7

Author's POV

Well done students, the event was a grand success. Thanks to the hosts.

You guys have done an excellent job.

You can leave after taking your things.

Thank you, sir. (all representatives together)

*Everyone disperses after the event

*Samir and his friends talking after the event in venue

Alex: Great work man. But that girl, what was her name? Whatever... She's lucky, I mean did you even see how clueless she was at the start.

Samir(calmly): She wasn't clueless. She just needed a moment to adjust.

Friend 1: Come on! You're just covering her. She's all looks and no substance.

Samir(annoyed): She pulled it off better than any of you could have. You'd be a disaster out there.

Alex: Why so fiery Samir? Just admit it already, you probably did all the work, and she just tagged along looking cute!

At this point Aditi overhears what Alex said-

Samir looked all confused by seeing Aditi on the spot unsure how to handle the situation, doesn't respond to Alex.

Eventually Aditi assumes Samir's silence as his confirmation for the remarks given by his friends, even though he had been defending her.

Aditi gets hurt, feels betrayed as she thinks Samir allowed his friends to insult her. She just leaves the venue, throwing away the script on the way out. She starts to tear up, running towards the dorm.

Samir gets furious and starts to scold his friends for their actions. He tries to stop Aditi but seems like she has already gone inside the dorm.

Ashish calls Shruthi and tells her about the incident.

Shruthi goes to Aditi's dorm to console her.

Shruthi: Why are you crying?

Aditi: You know what they said?

Shruthi: I know everything, see don't cry over those fools who did nothing but just commented.

We know how much hard work you have put into this. Don't care about what others say isn't it what you say to me. Now you're doing exact opposite.

Aditi: Yes, I shouldn't cry over those idiots. But I couldn't help my tears won't stop. I feel so bad to hear those words. What does he mean " I did nothing but tagged along looking cute?"

Samir didn't even utter a word; he was looking all shocked because I overheard their conversation. He didn't even try to cover up.

Shruthi: He has always been like that maybe. Even in the cafeteria incident and then this. Now I can understand this has been his character. He was just acting nice because of the teacher. I think we must plot a revenge on him.

Aditi: I don't know. Maybe you're right. We need not plot any revenge. I don't even want to see his face anymore. I just hate him so much.

Shruthi: yeah, it's better to stay away. Don't ever talk to him.

If he comes to talk, I'm going to hit him.

Aditi: Yeah, that'll work.

Shruthi: You know what?

Aditi: what?

Shruthi: you look cute, while crying. Will you stop crying or I'll fall in love (winks)

Aditi: You indeed know how to make me laugh. So, you're telling me that you fell in love with me?

Krithiga: Omg...so... sorry I think I came in wrong time, you guys can continue...

Shruti(embarrassed): Hey no that's not what you think.

Aditi: Yeah, it's not what you think...

She was just consoling me...

Krithiga: oh, I see. Why are you crying by the way?

Aditi: Umm. Nothing I was just stupid to cry.

Krithiga: Look what I got you... your favourite.

Aditi: what's that, chocolate cake?

How do you know? Where did you get it from?

Krithiga: why do you have so many questions? I just know just eat it. I'll go out, I need to call my mom.

Aditi: mmm

Shruthi: Seems like you got a best friend? (Side eyed)

Aditi: Are you jealous?

Shruthi: why would I be?

Aditi: what a wholesome moment to see Shruthi getting jealous, I think I should record it....

Shruthi: Stop it I'm not, not at all.

______________________________________

Thanks for delivering the cake.

But why did you say not to say your name?

She will not accept if you did ... Is she still crying?

Yeah, she was, and her friend is consoling her. I hope it doesn't create a problem to me.

No, it won't...

Are you both couples, did you fight after the event. You both looked fine during the event though.

It's not it, but anyways thank you once again...

Samir leaves and starts overthinking about the incident and feels how it would have hurt Aditi.

He starts to blame himself for not responding to Alex and feels guilty.

He scolds his friends for being so bad and commenting.

______________________________________________________________________________

Later that night, after Shruthi left home, Aditi decides to step out of her dorm to grab something for dinner as she doesn't skip her meals.

She goes late, so the hostel cafeteria wasn't so crowded at this hour. a few students sat at a far end, chatting in low voices. 

Aditi walked up to the counter, barely glancing at the menu before ordering something simple.

Just as she turned to find a table, she sees a familiar figure near the farthest table - Samir

He wasn't in his usual gang, instead he was sitting alone with a cup of tea. His posture was slouched, one hand tapping the table absentmindedly and the other on his forehead, as if he was lost in thoughts. 

Aditi all unbothered, looks away pretending she hasn't seen him- sits in a table. she eats soon and tries to leave.

Samir notices Aditi goes to her trying to apologise her he calls out "Aditi, wait".

She stops for a second as Samir blocks her way, she doesn't respond.

Samir shifts uncomfortably. "I- about earlier...".

Aditi doesn't let him finish. She steps around him, uninterested.

Desperately he tries again just to say-"I didn't mean for you to hear that" and make it even more worser.

That makes her stop, but instead of reacting emotionally she gives a sharp look and speaks- " So it wouldn't have been a problem if I didn't hear? Right?

Samir realises he's saying the wrong things. He opens his mouth to correct himself, but Aditi shakes her head and walks into the dorm. 

Samir all frustrated runs his hand through his hair, knowing he has just made it even more worser.