Unspoken fears
Author's pov-
The next morning, Divya woke up feeling lighter than usual, but the weight of last night's moment with purv still lingered in her mind. The kiss wasn't just a kiss. It was something more. Something she couldn't quite understand.
She sighed, brushing her fingers against her lips as she got out of bed. Did he regret it? The way he had left so suddenly, like he was running from something... it bothered her.
She got ready quickly, throwing on simple beige sweater and black jeans. The weather was slightly chilly, the sky overcast. She liked it this way-the calm before the rain.
Kaashi was already waiting outside when she stepped out of the house.
"Someone's glowing," kaashi teased, smirking.
Divya rolled her eyes, trying to hide the warmth creeping up her neck. "Shut up."
Kaashi gasped dramatically. "Don't tell me-something happened last night when purv came to meet you?"
Divya avoided her gaze touching her lips, but her silence was enough for kaashi to squeal. "Oh my god! You kissed him, didn't you?"
"Kaashi, stop-"
"I KNEW IT"
Divya sighed, giving up as her bestfriend practically danced around in excitement. "It just... happened."
Kaashi grinned. "And? How was it?"
Divya hesitated for a moment before whispering, "It felt... different."
Her bestfriend's teasing smile softened. "Different how?"
"I don't know, " Divya muttered. "Like it wasn't just a kiss. Like there was something more, but he-" she sighed. "He left after that. Without saying much."
Kaashi frowned. "That idiot."
Divya chuckled. "You don't know even why."
"I don't need to! You're amazing, and if he ran away after kissing you, then he's either scared or incredibly stupid."
Divya stayed quiet, gripping the strap of her bag tighter. Scared. That word lingered.
Maybe he was. But of what?
---------------------------------------------------
Purv barely slept the night before.
He had spent hours in his car, his mind replaying everything-the past, the present, the way Divya had looked at him, like he wasn't broken, like he wasn't someone to be afraid of.
And that scared him more than anything.
Now, as he walked into the college, his usual cold exterior in place, his mind was still clouded.
Rudra caught up with him, giving him a side glance. "You look like hell."
Purv scoffed. "Good morning to you too."
Rudra smirked. "So, are you going to tell me why you're looking extra broody today, or do I have to guess?"
Purv stayed silent, but that only made Rudra's curiosity grow.
Then, as if the universe was playing games with him, purv spotted Divya in the corridor, laughing at something kaashi said.
His chest tightened.
Rudra followed his gaze and grinned. "Oh. Now I get it."
Purv shot him a glare. "Shut up."
Rudra smirked. "You kissed her, didn't you?"
Purv's jaw clenched, but his silence confirmed it.
Rudra let out a low whistle. "Damn. So why do you look like someone stole your car instead of someone who just kissed a beautiful girl?"
Purv exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Because I don't know if I should have."
Rudra's playful expression turned serious. "Because of vaani?"
Purv didn't reply.
Rudra sighed. "Listen, man. That happened years ago. You were a kid. You made a mistake, but you're not the same person anymore."
Purv clenched his fists. "And what if I am?"
Rudra shook his head. "Why are you so afraid?"
Purv didn't have an answer to that.
He wasn't afraid of kissing divya.
He was afraid of what came after.
---------------------------------------------------
Divya felt the shift in the air before she even turned around.
She knew he was there.
When she finally did glance his way, their eyes met.
Something flickered in his gaze- something she couldn't quite read.
And then, just as quickly, he looked away and walked past her without a word.
Divya's heart sank.
Has she misread everything?
Kaashi nudged her gently. "He's running."
Divya let out a small, sad laugh. "Yeah. I noticed."
But something inside her told her this wasn't over.
Not even close.