Star-Crossed Yet Not Aligned

Sunny Skies and Sweet Surprises

Subh and Aditi's friendship had blossomed into something more, but neither of them dared to acknowledge it. They spent most of their days together, lounging in the canteen, studying in the library, or simply walking around campus.

Their classmates had started to notice the undeniable chemistry between them. "Are they a couple?" people would whisper.
  But Aditi and I just laughed it off, insisting we were just best friends.

I still remember the day Aditi gifted me those quirky T-shirts for my birthday.

"Happy birthday, Subh!" she said, her eyes sparkling.

I unwrapped the gift, and my face lit up. "You know me too well, Aditi! These are amazing!"

Aditi laughed. "I figured you needed some style upgrades."

We spent the rest of the day together, grabbing lunch and studying for our upcoming exams. It was moments like these that made me realize how much Aditi meant to me.

As we sat in the library, pouring over our notes, Aditi would occasionally glance at me, her expression soft. I'd catch her gaze and quickly look away, my heart skipping a beat.

"Hey, Subh?" Aditi asked one day, as we walked out of the library.

"Yeah?"

"Want to grab lunch together? I brought some homemade tiffins."

My stomach growled at the mention of food. Living in a PG, cooking was a struggle.

"You're a lifesaver, Aditi! What's on the menu today?"

"Bhindi, actually," she said with a chuckle. "I know you love it."

I grinned. "You're amazing. You hate Bhindi, but you still made it for me."

Aditi shrugged. "That's what friends are for."

But I knew it was more than that. It was the little gestures, the thoughtful acts that showed me she cared.

As we sat together in the Classroom, sharing stories and laughter, I couldn't help but feel grateful for Aditi's presence in my life. I cherished these moments, storing them away like precious memories.

As the days passed, our connection grew stronger. We'd find excuses to spend more time together, exploring the campus, attending events, or simply hanging out.

I realized I was falling deeply in love with Aditi, but I hesitated to confess my feelings.
What if she didn't feel the same?
What if our friendship changed forever?

Aditi, too, harbored secret feelings for me. She loved the way I smiled, the way my eyes crinkled at her. Even just a glance of her presence made me to lose control of myself, my heart always races with the quality of the person she was with me.

With Aditi's birthday approaching in August, I made a mental note to plan something special. I remembered the date easily, as it fell just a day before my niece's and father's birthdays.

I stared at Aditi, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she discussed her birthday plans.

"Subh, I want to celebrate big this year! Let's have a party, invite all our friends..."

I smiled, pretending to listen, but my mind wandered. I had other plans.

"Aditi, can I talk to you for a minute?" I asked, interrupting her.

"Of course, what's up?"

"Let's ditch the party plans, okay?"

Aditi's face fell, but I could see the curiosity in her eyes.

"Why?"

"I want to spend your birthday with just you. No noise, no distractions."

Aditi's expression softened. "What did you have in mind?"

I grinned mischievously. "Leave that to me."

August 8th arrived, and the sky was a deep grey. Rain clouds gathered, threatening to pour.

"Meet me at the college gate at 8 pm," I texted Aditi.

She arrived, looking stunning in a yellow raincoat.

"Where are we going?" she asked, her eyes shining.

"Nowhere," I said, offering my hand.

We walked into the rain-soaked night, the droplets creating a melody around us. Aditi's hand fits perfectly in mine.

Aao milo chale, aao milo chale
Milo ke yeh zamaana, ho chale
Aao milo chale, aao milo chale
the song started playing in my headphones as we kept walking

As we strolled, Aditi began to speak, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Subh, I've wanted to tell you something for a while... I think I'm falling for you. I want you to be my boyfriend."

My heart skipped a beat, but I didn't respond. I was lost in the music streaming through my earphones, oblivious to her confession.

Aditi's words hung in the air, unanswered.

We continued walking, hands entwined, the rain masking our silence.

The night air was electric, filled with unspoken emotions.

As we reached the riverbank, Aditi stopped, gazing up at me.

"Subh?"

I smiled, still unaware of her confession.

"Yeah?"

Aditi's eyes searched mine, hoping for a response.

But I remained clueless.

"Never mind," she whispered, smiling weakly.

We stood there, hands still clasped, the rain washing away the tension.

Little did I know, the night had only just begun.

To be continued...