Closer Than Before

Chapter 2: Same Company?

Radhika's POV:

I sat there, leaning against the door, tears streaming down my face. The overwhelming rush of emotions brought back memories of the first time I met Samar.

---

It was the first day of college, and I was nervously navigating the crowded corridor, trying to find my classroom.

My arms were loaded with textbooks, and I was so focused on the room numbers that I didn't see the person coming toward me. We collided, and my books scattered everywhere.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed, flustered and embarrassed.

"It's okay," a friendly voice replied. I looked up to see a tall guy with a warm smile, bending down to help me gather my books.

"Thanks," I said, taking the books from him. "I'm Radhika."

"I'm Samar," he said, handing me the last of my books. "You're a first-year engineering student, right?"

I nodded. "Yeah, just trying to find my way around."

"Me too. What a coincidence!" he said, grinning. "What course are you in?"

"Computer Science Engineering. You?"

Samar's eyes lit up. "Same here! Looks like we're classmates. How about we find our classroom together?"

I smiled, feeling a wave of relief. "That sounds great. Thanks, Aarav."

As we walked together, he chatted easily, making me feel more at ease. "So, what made you choose engineering?" he asked.

"I've always loved solving problems and working with technology. It just felt like the right path," I replied.

"Same here. I've always been fascinated by how things work and wanted to create something impactful," Samar said enthusiastically.

We found our classroom and took seats next to each other. From that day on, we were inseparable.

---

A knock on the door jolted me back to the present. "Radhika?" Samar's voice was soft, filled with concern. "Can we talk?"

I wiped my tears, took a deep breath, and opened the door. "What is it, Samar?"

"I know this is a lot, but I just want to make sure you're okay. I never wanted to put you in this position," he said, his eyes searching mine.

"I'm fine," I lied, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I just need some time to process all of this."

"Take all the time you need," he said gently. "I'm here if you want to talk."

I nodded and closed the door again, leaning against it. I wasn't sure how to navigate this new reality, but one thing was clear-Samar still cared deeply, and that scared me more than anything.

I looked at my suitcase and decided to start arranging my clothes in the cupboard. When I opened it, I found his clothes already there, all messy.

Sighing, I moved to the living room and found him in the kitchen chopping vegetables.

I cleared my throat. "Samar, I need to keep my clothes, but your cupboard is messy."

He turned to look at me, surprised. "Sorry about that," he said, turning off the stove. "I'll clear it up."