Aarav Banerjee is a mystery wrapped in silence. He speaks only when necessary, yet when he does, everyone listens. He's not popular, but everyone knows him. He's just joined junior college, though not very thrilled about it. He's not quiet, just car...
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I was working on the project introduction in the free lecture when he texted me. Yes, we had officially exchanged numbers.
Aarav: You were right, we should go ahead with your idea.
My eyes widen. Did Mr "I always win" just admit that he might have been wrong?! But I think he was right. If we focus a little more on graphics, it will look catchy.
Aastha: Do you actually mean it? Cuz I think your idea was better.
It took a lot in me to admit that his idea was better. But if he can do it, I can do it too.
Aarav: How about we bunk our next lecture and meet in the library? We could discuss what to do about it.
Do I wanna spend my first bunk doing a project? No. I would want to go watch a movie or go shopping. But do I want to fail my 11th standard? Also no.
Aastha: Okay. I will be there in 10.
My phone pings with a text again
"Khushi_xoxo sent a reel"
I click on it and it catches my eye as soon as the video starts. It was that guitar guy with sexy arms.
Oh my god I can't believe I just said that.
Khushi has been sending me his reels everyday and I gladly watch then. I wished he would sing. I am sure his vocals must be so good.
I roll my eyes at myself and head to the library.
I find him sitting in the usual spot with his head down.
Is he sick? Why does he always look so exhausted?
"Aarav?" I softly call out his name, so I don't startle him.
He lifts his head to look at me. He blinks and sits up straight. "Hi" he says.
Should I ask him if he's okay? Why do I care? It's not like he would tell me anyway. He hates me.
"Hey. So I made a slide with less text and more graphics, like you suggested. I used a bar graph over here... And a pie chart for the-" I start explaining but he cuts me off
"Aastha, this is...good. I didn't even think about a pie chart. This is amazing". He says with an impressed expression.
He said my name for the first time. And that felt...weird. The good kind of weird.