ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏʟʟᴇɢᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ [ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴇᴛᴇᴅ]

• Part 52 •

Mayukh POV:

I. Am. Losing. It.
Ever since I've kissed her, I can't think of doing anything else. Ever since I dropped her back home, I can't think of anything else but just grabbing her waist and kissing her again. Ugh!

I got dressed the next day into a simple black sweatshirt and blue jeans and made my way down after taking a warm shower. I got my car, picked Ved up and then drove to university. I entered the class and saw her sitting with Aisha, yapping like there's no other person there.

"Good Morning Ladies, can we join you?" I said, as I stood behind them with Ved.
"Hey! Of course you can." Aisha said.
We sat down next to them. Aisha noticed and quickly moved next to Ved and I sat next to Nikita, looking at Aisha, who winked at me. I smiled and mouthed a 'Thank you'. We got into a conversation and I saw Nikita sitting and talking normally. I felt happy that she's finally opening up.
"Guys, is there a plan for next weekend? Are you doing something?" Ved asked.
"Nope, do you guys want to do something?"
I looked at Nikita and then spoke, "Guys, I'll be busy next weekend."
She looked at me and her face relaxed. I knew she needed some confidence, so I looked at her and gave her a small smile.
"Me... me too." She said.
Aisha and Ved looked at us, "Ohhooo!"
"Guys! Chup!" I said and they stopped.

The class started and we started listening. I saw Nikita focused on the lecture and it made me smile. I like women who are focused, unlike my ex. She wouldn't even bother knowing that she's with me or that I'd do her work for her.
Why did I do it for her?
I don't know.
"What happened?" She whispered, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"Nothing... it's fine." I said, "I'll be back."
I got up and left. Behind me, I could see that Ved was following me.

"Bro, what happened?" Ved asked me as I was reached outside the class, stopping near a wall.
"I don't know, she's coming back in my thoughts and I don't like it. I hate that bi—"
"Stop. Are we talking about Shruti?" He asked.
"Yes." I said, my hands clenching.
"Why is she in your mind again?"
"I don't know. Nikita was just studying and I was looking at her and the wave of thought just hit me and ugh. I can't."
"Hey, she's not Shruti. Can you relax?"
"I'm trying, but I don't know what's happening. I don't know why I'm even thinking of her when I'm literally in love with someone else."
"You aren't thin— wait... did you say love?" Ved asked, "Did you say you love her, Mayukh?"
"I... I think so." I said smiling.

I didn't even realise when I said it. Thinking of Shruti made me realize that I found a diamond in my life. I love her. I love Nikita.

"Damn bro.... Congrats." Ved said, "Now, I think you need focus on Nikita and now worry about the past which is literally done and dusted."
"I agree but, I didn't like that I thought about her at all, it feels cheating to Nikita. Plus, I don't even want to think about her anyway."
"Hey, you're with this beautiful, amazing girl who has not only won you, but also your family. I know the level of guard you let down for her but now that you have her approval, why aren't you asking her out to be your girlfriend? It's because of this fear, isn't it?"
"I think so." I said, admitting it.
"You need to tell her this. She won't be at peace and neither will you until you both talk out. It's a huge part of a relationship."
"I know...."
"I know you're scared of opening up after what happened but, you have to give it a chance."
"I'll tell her."
"Good, now let's go back in class!"

We walked back in and I sat down next to Nikita, who looked at me with concern. I smiled and reassured her that everything is fine, but why is my gut not believing it?

Once class ended, I packed my stuff when she stopped me, "Mayukh..."
"Yes darling." I said, turning around.
"Were you actually fine?"
"I am, don't worry about it."
"Are you sure you don't want to tell me something or like..."
"Babe, I will tell you. Not right now, just give me sometime, okay?"
"I... I need to tell you something too."
"What's up?"
"No... like, properly."
"Okay, we'll talk. Let's go now!"

We walked out and met Ved on the way, who joined us. I watch Nikita and Ved lost in their own conversations and it made me happy. We were walking along the field when suddenly a voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Mayukh?"

We turned around.
No.
Absolutely not.

I saw Ved and Nikita turn and I looked at Ved, who looked at me with an equally horrified expression.

"It's been so long. How are you?" She said and engulfed me in a hug.
I stayed still. My jaw clenching.
She let go and then looked at Ved and spoke "Hi Ved, remember me? I'm Shruti!"

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