Notes of Love

fragments of trust

The campus buzzed with energy as students flowed between classes, laughter and chatter filling the air. Nandini navigated through the throngs of people, her heart racing with excitement and a hint of anxiety. Just yesterday, she and Manik had shared a soft, calming moment under the glow of the setting sun—his gaze locked onto hers, a connection so profound it warmed her from within. It had been a moment filled with unspoken promises, and despite her hesitation, she had agreed to keep their relationship private. It was her first time dating, and the last thing she wanted was to ruin this fragile, beautiful beginning.

As she approached the cafeteria, she spotted him across the room. Manik was surrounded by a group of friends, animatedly discussing the latest campus event. His hair fell just right, and even from a distance, she could see that infectious smile that made her heart flutter. But as their eyes locked for a brief moment, his expression shifted—a quick smile before he turned back to his friends. Nandini's heart sank.

Was that it? Was he already regretting their decision? She shook her head, trying to dismiss the thought. Maybe he's just being careful, she reassured herself. After all, they had talked about nazar, the idea that keeping things under wraps could protect their budding relationship from outside negativity. Hesitantly, she had agreed, wanting to honor his beliefs and not disrupt the magic they had started to build. Yet, as she settled into a seat with her friends, the knot in her stomach tightened.

Throughout the morning, every time she glanced at Manik, he seemed distant, immersed in conversation but somehow unreachable. Her friends joked and laughed around her, but the weight of uncertainty hung in the air like a thick fog. Nandini poked at her lunch, the food losing its appeal as her mind spiraled into doubt. Maybe he doesn't want anyone to know we're together. Maybe he thinks I'm not worth the risk.

With each passing moment, the distance between them felt more pronounced. The laughter of his friends echoed in her ears, a stark reminder of the connection she longed for but felt slipping away. The seconds turned into minutes, and with each tick of the clock, her heart sank deeper. Just then, she noticed Manik glancing her way, his eyes scanning the room, but when they met hers, he quickly looked away, a flicker of unease flashing across his face.

Feeling a surge of emotion, Nandini knew she couldn't let this go on any longer. The warmth of their shared moment still lingered in her heart, but it was overshadowed by confusion and hurt. She had initially agreed to his decision, wanting to protect what they had, but the thought of being a secret gnawed at her. With determination, she pushed back her chair, stood up, and made her way toward him, her heart pounding with each step. It was time to confront the distance between them, to break through the silence and reclaim the connection they had just begun to build.

Nandini joined Manik, Cabir, and Mukti at their usual lunch table, her heart heavy with unspoken thoughts. She settled into her seat, mechanically pushing her food around on her plate while the others engaged in light banter about classes and weekend plans. The laughter and chatter around her felt distant, like she was watching a scene unfold from behind a glass wall.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed, breaking through the fog of her silence. It was a text from Harshad: "Are you free? Can we speak about Musicana?" Nandini sighed, feeling the weight of expectation settle on her shoulders. She quickly typed back, "Not today please. Will let you know," and set her phone aside, hoping to shake off the unease.

"Hey, Nandu, why are you not saying anything?" Cabir asked, concern etching his features. She forced a smile but felt it fall flat. "I'm good, just not feeling well today," she replied, her voice lacking its usual spark.

Manik turned to her, concern flickering in his eyes. Their gazes locked for a moment, an unspoken connection passing between them. But Nandini quickly averted her eyes, feeling vulnerable under his scrutiny.