Maybe in next life

chapter 20

Mihir🦋

The sound of tires crunching against the gravel outside the college snapped me out of my thoughts. I leaned back against the car seat, running a hand through my hair. The week-long business trip had been exhausting, but I was glad to be back.

The driver opened the door, and I stepped out, adjusting the cuffs of my blazer. The college building stood tall, unchanged yet always bustling with life. But my eyes instinctively searched for someone.

She’d been on my mind more than I cared to admit. The last time I saw her, she was fragile, vulnerable, and drowning in emotions. And now that I was back, I couldn’t stop wondering if she was okay.

“dude, you’re back!” Vihaan’s voice echoed as he jogged toward me, his usual wide grin plastered across his face. “How was the trip?”

“Productive,” I replied curtly, my tone colder than intended. “How’s everything here?”

“Same old.” He shrugged, falling into step beside me. “Lectures, assignments, some chaos during the event planning… you know the drill.”

I didn’t ask the question immediately. I wasn’t sure why. Maybe I was afraid of the answer.

We walked toward the administration block, the sound of our footsteps bouncing off the stone walls. Finally, I asked, “How’s Ruhi?”

Vihaan shot me a curious glance. “She’s fine. Why do you—oh.” His grin returned, teasing and knowing. “Someone’s worried.”

I shot him a glare, and he immediately raised his hands in surrender.

“I’m serious,” I said, my voice firm. “How’s she been?”

Vihaan nodded, his expression softening. “She’s okay now. Had a bit of a rough patch, but she’s managing. Honestly, Mihir, you need to relax. She’s tougher than she looks.”

I didn’t reply, my jaw tightening. Ruhi might be tough, but that didn’t mean she deserved to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders.

“And what about the international trip I told you to plan for the students?” I asked, shifting the conversation to something I could control.

Vihaan groaned dramatically. “Ahh!!! Chill, dude. You just got back! We’ll discuss it first with the students, finalize the details, and then get it approved. There’s no rush.”

I shot him a pointed look. “There is a rush. I don’t like things being delayed, Vihaan.”

“I know, I know,” he said, waving me off. “But seriously, take a breather. You’ve been running at full speed for weeks. Don’t tell me you didn’t miss us.”

I didn’t respond, but my lips curved into a faint smirk. Vihaan always knew how to defuse my intensity, even when I wasn’t in the mood for his antics.

As we reached the office, Vihaan continued to chatter about the trip logistics, upcoming events, and random college gossip. But my mind kept drifting back to Ruhi.

I needed to see her.

To make sure she was really okay.

And perhaps, selfishly, to see if anything had changed between us.

Because despite everything, my feelings for her hadn’t wavered. Not even a little.
_________

The college corridors were alive with chatter about the trip. Groups of students huddled together, debating destinations and cracking jokes. I, however, was only half-listening. The trip arrangements were my responsibility, and as usual, Vihaan was slacking.