Chapter One
~Arshnoor~
I am almost falling when a strong arm grabs me. I would thank the person if he himself wasn’t the reason for me falling in the first place.
His hand is wrapped tightly around my wrist. It is the only thing that is stopping me from falling on the ground.
I slowly got on my feet as the hostel guard started lecturing us.
‘It is eleven thirty after the curfew. You thought just because I am old I won’t be able to catch you.’ He is panting really hard. He is leaning on his knees. He exhales really loud. ‘Kids nowadays. Now you both go to the warden with me.’
‘But.’ I was just taking a walk in the garden. I was not outside.
‘No buts.’ He says aggressively.
The warden gave us a thirty minute lecture and punished us for doing night patrolling for two weeks. We are walking out of her office. He looks like it is no big deal. He is walking with his hands in pockets. His shirt’s cuffs are folded, flexing his veiny arms.
‘Was it really important for you to crash with me and make me stuck in that night's petrol with you.’ I say slowly but arrogantly, looking at the other side.
‘That was an accident.’ He says as his gaze shifts on me. ‘It wasn’t intentional.’
‘But still. Can’t you watch where you are going.’ I have an annoyed expression on my face.
‘Sorry, dude.’ He said it like he is doing a favour to me.
‘Seriously.’ I still say not even bothering to look at him.
‘Phencho, kithe phas gaya.’ (Shit, what mess have I gotten myself into.) He murmurs under his breath. It was not meant for me to listen but my sharp ears never fail.
‘I am the one who should say this.’ I say it with a hint of amusement which disappears the very next second.
‘Mam, at least look at me when you are roasting me.’ He says in a humorous tone but to me it is a shameless tone.
I finally looked at him. His dark brown eyes are pinned on me with a spark of amusement in them. He is carrying a grin on his face, showcasing his all thirty two teeth. ‘The word “mam” does not suit you at all.’ I roll my eyes in exhaustion.
‘And this look doesn’t suit a pretty girl like you.’ He moves a few inches away from me after saying that.
‘Whatsoever.’ Now, I am looking away.
‘Anyways, what is your name?’
‘Arshnoor.’ My tone is more polite than before.
‘Arshoor.’ He repeats. ‘I am Jashan.’
‘Oh.’ This is all I say.
‘Which department?’ He tries to break the silence which took over once again.
‘Engineering.’ My tone tells how uninterested I am but like he doesn’t care about that.
‘I am from Law.’
I can’t resist but look at him. I only take a little glimpse of him for a few seconds but the image of him is in my mind.
Hands in pocket. Looking at stars through those eyes. Full of enthusiasm and mischief. The carefree smile is still on his face. His head is lifted up towards the sky, flexing his sharp jawline.
It looks like a piece of art.
What am I thinking? Have I gone mad?
We finally part our ways. He waves goodbye. I internally ignored it.
I got back to my room. Simran is there, waiting for me.
‘What took you so long?’ She is curled up in bed, on her phone as usual.
I explained to her about all the chaos that happened.
‘Oh. Jashan from Law.’ She places a finger on her chin. ‘I know him through the sports club. He is a nice guy.’
‘Nice guy and him! Looks like I met someone else.’ I make a face.
She looks at me with an exhausted face. ‘Well, that’s what you say about every guy in existence.’ She gets up to switch off the lights. ‘You are such a bitch, you know.’ I can feel that amused grin on her face as she says that.
‘No cursing. At least when you are living with me.’ I say on the way to my bed.
‘Ok,’ I hear the sound of her getting in bed. ‘Old women.’ She teases.
‘There are better ways to say goodnight.’
