Like A Love Song

3. Lighting the Spark

(A/N: I am shit tired and I don't know what I've written but I hope it makes sense and is good enough to read. I literally took almost a week long break and hence, just wanted to give you all an update as soon as I could. I haven't deviated from my idea but if the part seems a little different, please bear with me. And a special thanks to FirefliesAndStarx for the cover she made for me. Thanks a ton, Fizzah diduu. I louuu it as much as I louu you :* Please vote and comment. Thanks.)

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The way she spoke, the way her lips moved, the way she giggled, the way she tucked her hand behind her ear, the way she ran and stood before the temple idol, the way she looked... I didn't know what to say. I dreamily looked at her joining her hands, closing her eyes and praying something silently with her friends. I heaved a huge sigh and a smile played along my lips.

I didn't realize what I was doing until Cabir snapped his fingers in front of me. After realization hit me, I turned towards him and gave a 'what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-you' look. He nudged me and I knew I was staring. Shit. I must've looked like a creep. Did she see me looking at her? Ugh, Manik, shut up. Don't look at her anymore. TRY not to.

I closed my eyes too and prayed for my love for her to be reciprocated. Who would've ever thought Manik Malhotra found love at first sight. Cliché much.

We left the temple and headed back to the jeep. On our way back, I don't recollect what happened but all of a sudden, we all stopped only to see Nandini in Aryamann's arms. What? How dare he touch her? I stormed towards them and found out she'd sprained her ankle and Aryamann was trying to help her out. I went closer to her as she stood straight.

"Are you fine Nandini? Kuch hua?" I looked panic-stricken and all the more, there was jealousy colored on my face. She looked into my eyes and mine softened as mine met hers.

"I'm fine." She meekly whispered with a cute smile and my heart... Oh God! A sudden feeling of nervousness and a few trembles took over my voluntary actions as my heart pulsed at an abnormal rate. Is this how love feels?

***

Lunchtime was almost over and I couldn't think less about her and Aryamann together. He literally was throwing himself on her, by acting like a pathetic gentleman. I stabbed the cauliflower curry on my plate with my fork, as I glared at them.

Cabir was just being a little dumber than me by trying to hook up with some random chick, who I suppose is Navya. So he likes her? Well, as long as my coast is clear, I'm fine with it but guess what? It's not. That goddamned Aryamann is always behind her life. Like what the fuck?

I finished my food fast and headed to our room. I packed a few necessary items for the trek. I changed my attire to a dark green shirt and khaki shorts. I wore my shoes, threw my bag over my shoulder and headed back into the jeep, frustrated. I sent Cabir a text just to inform I was already in there and then boarded the jeep. I plunged my earphones into my ears and blasted the music volume to stop thinking crap.

After a few minutes, I saw her walking with her friend and Madhyam's arm was over her shoulder. Aryamann was beside her and they all were giggling for God knew what lame joke and Navya perhaps was chilling with Cabir. She quickly glanced at me and I closed my eyes in frustration. Can't she get the tiniest hint that I like her? Fuck my life.

***

"Eeks... I might fall." She shrieked as she held onto Aryamann's arm tight. He touched her hand to assure her he was there.