Transgressions (Arshi Shorts)

Vanilla Bean - 1

----Note----

Arnav and Khushi renditioned as college students. A light, three-part love story.

Prompt by tumhari_jaan. Inspired by true events.

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🎶Jane yeh kya hua - Karthik calling Karthik

The distant sounds of traffic echoed as Khushi sipped her free coffee, the sweetness of her caramel latte dispelling the bitterness left by the dense Internet of Things paper she was reviewing.

The café door chimed open and in walked her friend, Preeto. Khushi watched as her roommate slammed her bag on the table and banged her head on the top. Khushi flinched, managing to rouse herself from the stupor induced by her absorption.

"I am positive now," said her friend mutinously. "Professor Xavier is a sociopath - do not take his course, Khushi - like, for real, or you'll start questioning your life's decision to move to Texas."

Khushi raised her eyebrows in mild amusement. She struggled enough with the homesickness that came with leaving her home country to pursue a higher education abroad. It was her first semester here, the feelings were still too raw to ignore. "I'll take your word for it," she muttered gratefully, stuffing her homework inside her bag.

"By the way," said Preeto brightly. "Dilip has gathered old assignments from his seniors which might be useful to us! He lives just across the street from the University Center - wanna join me?"

Khushi cast her eyes outside, it was close to dusk - she wondered if the detour would be worth the time spent otherwise in preparing dinner. As though reading her mind, Preeto said, "Remember it's Thursday? Free pizza night from Lutheran?"

"Oh, right!" smiled Khushi in relief - there was nothing more delicious or rewarding than free food.

They walked on the side-walk discussing their plans for the weekend, giggling and having a good time. They turned into another block and the Vintage Pads apartments loomed ahead.

"Preeto! Over here!" called a voice as they both entered the community. Large circular tables were set up in the middle of the complex, with the three storied complex surrounding them on all sides.

A group of four men sat, sprawled casually on the wrought iron chairs circling one of the tables. Khushi recognized Preeto's friend; Dilip beckoning them forward with a wave of his hand.

Dilip got to his feet and clasped Preeto's hand and pulled up two chairs for them. Khushi took her seat with a pleasant smile on her face, making new friends was always a welcome change.

"Let me introduce you to my friends. Guys - this is Preeto, my classmate from the Advanced Networks course, and this is her roommate; Khushi. And going clockwise; Sunil, Abhay, Bhargav...and finally Arnav."

Khushi nodded to each of the introduced members at their table, her eyes lingering longer on the individual named Arnav. He had an easy, open smile, but the first thing that set him apart was his unrelenting, straightforward gaze as he looked into her eyes.

"Masters? What's your major?" he asked, resting his arms on the table and leaning forward. The move signaled his undivided attention, and she decided she liked that.

"Yes, Computer Science. You and what year?" she responded, her lips curling into a smile of their own accord, clearly invoked by his.

"First semester, same as you and...Mechanical," he sighed with a shrug as though expecting a negative reception.

"Nothing wrong with that! We are the Royal Mechs!" drawled Sunil. The others chimed in with their approval.

The conversation wore on seamlessly, turned out Sunil was a hoot and kept them constantly doubling up with laughter. Arnav interjected with witty comments as he alternately addressed Preeto and Khushi.