Hope of it all

8. Want to know

Aarav's POV

I walk through the corridors of my college and read a notice pinned on the soft board

Notice
College library will be closed and restricted for students because of construction. Reopening date will be informed.

I immediately retrieve my phone from my bag and send her a picture of the notice.

Aarav: Where will we be doing the project now?

Aastha: My sister won't let us work. So definitely not at my place.

Aarav: My place, then?

Aastha: Alright. We'll leave together?

Aarav: Yeah, after college.

Aastha: Okay, I will see you at the main gate.

Aarav: See you!

*45 mins later*

I was walking towards the main gate when my classmate, Shreya came running towards me. I noticed my water bottle in her hand.

She pants a little before speaking "Hey! You forgot you bottle in the class"

"Oh um thank you. You didn't have to run after me, you could've just told me and I would've gotten it myself. But thanks." I give her a tight smile.

She hands me the bottle and she touches my hand for a second more than necessary.

Aastha's POV

I glare at Aarav talking to that girl, Shreya. She's such a bitch. I introduced myself to her on the first day wanting to bond, but she just rolled her eyes and said 'I don't think I asked'. So unnecessarily rude.

If looks could kill, there would be a bloody hole where their hands touched for a second, but which felt like an hour.

And then he smiled. With his dimples making an appearance. It wasn't the tooth grinny smile, and I could tell it was fake. But nope. She doesn't deserve to see those dimples. Not happening.

My legs strode between them before I could process.

"Aarav. Shal we leave?" I say. I give Shreya a ridiculously fake smile.

"You live nearby or something?" Shreya asks

"What? No, we're project partners, so we're working together" I reply satisfyingly.

She nods in understanding and bids a goodbye to both of us.

Aarav finds an auto and I get in.

"Are you and Shreya friends? I mean- she's- she's not really a good person" I blurt out

He raises his eyebrows "Um no. This is the first time we talked. Is there something I should know, considering you think she's a bad person?" He asks mockingly.

"I mean-she's- not a bad person- she's just not nice, you know?" I say.

Its so obvious that I am jealous.