Unseen Paths to love

Part 2: An Unforeseen Spark

Amaira's life at the college was quiet, mostly by choice. She wanted to stay focused on her studies, distancing herself from the distractions and emotional entanglements she feared could pull her back into past patterns. The college campus in Hyderabad was bustling with people from all over, eager to make new friends, but Amaira kept herself at a distance, content with her own space. A few friendly classmates would try to engage her in conversation or invite her out, but Amaira would politely decline, preferring to spend her free time on calls with her family or her best friend, Leena. Gradually, though, she found a friend in Prakriti, her hostel mate, who seemed to respect her need for personal space while occasionally bringing a refreshing energy into her life.

Then, one Saturday evening, an unexpected message lit up Amaira's phone. It was an old school friend, visiting Hyderabad on business, suggesting they meet if she was free. Amaira didn't have too many friends here, and the thought of stepping out for dinner sounded like a welcome change to her routine. She agreed, looking forward to the evening. As she was getting ready, however, she heard a knock on her door. Prakriti stood there, bubbling with excitement, asking if Amaira would join her at the college fresher's night party. Amaira tried to resist, explaining she had plans, but Prakriti pleaded, explaining she had no one to go with and didn't want to attend alone.

After some persistence, Amaira finally gave in. "Alright," she said with a sigh, "but just for 15 minutes!" They headed to the event, with Amaira promising herself she would leave quickly. But as she stepped into the party, she felt a wave of energy in the room. The lights, the music, the laughter all felt different from her usual, solitary nights.

Then, across the room, her eyes fell upon a tall figure. It was Sathvik. He was laughing with a group of friends, his presence magnetic and effortlessly charming. For a brief moment, their eyes met, and Amaira felt a strange flutter-a sensation she hadn't allowed herself to feel in a long time. Confused, she murmured to Prakriti that she was feeling a bit off, but Prakriti, sensing her hesitation, pulled her onto the dance floor. Before she knew it, Amaira was lost in the music, letting go of her worries as she laughed and danced alongside Prakriti. Time slipped by, and she forgot about her planned dinner entirely.

When Amaira finally glanced at her phone, she saw a long list of missed calls from her friend. Startled, she quickly moved to the side of the dance floor, dialing her friend back. As the call rang, she felt someone watching her. She looked up, and there was Sathvik, standing just a few steps away, waving at her with a small, amused smile. Amaira hesitated, her heart racing.

With that one wave, a spark had been lit-a moment that could shift their paths in ways neither of them could foresee. For Amaira, it was a crack in the walls she had built, and for Sathvik, it was a curiosity, a pull toward someone who seemed both familiar and completely new. Would this be the beginning of something they hadn't planned or wanted, but perhaps exactly what they needed?