Until I Find My Star

Chapter 37

Anu's Pov:

Today was his last day.

The thought alone repeated in my mind like something fragile I was afraid to believe in fully.

The college campus looked the same crowded corridors, familiar voices, the smell of paper and dust yet everything felt... different. Lighter. As if something heavy was finally about to lift or was that just my imagination?

Two weeks ago, they had their farewell. Everyone looked happy and somewhat sad. I didn't wanted to attend it and more importantly I didn't wanted to see their faces especially his friends but I was forced to well thanks to my forced boyfriend. 

I remember standing at the edge of it all, watching from a distance. 

And Vikram stood... he was center of it.

Of course he was.

Confident. Untouchable. Smiling like he owned the college and maybe he did. His friends surrounded him, clapping his back, pulling him into photos. How can they even smile when they are the reason or a part of someone else can't. It breaks my heart to see them smile after shattering mine.

"Vikram" Someone called his name loudly pulling me out of my thoughts, a guy handed him a drink which he declined laughing, and then he turned around even in that crowd... his eyes found me.

They always did.

I remember looking down instantly, my fingers tightening around my dupatta, pretending to be busy with my phone. But I could feel it that stare, his stare. Heavy. Possessive. Like even in a room full of people, I was the only thing he truly saw.

That evening, I didn't stay long. I left quietly, without telling anyone. Not even him and for some reason he didn't followed me nor did he question. That was the first and it was so different. The version I didn't know exist. 

Now, two weeks later, I sat in the exam hall, staring at the question paper in front of me. My pen hovered over the page, unmoving.

Last exam of this semester and for him the end.

After this... he would leave. The moment I waited for so long. 

The thought should have made me feel relieved. It did, it does but somewhere deep inside there was also something else too. 

Something uneasy. Something I couldn't name. I couldn't breathe properly, I put my hand on my chest rubbing it slowly as my face twist in unease. I let out a heavy breathe as so many thoughts started running in my head.

What if he doesn't leave?

What if he doesn't forget?

What if he doesn't let me go?

I shook my head as I forced myself to focus, writing whatever I could, pushing my thoughts aside. Around me, pages flipped, chairs creaked, invigilators walked slowly between rows. 

Everything was normal.

Too normal.

I didn't look up even once. I didn't want to risk seeing him.

Not today.

When the exam ended, the room filled with noise instantly. Students stretched, laughed, complained about questions, already planning where to go next.

"Finally done!" someone shouted behind me. I packed my bag slowly, taking my time. I don't want to see him. The slower I moved, the less chance of running into him. I know I'm being delusional right now but that was the plan and I know its inevitable.