Chapter 22

Third person point of view

The next morning, Dev woke up even before his alarm could ring. He was super excited and full of energy right from the morning. He was done with his routine and still just as enthusiastic. He was eating the breakfast with his mother sitting across him. He did not talk much and tried his best to not smile too much. 

His mother saw him and narrowed her eyes. " Did you eat something wrong ? " She asked and Dev looked up not knowing where that came from. " What made you think so ? " His mother tilted her head. " You look pretty normal but... not. You look like you are high ". She said with a chuckle. Dev chuckled and shook his head. 

" It is nothing ". She still looked doubtful. " Is that so ? " Dev nodded. She nodded, letting it go. Dev finished his breakfast and went to his room. He picked up all the things and checked once again. He went and looked in the mirror. He set his hair a little and went out after making sure it was good enough. He waited outside for Aravind. 

His mother walked out to go to office. " Bye. Drive carefully ". " Bye ". Dev replied and his mother walked from there. Aravind let out a breath and walked out of the door. He walked to the gate and saw Dev's mother. " Bye aunty ". She smiled at Aravind and waved. " Bye ". She walked away and Aravind went to Dev who smiled as soon as their eyes met. 

He handed the helmet. Aravind took it and put it on. He stopped when he was about to get on the bike. He gulped and glanced at Dev. Dev also put on his helmet and was ready to drive away. Aravind told himself it was fine. He put his hand on Dev's shoulder and got on like he always did. He sat properly and Dev started the bike. 

Aravind gradually removed his hands from Dev's shoulders. He let them be on his own thighs and rubbed them on his jeans. Dev noticed it and smirked. He reached for Aravind's hand and put it around his waist, pulling him closer. Aravind was shocked. He pulled his hand away like he was burnt making Dev laugh. 

Aravind couldn't hide his perplexed expression. " What are you doing ?! " He asked still holding his hand. " I am just worried you will fall off. And not like you never held me like that ". Dev looked at Aravind who looked like steam would come out of his ears and chuckled again. Aravind wanted to give his head a smack but he was wearing a helmet. 

He let go of the idea. " Just drive. I am fine here ". Dev nodded. " Fine, if you say so ". He increased the speed a little making Aravind lean forward automatically. Aravind glared at Dev and held onto his shirt on the sides. Dev smiled wider and concentrated on the road. As soon as Dev parked the bike, Aravind immediately got off the bike as if he was being chased. 

He took his helmet off and gave it to Dev and walked away. " Oye ! Wait for me ". Dev shouted seeing Aravind walk away. Aravind stopped but didn't turn around. Dev hurriedly put things away and went to Aravind. " Let's go ". Aravind saw the smile on his face and nibbled at the inside of his cheek. 

" Don't keep smiling like an idiot ". He said and started walking away. Dev pointed at himself and quickly followed Aravind. " Do I really look like an idiot ? " He asked and Aravind spared him another glance. " Yes ". Dev nodded. " Alright ". Aravind let out a huff and stopped. He looked at Dev who just blinked in confusion. 

" Fuck you ". Aravind walked away and Dev just stood there looking around wondering where that came from now. He followed Aravind silently. They sat with their gang only to find them looking devastated. " How is your project going ? " Arjun asked. " It is fine so far ". Dev answered. " Ugh. I guess you are the only ones with a nice guide ". Abhay said sighing. 

" Why ? " Aravind asked. " She kept fucking roasting us with no remorse whatsoever ". Sushanth said. " All of you ? " Dev asked and Sushanth nodded. " All the groups are super worried right now ". " That's bad ". Aravind said and they looked like they would cry. " Don't worry. You will pull through this ". Dev encouraged and they wiped their invisible tears. 

" I might really cry before I finish it ". Karthik said and they all laughed. The lecturer walked in and their class started. Aravind was relieved Dev didn't make any moves during classes. One of their lecturers was running late and all of them were doing their own things. Aravind was looking through his phone when he felt a hand on his thigh drawing random patterns. 

He squinted his eyes, looking down at the fingers. His eyes followed the hand and looked up at Dev's face. Dev was looking down at his own hand and didn't notice Aravind's gaze on him. Aravind watched as Dev rested his face on his fist and continued to do as he pleased. He flicked the hand on his thigh. 

Dev hissed, pulling his hand back. " Keep your hands to yourself ". Aravind said in a low voice, gritting his teeth. Dev sneered and looked away. " Sir is coming ". A guy announced running into the class. All of them put their phones away. They took out their books and the sir walked in. " Sorry for the delay ". 

The sir said putting the book in his hand on the table. " It's okay sir ". One of the guys said making them all laugh. " I know you'd rather not me come to the class. But you cannot escape, neither can I. Let's start now ". They all laughed and the class started. Aravind thought that the day ended faster as his mind was preoccupied for most of the day.

-MG