Beyond the Beats

Chapter 64. Not fair

Where is he? Where? I can't afford to cross paths with him today.

All thanks to my stupid mind, I was not able to sleep at all. Mom's words about my celebrity crush and falling in love without knowing kept swirling in my ears like tornadoes. My heart took full advantage of the situation and reminded me of all the stupid scenarios I had built earlier. In all of the thoughts, Tejas was constant.

Please, Ganapati Bappa, save me. I don't want to embarrass myself. What if I end up blurting out something stupid in front of Tejas? He likes using complicated words and the real meaning behind what he says or does is hard for me to understand. Moreover, I can't get his sulky face out of my mind. This can't do. I have to avoid him today on all costs.

"Boomer!"

Mahreen crushed me in her arms. I was happy to see her after a long time, but I scanned the area behind her anxiously. I always saw Hriaan with her, but he was missing this time. Actually, ever since I arrived at college, I hadn't noticed Hriaan at all.

"You are alone?" I asked Mahreen.

She stuffed a macaroon in my mouth. "I am an independent woman, Boomer. It is the guys who keep bugging me."

"That's not what I meant," I said. "I am talking about Hriaan. I haven't seen him yet."

Mahreen smiled widely. "Doesn't the weather feel nice without him? He and TJ have gone outstation for some crew related work. Why are you asking? You need Hriaan for something? Boomer, I am here for you, no? Why are you talking about that idiot Hriaan?"

I shook my head. Mahreen told me that Tejas and Hriaan had a lot of work and would only return after two weeks.

I was worrying over nothing. The guy I was hiding from is not even in this city. I should be happy.

"What happened?" Mahreen asked. "What's with the sad face? You didn't like the macaroons? Wanna try some Swiss rolls?"

Sad? Who? Me? I don't care where Tejas is. As long as I don't have to come face to face with him, I am all good.

And what will happen if you meet him, Bhoomi? Will you die?

I shushed my traitorous inner voice and enjoyed the sweet treats Mahreen had brought. After attending two of my lectures and catching up with Jiya and Arushi, I went to Sarthak's studio.

At the studio, KD pulled me to sit with him and gave me his iPad. He told me to check out all the designs he had made and pick out the best one.

I was amazed at all the beautiful illustrations and typography. I picked out a few that I loved the most and showed them to KD. He instantly put all of those designs on some photos of blank t-shirts and showed me the mock-up models.

"This one is the best!" I pointed at one of the designs.

"I also like this one. It looks good on both white and black t-shirts," KD agreed.

We high-fived each other, and he told me that he was planning on wearing these self-designed t-shirts in coordination with Arushi. He was going to gift her one and suprise her in college.

"What are you guys so excited about?" Suhana asked as she joined us.

Behind her, Akshay glanced at KD and me and twisted his face.

"Why are you disturbing them, Suhana?" Akshay asked her. "Can't you see both are busy acting as if they are the only people who have friends? These days, best friends are changed like clothes. One day, it is someone, and then next day, it is someone else."

Suhana sighed, and I rolled my eyes at what Akki had said. Meanwhile, KD was busy dissecting what Akshay meant.

"Bro, what do you think about these?" KD showed Akshay the designs on his iPad. "I won't be taking Suhana's suggestions because I don't like her fashion sense at all. Don't mind, okay?"