Message

Aanya’s phone buzzed just as she was about to leave for college. It was a message from Arjun.

Hey, where are you? he had written.

She hesitated, remembering the messages she had ignored over the past few days. She hadn’t meant to ignore him—it just felt easier to stay quiet. Finally, she typed a reply.

Hey… just saw your messages. My class ends late today, she wrote.

Ah, okay. I’ll wait outside your college gate then. It’s getting dark, and I don’t want you walking alone, he replied gently.

Aanya smiled softly. No, really. You don’t have to trouble yourself. I can go alone. I don’t need any company, she typed.

You don’t need… but I want to, he answered simply.

A little while later, she stepped out of the college gate. There he was, standing quietly under the dim streetlight, a calm smile on his face.

“Hey,” he said. “Shall we go?”

“Yeah,” she replied, adjusting her scarf.

As they walked, he glanced at her. “By the way… can I ask something? Why did you ignore my messages the other day?”

Aanya laughed softly, shrugging. “Ignored you? I didn’t… I was just busy,” she said casually.

Arjun grinned, nudging her lightly. “Busy, huh? So it wasn’t because my amazing-ness finally overwhelmed you?”

Aanya scowled playfully, letting out an exaggerated groan. “Oh my God, stop it. You’re impossible.”

“I know,” he said, grinning. “But admit it… you like that I care. Strong little girl who can handle herself… and still lets me tag along,” he added, teasing.

"Aanya crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes. “Strong little girl? Seriously? Don’t make me sound like a child,” she snapped, but there was a small smile tugging at her lips.

“Okay, okay,” he said, laughing. “Not a child… just the kind of girl who’s dangerous enough to protect herself and me if I ever get into trouble. That’s impressive,” he teased again.

Aanya rolled her eyes, shaking her head, but laughed softly. “You’re ridiculous,” she said, clearly a mix of irritation and amusement.

He just shrugged, still smiling. “Totally. But I’ll take it. I like seeing that little smirk of yours.”"

"The road from the college to the bus stop was quiet, lined with trees, and the winter air felt crisp. They walked side by side, talking about classes and small incidents from the day, occasionally teasing each other in short bursts. It felt natural, easy, and warm.

By the time they reached the bus stop, the bus had arrived. She slid into her usual seat by the window, and he stayed nearby, quietly keeping an eye on her."

"At her stop, she got down first. He followed a few steps behind, subtly making sure she reached safely.

“You really don’t need me walking with you,” she said softly, smiling.

“I know,” he replied, grinning. “But I want to. And honestly… a strong little girl who can handle herself and still lets me tag along? That’s a win in my book,” he said, teasing lightly.

Aanya laughed quietly, shaking her head, a little irritated but warm inside. Somehow, the long road, the chilly evening, and even the dark felt lighter with him there. By the time she reached home, she didn’t look back—she didn’t need to. His quiet, steady, and playful presence had already said everything."

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