Page 17

ANYA

“Where the hell were you, Anya Mehra?!” my brother yells as soon as I enter the apartment. I wince. Oh no, I am dead. I turn around, closing the door behind me. There’s only one way to calm him down. I walk towards him slowly, stopping only a few centimeters away. I look up at him; he’s glaring at me angrily. I wrap my arms around him slowly. He stiffens only for a moment and then hugs me back. I close my eyes and sigh. “Are you okay?” he asks, his voice gentle this time. I nod into his chest.

“I got stuck in the elevator yesterday,” I explain silently. My brother pulls away, eyeing me carefully.

“Where? And why didn’t you call me?” he asks, his tone sharp, but I can see the worry in his eyes. I look at my feet, feeling guilty and a little sheepish.

“I’m sorry. I called Daniel, considering he was in the building,” I tell him.

“The basketball team’s captain?” he asks, a little surprised. I can’t blame him. I would be too if someone said two months ago that I am hanging out with jocks. Don’t get me wrong; there’s nothing wrong with them. They’re just not my type, or so I thought. I nod.

“He’s my assignment partner,” I explain. “So, I went to his place for the project, but I was too shaken after the incident, and he told me to rest. I fell asleep.” I clarify. “I am so sorry. I should have informed someone, but as soon as I hit the bed, I just passed out. I think I was too exhausted.” I make the best puppy face I can. He chuckles softly, pulling me back into a hug.

“I am glad you’re fine,” he says softly, ruffling my hair, but I don’t snap at him for doing it. This isn’t common for us, so I just savor the moment.

He lets me go. Siya is standing right behind him, and Zeke is beside her. He’s eyeing her carefully. I want to push him away, but obviously, I don't. He hasn't done anything worth that. “I am also relieved that you’re okay,” Siya says quietly, smiling at us.

“I apologize formally to both of you.” I bow and give them a sheepish grin. Siya laughs while Arnav just stares at me as if he has already lost interest in everything. He usually seems like that.

“I was just about to call the police.” Arnav says.

“To what? Find me or lock me up so I don’t get lost?” I tease.

“Well, what can I do? You’re a walking disaster magnet with an impaired sense of direction,” he retorts.

I gasp in mock offense, holding my hand over my heart. “I beg your pardon. I prefer the term ‘adventure magnet.’ I live for excitement and novelty.”

He narrows his eyes at me. “You do realize that’s the exact opposite of who you are.”

“Fine, fine.” I raise my hands as if in surrender. “I give up,” I announce. He just shakes his head. “I will go get ready. I missed the first lecture anyway,” I exclaim, rushing to my room. I throw off my clothes and quickly pull on a fresh outfit: a simple woolen blue dress and comfortable sneakers. I brush my hair in a hurry, barely noticing the tangles as I swipe a comb through it. I grab an apple from the kitchen and toss it into my bag. Siya’s waiting for me by the door, her expression patient but slightly amused.

“Ready?” she asks, glancing at the clock on her phone. “You really are quick,” she comments.

“Yeah, let’s go!” I reply, slinging my bag over my shoulder and hurrying out the door. We take the usual bus to campus. I sit next to Siya, soaking up the sunlight coming through the window.

“Are you okay?” she asks gently, not looking at me. I squeeze her hand.

“Yeah, I am fine,” I reassure her. She hums. We sit in silence for the rest of the ride. I still hold her hand though, grateful for her. As we step off the bus, I scan my surroundings. It’s always a wonder to me how people are so energetic in the mornings. I just want to eat and head back to bed.

I pull Siya with me as we weave through the crowd of students. I groan. “I hate morning lectures.”

Siya gives me a forced smile. “Agreed.” I chuckle lightly.

I hear a familiar laugh and my steps falter. It isn’t difficult to spot him considering that he is taller than half of the crowd. A small smile appears on my face. He’s talking to someone. My eyes land on the girl next to him.

She’s a cheerleader; her outfit gives that away. Her long, golden hair is pulled into a high ponytail and she’s wearing a bright, sparkly outfit that’s both vibrant and eye-catching. She’s laughing at something Daniel said, her eyes crinkling at the corners in a way that makes her look genuinely pleased.

Daniel seems to be enjoying himself, too as he chats with the girl. He has a friendly expression on his face and he occasionally runs his hand through his hair in a careless manner. The girl seems captivated by his attention, and from what I can see, she’s clearly attracted to him. I can’t blame her because he is one good-looking and charming man.

It’s clear that they are having a good time together. My heart sinks, and I feel a pang of jealousy. Why should it bother me so much? After all, Daniel is just a classmate—he’s not mine. Still, seeing him so engaged with someone else stirs up an uncomfortable mix of emotions. The way the girl hangs onto his every word, giggling at his jokes, and how he seems genuinely entertained by the conversation makes me want to punch both of them, and I do not believe in violence.“Anya, we are running late,” Siya whispers, her gentle voice snapping me out of my thoughts. I look at her. She has a look of understanding on her face, but I am glad that she doesn’t ask me any questions or give me any advice. I nod gently, giving her a forced smile, although I know she knows how I feel.

“Did you know I started watching a K-drama yesterday?” Siya says as she attempts to change the subject and I chuckle.

“You and your obsession with K-dramas.” I sigh and shake my head.

“They have everything: romance, drama, suspense, comedy…and don’t even get me started on how good-looking the actors are!”

I roll my eyes, but a small smile tugs at my lips. “You say that every time. It’s like you’ve memorized a script to convert non-believers into K-drama fans.”

She giggles, undeterred by my teasing. “That’s because it’s true! And don’t act like you’re above it. You’re the one who stayed up all night binge-watching Crash Landing On You after I made you watch the first episode.”

I groan, covering my face with my hands. “You’ll never let me forget that, will you?”

“Never,” she declares proudly. “And do you know why? Because that was the moment I knew even someone as serious as you could appreciate a good love story with a sprinkle of absurdity.” I laugh and shake my head.

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