Not Yet

2Frigid Frontiers: Rudra's Pursuit

In the bustling hallway, where students hurried from one class to another, Saranyu moved through the chaos like a ghost, her presence unnoticed by most as she fixed her gaze ahead. Her steps were purposeful, her face expressionless, as though she were navigating not just the halls but the unspoken burdens she carried inside. It was a finely crafted mask, one that no one had dared to penetrate—until Rudra.

Rudra had arrived at the school not long ago, bringing with him an energy that contrasted sharply with the tension Saranyu carried. His easy smile and warm eyes stood out in the dimly lit hallway. Noticing Saranyu, he stepped forward, his voice gentle, "Hey there, I don't think we've met yet. I'm Rudra."

Saranyu didn't even glance at him. She brushed past him as though he wasn't there, her face hard, her body language unwelcoming. The brief encounter left Rudra standing still, watching her retreat with a mixture of confusion and intrigue. He wasn't the type to give up easily, though. Something about Saranyu's distant demeanor hinted at a deeper struggle—one that Rudra, with his natural empathy, couldn't help but want to understand.

The next day, Saranyu found herself once again navigating the crowded corridors, her books held tightly to her chest as if they were a shield. She moved with precision, her steps deliberate. But her quiet solitude was interrupted once more.

"Hey, Saranyu, wait up!" Rudra's voice cut through the noise, startling her. She felt a flicker of frustration as she turned to see him jogging to catch up with her, his face lit with that same easy smile. He fell into step beside her, undeterred by the cold wall she had erected between herself and the world.

"How's your day going?" he asked with casual cheer, trying to break through her silence.

"Fine," Saranyu replied curtly, her voice a flat, emotionless barrier. She didn't want to engage, didn't want to let him in. Yet something about his persistence made her fingers tighten their grip on her books.

Rudra, sensing her reluctance but refusing to back off, offered another smile. "I was thinking, maybe we could grab lunch sometime? Get to know each other a little better?"

Saranyu's mask nearly slipped as she hesitated, uncertainty flashing in her eyes. She quickly recovered, her tone turning icy. "I'm busy."

Rudra's smile faltered, only for a second, but he didn't give up. "Maybe another time, then." He gave her a casual shrug, flashing one last warm smile before heading down a different hallway.

As Rudra disappeared into the crowd, Saranyu felt a tumult of emotions stirring inside her. Annoyance, yes—but there was also something more. His kindness had reached her, if only for a brief moment, leaving her unsettled. She had spent so long perfecting her isolation, and now, with one brief interaction, she felt cracks forming.

Days passed, and Rudra continued to be a vibrant presence at school. His infectious laughter filled the corridors, and his warm nature drew people in wherever he went. He offered help without hesitation, whether it was guiding a new student or helping someone struggling with their locker. Teachers took notice too, charmed by his willingness to engage with classmates and his optimism that seemed to lift the whole school's atmosphere.

Saranyu, despite herself, observed him from a distance. She couldn't help but watch how people gravitated toward him, how his warmth seemed to ease tensions and brighten even the dullest days. A part of her—one she had buried deep—wondered what it would be like to let someone like Rudra into her carefully guarded world. But fear held her back. She couldn't afford to be vulnerable.

Meanwhile, Aksha, who had been Saranyu's classmate for years, was growing restless. He had tried and failed to reach her before, but now there was Rudra. At first, Aksha had welcomed Rudra's presence, seeing him as just another friendly face. But as he watched Rudra's easy charm seem to win over everyone—including, he feared, Saranyu—jealousy gnawed at him. His good intentions toward Saranyu became muddled with resentment as he noticed Rudra's attempts to connect with her.