tulip plant with you?" I inquired. He nodded in response. I smiled at his cute behavior and leaned in closer, placing my hand gently on top of his as it rested on his knees. "Hey, no worries, Atharva. You don't need to apologize for such a small thing. It seems like this tulip plant was meant to be taken care of by you. Don't be sad, it's all good," I said, giving him my sweetest smile. As our eyes met, he glanced at my hand and then shifted his gaze back to my face. A smile formed on his lips as he looked at me. After what seemed like an eternity of gazing into each other's eyes, I suddenly became aware that I was still holding his hand. I swiftly pulled my hand away, feeling a bit embarrassed. He glanced at my hand, which had been resting on his just a minute ago.