Chapter 4 – Why Does He Keep Showing Up?
Days had slipped by since the entrance ceremony, each one blurring into the next like a watercolor painting left out in the rain. Yet one thing stood firm, unshakable: Dev's persistent attempts to pierce the quiet bubble of my world. My heart, traitorous as it was, trembled at every encounter, but I had a plan—a fortress of avoidance, carefully constructed to keep him at bay. If only fate weren't so determined to unravel it.
College Hallway – One Morning
The college hallway stretched before me, a serene corridor bathed in the soft glow of morning sunlight. Golden rays streamed through tall glass windows, casting delicate patterns across the polished tiles, each one shimmering like a promise of a peaceful day. The air was cool, carrying the faint
sweetness of blooming jasmine from the gardens outside. I hurried along, my steps brisk, my notebook clutched tightly against my chest like a talisman against the chaos of the world.
"Hey Nishaaaaaa…"
His voice rang out, a playful chime that echoed down the hall, cutting through the stillness like a melody I couldn't ignore. My heart stuttered, my body freezing for a single, breathless moment. Dev's voice—warm, teasing, and far too familiar—had a way of unraveling me. Before my mind could protest, my feet pivoted, and I darted into the women's toilet, the door swinging shut with a soft thud.
Inside, I pressed my back against the cool wood, my breath shallow and uneven. My cheeks burned, a flush of embarrassment mingling with something softer, something I refused to name. My dark hair fell across my face, a curtain to hide my hazel eyes, which always betrayed too much. I was no heroine from my beloved light novels—no bold, radiant figure commanding attention. I was Nishaa, small and quiet, forever shrinking from the spotlight. And yet, Dev—tall, lean, with tousled black hair and deep brown eyes that sparkled with mischief—kept seeking me out, as if I were a puzzle he was determined to solve.
That was close… I thought, my sigh barely audible in the tiled sanctuary. But close to what? Safety, or something far more dangerous?
College Cafeteria – Another Day
The cafeteria buzzed with life, a vibrant tapestry of voices woven with the clinking of spoons against steel tiffin boxes. The air was thick with the comforting aroma of spices—turmeric, cumin, and the faint sweetness of freshly baked naan. I sat at a corner table, an island of solitude amidst the chaos, savoring the simplicity of my packed lunch: fragrant rice and a tangy curry, a taste of home that grounded me.
I had just taken a bite, the flavors warm on my tongue, when—
"Hey Nishaaaaaa…"
That voice again, cutting through the din like a sunbeam through storm clouds. My spoon froze midair, my heart lurching as I glanced up. There he was—Dev, weaving through the crowded tables, his lean frame moving with an effortless grace that made my stomach twist. His eyes locked onto mine, bright with that infuriatingly charming smile.
Panic surged, sharp and electric. I shot to my feet, my chair scraping against the floor, my lunchbox nearly tumbling in my haste. Before I could think, I was running, my footsteps a frantic rhythm as I fled toward the women's toilet—my refuge, my escape.
This time, I didn't hear him call after me, but I felt his gaze, a weight that lingered even as I slipped inside and leaned against the tiled wall. My cheeks burned, my breath ragged, and I pressed a hand to my chest as if to quiet the wild thumping within.
This is becoming a pattern, I thought, a wry smile tugging at my lips despite the embarrassment flooding me. Why did he keep chasing me? And why did I keep running, when some small, reckless part of me wanted to stay?
Outside the Main Gate – Later That Week
The sun blazed overhead, painting the world in vibrant hues of gold and amber. A gentle breeze danced through the air, carrying the delicate scent of marigolds blooming just beyond the college gate. I stepped outside, my heart buoyant, my steps light with the promise of a perfect evening—Mom's special aloo gobi waiting at home, its spices already teasing my senses in memory, and Dad's gift of a pastry cake from my favorite bakery, its sweetness a rare treat.
I was practically humming, a quiet melody in my chest, when—
"Hey Nishaaaaaa…"
The voice stopped me cold, shattering my reverie. There he was, Dev, leaning against the stone wall of the gate with a casual elegance that made my breath catch. His dark hair caught the sunlight, framing his face in a way that was almost unfairly perfect, his deep brown eyes glinting with a warmth that felt both inviting and dangerous.
My smile faltered, replaced by a flicker of irritation—and beneath it, a spark I didn't want to acknowledge. I turned abruptly, retreating toward the college building with a determination that bordered on desperation.
"Hey, Nishaaaaaa… Don't you hear me?"
His voice followed, laced with confusion and a hint of something softer, something that tugged at my resolve.
I didn't look back. My feet carried me to the women's toilet, my sanctuary of choice, and I slipped inside, pressing my forehead against the cool tiled wall. The sensation grounded me, but it couldn't quiet the storm in my chest.
This is the worsttttttt… I screamed inwardly, the words a silent wail of frustration and longing. Why did he have to ruin my perfect moments? And why did my heart ache at the thought of shutting him out completely?
Several Days Later – Inside the Classroom
This time, I wasn't quick enough. The classroom was a quiet haven, its emptiness softened by the gentle rustle of curtains swaying in the breeze. Sunlight streamed through the open windows, casting warm pools of light across the wooden desks, the air tinged with the faint scent of chalk and fresh paper. I was halfway to my seat, my bag slung over one shoulder, when—
"Hey Nishaaaaaa…"
His voice was closer now, a velvet thread that wrapped around me and held tight. I turned, my breath catching as Dev approached, his tall frame cutting through the stillness like a figure from a dream. His expression was one of mock seriousness, but his eyes—those deep, searching eyes—held a warmth that made my chest tighten.
"Huh? Are you ignoring me? I thought we were going to get along?" he said, peering into my eyes with an intensity that made my heart skip.
I didn't reply, my gaze dropping to the floor, my hands clutching my bag like a shield. The weight of his attention was too much, too bright, like staring into the sun.
"Heyyyy!! Why are you ignoring me?! And why are you running away??" His tone shifted, frustration mingling with a genuine curiosity that made my resolve waver.
Silence was my only defense. I grabbed my bag tighter and walked away, each step heavy with the weight of my thoughts.
Honestly, he had friends now. Popular ones. He was always surrounded by people, so why me? Was he just messing with me because he rejected me back in junior college…?
But deep down, I knew the truth: Dev had always been like this—persistent, magnetic, a storm I couldn't outrun.
Flashback – Junior College, a Quiet Afternoon
The junior college classroom was a sanctuary that afternoon, its stillness a balm to my restless soul. I sat by the window, sunlight spilling across the pages of my light novel—a tale of fantasy and friendship, woven with a romance that tugged at my heart like a gentle tide. The world outside faded as I turned the page, lost in a story where heroes faced their fears and found love in the quiet moments.
"Hey, what are you reading?"
The voice jolted me back to reality. I looked up, my heart lurching as Dev stood behind me, his presence as commanding as a character from one of my novels. His pale skin glowed in the golden light, his deep brown eyes catching the sun like polished amber, his tousled black hair falling effortlessly across his forehead. He was tall and lean, with a casual air that made everything he did seem unintentional—yet undeniably charismatic.
"Huh…? Just a light novel…" I mumbled, my voice barely above a whisper as I shrank into myself, trying not to meet his gaze.
I held the book closer, bracing for mockery, my fingers trembling against the worn cover.
"What are you being so uptight
for? ...Hilarious." His laugh was light, a careless ripple that left me teetering between embarrassment and curiosity.
He leaned in, his closeness sending a shiver through me as he squinted at the page.
"Huh? These illustrations… This boy and another guy isn't wearing cloth——"
"Uh… Um… Ahhh… That kind of scene is mixed in with other stuff!" I yelped, my face burning as I waved my hand in a futile attempt to dismiss the moment.
"This is the kind of book with that kind of scene in it… huh… But I mean, I think girls like that kind of books. But reading it in the classroom is kinda..." he said, his gaze holding mine, steady and unyielding, a spark of mischief dancing in his eyes.
"It's nothing like that!" I blurted, mortified, my cheeks aflame.
"Okay okay, calm down. I was just messing with you," he said with a grin, his tone softening into something gentler, almost kind. "But the guys seem close as friends, not as romantic something so that's kinda nice."
I blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in his voice.
"What this book called again?" he asked, his eyes lingering on the cover, curiosity softening his features.
"A… A light novel," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
"A light novel, huh? You lend me some of those later?"
I stared at him, torn between disbelief and fear. Part of me wanted to refuse, to protect my secret world from his scrutiny. But another part—the part that trembled under his gaze—couldn't say no. Reluctantly, I handed him the book, my fingers brushing his for a fleeting moment that sent a spark through me.
Later That Week – Overheard in the Classroom
I was passing the classroom window when Dev's voice drifted out, stopping me in my tracks like a hand on my shoulder.
"Dev, that's actually something that girls would read. It's like a pretty that kind of book or something, right?" one of his friends asked, skepticism lacing his words.
I winced, dread pooling in my stomach. I knew it. I shouldn't have lent it to him…
But then—
"Well it's actually really interesting!" Dev said, his laughter bright and genuine, like sunlight breaking through clouds.
"…Really?" his friend replied, surprise coloring his tone.
"At first, I figured it would be that kind of book as you mentioned, but then it was actually pretty interesting; it's got the fun stuff and the parts that make you cry and really emotional! You might wanna give it a try before you knock it down?"
"If you're saying we should read it, then maybe I will!"
"I'm gonna pass, but you can tell me what you thought about it later!" another friend chimed in.
I stood frozen, my heart fluttering like a caged bird. I had braced for mockery, for the sting of rejection. Instead, I found kindness—a quiet defense of the stories I loved. Dev hadn't laughed at me. He hadn't scorned my world. He'd embraced it, shared it, even recommended it to his friends.
For the first time, I wondered if I'd misjudged him. Maybe Dev wasn't the careless boy I'd painted him to be. Maybe there was a warmth, a sincerity beneath his charm that I hadn't dared to see.
And maybe… just maybe… that was what made him so dangerous to my fragile, yearning heart.