Unexpected Encounters

From Campus to Forever ~ 3

*6 Years ago, 1st Year in college*

"Nandu hurry up di, we have to head to the admissions office.", Mahi calls out to her friend, who was walking especially slowly, looking around their new college campus in awe.

"Mahi calm down di. We have time.", Nandini rolls her eyes, gesturing to the other students who were also curiously looking around their campus.

Mahi huffs before slowing her pace and walking beside her friend. Nandini was grateful that despite everything, her friend had joined the same college as her.

"Honestly, till now, I have not spotted one good looking guy on this campus. Cha, waste.", Mahi exclaimed, sighing dramatically.

"We came here to study, okay? Remember that.", Nandini reminds her friend, making Mahi snort in amusement.

"Wait for it Nandu ma. Now you're like this, but who knows. You might just find a guy for you here.", Mahi taunts Nandini, receiving a slap on the arm in response.

"Po di", Nandini chides her, just as they reach the admission block.

Nandini sighed as she spotted a queue forming in front of the admissions block.

"This is why I told you to hurry!", Mahi groans in annoyance as both of them join the quickly increasing line.

Nandini turns slightly to notice a huge group of students walking towards them. From the way they conversed with each other and the natural and comfortable manner they walked they seemed to be seniors.

Mahi's eyes widened as she notices an especially handsome senior who was part of the group. While he didn't talk too much, it was clear he was a part of their friend gang from how he walked relaxedly.

The group of seniors reach the queue and strike conversation with their juniors after introducing themselves. Nandini's eyes follow a girl senior as she confidently walked up to a junior. She smiled as she conversed with him naturally, her hand moving in tandem with what she was saying. She stood tall and poised and yet it seemed natural. Nandini immediately wanted to be like her, authentic and self-assured.

Nandini's eyes moved to the guy who was having a conversation with the senior. Her breath hitched in surprise, as her heart skipped a beat. Her eyes widened in shock at her reaction to him. She observed his face, his posture confident yet relaxed and approachable. She observed the way his hair fell over his forehead, his warm and genuine smile that lit up his face to his eyes that spark with intelligence and a bit of mischief. He was the definition of instantly likable and Nandini couldn't help but part her lips in wonder.

They seem perfect for each other she thought a moment later as she witnesses their easy going and smooth flow of conversation. From the way he smiled at the girl opposite him, no wonder he was just as impressed with the girl as Nandini was.

Nandini turns away from only to notice Mahi ogling at the senior.

"Go talk to him", Nandini urges her friend pointing to the guy who was standing a little far from the group and scrolling through his phone.

"N-no way", Mahi shakes her head vehemently before looking straight.

"Oh wow", Mahi stutters and Nandini immediately understands who it was directed at. The guy she had just checked out minutes ago.

"Yeah, I know.", Nandini agrees, silently.

Mahi's eyes widen as she snaps her head to look at her friend, "He's good no? Maybe you can try talking to him."

"N-no", Nandini states and it was her turn to stutter.

"Hmm? You seem like you like him though?" Mahi teases, poking her friend in the ribs.

"Shut up. Moreover, do you see them? They look great together.", Nandini gestures in their general direction.

The queue moves front making both of them walk to catch up.

"So what di? I bet you'll look great together too.", Mahi replies, glaring at her friend in annoyance.

Nandini smiles slightly befor squeezing her friend's hand, "Awww. But no. I want to enjoy my first year here and take it slow. So, no rash decisions."

"You're no fun!", Mahi grumbles making Nandini laugh out loud and shove her saying, "Po di loosu."

Nandini stops laughing and shuts her mouth immediately when she notices him looking over at her.

"Was I too loud?", Nandini asks, flushing in embarrassment.

"Yes", Mahi grins, making Nandini groan before looking back at him only to find him glancing at her again.

Nandini looked away, her embarrassment making it impossible to meet his eyes.

Mahi furrows her eyebrows before asking, "He looked at you twice didn't he?"

"Huh?", Nandini asks confused.

"He definitely looked at you twice.", Mahi grins now, making her friend snort.

"Yeah, because I laughed too loud. Does my laugh sound weird?", Nandini asks worried.

"No, you idiot! Haven't I always told you that you have a beautiful laugh? It's because you have a great voice.", Mahi says, exasperated.

"Thanks, but-", Nandini questions in doubt only to stop at her friend's glare.

"Fine, I'll shut my mouth. You go back to checking out your senior.", Nandini sighs.

Before Mahi could open her mouth to protest, Nandini beats her to it, "And do not deny it. I saw you peeking at him."

Mahi groans in annoyance, elbowing a snickering Nandini.

***

Sorry for the late update!