Chapter 6

A few days later, after finishing the art class, Sanjay asked me to go for coffee with him. We had been sitting together in the art class for the past few days and had become good friends, so I agreed instantly.

We went to the coffee shop near the school. Since it wasn't crowded, we quickly found a table and got our order. We talked about our interests in painting while enjoying coffee. He said that he is learning it as a hobby. Also, he's interested in cooking.

The bell chimed, indicating that someone had entered the coffee shop. I averted my eyes toward the sound to find a pair of alluring brown eyes already gazing at me. Vihaan smiled when he saw me, which instantly turned into a frown upon landing his eyes on the boy before me. He walked towards us, all the while holding a frown. When he reached us, he narrowed his eyes as he spoke, "Did I disturb you guys?" his voice was hoarse.

"No," I replied softly.

Vihaan had a distraught look, which was affecting me for some reason. I tried to cheer him up by asking him to join us, to which he agreed. He took the empty seat beside me and looked at Sanjay as if assessing him for a while. Sanjay also had a serious look as he observed Vihaan as well.

We all sat there in silence, which was becoming awkward. I groaned internally at the situation. I cleared my throat to get their attention and introduced both males to each other. They just nodded as they acknowledged each other. Vihaan turned towards me as he spoke, "Are you done with your class today?"

I was about to reply, but Sanjay said, "Yes, we came together to have coffee right after class." Vihaan looked irked but controlled himself and nodded.

After that, no one spoke. We finished our coffee in silence. I was the first to stand and flee from this tense situation. Both of them stood as well and said at the same time. "I'll walk you home," Vihaan said. While Sanjay said, "I'll drop you guys in my car."

Vihaan refused him instantly and glanced at me, "Let's go." I was never one to be commanded, and the hint of softness in his voice told me that it wasn't one. Therefore, the reason why I agreed with him.

I bid goodbye to Sanjay, who had a slight smile on his face, which looked fake. I ignored it, brushing it off as nothing, as I walked out of the coffee shop behind Vihaan.

We walked for a while, but he hadn't uttered a single word since we left the shop. It was killing my mind, so I decided to break the silence.

"What are you thinking so deeply?" I asked as I stepped beside him.

"Nothing." He replied.

I sighed. I didn't probe him for anything more since he looked like he was having a hard time. I looked around and found an ice cream stall. An idea instantly popped into my mind as I stopped him by holding his arm, "Let's have ice cream." I exclaimed, pointing towards the stall.

"We just had coffee." He replied.

"So? I am craving ice cream." I replied and ran to the stall, leaving him behind. I got a butterscotch flavor and turned around to ask Vihaan, "what would you like?" knowing all, he followed me.

He chose "Vanilla." I got his ice cream and paid for us. We enjoyed the ice cream by walking.

"It's nice to have ice cream on a sunny day," I said, looking at him to find him controlling his laugh.

I stopped walking, "Why are you laughing?" I asked with confusion.

"It's on your face."

"Where?" I asked, wiping my cheeks and nose. He chuckled at my attempt to clean my face. Then, he leaned in and wiped the corner of my lip.

My heart skipped a beat when he leaned in and touched my lip. I avoided eye contact with him and walked away, trying to control my racing heartbeat. And, I swear I heard him mutter 'cute.'

As soon as we reached home, Aarav stopped him, and both got into a discussion. I took it as my chance and escaped from there. I ran to my room, locked the door, and got changed. As I looked into the mirror, I unconsciously touched my lips as I recalled the moment earlier.

What is it? What happened to me? Why did my heart flutter when he touched me? Why would I look forward to spending time with him? He is just a friend of mine like others, then why do I feel like this towards him? What is it called?

Nia knocked on the door and got me out of my thoughts. I opened it, and she walked towards the be, glancing at me, "Why did you lock the door?"

I have yet to respond. She took her phone and walked out, ignoring me, for which I was thankful.

Later that night, I tossed and turned, trying to find sleep but couldn't. I got up from the bed and decided to do something instead. I turned on the lamp and took the supplies for painting. I picked the oil paints he gifted me and got myself to work.

After an hour, a landscape with tall green trees and a clear blue sky was on the paper before me. When my eyelids felt heavy, I left the painting on the table to let it dry, washed my hands, got into bed beside Nia, and hugged a pillow tightly as sleep took over me.