Chapter 20

Third person point of view

The next morning, Aravind walked to the kitchen to take his lunch box. He noticed Atharva who was packing his lunch too. " You don't have a lover ? " Aravind asked making Atharva frown. " Where did that come from now ? " He closed the lid and turned to Aravind. Aravind gave a shrug. " Is this because of yesterday ? " 

Atharva asked and Aravind nodded. " I always doubted it but yesterday made me more curious ". Atharva let out a breath. " I don't. It is just some wisdom from living more years than you and seeing the actual adult world ". Aravind nodded. Atharva took his lunch pack and walked away. " It is because I watch too many movies ". 

Atharva said before walking out of the kitchen and Aravind burst out laughing. " Rey anna ". Atharva turned to him with a smile and shrugged. Aravind chuckled again and took his boxes. He went to his room and checked his bag. He made sure he had all the things he needed in it. He put his phone and wallet in his pockets. 

He slung the bag on his shoulder and walked out. " Bye amma ". " Be careful ". " Yes~ " Aravind walked out and saw Dev was already there like every other day. He walked up to him and Dev gave him the helmet. Aravind put it on and sat on the bike. Dev drove to their college. Aravind kept glancing at him through the mirror from time to time. 

They reached the college and walked to the class. Their day was like any other except that Aravind zoned out a lot. Dev snapped his fingers in front of Aravind's face. " Did something happen ? " Dev asked not knowing what was up with this guy. " You can tell me if there is something ". Dev said and Aravind shook his head. 

" Did you not sleep well ? " Dev asked again. Aravind shook his head. " It is fine ". Dev nodded not wanting to pester too much. They were done with their day and went back home. Aravind gave the helmet to Dev who took it. Aravind continued to stand there and Dev turned to him looking doubtful as to why he was still there. 

" Can we talk ? " Aravind asked. Dev nodded. " Sure ". They went to Dev's room. Aravind would go and directly sit on Dev's bed but now he just stood there, looking a little awkward and nervous. Dev didn't know what was happening. He put his things away and turned to Aravind. " What is it ? " He asked and Aravind stared at him. 

Aravind couldn't get it out of his head all throughout the day and now that he asked to talk he couldn't say it right out. Dev stood there and patiently waited for Aravind to speak. Aravind held the strap on his shoulder tighter and built up his courage. " I will agree to what you asked ". Aravind said and Dev was stuck between confusion and surprise. 

He wondered if it what he was thinking it is. " What ? " Dev asked looking at him. Aravind gulped. " I mean... I... no, you... asked right ". Aravind let out a huff. He closed his eyes and cursed in a low voice. " Shit ". He looked up determined. " I will let you flirt with me and let's leave the things of the future to the future. I will leave now ". 

He observed Dev's expression changing from confusion to surprise to realization. Aravind turned around to walk away. He opened the door but a hand came from the back closing it with a bang. Aravind was startled. His heart dropped at the sudden reaction. He slowly turned around and saw Dev standing there. 

He tried his best to not let his breathing get heavy. Dev stared him in the eyes. " Do you really mean it ? " Aravind slowly nodded. He watched as a smile bloomed on Dev's lips. His expression loosened up and it looked like he was completely relieved. He chuckled and looked at Aravind with a happy smile. 

Aravind didn't know if he saw Dev smile that wide and look that genuinely happy in a while. He looked handsome. The thought left him flustered and Aravind looked down. Dev moved forward hugging Aravind. Aravind was shocked. He felt Dev hold him tight. His heels rose automatically. He couldn't hug back and just stood there. 

Dev let go of him after a few seconds but did not move back. They were still very provocatively close. Dev's eyes had a glint, not able to hold back how he was feeling. " I hope you brace your heart then. I am going to do it for real from now on ". Dev declared and Aravind blinked not knowing what to say. 

Dev chuckled at the speechless expression. He pinched Aravind's cheek with a smile. " So cute ". Aravind's eyes went wide and his cheeks turned red at those gestures. He pushed Dev's hand away and opened the door rushing out. " Don't run. Be careful ". Dev shouted but Aravind didn't answer and ran faster.

-MG