Nandini's POV

Dear Lord! I pray and pray to get me through this lecture real quick. I was already tired of the round of introductions that were now happening with every lecture, passing around fake smiles to my fellow students and more importantly sitting through the dull lectures. Besides, I wasn't really paying attention since HE wouldn't leave my mind and my heart alone even for a single second

Fortunately, my prayers were answered and the bell rang. I rushed out, knowing very well that I didn't have the strength to survive another one.

I couldn't head to the canteen since I knew HE would be there and I really needed to get to the bottom of this feeling. I aimlessly started walking up some stairs I came across engrossed in my thoughts

Why could I not stop staring at him? I have never been so fascinated with anyone before. And his eyes, they were literally screaming a thousand words when they pierced through mine. They were so....Stop it Nandini! It's just a mindless crush. You don't even know anything about him except for his name. And and besides I didn't stare at him for so long. He didn't even look at me once. But that is bothering me! Whats happening..Nandini, you came here to start afresh and this certainly isn't the way.

My thoughts were interrupted by a grilled gate in front of me. I looked around to find myself in some isolated long-forgotten part of the college. I didn't even know how I reached here and not wanting to pry, I turned to go down the stairs when I suddenly noticed that the lock on the grilled gate was open.

Curiosity obviously got better of me and I proceeded to climb; only to enter a huge isolated passageway( image attached)

For some reason, I loved the feel of it. It was calm, peaceful, serene with a slight breeze flowing in through the windows. I wanted to explore more off it and I continued walking in

"What are you doing here?" boomed a voice

Inspite of me, I jumped and the smile vanished as I recognized the voice. NO NO NO! Not Him. Not right now! I turned to find Manik glaring down at me and my throat went dry

"I...I...The grill...I...I was lost..Just got curious..I.." I stammered like a fool trying to find a good reason for me to be here and then it struck me. What was HE doing here?

"Excuse me, forget me. What are you doing here?" '

He seemed taken aback. He clearly wasn't expecting me to question him back. "Well,I," he started, "I come here often. This is where I usually come when I need to get away from the college chaos" he admitted

I certainly wasn't expecting an honest answer from him. How to counter that?! And he comes here for some alone time ..how weirdly cute was that

"Still waiting for your response" he reminded me