My Ex - Crush

Episode 11

Deepika's POV:

I will grow old alone?

Haahaa.

Because I haven't had a crush on anyone yet?

I am just 17!

I still have so many years left to live, don't I?

As I reached the bus stop, I looked around to check if Arjun was there. But, as usual, he didn’t show up. I shouldn’t have been hoping that he would come with me. Why did I even bother?

A crowded bus pulled up, and I got in. The entire time, until the bus started moving, I was busy looking outside, hoping for some sign of him, but he didn’t come.

I huffed out loud. It was so silly of me to expect him, but I couldn’t help it.

The entire bus ride felt lonely without him. I stared out of the window, watching the familiar streets pass by, but none of it seemed to interest me. My mind was elsewhere.

When I reached home, I went straight to the bathroom, took a long bath, and then settled in for some much-needed distraction—binge-watching K-dramas. I tried to lose myself in the plot, but my thoughts kept wandering. Should I text him? Or maybe not? It’s not like I’m desperate, but... I really want to talk to Arjun.

I got scolded by Appa for being glued to my phone, but I didn’t mind. I just couldn’t stop thinking about him.

By around 10 p.m., just when I was giving up on the idea of hearing from him, my phone buzzed. A message notification.

It was from Arjun.

My heart skipped a beat. I instantly sat up in bed, rubbing my eyes in disbelief. My room was dark, and for a second, I thought I might be imagining things. I checked again—and no, it was real. *He* had actually texted me!

"Arjun:Hi!"

Should I open it right away? Or should I make him wait? My fingers itched to reply, but before I could, another message popped up.

"Arjun: When do you usually get in your second bus in the morning?"

Wait, why is he asking that? Does that mean… he’s planning to come with me? My heart leapt at the possibility.

"Deepika: Hi! I change to the second bus by around 8 a.m. Why do you ask?"

I tried to sound casual, but inside, I was screaming with excitement.

"Arjun: Nothing, just wanted to know. Because you always come early to class."

Ohhh, is that it?

My heart sank a little. Still, there was a chance he might join me in the bus.

"Deepika:When do you get in the bus at your stop?"

"Arjun:Around 8:10 maybe, or 8:30. I don’t come as early as you."

Okay, so he might not come as early, but there’s still a chance, right?

"Arjun: So yeah, will see you tomorrow in class. Have some work to do. See you."

What?

That’s it? That’s all he has to say?

I sighed loudly. How could he be so clueless? Doesn’t he have any idea about how I feel? He’s completely blind.

"Deepika: Yeah, bye!"

I closed WhatsApp and went back to my series, though I couldn’t concentrate anymore. Arjun just didn’t get it. It was frustrating. I liked him so much, but to him, I was probably just another classmate. Nothing more.