Chapter 35 – Hearts in Transit
Karthik waited until Ananya's bus disappeared down the street before he turned and headed to his own stop. His heart was still buzzing, like it hadn't realized the conversation had ended. Or maybe it didn't want to.
When he got home, he tossed his bag on the bed and collapsed beside it, face buried in his pillow.
"Text me when you get home."
He hadn't even realized the words had left his mouth until she smiled. What was happening to him?
His phone buzzed.
> Ananya: made it home!
P.S. You didn't say please.
Karthik smirked.
> Karthik: You didn't say thank you.
P.S. You didn't have to text back so fast. Looks desperate.
Her reply came instantly.
> Ananya: Oh no. My reputation.
> Ananya: Also, thank you, O Mighty Heartthief.
He stared at the screen for a moment, then typed.
> Karthik: You're welcome, Drama Queen.
He stared at the chat longer than he'd admit.
Then deleted the nickname he had saved for her in his contacts—"Just Ananya"—and changed it to "Ananya <3" before quickly locking his phone like it was a crime.
---
The next morning, Saturday, arrived like a lazy cat—sunlight filtering through curtains, a faint hum of autos outside, and the smell of filter coffee wafting through the house.
Karthik sat at the dining table, absentmindedly scrolling through his phone, when his sister Meena peeked over his shoulder.
"You're smiling like a cartoon character," she said, chewing on a piece of toast.
"I'm not."
"You are. Is it a girl?"
He glared. "Mind your own business."
Meena laughed. "It is a girl. I knew it."
Karthik got up with his coffee. "I'm going to my room."
"You can't hide love, annaaaa," she sang after him.
---
Back in his room, he found a new message waiting.
> Ananya: What are you doing today?
> Karthik: Nothing. Homework. You?
> Ananya: Wanna do nothing together?
He blinked.
> Karthik: Are you asking me out?
> Ananya: I'm asking you to come with me to the library. Totally platonic. Absolutely boring. Not romantic at all.
> Ananya: Unless you want it to be.
Karthik nearly dropped his phone.
He took a breath. And typed:
> Karthik: See you at 4?
> Ananya: See you at 4.
---
End of Chapter 35