Heart's In Bloom

CHAPTER-2 Monday in the Canteen

Maya and Kiara sat at a table in the bustling canteen, their laughter mingling with the chatter around them. Anni approached with a slightly awkward smile.

"Hey, Maya," he began, scratching the back of his head. "My senior sent me to have coffee with you."

Maya raised an eyebrow, amused. "And if I'm not in the mood?"

Anni chuckled nervously. "Then their mood will be ruined."

Maya laugh."I don't drink coffee

Anni quickly said."Then tea it is. "

Maya couldn't help but smile.

Kiara, with a teasing glint in her eye, stood up. "I'll leave you two lovebirds to it," she said, walking over to another table where Mummy, Acid, and Sexa were already seated. They all watched Maya and Anni with knowing smiles.

"They look so cute together," Kiara whispered, grinning.

Mummy nodded. "Yeah, they're perfect for each other."

Suddenly, Raggie approached their table, his usual arrogant smirk plastered on his face. "Why are you sitting with these losers, Kiara? You should be with us."

Kiara’s eyes narrowed. "Losers? Tu jaise ghatiya logon ke saath baithne ka shauk nahi hai mujhe."

Raggie’s face turned red with anger. He reached out and grabbed Kiara's hand. Before Kiara could react, another hand clamped down on Raggie's wrist—Derek, cigarette in his mouth, eyes cold.

"Let go," Derek said, his voice dangerously low.

Raggie sneered. "Stay away, Derek."

Derek didn’t budge, his grip tightening. "Make me."

Raggie, realizing he was outmatched, released Kiara and stormed off, muttering under his breath. Derek sat down beside Kiara, who was staring at him in surprise.

Derek chuckled, exhaling smoke. "You alright?"

Kiara nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Thanks."

"Anytime," Derek replied with a smirk. He took a long drag from his cigarette, his eyes never leaving hers. "You shouldn't let jerks like him get to you."

Kiara shrugged, still a bit shaken. "I usually don't. He just caught me off guard."

"Next time, just call me," Derek said confidently. "I'll handle him."

Mummy, Acid, and Sexa, who had been watching the interaction, joined in the conversation. Mummy nudged Derek with a grin. "Looks like our hero here has a soft spot for Kiara."

Derek rolled his eyes but smirked. "Maybe I just don't like seeing bullies get their way."

Kiara laughed softly. "Well, thanks again, Derek. You were pretty intimidating back there."

Derek leaned back in his chair, a confident smile on his face. "That's the idea. Guys like Raggie only understand one language: fear."

They continued to talk and joke with the rest of the group, the tension melting away. As the evening drew to a close, they all headed back to their hostels, laughing and sharing stories.

Kiara and Derek lingered behind, walking side by side. Derek glanced at her, a playful glint in his eye. "So, do I get a thank-you chai for saving you today?"

Kiara chuckled. "Sure, why not? You did earn it."

"Good. I like my chai strong and sweet," Derek said, his tone teasing.

Kiara rolled her eyes, smiling. "Noted, Mr. Hero."

Suddenly, Kiara’s foot slipped on a wet patch of ground, and she started to fall. Derek's reflexes were quick; he caught her around the waist, pulling her close.

Their faces were inches apart, breaths mingling. For a moment, time seemed to stand still.

"Careful," Derek whispered, his voice soft but firm.

Kiara's heart raced. "Thanks... again."

Their friends, noticing the scene, started to tease them. "Oye, Derek, holding on a bit too tight, aren’t you?" Acid called out, grinning.

"Kiara, are you alright? Or just enjoying the view?" Mummy teased.

Both Kiara and Derek flushed, stepping apart awkwardly but sharing a shy smile.

As they continued walking, Derek glanced at Kiara. "You know, you should really watch your step. I might not always be around to catch you."

Kiara laughed. "I'll try to be more careful. But if I do fall, it's good to know you'll be there."

Derek's smile was genuine this time. "Always."

That night, as they lay in their respective beds, thoughts of each other filled their minds. Derek found himself thinking about Kiara's laugh and the way she looked at him. Kiara couldn’t stop replaying the moment Derek caught her, his strong arms around her waist.

And so, with a mix of confusion and excitement, they both drifted off to sleep, wondering what tomorrow might bring.

END OF THE CHAPTER