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Chapter 14

"You don't have to make dinner every day. We can order." Professor Ghogare insisted Tanvi.

"Um... better option is you can also help to make dinner." Tanvi said while chuckling.

"I don't know how the hell you live after eating a bowl of rice and vegetables." Tanvi wondered because she got to know about the Professor's daily diet.

"It's not like that. I do eat full meals from near mess, but they have some family issues, so no mess for a month." Professor Ghogare admitted while removing her coat because she had just arrived from college.

"I don't know about it, but have a full dinner. It doesn't take a whole day to prepare it." Tanvi said with worry for her best friend in her voice.

"Okay, Granma...." Professor Ghogare said in a teasing voice and lay down on the couch. She closed her eyes for some minutes because she was more tired these days, but she remembered something she wanted to ask Tanvi.

"Did you at least contact your brother?"

"No... but I will." Tanvi said confidently and then sat beside her.

"Go and get fresh, eat dinner, and then rest...you need it." Tanvi shared her concern.

"I don't and besides, I need to do some work ..."

Professor said and grabbed her coat. She can feel that the task felt hard. She stood and tried to walk, but collapsed. Her sweaty hands were shaking, and her vision got blurry.

____

Midst of everything Nisha was starting at that message. She didn't believe that today, Nil himself would message her for the same thing. It was surely a great start for Nisha, but before that, she wanted to be sure of his intention. Because he was the same boy who made her believe that he would never participate in the competition.

She messages him, which says:

Nisha: Why? How did you suddenly change your mind?

The message was seen, and he was typing something.

Nil: I realized that you were right. Other activities shape us.

Nisha: Hmm.... but why don't you figure it out by yourself?

Nil: Time issues and besides all, I liked your idea and maybe I will invest my creativity in it as well.

Nil: What is your decision? Did you share your idea with your team?

Nisha: No, I didn't share it, but I need time to think.

Nisha was eager to say 'yes' to him, but she controlled herself. Meanwhile, Aarush sent the draft of their idea. She read that whole draft and then after 1 hour, she sent the entire draft of her idea to Nil. It seemed like he was awaiting it so desperately because he read the message within some seconds.

Nil: So much thank you, Nishu🥺

Nil: Sorry typing mistake.... Nisha*😅

Nisha: I got that😅. But read the rules and regulations for competition...and you will need your team as well.

Nil: Yup, I will look into it...thank you😊.

"Now I can work for my team without any guilt" Nisha smiled and looked at the door as she heard noises from downstairs because Nitu Aunty was watching a TV serial.

"I mean how she still forgives her daughter after getting insulted. And his 2nd wife has no right to talk here." Nitu Aunty claimed as she watched the serial.

________

The next day, around 7:30 in the morning, Nil came to college and waited outside the library to be opened. A lot of things were running through his head. It was even hard for him to breathe with that mask on. He looked around for confirmation so he could remove the mask. But his eyes landed on a car. A company car. Nil never saw that car near campus, so he observed casually for a while and saw Tanvi opening the door of the driving seat. He glanced off the opposite side to avoid any eye contact. His heartbeat skipped because it's been a long time since he saw her last time.