Unspoken Confession

The bus ride back to campus was quiet, the exhaustion of the trek settling into everyone's bones. Aditi sat by the window, her head resting against the cool glass, lost in her thoughts. The vibrant scenery outside was a blur, her mind replaying the moments she had shared with Tanmay during the trek—the way he had patiently helped her cut vegetables, the teasing glances exchanged as they climbed the steep trails, and, most of all, the sound of his voice as he sang by the bonfire.

Her cheeks grew warm at the memory of how his eyes had found hers during the song, holding her gaze like an unspoken confession. She couldn't help but smile to herself, the warmth in her chest persistent and undeniable.

Once they returned to campus, the bustling routine of college life quickly took over. The farewell for the graduating batch was just around the corner, and the campus was buzzing with preparations. Posters announcing themes and decor ideas adorned every wall, and students could be found in every corner discussing their outfits and plans for the big evening.

One afternoon, Aditi, Riya, and Ankita found themselves in the cafeteria, their plates piled with fries and sandwiches. The three of them were seated at their usual table, their conversation animated.

"I cannot believe the farewell is so close!" Ankita exclaimed, practically bouncing in her seat. "It feels like just yesterday we started college."

"I know, right?" Riya added, stealing a fry from Aditi's plate. "It's going to be so much fun. I've already decided what I'm going to wear—a black gown with sequins. It's simple but elegant. What about you, Aditi?"

Aditi shrugged, swirling her straw in her iced coffee. "I don't know yet. I haven't really thought about it."

"Come on, Aditi!" Ankita groaned. "You have to make an impression. It's farewell, not a random class lecture. Wear something that makes you feel confident."

Riya smirked. "Something that might catch someone's attention, perhaps?"

Aditi rolled her eyes, but the blush creeping up her neck betrayed her. "You two are impossible."

"Just saying," Riya teased. "What about a dark red dress? It'll suit you perfectly."Ankita clapped her hands in agreement. "Yes! Red is bold. It'll bring out your inner diva."

Unbeknownst to the three of them, Tanmay was seated at a table behind them with a friend from his class. He had been casually scrolling through his phone but had tuned into their conversation the moment Aditi's name was mentioned. A faint smile played on his lips as he heard her friends tease her, and he couldn't help but glance in her direction.

"Is that... Aditi?" his friend asked, following his gaze.Tanmay nodded, leaning back in his chair. "Yeah. Looks like they're planning for the farewell."

His friend smirked. "You've been quiet since we got here. Something on your mind?"

"Nothing in particular," Tanmay said, though the hint of a smile remained on his face.

A few days later, Aditi was walking across campus, her arms filled with books she had borrowed from the library. The sun was warm against her skin, and the faint chatter of students filled the air. She turned around and nearly collided with someone.

"Whoa, careful there!" came a familiar voice.

Aditi looked up to see Tanmay standing in front of her, his hands raised as if to steady her.

"Oh, sorry!" she said, stepping back. "I wasn't paying attention."

"Clearly," he teased, his lips curving into a grin. "You almost took me out with those books."Aditi let out a small laugh. "Maybe you shouldn't stand in the middle of the walkway."

"Touché," he said, his tone light. "So, how've you been? You seem... busy avoiding me."

Her eyes widened. "What? I'm not avoiding you."

Tanmay raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Really? Because ever since we got back from the trek, you've been a ghost. No messages, no hellos. Nothing."

Aditi fumbled for a response, her cheeks heating up. "I've just been... caught up with things. The farewell preparations and all."

"Ah, the farewell," Tanmay said, a playful glint in his eyes. "I heard you and your friends discussing your outfit in the cafeteria the other day."

"You were eavesdropping?" she asked, narrowing her eyes."Not eavesdropping," he corrected, his grin widening. "Just happened to overhear. So, what's the verdict? Red or something else?"

Aditi shook her head, trying to suppress a smile. "You're unbelievable."

"Maybe," he said, leaning slightly closer, his voice dropping to a softer tone. "But at least now you're talking to me."

For a moment, their eyes met, and Aditi felt the familiar flutter in her chest. She quickly looked away, clutching her books tighter. "I should get going. Lots of work to do."

"Sure," Tanmay said, stepping aside to let her pass. "But don't disappear again, okay? I might start thinking you're avoiding me on purpose."

Aditi gave him a quick nod and hurried away, her heart racing. As she walked, she couldn't help but smile, her mind already replaying the conversation.