𝕊𝕒𝕚𝕪𝕒𝕒𝕟

Chapter 13

Hello pretty people

I am back with the new chapter

It's been a month since I started college and two month and half since I came to Delhi. Everything is going smoothly, I think this is the blessing god has given me after a long time of struggle. In the last few weeks I have gotten close to Rohan and his friends except for Vikram, he is still hard to read and doesn't talk much.

Right now I am in my fashion journalism class waiting for the professor when Vikram comes and sits in his usual place. The thing I have noticed about him in the last one month is that he doesn't talk to anyone except for Vivaan, Rajveer and Rohan.

Before I can think more about it, the door swings open, and Professor Sharma walks in, carrying a stack of papers. She places them on her desk and looks at the class with a serious expression.

"Good morning, everyone," she begins. "Today, we're starting a very important project, one that will test your research skills, creativity, and teamwork." Her eyes scan the room, and I suddenly feel a wave of nervousness. "You'll be working in pairs to create a comprehensive multimedia project on a famous fashion designer. You will need to research their life, career, and influence on the fashion industry. Your project should include written profiles, interviews, and a short presentation or video."

I sit up straighter, suddenly excited. This sounds like the kind of project I would love. Fashion and writing? This was right up my alley.

Professor Sharma smiles slightly. "Now, the twist—you won't be choosing your partners. I've already made the pairs."

A murmur goes through the room as we all look around at who we might be paired with. My heart skips a beat, and I glance instinctively toward Vikram, who is staring out the window, completely disinterested.

Professor Sharma starts calling out names, pairing students at random. "Rishi and Shruti... Vivek and Meera... Tara and Vikram."

Wait—what?

I blink in surprise and look over at Vikram, who now has his gaze fixed on the professor, his expression unreadable. A wave of nervousness crashes over me. Of all the people I could have been paired with, it had to be him. The one who barely speaks, the one I can't figure out.

Professor Sharma continues, "You will have two weeks to complete this project. I expect you to meet outside of class, coordinate your research, and deliver a high-quality presentation. Choose a designer you both admire, and ensure you gather enough material to make your project stand out. The marks will be added in your internals so prepare accordingly."

My mind races. How am I going to work with Vikram? He's so closed off, so distant. But at the same time, I can't help but feel a spark of curiosity. Maybe this project will be my chance to understand him better, to break through that wall he has so carefully constructed.

The professor dismisses the class after giving a few more details about the assignment. Slowly, the room empties as everyone starts talking with their partners, planning their next steps. I pack up my things and glance over at Vikram. He hasn't moved from his seat.

I take a deep breath and walk over to him, my heart racing. "Looks like we're partners," I say, trying to sound casual.

Vikram finally looks up, his eyes meeting mine for a brief moment before he nods. "Yeah," he says simply, his tone flat.

I force a smile. "So... how do you want to do this? We should probably meet up sometime soon to start planning."

He hesitates for a moment before standing up. "I'm free tomorrow afternoon. We can meet at the library."