NEXT DAY...
At the college,
The exam results were out. Everyone was running toward the notice board, some checking their phones in a hurry.Radika and her friends also rushed there. As soon as they saw their results, all three of them had big smiles on their faces.
Sara jumped and hugged Radika and Hima. "We all passed!" she said with excitement. Radika and Hima laughed, feeling relieved and happy.
Radika quickly took out her phone and sent a message to Rudra: "Sir, I passed!"
Rohan, who was nearby, noticed her and asked, "Who are you messaging, Radika?"Radika froze for a moment. His tone made her feel uneasy again. She quickly said, "No one," and turned to Sara, pretending to join the celebration.
Just then, another announcement echoed through the speakers. "The placement primary selection written test will be held in three days."
The cheerful mood instantly changed. The smiles faded into tension. Sara sighed, "Again stress begins. "Everyone nodded quietly — happiness turning into worry once more.
At night, Radika sat on her bed, a book open in her hands, but she wasn't really reading. Her mind was caught between two worries — the placement test and Rohan. She let out a long sigh and hugged her notebook close, trying to push the thoughts away.
Rudra quietly entered the room, noticing her dull face. "Radika, what's going on?" he asked softly, walking closer.
Radika flinched at his voice. "Oh! Sorry, sir… I was just thinking about… R-rohan… I mean the placement test," she said quickly, giving a faint smile.
Rudra sat beside her and encouraged gently, "This test is just to see your mindset and writing skills. I think you can manage it, so don't worry."
Radika hesitated, then asked, "Sir, don't they have any questions from our syllabus?"
Rudra chuckled lightly. "I can't say that now. Tomorrow, everyone will know."
He patted her shoulder and added, "Now, close your book and get some sleep."
The next morning at college, the professors explained the exam pattern and what to expect. Everyone focused on the upcoming placement test, reviewing and preparing with determination. Radika, though still distracted by thoughts of Rohan, tried her best to concentrate on the task ahead.
The day had come — placement test day. At home, Radika was ready to leave for college, but a little nervousness lingered in her heart. This was her only chance, and she wanted to do well.
Rudra's mother smiled at her warmly. "Radika, don't worry about the test. Just give your best. You can do it," she encouraged.
"Thank you, aunty," Radika said, taking her blessings before heading out.
At college, before the exam began, everyone wished each other luck. "All the best!" they said, smiles mixed with nerves. Then they went inside the exam hall.
Two hours later, the students emerged, stretching and chatting. Radika's face brightened — she had expected it to be difficult, but it had gone easier than she thought.
Outside the exam hall, all her friends gathered together.
"My exam went so well! What about you, friends?" Sara asked excitedly.
"Good for me," Hima replied.
"Mine too," Radika said, relief spreading through her.
Sara turned to Rohan. "And you? How was yours?"
"Very good, Sara," Rohan replied with a small smile.
Just then, an announcement came that the placement results would be released after a week.
Sara let out a sigh. "How about we go for dinner to relax?"
"Good idea, Sara," Rohan said, nodding.
Hima said, "Okay."
Radika said, "I'm not coming, you guys enjoy."
Sara frowned. "What is this, Radika? Last time also you didn't come with us to the pub."
Rohan smirked. "Do you need someone's permission, Radika?"
"No, Rohan," she replied calmly. "I just want to take a peaceful nap now, so I'll go home early. That's it. Sorry, Sara. You guys enjoy."
She waved slightly and left.
In the car, her mind was again filled with suspicion about Rohan's questions. She was struggling with herself — Should I tell him or not?
Rudra was silently observing her, noticing her worried face but not saying a word. He wanted her to open up on her own, so he waited patiently.
At home, in the room, Radika was walking around, thinking whether to say it or not. Rudra entered the room and sat on the sofa, while Radika sat on the corner of the bed.
Rudra asked her, "How is your exam gone?"
She said, "Quite good, sir!"
She hesitated for a moment and then called him, "Sir, can I tell you something? I don't know if it is true or just my doubt. I found Rohan's behaviour different."
Rudra asked, "Why, Radika? What happened?"
She explained everything — from that pub question to today's permission question. "His gaze is also changed, sir… do you think he knows something about our marriage?" Radika said in a low tone.
Rudra said calmly, "Don't worry about it, Radika. Just focus on your studies. Maybe it is just your doubt or illusion, that's it. Don't worry, everything will be fine. Just sleep peacefully, okay?"
Radika nodded. Rudra comforted her.
The next day,
After college, Rudra messaged Radika: "Go home by cab."
Radika replied quickly, "Ok, sir."
Rudra waited at the college gate, eyes scanning for Rohan. Soon, he saw him walking alone. Calmly, he approached him.
"Coffee?" Rudra asked, nodding toward a nearby café.
Rohan raised an eyebrow but followed. They sat down face to face, and Rudra ordered coffee for both of them.
Rohan's expression was exactly as expected — slightly amused, slightly arrogant.
"What's this about, sir? Why invite me for coffee?" Rohan asked.
Rudra looked at him steadily. "I think you know, Rohan."
Rohan leaned forward a little, curious. "Is it about Radika, sir? Ever since I saw you two at the pub, I've been wondering… what's your relationship with her?"
Rudra's voice was calm but firm. "Our relationship is none of your business, Rohan. Just stay away from her."
"Oh, protective of her now, are we?" Rohan smirked.
"Whatever. Just stay away," Rudra said, standing up.
Rohan didn't miss a beat. "Sir… I'll make her fall in love with me. Then we'll see who she chooses."
Rudra didn't react. He gave a small, controlled nod. "Try your luck." And with that, he walked away, leaving Rohan staring after him.
TO BE CONTINUED....