My Ex - Crush

Episode 8

Arjun's POV:

“Dude, she got on the 8 o'clock bus from Thirumangalam. I saw her today,” one of the boys said.

“Are you sure?” another asked.

“Yeah. Let’s catch that bus tomorrow,” the third one suggested.

Their conversation was a typical example of how some college boys spend their time—chasing after girls rather than focusing on their studies. This particular group, known for their rowdiness, was the worst kind of distraction.

I shook my head, irritated by their behavior. I was on my way to college, and this gang was standing next to me, their conversation increasingly unsettling.

“But she makes such a scene. I’m sure she likes me deep down, even if she’s hesitant to show it,” one boy said.

“Persistence is key. Just keep following her. She can’t run away,” another replied with a laugh.

“All these engineering girls are like that. But I don’t get why you’re so into her,” the third boy chimed in, laughing along.

I sighed, feeling a mix of pity and frustration for the poor girl they were stalking. They clearly had nothing better to do.

When I reached the college bus stop, I headed straight to my department.

The classroom was nearly empty, with Deepika lying on her table, her threads model beside her.

I pulled up a stool and sat in front of her. Gently knocking on the table, I watched her startle awake.

“Oh my god, I thought it was someone else!” she said, laughing nervously.

“Why the long face?” I asked.

She pointed to the damaged model. “It got ruined on the bus today!”

I examined the model; despite the damage, it still looked impressive to me.

“You’re worried about this model? Meanwhile, I don’t even have anything to submit,” I said.

“Well, Kiran Sir would give you an extension,” she replied.

“He’d give you extra time if you asked, too,” I said.

She shook her head and looked back at her model. “Does it really look good?”

“Yes, it’s chaotic but fits well with modern art concepts. The colors complement each other nicely. Architecture isn’t just about the work—it’s also about the talk,” I said.

“Okay,” she said, nodding with a smile.

Her smile made my heart sink a bit. I cleared my throat to distract myself.

Footsteps approached, and I knew her friends were arriving. I waved to Deepika and quickly moved to my table at the back of the room.

Deepika animatedly discussed the ruined model with Meera and Lavanya, who were showing her their own models and seeking her advice.

Vinoth joined me, empty-handed. I had left my wooden frame for my model in the classroom.

The first class of the day was Srini Sir's subject. When he entered, the room fell silent.

“Everyone, please submit your brickwork drafting sheets,” he announced.

Students went up one by one to have their sheets reviewed. When it was my turn, Srini Sir glanced at my sheets and then back at me.

“Good,” he said in a neutral tone.

I took my sheets back and returned to my table, silently amazed. Had he actually complimented me? It must have been because of Deepika’s sheets; I had just mimicked what she did.