Love In Silence

13.

Niti turned, shocked by the sudden familiar appearance. Her eyes widened, and her body stiffened momentarily before she regained control.

"Hey, beautiful," the unknown guy said, his voice dripping with familiarity.

Niti's expression turned to zero. "Oh, you."

The guy chuckled. "At least pretend to be happy to see me."

Niti's voice was firm. "No need for pretenses. What do you want?"

The mysterious guy's grin faltered. "Fine. Be that way."

He crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing. "I only need a minute."

Niti glanced at her watch. "Make it quick. I have class in 15 minutes."

The unknown guy's smile returned. "I'll be fast."

He grasped Niti's hand, pulling her outside without asking.

Neel watched, his brow furrowed in concern. Who was this guy? As the guy dragged Niti away, Neel hesitated, sensing Niti's unease. But her familiarity with him stayed his intervention.

After barely four or five minutes, they returned. Niti was back to her usual self, while the unknown guy smiled more broadly than before.

Niti returned to her seat, and the guy went his own way.

"Did you guys talk in light speed?" Neel asked, concern etched on his face.

Niti started eating again. "I wanted to get rid of him as soon as possible."

Neel nodded. "That's understandable."

"Btw, who's this loud guy? I've never known you to have that kind of friend," Neel asked, feigning nonchalance.

Niti replied simply, "But you both have the same personality."

They deposited their trays in the dustbin and headed to class.

"I'm not that loud like him," Neel protested, sulking.

"Yeah! You can tell yourself that," Niti said calmly.

"Fine! I'm loud, but I'm not like him. I'm a different kind of loud person," Neel clarified.

A pause followed before Niti spoke.

"That's Rohan, my ex from high school."

Neel knew little about her past relationships.

"I see," he said.

Niti continued, "We didn't end on good terms, but somehow he stayed in touch. He claimed to have realized his mistakes and wanted to be friends."

She appeared calm.

"At first, I didn't like the idea, nor did I like him anymore. But since we were once good friends, I gave our friendship a chance. It's not like before, but it's healthy for now."

As they reached their class and sat, Neel asked, "So, what does he want now?"

His curiosity and concern were palpable.

Back in Outside of the cafeteria,

Rohan and Niti stood facing each other in the corner of the gallery.

"How have you been, Niti?" Rohan asked, his expression sincere.

In high school, Rohan and Niti were close friends. He was an average guy with a tall height and handsome face. Niti often helped him with his studies, and as they spent more time together, their bond grew stronger. Rohan assumed Niti's reserved nature was due to their friendship, thinking she would open up more if they were in a romantic relationship.

However, when they became a couple, Rohan's expectations weren't met. He grew angry and hurt Niti with his words, leading to their breakup. Later, he realized his mistakes and sought to maintain a connection with her, ensuring he never hurt her again. They became friends again, though not as close as before.

"I'm good, as always," Niti replied simply, unwilling to prolong the conversation.

Rohan hesitated before speaking. "Okay, fine. I need a favor. Can you tutor me for a month?" He looked down, his eyes pleading.

Niti crossed her arms, her question valid. "And why would I?"

Rohan grasped her hands, his tone desperate. "Please, Niti, if I fail or get low grades, my father will make me quit volleyball. My family knows how brilliant you are in studies, so they told me to ask you. He's even willing to pay for tutoring."

Niti considered his request briefly before responding. "Okay, fine. One month, that's all."

Rohan's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Niti! Thank you so much. Shall we meet at my room after college?"

"I'll let you know," Niti said.

At Present

In class, Niti shared the encounter with Neel.

Neel listened attentively, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he spoke. "Can I come with you?" He glanced down at his notebook, avoiding eye contact.

Niti didn't show surprise, but her mind raced. "Why?" She looked at the teacher's presentation.

Neel paused, choosing his words carefully. "I don't like him. You know him better, but as a guy, I just don't." His tone conveyed determination.

Niti appreciated Neel's directness, a quality she admired. Despite his chaotic and loud nature, he always spoke his mind.

"Okay," Niti agreed simply, hiding her happiness.

Inside, she felt elated. She couldn't decline Neel's offer, even though she knew it was selfish. For Niti, Neel's presence brought comfort.

She reflected on why she enjoyed Neel's company.

One word surfaced: comfort.

With Neel, conversation flowed effortlessly. He never pressured her and always listened attentively.

And that's what Niti's comfort.

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