Twists Twirls Perils & Pearls

1. Finally she asked

"ABHEDYA SIR! ABHEDYA SIR! PLEASE STOP!"

A geeky girl yelled, and Abhedya halted. He had been waiting nearly three years for her to speak to him, and today, for some reason, she was telling him to STOP—and he complied.

'ABHEDYA', the one who is rare and whose walls cannot be broken. He is impenetrable. But for some reason, SWARNIMA the obscure nerd of the college always caught his attention.

Abhedya was known as the "star boy" in his college. He excelled in studies, sports, and cultural activities, and was considered the most attractive, arrogant, and flamboyant boy in the college. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, with an athletic body, sharp jawline, fair skin, dark hair, and captivating brown eyes, he was often regarded as a living embodiment of Adonis. He captured the attention of every person by his appearance and once he started speaking none could resist the magic he created by his words. Essentially, he was the ideal man that every girl dreamed of and every boy aspired to become.

Swarnima, on the other hand, was equally impressive. She excelled in her studies. Well, that was the sole talent she showcased since she entered college. Standing at a height of 5 feet 4 inches, petite body frame, and beautiful big eyes, hidden under thick-rimmed glasses. Her beautiful black hair cascaded till her back was always tied neatly in a pigtail. She was an introvert who rarely spoke, but when she did, she captured everyone's attention. It wasn't just her extensive knowledge on the subject that held them rapt, but also her enchanting voice.

She had friends, but the relationship was transactional; they benefited from her notes and explanations on topics they couldn't grasp. She frequently faced ridicule for her dressing style, which was limited to black and white or simple denim, her unfashionable appearance, and for riding a bicycle to college. 

She never gave a penny to those jokes and ignored them "royally". "Those who do not have importance in your life what they say or do shouldn't matter to you," is what she thought (Hint: taught to think).

Around two and a half years back when Swarnima first entered the SWARNBHOOMI COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Computer Science department, she mistakenly entered the closed doors of a hall where the famous kiss challenge was going on.

She was rooted to the spot because she had never seen anything like this in her life. A girl and a boy kiss each other till the time one of them gives up due to lack of air or self-control. Girls and boys were chewing each other like... well, never mind, because she could also not think of any degree of superlative comparison for this obscenity. When she was about to turn and leave, she was blocked. Fear and tension were canvased all over her face.

A boy from the crowd asked her how she had entered. No words came out of her mouth but after inhaling air, she said she was there by mistake and would leave immediately. 

"Once you enter the hall you cannot leave just as you cannot come. You have to PARTICIPATE." The boy briefed Swarnima about the rule cocking his brow suggestively.

The news fell like a thunderstorm on her and she requested that she be forgiven as this was her first day in college as well as the city.

"Rules are rules," the boy reminded her with a smirk.

As she continuously wiped the sweat from her forehead, she became the subject of ridicule. People jeered and called her names. Seizing the moment to escape, she attempted to run but was obstructed once more. This time, the boy standing in her way was uncomfortably close.

Amidst all the laughing and mockery, boomed a voice, "STOP". The voice was enough to send shivers down her spine and the crowd to stop. He came in front of her and stared at her for several seconds as if deciphering a puzzle but just uttered, "Leave."