Shruti

"Guess what, guys!" We heard a roar as we saw a jumping female on the doorstep of our hostel room.

"You are engaged!" Swetha exclaimed, running to hug our sweet girl, Rishita, draped in a fuschia saree as she showed us her red emerald embedded gold ring clad ring finger.

"Yes." She squealed as I also rushed to give her a happy hug.

"Prashant is downstairs, come down you two of you." She told us as we draped a jacket or shawl and walked down the stairs to see Prashant, dressed in a traditional pink kurta and off-white pants.

"Congratulations Bhai." We congratulated him too as he blushed.

"Thank you. And, these are for two of you. I want both of you there at our wedding anyhow." He smiled as he forwarded us two big hampers with chocolates, berries and raisins.

"Sure, Bhai." We nodded, smiling.

"Girls, drop this 'bhai' thing. Call him Jiju. I don't have any siblings so, you both are more like my sisters now." Rishita hugged us as we awed as her warm words.

"Keep your shoes safe, Jiju." Swetha playfully threatened him as we all laughed together.

"Met your cousin?" Rishita asked him as he shook his head in a 'no'.

"Prashant" We heard a call from the other side.

"Hey, Sid." He exclaimed, taking Sidharth Sir in a man hug, leaving three of us stunned.

"Sidharth Sir?" Rishita whispered, shocked at the turn of the events.

"Yes?" Sidharth Sir replied, confused seeing three of us here.

"Sid, this is Rishita, my fiánce. Rishita, he is Sidharth, my elder cousin. Only son of my father's big brother." He introduced, clearing our confusion.

"Prashant, he is my team leader. The one I told you about." Rishita muttered in his ears.

"Oh, the young, hot and talented guy, your friend likes." He laughed as my face burnt with embarrassment.

"What's going on?" Sidharth Sir intervened, seeing us involved in internal conversations. We shrugged.

"I'm glad that you are here. I won't be that worried of Rishita's safety." Sidharth Sir nodded as Prashant Jiju tried to divert the topic.

"She is safe here, bro. I'm there." He assured him.

"We are family friends now, Sir." Rishita laughed while, Sidharth Sir chuckled at her excitement saying, "Ji".

"Prashant, it's past their ladies hostel timings. Let them go inside and you are staying with me tonight. I've made the arrangements." He spoke as Jiju nodded and bid us his goodbye.

"How's your lectures and own research on labs going?" Sidharth Sir asked Swetha, without even looking at me as he and both of us walked ahead to give the couple a little privacy.

"A bit busy. But, going great, sir." Swetha answered.

"Reach me in case of any doubts or troubles, alright. Feel safe here." He said her as she smiled.

"I hope you are not still holding grudges against me for not taking you in my team." He jested, leading Swetha to laugh out loud.

"Yeah, a little." Swetha played along as he laughed saying, "Is it?"

"Yes. I dreamt to be in your team." She confessed.

"Aree, as I said, there's nothing in which team you are. Your contribution to the project matters." He replied to her, smiling. While, I felt awkward, being left out.

"But, Shruti is definitely angry on you." Swetha said in a quite serious tone, making me gape at her in pure shock.

"Sorry?" Sidharth Sir asked, clueless as I still gazed at Swetha, dubiously.

"Yes, because you took Rishita but, not two of us in your team. You didn't even compliment her for suggesting such an innovative idea." She repeated whatever I muttered in the room last night. As I was left to facepalm.

"I'm sorry. But, it's nothing like that. I did appreciate her idea. And, I already told you about how insignificant teams are!" He muttered, still not looking at me and Swetha simply nodded.

"It's okay. But, as you are being so cold to her, she even refrains from asking for help from you." It seemed Swetha was determined to reveal everything about me to him tonight. I nudged her this time as she twitched her lips at me, unamused.

"No, sir." I tried to defend myself, but, he cut me off.

"That's how I am. Feel free to come over to me when you need any help." He spoke, dismissing her statements.

"Let's get going, then." He muttered.

"Shit!" We heard Swetha's shriek and upon turning, we chanced upon both of them kissing each other passionately.

As I diverted my eyes, my eyes met with his oynx orbs again for the very second time and my breath hitched.

"We got to wait, it seems." He murmurs as we stood in silence.

"Sir?" Swetha spoke again and I so wished to elbow her.

"Yes." He answered, cautiously awaiting what's coming on his way.

"Kunal Sir is your best friend, right?" She started.

"Yes."

"Is he single?" Sidharth Sir coughed, not expecting the question as she asked, shyly.

"Do I spot an admirer here?" He teased her as he laughed seeing her flustered face.

"Aww. You are so cute." He chuckled again as he continued, "Your shore is clear, girl. Good luck."

"Nothing like that, Sir. I was just curious." She muttered, shyly at his teasings.

"Yes, I can very well observe that." He said, promptly as Swetha reddened more.

Soon we went upstairs laughing and teasing each other as Rishita joined us while, the two cousins walked off towards the individual quarters.

Around 10 PM, I received Ananya's call and we briefed each other of our lives.

"Di, I miss you." I heard her say and my heart wretched.

"Anu, I am quite busy these days. I'll come for sure whenever I get free." I pacified her with my lies. In reality, I knew, I couldn't go back home now after everything that has happened.

"It's alright. Love you, Di. Take care." She sweetly spoke as I replied the same.

I breathed in the breezy ambiance of the balcony as I quickly retired to my bed after arranging my shelf.

The day was indeed eventful but, it left tingles in me.

Unknown to me, a certain someone's ignorance was affecting me.

With those thoughts, a sound slumber took over me.

°°°

Hey People,

The new chapter is out now. How is it?

Do give it a read and comment your views here. I'll be waiting for them.

Thank you for reading. Have a great day/night ahead.

As I said earlier, there won't be any update tomorrow. Hence, this chapter is the compensation for the same. Well, see you on Monday again.

Love,
B❤️