Tangled Souls

CHAPTER - 3

Please click the star icon to vote and add this book in your reading lists and library. 

The evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting a soft, golden glow into the girls' dorm. Ishanvi sprawled across her bed, her expression stormy as she replayed her argument with Samarth in the library. "Why does he have to be such a jerk?" she muttered, tossing a pillow at the wall.

Saanvi, sitting on the other side of the room, was lost in her thoughts, twirling a strand of hair around her finger as she stared into space. Aarunya, perched at her desk, sighed heavily, drawing her friends' attention. "We need to talk," Aarunya announced, her tone serious. "The project submission is next week, and Reyansh and I haven't even made proper progress. I'm worried we're going to mess this up."

Saanvi snapped out of her daze, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, come on, Aarunya. You're the most organized person I know. You'll figure it out." "I know, but—" Aarunya hesitated, "I think I need to talk to Reyansh and set up a time to work on it properly. I don't even have his number."Saanvi's eyes lit up with a mischievous sparkle. "Why don't we all sneak into the boys' dorm tonight?"

"What?" Aarunya's eyes widened. "Why would we do that?" "To ask Reyansh for his number, obviously. And plan the next meeting spot. You're partners, aren't you?" Saanvi said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Aarunya shook her head vigorously. "No way. That's too risky."

Saanvi smirked. "Oh, come on. You've already splashed water on him; what's sneaking into the boys' dorm compared to that?" Ishanvi, who had been fuming in silence, perked up at the suggestion, a frown creasing her brows. "Why should I go?" Aarunya and Saanvi exchanged a glance before they both grinned devilishly. "Come on, Ishanvi," Aarunya teased. "We know you're just upset because you can't get Samarth out of your head." Saanvi added with a wink, "Yeah, maybe you want to check if he's as shirtless in his dorm as he was sweaty in the library."Ishanvi threw a pillow at Saanvi, her cheeks turning pink. "Oh, shut up! Fine, I'll go. But only because you two will get caught without me."

With the plan set, the three girls dressed in dark hoodies and leggings, tiptoeing through the corridors of their dorm before slipping outside. They made their way to the boys' dorm, giggling and shushing each other as they approached the entrance. Aarunya's heart pounded in her chest as they snuck in, trying to blend into the shadows. Saanvi whispered, "Alright, Aarunya, let's find Reyansh's room first." They tiptoed down the hallway, peeking at the nameplates on the doors. "Is this it?" Aarunya asked in a hushed voice, pointing at a door. "No, that's someone else," Ishanvi whispered back. As they crept further, they suddenly heard footsteps coming their way. "Hide!" she hissed.

In the chaos, Ishanvi panicked and ducked into the nearest room, her heart pounding. She closed the door softly behind her and glanced around, only to see the walls lined with cricket posters. But one in particular caught her eye—a framed, autographed picture of Virat Kohli. Her eyes lit up as she stepped closer, admiration and excitement momentarily replacing her irritation. She was so engrossed in the poster that she didn't notice the sound of water stopping from the nearby bathroom. She reached up, her fingers brushing the glass as she whispered, "Wow, it's real..."

Suddenly, she felt the heat of someone standing behind her, and a chill ran down her spine. She spun around, her eyes widening as she came face to face with Samarth, shirtless, his hair still wet from the shower. Water droplets glistened on his chest, and his lips curled into a smirk when he saw her shocked expression. "Enjoying the view?" he asked, his voice low, as his gaze locked onto hers.