ꜱᴇᴄʀᴇᴛ ᴍᴀʀʀɪᴀɢᴇ [ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴇᴛᴇᴅ]

distance

Nikita POV:

I avoided him the entire day today. I woke up earlier and went to the University library to study. The library is so huge he can't find me here. I attended my lecture in the second group. Due to the high level of students, the class was split in two batches, my batch's class was 10-1 and the second batch was 2-5. I managed to attend the second batch and was studying in the library before that. I had mentioned to Esha that I'm studying and I met her later on, so she doesn't get suspicious. I got home by 5:15 and was relieved to know he's not there. Sid and I had dinner together and then I went into my room when I saw Mayukh's friends park underneath.
This is how it needs to be now. He doesn't like me. He doesn't want me around and I don't want to be a burden on him.

He had messaged me. I never thought he'd message me. I didn't know how to reply to him, the more we stay away the better it is for me - because I don't want to be catching feelings.

The next day was the same. I woke up early, showered and got ready and left for university. I grabbed breakfast on the way and then headed to university.

My cousin sister Nisha is coming to Dubai today. She has a tour meeting here and is staying at a hotel here. I decided to stay with her for today because I need to spend time with her to figure out my future steps and I need a break. I informed Esha that I'd be staying at a friend's place today and that I'll be back soon.

I attended the second class and was making my way to the University exit when I saw Mayukh from a distance. He was with his school friends and was talking to a girl. He was smiling and was looking so comfortable with that girl. She kept coming closer to him and had his arm around him. I couldn't see his face but his arm went around her waist. Something in my heart broke then.

I knew he wasn't going to accept me as anything. I would never be the kind of girl that he'd want. I could feel some tears falling from my eyes so before they did, I quickly wiped them and fixed my face and made my way to the exit where my sister was waiting. In the process, Armaan had caught my eye and I panicked. I didn't want to go in front of him. I pretended to not hear him and acted like I was on a call since I had my phone out anyway and quickly ran towards the exit.

"Hey Babe! How are you?" Nisha said as she opened the door for me.
"Let's go Didi, hurry up." I said and told the driver to drive.
"What happened to you?" She asked, when the car was out of sight.
"Nothing, I didn't want to talk to anyone."

We reached the hotel and I washed my face and changed. So did she. Then we ordered some food and sat down and started talking.

"Show me your burn mark now." She said and I lifted my t shirt to show the mark which had gone now.
"Wow, nothing at all. That medicine worked."
"Yeah..." I was confused, "How did he get to know about that burn?"
"I don't know." I felt that Nisha was lying but at the same time I know she wouldn't hide anything wrong from me.
"I was going to show him, but I thought he doesn't care and like, I've bothered him enough. He doesn't need to know more."
"What if he wants to be bothered by it?" She asked.
I shook my head, "No, he just sees me as a burden. He's told me to my face that he just did what he did to save my life; he doesn't consider me his-" I didn't want to say it.
"Why are you avoiding him? It's pretty obvious the way you were running."
"He doesn't even care didi, I saw him today, he was literally wrapping his arms around a girl. He wouldn't care at all."
"If that's the case then you should move on too. You are falling, aren't you?" 
"I don't know. I think I... I just overstep my boundaries thinking that we can be something more but.... he doesn't want it. I'm going to forget about him. I ruined his life by meeting him that day anyway."
"Relax, It'll be fine."
"Can I... can I stay with you for 2/3 days?"
"Of course you can, but your classes?"
"I'm done for the week."
"Okay then, let's sleep now, we'll go out tomorrow."

I went to my side of the bed and tried to sleep. He'd be happy that I'm not around. Just when I tried digesting those thoughts, I get a message:

Can you please just let me know if you're safe?

Mayukh POV:

It's been 2 days. Two days since I last saw her and I have no idea where she is. I asked Esha and she said that Nikita went with her friend and is gonna stay with her for the weekend. I've messaged her so many times and haven't had one reply. Why was she avoiding me? Did I overstep my boundaries with her? Should I have not like.... Ughhhhh!!!

I thought of seeing her in the morning but I don't know how my eyes just couldn't wake up. I slept late and couldn't wake up early. I reached university and she wasn't there. I was in her thoughts when Armaan and everyone came up to me and distracted me by making me meet his other friends. I did like meeting new people but amongst those was some girl who was literally undressing me with her eyes. It was so awkward and uncomfortable because she's not even close to my type.
Who even is my type?
You know who, my inner voice yelled.
Shut up.

This girl, Riya, was coming closer and closer and at one point was literally having her arms around me and almost fell on me, to which I had to grab her waist and I instantly pushed her away.

I was about to walk away when I heard Armaan say Nikita's name. I instantly turned around and saw her back. I could recognise that hair anywhere. I excused myself and tried to run t her but was stopped by Riya.
Bloody Pain!
By the time she let me go it was too late. Why is she avoiding me?

I got back to my room dejected. Esha and Sid had already slept off since they were busy all day tomorrow. I walked into her room. It smelled just like her. Walking inside, I saw her God idol's diya not lit up. She always lights it. I sat down and lit it myself. I'm not usually one to pray, but I thought of doing it today, I don't know how.

I got my phone out and texted her:
Can you please just let me know if you're safe?

I waited for a reply, I don't think it'll come, but I waited. Surprisingly, after 2 mins, my phone buzzed:
Yes. I'm fine. Don't worry about me.

Nikita! I instantly took my phone: Nikita, where are you? What is this?

But I got no reply.

I didn't know what to think so I called Mom. I told her about my day, my studies and we spoke regarding Ruyash bhai's wedding. The plans had changed from Kolkata to Dubai, because we wanted to limit the number of guests. After what happened with Nikita's aunt, I wasn't fond of going to Kolkata instantly either. Ruyash Bhai also wanted a wedding here, with a grand reception in Kolkata.

"Beta, I wanted to ask you something." Mom said through the screen.
"Yes tell."
"Are you fine?"
"Me? Yes."
"You're been off since yesterday, is something or someone bothering you?"
Yes Mom, your daughter-in-law.
"Umm no. Just work stress."
"Well don't worry. I have some good news for you! We're coming to Dubai!"
"Oh wait! What!!!" I got excited, "When? Where? I'll pick you up."
"Relax baba, we're coming in two days and we're going to book a hotel."
"What? Mom no, stay with me."
"Beta you live with 3 other people, they won't be comfortable."
"I'll talk to them and tell you in the morning. Please don't book before I call you."
"Okay fine."
"Can't wait to see you Mom. I love you."
"I love you too son, I'll sleep now."

I cut the call and smiled to myself. Mom Dad coming here and Ruyash Bhai's wedding is exactly what I needed to keep my mind away from Nikita.

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