21.

Where did it go wrong? Was it 'That' day? No. It was way before that. The only way we could have avoided this is if we never met.

I had a normal School life. I had a lot of friends; I graduated high school with good grades. Good enough to get me in "N" university.

It was a reputed university and nearby my house. I did not wish to stay far away from my parents and frankly This was the best arrangement. Their arts department was well known and students from other cities would swarm in.

It was an easy life. My friends in college were the ones I grew up with. I was to graduate from here and become a teacher. I loved teaching and used to teach my friends from a young age.

Even in college, I used to follow the tradition. Post lectures, we would sometimes sit and study together, explaining logics and clearing doubts. Some of my classmates used to ask me doubts when I was in library and I would help them out .I liked it ,to be honest, helping people and interacting with them. I made quite a few friends that way. I used to hangout with my friends like how normal college students would do , but most of the times , I would be in the library reading on my own. By reading, not just the studies but the comics that i rented from the library.

Today's the day ,our college was to commence, and most of the students were either attending the festival or busy preparing for it. The others were just away from here. Lectures were cancelled and most students were in the festival spirit. However, the library functioned as usual and today, there were no one in the library except for a handful. The entire library was empty. My friends were busy joining the festival spirit and I wanted some time away to complete my notes.

It was so silent that I was a bit sleepy. No one would mind if I took a nap, right? My friends will come to wake me up once they are done. My eyelids felt heavy and were closing out on me, when I heard his voice.

"Umm, excuse me,", Someone slightly poked on my back.

Startled, I turned around. 

A tall, slim boy with bangs almost covering his eyebrows towered over me. He had thick rimmed glasses and some acne over his face. There was no distinct feature as most of his face was covered by his hair and those glasses. To be frank, he looked very easy to draw. I shouldn't be saying that.

"Yes?" I asked as I tried to remember his face. I don't think he is in my class.

"Umm, I have seen you help other students out. I have a doubt? Would you help me too?"

"Yes !" I smiled. I like when people ask me for help. I feel useful."How can i help?"

He put the book in front of me and pointed to the notes. 

I know this very well.

I scooted over to the next chair and grabbed his hand to make him sit by the other chair. He slowly moved his hand away when he sat down. Oh no, Maybe I was too excited.

I spent the next 20 minutes explaining the contents. The guy was soft spoken. I could barely hear his voice,but it felt nice to listen. He would ask questions sounding not too confident and I would try to make him comfortable. He was a quick learner too.

"Thank you .", he muttered.

I smiled. I dont know why I like this guy.

"I am sorry,I didnt ask this before ? What is your name ?"

"Lex"

"What is that short for? Lexus? I am Dylan by the way" I forwarded my hand for a shake.

He shook my hand .

"You aren't in my class, are you ? " I said, "I would have remembered you ."

He was always looking down until now and did not meet my eyes even once. But suddenly, he looked at me and smiled.

I don't know why, I feel that he has a very beautiful smile. 

"I am in another class. I see you, sitting here every day and clearing people's doubts, so I approached you. I am sorry if I disturbed you?" He averted his eyes again and the smile faded.

"Oh no, no, I am so happy you came over. I am sorry I could not recognize you. Are you the one who always sits on the corner near the Astronomy books?" I think thats him.

"Yes yes, I generally sit there as not a lot of people come to that side." I could feel the excitement in his voice.

"Really? Maybe I should come over when I want to read in peace?"I joked "Or maybe not? I will only be disturbing you?"

"No no , you can come over. I will have company too." He sounded genuine. I don't know why I am touched.

I saw my friends faces sticking through the window. They were signing me to come out. They would not step in here unless absolutely necessary. 

"I have to leave now. It was nice meeting you Lex." I stood up. " I will see you around. Let's help each other out?" I smiled.

I waved him goodbye and left while he was still in his seat. 

I made a new friend today .