Silent Vows

Chapter 6

It was a particularly warm afternoon, the kind of weather that made the campus feel heavier, slowed down, like everyone was moving in molasses. Students scattered in small groups around the shaded areas, avoiding the sun that beat down on the courtyard.

Karan found himself leaning against a pillar outside the library, absently scrolling through his phone as he waited for Meera. They’d arranged to meet for another project session, and though she was always punctual, today she was running late. His eyes darted between the clock on his screen and the path leading to the library entrance.

At last, he spotted her. Meera walked briskly, her face calm and composed despite the sweltering heat. As she approached, he noticed a light sheen of sweat on her forehead and strands of hair escaping her braid—small signs that she wasn’t immune to the discomfort, but was too proud to show it. She offered him a small nod as she came closer.

“Sorry I’m late,” she said simply. “There was a delay with the professor.”

“It’s fine,” Karan replied with a casual shrug, though he couldn’t resist adding, “I was beginning to think you’d forgotten about me.”

She raised an eyebrow, her tone dry. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

Karan chuckled, taken aback. It was rare for her to tease, even subtly. “A little banter—nice to know you’re human after all,” he replied, leaning into her line of vision as if to get a better look at her elusive expressions.

Meera rolled her eyes but didn’t engage further, turning her attention to her notebook as she shifted her bag over her shoulder. “Shall we find a table inside?”

Karan nodded, following her into the library, his gaze briefly lingering on her as she moved. It struck him again how composed she was, so different from the liveliness he was used to seeing in other girls. It wasn’t that she was plain—he’d noticed her delicate features and the graceful way she carried herself. But she didn’t dress to attract attention, and she seemed completely unaware—or uninterested—in whether anyone noticed her at all.

They found a secluded table in the corner, and Meera set her materials down, immediately opening her laptop and arranging her notes with a quiet, focused energy. Karan couldn’t help but lean back and observe her for a moment, feeling an odd mix of frustration and fascination. She had this infuriating ability to block him out, to keep her world tightly closed off no matter how much he tried to get in.

As she continued typing something, he cleared his throat, unable to suppress his curiosity any longer. “So… you and Arav,” he began, trying to sound casual. “You two seem close.”

Meera didn’t look up. “We’ve been friends for years,” she replied, her tone clipped but not defensive.

Karan leaned forward, a smirk tugging at his lips. “He seems pretty protective of you.”

This time, Meera glanced up, her dark eyes cool and unreadable. “Yes, well, I’m fortunate to have friends who look out for me.”

The implication wasn’t lost on Karan. He couldn’t help but feel a spark of irritation at the way she so easily deflected him. It was as if she was letting him know, in no uncertain terms, that her world was just fine without him in it. Still, he pressed on.

“I mean, it’s nice,” he said, trying to keep his tone light, “that you have a friend who’s like a… brother, I guess?”

Her expression softened almost imperceptibly, but she didn’t correct his assumption. Instead, she looked away, as if considering something. “Arav’s been there for me during difficult times. He’s like family.”