In the bustling city of Mumbai, college life was a blend of lectures, assignments, and stolen moments of laughter. Among the sea of students, Aditya, with his effortless charm and infectious smile, was a popular figure.

Meera, on the other hand, was the quiet, studious type, often lost in her world of books.

Their worlds collided one fateful day in their economics class.

Aditya, running late as usual, burst into the room, his gaze searching for an empty seat. The only one available was next to meera.

With a sheepish grin, he took the seat, causing meera to glance up, her eyes meeting his. The connection was instantaneous, a spark that neither of them could ignore.

"Hi, I'm Aditya," he whispered, offering a friendly smile.

"Meera," she replied softly, returning the smile with a shy one of her own before turning her attention back to the professor.

Days turned into weeks, and Aditya found himself intrigued by meera's quiet determination. He made it a point to sit next to her, initiating conversations that started off awkward but gradually became more comfortable.

"So, meera, what's your favorite subject?" Aditya asked one day after class as they packed up their things.

"Probably literature," she answered, a small smile playing on her lips. "I love getting lost in different worlds and stories."

"Really? I wouldn't have guessed," Aditya said, genuinely surprised. "I mean, you're always so focused on economics."

Meera laughed softly. "Economics is interesting too. But literature is my escape."

Aditya grinned. "I'll have to get some book recommendations from you then."

Their conversations grew longer and more frequent. Aditya would often walk with Meera to the library or the cafeteria, asking her about her favorite books, movies, and hobbies. Meera, in turn, found herself looking forward to these interactions, enjoying Aditya's company more than she expected.

One rainy afternoon, fate intervened again. The downpour trapped them in the college canteen, and for the first time, they had a real conversation.

"Looks like we're stuck here for a while," Aditya said, glancing at the heavy rain outside. "Want to grab a coffee?"

Meera hesitated but then nodded. "Sure, why not?"

They sat down with their coffees, the sound of rain creating a cozy backdrop.

"So, tell me more about your love for literature," Aditya prompted, genuinely curious.

Meera's eyes lit up. "I've always loved reading. There's something magical about losing yourself in a story, living through the characters."

Aditya leaned in, intrigued. "What's your favorite book?"

"That's a tough one," Meera said thoughtfully. "But if I had to choose, it would be 'Pride and Prejudice. I admire Elizabeth Bennet's strength and wit."

Aditya smiled. "I can see why you'd relate to her."

Meera blushed slightly. "What about you? What do you enjoy?"

"Cricket," Aditya answered without hesitation. "I've played since I was a kid. It's my passion."

Meera's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Do you still play?"

"Whenever I get the chance," Aditya said, smiling. "Maybe you should come to one of our matches sometime."

Meera chuckled. "I'd like that."

By the time the rain stopped, a tentative friendship had begun to form. They walked out of the canteen together, the air fresh and cool after the rain.

"Thanks for the coffee, Aditya," Meera said, feeling more at ease with him.

From that day on, their bond grew stronger. They found themselves gravitating towards each other in classes, sharing notes, and spending more time together. The spark between them was undeniable, and though neither of them said it out loud, both Aditya and meera felt that something special was beginning to take root.

To be continue...... 🩷