CHAAHAT: Ek Ehsaas Dosti Se Badhkar

Chapter-12

Author's POV-

The doorbell rang, breaking the silence that had fallen between Ankur and Aashna. Ankur's heart skipped a beat as he jumped up from the couch. "I'll get it!" he exclaimed.

Aashna smiled knowingly, shaking her head in amusement. "Take your time, Ankur," she teased.

Ankur ignored her, hurrying to the door. He flung it open, revealing Suhana standing on the porch, wearing a comfortable pair of distressed denim jeans and a bright yellow tank top.

Her hair was tied up in a ponytail, and she had a few loose strands framing her face. She looked relaxed and ready to dive into studying.

"Hey, sorry I'm late!" Suhana said, holding up her backpack. "Traffic was a nightmare!"

Ankur's face broke into a wide grin. "You're here now," he said, relief washing over him. "That's all that matters."

Suhana chuckled, brushing past him into the house. "Thanks for understanding, Ankur. Hey, Aashna!"

As Suhana entered, Aashna felt a pang in her chest. Why did she feel like she was losing Ankur's attention?

She pushed the thought aside, standing up to greet Suhana with a warm smile. "Hey, girl! We were starting to think you'd stood us up!"

Suhana laughed and rolled her eyes, dropping her backpack on the floor. "Sorry, guys! The road was super congested and it took me ages to get here. But I'm here now, and I'm ready to explore the global economics."

Aashna smiled, and the three of them made their way to Aashna's room, chatting and joking as they went. But just as they were about to enter, Ankur suddenly stopped and turned towards Suhana.

Aashna and Suhana exchanged confused glances, and Suhana raised an eyebrow, looking at Ankur quizzically. "What's up, Ankur?" she asked.

But before she could say anything else, Ankur had already taken the backpack from Suhana's hands, slinging it over his shoulder with a gallant smile.

"I've got this," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You can't study if you're weighed down by your bag!"

Suhana's eyes widened in surprise, but then she laughed, looking at Aashna, who was trying to hide a smile. "Thanks, Ankur! You're a lifesaver!"

As they entered Aashna's room, Aashna couldn't help but notice the way Ankur's gesture had made Suhana's face light up.

She felt that pang in her chest again, but pushed it aside, telling herself she was being silly. After all, Ankur was just being his usual chivalrous self... wasn't he?

Aashna gestured for Suhana to take a seat on the cozy couch, plumping up the cushions behind her. "Get comfortable, Su! I'll be right back with some tea and snacks."

Suhana sank into the couch, looking around the room with interest. "Thanks, Aashna. Your room is really nice."

Aashna smiled, fluffing up a few pillows. "Make yourself at home, guys. I'll be back in a minute."

She turned to Ankur, who was leaning against the desk, scrolling through his phone. "You two get to know each other better. I'll bring in the goodies."

Ankur nodded, pocketing his phone as Aashna bustled out of the room. He turned to Suhana, who was gazing around the room, taking in the familiar surroundings.

"So, Su, how's college life treating you so far?" Ankur asked, settling into the armchair across from Suhana.

Suhana shrugged, looking a bit overwhelmed. "It's been a lot to take in. New classes, new people... I'm still trying to find my footing."