Heart of Two Brothers

chapter 06 : Between Chords and Glances

Image above doesn't belong to me❗

The class eventually ended, and as everyone began gathering their belongings, I glanced over at Ishaan-the guy who had come in late. He seemed much more carefree than his twin, Akshat. Yes, now I know his name.

Akshat was already out of the classroom, walking quickly with his bag slung over his shoulder, his posture calm and composed. I hesitated for a moment but decided to follow him. Something about him intrigued me-maybe it was the contrast between him and his twin, or maybe it was just that we hadn't really spoken properly yet.

I caught up to him just as he was walking past the garden. He didn't notice me at first, his focus on the path ahead.

"Hey, Akshat," I called out, my voice a little unsure.

He turned around, surprised to hear his name. His expression softened when he saw me, though his usual calm demeanor remained intact.

"Hey... Priti, right?" he replied, his tone polite but distant.

I nodded, matching his pace as we started walking side by side. "Yeah. I just thought I'd say hi properly, since we didn't really get to talk earlier."

He glanced over at me, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "It's fine. First days can be... overwhelming."

I smiled back. "Yeah, they are. But I'm starting to get the hang of it."

Akshat didn't say anything for a moment, his gaze shifting forward again. He seemed like the kind of person who didn't waste words, someone who spoke only when necessary. It made the silence between us feel heavier than usual, like there was something more beneath it.

Remembering how I'd mistaken Ishaan for him earlier. "I actually saw someone playing earlier-I thought it was you. But then I realized it was your brother."

Akshat's expression didn't change much, but I noticed a slight flicker in his eyes. "Yeah, that happens a lot. People get us confused."

I didn't push further. There was something about the way he said it, like he wasn't fond of the constant comparison.

"Well, I'm glad I figured it out eventually," I said, smiling softly, trying to lighten the mood.

Akshat gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, his face unreadable. "Yeah, we're different in more ways than people think."

Akshat, who had been quiet for a moment, seemed to notice too. He glanced at his watch and then back at me. "I should get going. Got some stuff to do before the next class."

I nodded, slightly disappointed that our conversation was ending, but understanding. "Sure. I'll see you around."

"Yeah, see you," he said, giving me a small nod before turning and walking away, his pace steady and purposeful.

As I watched him leave, i heard a voice behind me.

"You always wander around aimlessly, or just lost on your first day?"

I turned around, startled, and there stood Ishaan, leaning against the wall with a half-smirk.

"Oh, I'm not lost," I responded, my voice slightly defensive. "Just... exploring."

"Exploring, huh?" Ishaan gave me a look that suggested he wasn't buying it. "You seem like the type who gets lost but pretends to have it all figured out."

I shook my head, trying not to smile too much. "I think I'm doing fine."He walked beside me, his energy infectious.

"Well, if you ever do get lost, you know who to call."