Chapter 10 - Start of Something

As soon Anaya closed the door of the library behind her, she spotted a figure hunched over a book, dark hair covering the face in a silken curtain. She froze mid step, a flicker of surprise crossed her face.

She had rotated between many hours for the past two weeks to find this exact timing with absolute certainty that the library would be completely empty at this hour. Students mostly occupied with their clubs or taking leisure time in gardens or canteen. Which made this her sanctuary; a perfect time to relax and immerse in the fictional world without the pressure of people and crowds. She hadn't expected someone else to have the same idea.

She hesitated for a moment, her fingers curling around the wooden frame. Her mind was warning against the impulsive decision, but there was that irrational urge, once again, insisting to go ahead and talk. To find something she couldn’t name. A connection, maybe?

It was the same stupid urge that always reared its ugly head whenever she noticed someone similar to her in habits. It was not something smart or rational. Her mind always warned her of heartbreak, creating a scenario of this conversation she was planning to have and how it would turn into disaster. Where she would end up embarrassed or humiliated

Once, almost a year back, she had a college event back in Mumbai. Tina had a family emergency at the last moment and couldn't attend. She had been sulking in the corner when she saw a girl looking really upset and staring in a full glass of juice. She had felt the urge to bond with someone and had approached her. It had turned into a disaster. Because the girl was angry over her boyfriend, and was some rich bimbo who wouldn't want to be found dead by her side, ever. Instead of a friend, she got insulted. It was a harrowing experience and she had avoided everyone for a week.

She had tried to be careful since then. Tried though, because there was another small incident after three months where everything was fine until she ended up saying awkward things which had made the other girl walk away in disgust. She wouldn't dare recall all of them at the moment though.

That longing and that urge... She couldn’t control that.

Her heart whispered promises she had no idea would ever be fulfilled.

But she could try, right?

After all, there were times when Anaya simply decided not to be smart. And just be brave. Or rather stupid.

Because what could go wrong in another attempt, and empty library? Nothing much, right?

Taking a deep breath, she made her way inside the library, her steps slow and cautious.

Anaya slid into the chair beside the girl, almost immediately the girl startled and warm hazel eyes snapped to her before darting to the door as if expecting someone before dropping back to the book with a sigh.

Was she waiting for someone? The thought came unbidden without much consideration before she discarded it unimportant at the moment.

"Hi," Anaya started, her voice came out hesitant and lame. But her interest in fiction was too much to overthink her actions. For now at least. That would come later, probably at night staring at the ceiling.

The girl lifted her head and turned to her, a tired and weary eyes on an innocent looking face. A polite smile came on the red-bitten lips, giving Anaya enough courage to speak further.

"I'm Anaya," she introduced herself with a forced smile, resisting the urge to take a quick peek of the title or story. Instead, wondering how come such a pretty lady looked so lost?

"Hi," the doe-eyed girl answered softly, her voice sweet and pleasant. "I'm Kavya Sharma."

"Nice name," Anaya remarked, not knowing how else to proceed with the conversation. She thought for a moment, trying to find the topic before asking the question she was dying to get the answer of. She could compliment her though. The girl was really beautiful, like a doll. But a tired one.

And not so rich either. Anaya thought, observing her faded yellow sun dress that seemed to have been either passed down from someone or bought from a thrift shop. Anaya could relate to the latter. And felt the empathy that made her not to comment on anything materialistic.

"I haven't seen you here before," Anaya said, biting her lower lip at the bluntness of her words, and immediately corrected them. "I mean, the library is usually empty at this time."

"Just returned from a trip home," Kavya gave a careless shrug, pushing back the soft strands of darkest black hair from her face while avoiding eye contact for some reason. "I like the quiet here."

She felt a tug in her heart, being reminded of her child self. The awkward, nervous and lacking communication skills. The one who lost her family and with that her confidence. Not that she changed much since then. But still a progress.

"And books?" Anaya asked, trying to smother the stupid excitement. "I mean novels, too? Actually, I haven't met many people who read." She pointed with her chin to the hardcover held in her hands.

A soft smile came on Kavya's face, soft and warm. "I enjoy reading in my free time."

Anaya's face brightened with a huge smile. She leaned forward to examine the title on the top of the open page.

"Romance?" Anaya blurted before she could evaluate her stupidity, her nose scrunching in disgust.

Kavya looked at her, startled and confused by the sudden intensity in her tone.

Anaya almost bit her tongue, realising her blunder. Immediately, she felt embarrassed and ashamed immediately. She shouldn't have said that aloud. At least, not to someone she had just met. She sounded so snobical.

"Ah... I..." Anaya fumbled, putting on her fakest smile, trying to lessen the impact. "I just haven't read a love story in a long time. How's it? Worth reading?"

She blinked innocently, as if invested while internally she cursed her not so great communication skills. It was always stuttering or awkward.

Worth reading? What a lie! She would rather drown in a pond than read romance. She hated love stories and anything mushy, sweet or whatever.

But she had to brace herself for the gushing monologue of love, soulmates, and stupid romance. The way she had acted so impulsively and immaturely, it was the least she could do for Kavya to make up for her insensitive attitude.

"Well..." Kavya lowered her eyes, a delicate finger tracing the corner of the book almost subconsciously. "I don't think it's worth it. I don't like it that much."

Anaya almost sighed in relief. Almost. Instead, she gave an enthusiastic nod of understanding that wasn't completely fake.

"Only a few are worth reading in the romance category." Anaya offered an offhand comment and almost wished to shut her eyes at the lameness.

That... those stupid words were the reason she remained detached. She ended up saying wrong things at the wrong time. It was becoming a well known pattern now. Who really talked like that?

Kavya, oblivious to her turmoil, gave a nod of agreement. Although her eyes remained in some words, she did not seem much present. And Anaya couldn't help but wonder if her words caused that reaction. A feeling of remorse prickled her and she shifted uncomfortably.

Before Anaya could dig another hole, the door opened silently, and someone passed by, distracting her. A frown came on her face when the guy brushed past her in a completely black outfit. She hadn't seen anyone wear complete black in this city. It was her favourite colour and that was the reason she tilted her head to get a better look at the person.

Anaya's brow raised in slight surprise. She recognized him. He was the new guy everyone was falling over for. She surely hadn't expected someone like him, rich and handsome, to ever grace the library. Someone who seemed to ooze attitude like a drink spilling from overflowing glass, continuously and smoothly.

Yet, here he was. Just a few tables away from theirs, the very last one, with all the poise and regality of someone accustomed to money and power. One ankle gracefully rested on his knee; his back straight and long fingers adjusting the book, which he apparently brought, on the table. He exuded an aura of arrogance and isolation with his inexpressive face and piercing eyes that seemed to see beyond the soul of a person.

Anaya shuddered inexplicably, her eyes dropping and unintentionally falling on his hands. She almost rolled her eyes as she noticed the expensive black watch peeking out from his cuffs.

It was none of her business to judge.

"Sure, judge him completely and say none of your business huh," her inner self scolded, dripping in sarcasm and Anaya decided to ignore the guy because her brain didn't seem to be working properly.

"Focus, Anaya," she muttered under her breath.

Anaya was almost ready to forget the man until she turned to Kavya, a question about the novels ready on the tip of her tongue, but stopped at Kavya's expression. A frown came on her face. The doe eyes were wide and completely stuck on the new guy. There was something frightening in their hazel depths, while the delicate fingers held the novel tighter, almost crumbling the pages and making Anaya wince at the blasphemy.

Her brows furrowed. Did Kavya know him?

Wasn't she waiting for someone? The thought struck her and she froze for a moment.

Anaya bit her lip, lost in thoughts. But wasn't he new in city? Then how could Kavya know him? It didn't make any kind of sense. Anaya was not ready to make another blunder with a thoughtless comment. After all, Kavya had been nothing but nice to her and she didn't want to hurt someone so warm and kind.

"Do you happen to have any idea about who he is?" Anaya asked keeping her voice deliberately casual, hiding the curiosity sparking in her eyes.

Kavya startled, breaking from whatever thought had caught her. She blinked at Anaya as if registering the question a bit late.

Kavya shook her head and gave a smile. Anaya could swear there was certain something in her smile. Something sad? Or maybe... Weary?

"No. I don't know him." Kavya mumbled after a moment, avoiding her gaze once again, her eyes back to the novel and her fingers loosening around the edges.

Anaya's frown deepened. She sat still, observing Kavya who seemed to be engrossed in the novel and yet not focused. Anaya saw her eyes darting to the guy once or twice. Her eyes narrowed in consideration, turning to see if the guy was also watching Kavya.

The library door opened once again halting her quiet investigation. This time, Arohi entered like a hurricane, her steps not so silent as she let the door shut on its own with a thud that echoed in the otherwise silent library.

Anaya flinched, her eyes immediately darting towards the librarian who had narrowed her eyes at Arohi who made her way to Anaya, hands on her hips. And a war on her face.

Arohi opened her mouth to shout probably. Anaya glared before she could, tilting her head towards the librarian in a silent reprimand. And maybe to remind her too.

Arohi paused, took a deep breath, and crossed her arms.

"Why did you ditch me?" Arohi whisper yelled, leaning closer.

Anaya blinked. Kavya stared at Arohi with wide eyes.

Arohi had opened her mouth to speak once again, when her eyes found Kavya and she stared in disbelief. Which quickly morphed into a gasp, confusing Anaya and Kavya.

"Did you replace me with her? How could you?" Arohi placed a dramatic hand on her chest as if betrayed. "Wasn't I such a cool friend? Why would you do something so painful?"

Anaya almost made face at the theatrics, instead she pressed her fingers to her temples. "Because maybe, I never knew you were such a drama queen?" Anaya thought but didn't dare to speak out. Living a silent and peaceful life made her feel weird on the loudness and dramatics, even if her heart yearned for such loudness in silent hours of night.

Taking a deep breath, she put on an extra sweet smile and pointed towards Kavya. "Arohi, meet Kavya."

Kavya offered her hand for a handshake, while Arohi responded with a grimace, quickly masking it with a rather strained smile. The hellos were exchanged, which clearly seemed to lack enthusiasm and made Anaya frown. Because she couldn't understand the why.

Arohi turned to Anaya, clearly ready to resume her chaos, when she saw the new guy and she froze for a long moment. Her mouth opened dramatically before she pulled up a chair and collapsed on it, confusing Anaya, who raised an eyebrow in silent question.

"Don't tell me you both are here for him?" Arohi hissed, staring at Anaya as if she had betrayed her for real this time.

Kavya stared blankly while Anaya gave her a look that said Arohi was being stupid. Again.

"Don't be a moron." Anaya said, waving her hand as if swatting a fly. "I'll drown myself before I decide to run behind him, or any guy for that matter."

Arohi stopped, tilting her head as if observing something on Anaya's face that Anaya herself was unaware of. Anaya narrowed her eyes and Arohi shook her head.

"I'll keep that noted for... " Arohi emphasized, a grin on her face "when you're running behind a guy."

Anaya rolled her eyes. Arohi was being stupid. When not if, as if Anaya would ever chase a guy. She hated men. But that was something Arohi didn't seem to realize. It was really not intelligent of her to make Arohi believe anything. Arohi had her own world, where she believed her own rules.

Anaya chose the silence. Arohi's grin dropped and she leaned forward.

"Anyway," Arohi's voice dropped to conspiratial, "if anyone finds that guy here, this library will be swimming with people."

Anaya's brow furrowed, her fist resting under her chin. Confusion on her face and curiosity in her eyes. "Why?"

"Because they are crazy about him?" Arohi said with a shrug as if it was obvious. "Or because they are crazy. Take your pick."

Anaya scrunched her nose trying to make sense of it. She couldn't understand the concept. She thought about it for a moment but couldn't seem to find the logic behind the absurd reasoning.

Why would anyone follow someone who wasn't clearly interested? That was simply too desperate to be real.

"Well, that's... Crazy?" Anaya said looking at Arohi and Kavya for their reaction, not sure if she was being accurate.

Arohi smirked, drumming her fingers on the table as if she was thoroughly amused by her reply, which judging by the glint in her eyes was quite possible. Anaya rolled her eyes. Arohi and her dramatics.

"Really, he doesn't even seem like the type of guy who likes attention. And to be swarmed by so much unwanted attention is downright frustrating. And disgusting." Anaya added as an afterthought, turning to inspect the books on the table, not realizing she had opened a pandora box.

Anaya opened the first book, raised her brow at the fancy title on something economics and dropped the book like a plague. She reached out for another book with glossy lilac hardcover when she felt the heavy silence.

Pausing for a moment, she turned to her right and became confused instead. Arohi had her brow raised, observing her with a look that screamed abnormality. Classic Arohi, though. She turned to Kavya on her left, only to find Kavya staring with wide eyes and open mouth.

"What?" Amaya asked, suddenly self-conscious, replaying everything she said, trying to remember what she did wrong.

Why were they looking at her like that?

"You talked as if you knew him," Arohi said accusations flashing in her eyes.

Him... Who? Oh, him.

Anaya shook her head. "No, I talked as per my observations that's not the same as knowing him."

She reached out for the other book but dropped it without checking title. The tiny footprints presented as art did not impress her at all.

"Well..." Kavya started hesitantly, snagging her attention. "You did say that with so much conviction and..." She furrowed her brow, thinking deeply. "Feelings?"

Anaya's gaze sharpened, eyebrows vanishing in her hairline. A long silence in which both girls stared at her with bated breath.

Anaya threw her hands in the air with a frustrated scowl. It seemed Arohi's strangeness was contagious. "You both are being impossible. I don't even know that jerk."

She stood up, muttering and cursing under her breath. Her hand reached forward to gather her bag when she froze, her gaze locked with the man she had just called jerk. Her lips parted in shock. He was watching them. Her.

She didn't speak that loud, right? He didn't hear anything, right?

But despite the attempts to calm herself, she felt her heart sinking. She had this strange feeling that he had heard her every word. Most probably was listening from the start.

She had not meant to be so rude and unfair. It wasn't her intention to hurt. She was simply trying to defend herself.

Her heart thudded in her chest, and she swallowed, unable to look away from the eyes that captivated her completely as if freezing her on point. The library and the girls beside her, the reality of where she was and what she was going to do completely vanished from her mind. Every thought vaporized from her mind, and she got lost in the depths of eyes that seemed to consume everything like a black hole.

And even the guilt and overthinking fell silent.