Part 4: The Growing Connection
463 Words
After the coffee date, something shifted between Aarushi and Vivaan. He no longer pestered her as much, but his presence remained constant. Whether it was a casual nod in the library or a fleeting glance across the hallway, it was clear that he wasn’t ready to walk away just yet.
And much to her dismay, Aarushi found herself thinking about him more often than she should.
---
The Unexpected Ride
One evening, Aarushi stayed late in the library, working on an assignment. By the time she stepped out, the campus was quiet, and most students had already left. She started walking toward the hostel when a familiar voice called out.
Vivaan (leaning against his car): “Need a ride?”
Aarushi stopped in her tracks. “No, thanks.”
Vivaan (grinning): “Come on, Aarushi. It’s late, and the hostel is a long walk from here.”
She hesitated. He wasn’t wrong. And taking a ride from him wasn’t a big deal, right?
With a sigh, she walked toward the car and got in.
As he drove, there was a comfortable silence between them.
Vivaan (glancing at her): “So, did you miss me?”
Aarushi rolled her eyes. “In your dreams.”
Vivaan chuckled. “You’re getting used to me, though.”
Aarushi looked out the window. “I don’t know what you want from me, Vivaan.”
His grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly. “What if I said I just like spending time with you?”
She turned to him. There was no trace of arrogance in his voice—just sincerity.
For the first time, Aarushi felt her walls start to crack.
---
The Rainfall Moment
As fate would have it, just as they reached the hostel gates, the skies opened up, and rain started pouring down.
Aarushi (groaning): “Great. Now I’ll be drenched.”
Vivaan smirked. “Or you could stay in the car until it slows down.”
Aarushi shook her head. “I don’t have time to wait.”
Without another word, she stepped out of the car and ran toward the hostel entrance. But she barely took two steps before she felt a hand grab her wrist.
She turned to see Vivaan standing in the rain with her, his white shirt quickly getting soaked.
Aarushi (shocked): “Vivaan! What are you doing?”
He shrugged. “If you get drenched, I get drenched too.”
Aarushi stared at him, the raindrops running down his face. For the first time, she felt her heart skip a beat.
Vivaan (softly): “Tell me, Aarushi… do you still think I’m just wasting my time?”
She didn’t have an answer.
Because, at that moment, she wasn’t sure of anything anymore.
---
End of Part 4.
- Writer
