Maybe in next life

chapter 25

Ruhi🌻

 
I woke up with a pounding headache, remnants of last night’s chaos weighing on my mind. Staying at home wasn’t an option—I didn’t want to face my parents or their relentless pressure. At least college was an escape, a place where I could pretend everything was normal, even if only for a few hours.

Dragging myself out of bed, I took a long shower, hoping the cold water would wash away the fatigue and tension. It didn’t help much, but I got ready and headed out anyway.

As I entered the college gates, everything felt strangely off. The campus was eerily quiet, and when I stepped into my class, it was completely empty. Confused, I checked a few other classrooms, only to find them deserted as well.

“What’s going on?” I muttered to myself, pulling out my phone to call someone. That’s when Shirlin’s name popped up on my screen.

“Ruhi! Where are you?” she asked excitedly.

“I’m… in the hallway? Where is everyone?”

“Come to the auditorium, quickly!” she urged and hung up before I could ask anything else.

I made my way to the auditorium, my curiosity piqued. As soon as I stepped inside, the heavy doors shut behind me with a loud thud.

The room was pitch black. My heart raced, and a cold shiver ran down my spine. “Who’s there?” I called out, my voice shaky. “This isn’t funny!”

Suddenly, the lights turned on, and rose petals began falling from above like a gentle rain. I gasped, my eyes widening in shock.

In front of me, the entire auditorium was filled with students, each holding a copy of a book. My book.

My gaze darted to the stage, where a giant poster of my book’s cover was displayed, with bold letters reading: “Congratulations, Ruhi!”

I froze, my mind unable to process what was happening.

And then, through the sea of people, Mihir appeared, walking toward me with his signature calm confidence, a large bouquet of flowers in his hands. His eyes were fixed on me, his smirk softening into something warmer.

“Congratulations, Ruhi,” he said, his voice carrying through the silent room. “Your book isn’t just a bestseller. It’s a masterpiece, and everyone here agrees.”

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, but I was too stunned to move, let alone speak.

“M-Mihir…” I stammered, looking around. “What is all this? How did you even—”

“You really think you could keep this hidden?” he cut in, his tone playful yet firm. “Do you know how many people here are obsessed with your words? With you?”

I felt my cheeks flush as he stepped closer, the bouquet now inches from me. I took it slowly, still unable to believe what I was seeing.

“You deserve this, Ruhi,” Mihir said, his voice dropping to a softer, more serious tone. “And so much more. Stop doubting yourself.”

The applause and cheers started to fade into the background as my gaze locked with his. For the first time in a long while, I felt… seen. And for a fleeting moment, all the chaos in my life didn’t matter.