Next morning...
At college,
Rohan approached Radika after class.
"Can we talk?" he asked.
She looked at him for a second and nodded. "Let's talk."
They both walked to the canteen and sat down at a corner table. There was a small silence between them before Rohan finally spoke.
"Radika… I wanted to ask you something. I know I already said it before, but I just want one chance. Can you think about it once more?"
Radika took a deep breath. She had already decided.
"I'm sorry, Rohan. And thank you for liking me. But I only see you as my friend. Nothing more than that. Let's just forget what you said and continue as friends. I don't want this to ruin our friendship."
Rohan didn't want to drag it longer. He nodded slowly.
"I understand. I just… wanted to know the reason. Is there any reason? Or do you like someone?"
"Do you like anyone?"
The question stayed in the air for a few seconds.
Radika didn't answer immediately. She didn't even realise she had gone silent. Something inside her paused.
Why am I taking time?
She quickly pulled herself back.
"No… I don't like anyone," she said, subtly, trying to sound normal.
Rohan looked at her and nodded.
"Okay. I understand. Let's just be friends. And I'm sorry if my proposal disturbed your mind."
"It's okay," she said softly.
He gave a small smile and left.
Radika stayed there for a moment.
Why did I take time to say no?
And why… why did Rudra sir come into my thoughts at that moment?
She pressed her lips together.
Radika, be conscious. Don't let this ruin your mind. Don't overthink. Focus.
Just then, Sara and Hima came running towards her.
"Radika! Radika!" they shouted, slightly out of breath.
They pushed a phone into her hands.
"See this!"
"What is it, girls?" she asked, confused.
She looked at the screen.
Her eyes widened.
"Oh my God… the interview date!"
Her heart started beating faster.
"Interviews are just one week away!"
Sara and Hima screamed together, "We know! We're so excited!"
Radika's earlier thoughts slowly faded, replaced by nervous excitement.
Hima said, "Now interview dates are out… so how about we prepare together?"
Sara looked at her in shock. "Is it you, Hima, talking about meeting up?"
"Yes, it's me!" Hima said proudly.
Radika smiled a little. "Okay… we'll meet at the café in our college after classes."
Sara was still surprised seeing both of them serious about studying. "Fine, let's start from tomorrow."
That night at home, Radika told aunty and Rudra that she was going to prepare with her friends.
Aunty smiled. "Okay dear, prepare well. Don't forget to eat… and Rudra, pick her up, understand?"
Radika quickly said, "No need aunty, I'll come on my own."
Rudra calmly replied, "Okay mom, I'll pick her up."
He didn't even look at Radika while saying it.
In the room—
"Sir, I told you I will come on my own… why don't you listen to me?" Radika said, a little annoyed.
Rudra looked at her. "I know you will. But I can't leave you like that. And mom told me… I have to follow it."
"But sir—"
"No 'sir'. Radika, now sleep peacefully."
She didn't argue further.
Next day—
"Radika, I packed some snacks. Eat in the evening," aunty said.
"Thank you, aunty," Radika smiled.
They left.
After college, they all met at the café. Rohan was also there.
Radika just smiled normally, as if everything was fine.
They started discussing what changes to make in their PPTs and projects. They practiced how to present, corrected each other, and time slowly passed.
By evening—
Hima said, "How about we eat outside and then go home?"
Radika shook her head. "No, I'm not coming. I have to go… they are waiting for me."
Sara frowned. "They? Who are they?"
Radika paused for a second. "I mean… my parents, Sara."
At that moment, Radika got a message.
"Are you done?"
She replied: "Yes, sir."
Then another message came.
"Come out. I'm waiting for you."
Sara, standing beside her, accidentally peeked into her phone.
"Waiting for you? Who is it, Radikaaa?" she teased loudly.
Radika's expression changed instantly. "Sara, just shut up! It's my mom's message. Why are you peeking into my phone?"
Sara was confused. "I didn't mean to… I just saw it. Why are you getting so angry? You're never like this."
Radika avoided her eyes. "I'm not angry… it's nothing. My cab is here, I'm leaving. Bye."
She left without looking back.
Outside, she messaged—
"Where are you, sir?"
He sent his location.
After a few steps, she saw him.
Her face was slightly red… and she felt strangely tense.
She quickly walked to the car and sat inside.
Rudra leaned towards her, his hand moving over her head.
Radika looked up suddenly. Their eyes met.
For a second, she forgot herself.
Her heartbeat started to rise, fast and uneven.
Then she quickly pushed him a little. "What are you doing, sir?" she asked, her voice slightly tense.
Rudra looked confused. "What happened, Radika? I'm just trying to put your seat belt."
Radika felt embarrassed. "I'm sorry, sir…"
She quickly put on the seat belt herself. "Let's go, sir."
"Hmm."
On the way—
Rudra glanced at her. "What happened, Radika? You're looking a bit tense. Is it about the interview?"
Radika shook her head. "No sir… Sara saw our message… 'waiting for you'."
Rudra frowned. "What?"
"I mean, not full message… just that line. I got scared she saw everything."
Rudra said calmly, "Don't worry, Radika. She didn't see anything important."
He paused, then added softly, "Just focus on your interview."
Radika nodded. "Okay, sir."
They reached home, had dinner quietly, and went to sleep.
But even as she closed her eyes…her heartbeat didn't feel the same anymore.
THE NEXT MORNING....