BRIDGING HEARTS

{22}

2 Weeks Later

Finals were coming up, and everyone was busy studying. The college had given study leaves so students had enough time to prepare, only needing to come in to submit certain assignments.

Jeia, as usual, locked herself in her room all day to study. She used to do the same thing when she lived in the PG, studying non-stop, ignoring her health, and ruining her sleep schedule to get in extra hours of revision.

On the other hand, Aarav was naturally a straight-A student. He didn't need to work as hard and still managed to top the class many times. He had a natural talent for academics, just like his older brother Vihaan, who always secured top ranks when he was in university.

When Aarav walked to the dinner table, he noticed the empty seat beside Grandma.

"Where's Jeia?" He enquired.

Grandma sighed, looking tired.

"She's locked herself in her room again to study," she said.

"Really? Again?" He said, frustrated. "That's the third time this week she's skipped dinner! I know finals are tough, but she can't keep skipping meals. It's not healthy."

"Don't worry," Grandma said, trying to reassure him. "I'll tell Shanta to take her dinner to her room.

A knock on the door broke Jeia's concentration, and she groaned as she went to answer it. Standing there was Shanta, the maid, with a tray of food in her hands.

"Jeia madam, Badi Ma'am ne aapke liye khaana bhejne ko kaha tha," Shanta said, her tone gentle.

("Jeia madam, Badi Ma'am asked to send food for you.")

"Thank you, Shanta Aunty. Give it to me; I'll eat it," Jeia replied, taking the tray from her hands.

She placed the tray on her bed and returned to her study table. "I'll finish these first, then peacefully eat my dinner," she murmured to herself, diving back into her books.

But the fatigue soon caught up with her. Before she knew it, she has dozed off right there at the table, exhaustion overcoming her.

After some time

It was quite late, and everyone had gone to their rooms to sleep. Vihaan was heading upstairs to his room when he noticed the light still on in Jeia's room. His curiosity piqued, and he found himself at her doorstep. The door was unlocked.

He hesitated, not wanting to intrude, but peeked inside and saw Jeia asleep, her head resting on her study table. His expression unwavering. Quietly, he opened the door wider and stepped inside. His eyes fell on the untouched food tray on the bed, and he realized she hadn't eaten.

Vihaan moved towards her desk, unable to help but gaze at her tired face. She looked exhausted and was shivering slightly. He glanced around and spotted a shawl on her bed. He picked it up and gently draped it over her, watching as she snuggled into its warmth unknowingly in her deep slumber.

Carefully, he removed her glasses and set them aside. He carefully tucked the loose strand of hair behind her ear, which had been blocking his view. He found himself staring at her closed eyes, He noticed the dark circles under her eyes, the result of her hard work and lack of sleep.

Realizing he had been standing there for too long, and knowing it was wrong to be in her room without permission, he quickly turned off the table lamp and, holding the food tray in his hand, quietly left, closing the door behind him.