Chapter 1: Looking for her
Arun POV:
This is it. This is my only chance to talk to her. I must run as fast as I can to reach the college in time to see her one last time and express my feelings. Deep down, I know she might not accept me. I've always known that, but I have to tell her how much I've loved her over the past four years. Even if she gets angry or rejects me.
"Move... move..." I muttered, forcing my way through the crowd of students in the college. Each step felt heavier, and I was almost there when my gaze locked onto Gautam.
"Where were you, dude? And why did it take you this long? Most of the students have already left for the exam center?" Gautam questioned.
"I... waited... for the auto... and only a few minutes ago I managed to get one. That's why I was late. But tell me, did you see her? Did you see Ramya?" I asked, out of breath, and Gautam noticed it.
"Alright, alright, calm down. Sit down, or you may pass out before you even get a chance to see her," Gautam urged, helping me sit on a chair on the ground. He then added, "I saw her, and she's already left for the exam center on the college bus. We should probably catch the bus too, or you can talk to her after the exam."
"No, I don't have time to talk to her after the exam, Gautam. Since everyone was in a rush, we might lose track of her in the crowd. Plus, you know how quickly she finishes the exam. What if she leaves before we're done? This is our last exam of BTech, and I really need to talk to her at the exam center." I said, pointing to the college bus that was already filling up. "Gautam, we need to get on to that bus."
"Have you lost your mind? How can we get into that bus? Don't you see the crowd?" Gautam said, clearly stressed as he looked at the bus. "Well, if you're serious about getting on, you'll have to stand by the door."
"No problem for me," I quickly responded as I got on the bus. With no other choice, Gautam followed me, saying, "How can it be a problem for you? You've been doing this for her, but what about me? Why should I have to do this?"
"Of course, you're doing this for me," I laughed as Gautam glared at me angrily. "Laugh all you want," he said, "but if any of them pushes us even a little bit, we might end up seeing her from heaven, dude. Remember that."
"Now, nothing can stop me from seeing her, Gautam," I declared. As we arrived at the college, I quickly jumped out of the bus, leaving Gautam to check the exam room where we were supposed to take the exam. Meanwhile, I began searching for her everywhere.
The exam center had a large ground where students were gathered, engrossed in their books as they prepared for the test. On one side, a group of girls sat on the benches with books in their hands, but she was not among them.
Disappointed, I made my way to the exam building and waited there, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. Even then, she didn't show up. Exhausted from running around so much, I leaned against the wall, trying to catch my breath.
As I rested against the wall, Gautam approached me and asked, "What happened? Did you find her?"
With a dejected expression, I shook my head and replied, "No. I searched the entire college, but she’s nowhere to be found." My voice faltered as I added, "But I still have hope. She’ll definitely come."
Just as I finished speaking, someone bumped into me from behind, knocking their books to the ground. Irritated, I turned around, ready to scold them, but the words caught in my throat. There she was, Ramya, picking up her books kneeling down.
