Evenings at Higher Value University had their own vibe. The campus lights cast a soft blue hue across the wide walkways, the library glowed like a lighthouse for lost students, and the canteens buzzed with post-class energy.
But tonight, Preesha wasn't there for the buzz — she was there for Chaitanya.
She stood outside the Medical Quarters, nervously fidgeting with the strap of her sling bag. Her heart beat a little faster every time she was about to see him — something she definitely hadn't told Krisha yet.
Chaitanya came walking out of the building, his white coat half-buttoned, his dark curls still damp from a recent shower. He smiled when he saw her, and for a second, Preesha forgot what air was.
"Hey," he said casually. "Sorry I made you wait. That neurobiology professor talks like he's reading a novel."
She laughed. "Don't worry. I was eavesdropping on a first-year who just found out dead bodies are actually used in anatomy class."
Chaitanya chuckled. "Ah yes. Classic med school trauma."
They began walking together toward the canteen.
"So," he said, "you said you needed help with the pharmacology assignment?"
"Yep," Preesha nodded. "If I fail that, I might have to drop out and become a barista."
"Not on my watch."
As they sat under the soft golden lights of Canteen 2, heads close over Preesha's notebook, a subtle spark passed between them. It wasn't loud or dramatic — just warm, constant, and slowly growing.
Back in Dorm 7C, Krisha was on her bed with her laptop, editing a code script with her usual laser focus. Abhishek was trying to read a law brief but failing miserably — mostly because she kept making frustrated little sounds every time her code crashed.
"You okay over there?" he asked, finally putting the book down.
"No," she huffed. "This stupid database isn't connecting. I think I might cry."
"Don't cry," he said, getting up. "Let me look."
She blinked. "You don't know anything about engineering."
"Maybe not," he said, sitting beside her, "but I know how to stay calm under pressure. And maybe you just need a break."
He nudged a protein bar toward her. "Eat this before your blood sugar takes revenge."
She smiled weakly, taking it. "Thanks."
Just then, Anish called.
"Ugh," Krisha said, glancing at the screen. "He's probably going to yell at me for not uploading the group report."
Abhishek's jaw tightened slightly. "You could ignore it."
Krisha raised a brow. "Why would I do that?"
"I don't know," he muttered. "Maybe because you've done enough for that guy already."
Krisha paused. "Where is this coming from?"
"Nowhere."
"You sure?"
Abhishek avoided her gaze. "I just think he takes you for granted sometimes."
Krisha's phone buzzed again.
She stood. "I think I can decide who takes me for granted, Abhishek."
And just like that, the air shifted.
Meanwhile, Preesha was walking back to the dorm with Chaitanya. They weren't talking about assignments anymore.
"So, what made you want to be a doctor?" he asked.
She shrugged. "I want to fix things. People. It's messy and painful and complicated... but I think it's worth it."
He looked at her, something unreadable in his eyes. "You're going to make a damn good doctor."
Preesha felt her cheeks heat up. "You say that like you know."
"I do."
They reached the dorm gate. For a second, neither moved.
"Well," she said, "thanks for the help."
"Anytime."
And then — just for a second — it felt like he might lean in.
But he didn't. And she didn't either.
They parted with a small wave.
Back in 7C, Shaurya was lounging on the couch, watching the tension unfold.
He saw Krisha walk into her room, eyes stormy. Abhishek stared after her, then turned away, jaw clenched.
"Trouble in paradise?" Shaurya asked, way too cheerfully.
Abhishek glared. "Go to bed, Shaurya."
He smiled smugly. "Just saying... for someone who claims not to care, you sure do a lot of brooding."
Abhishek didn't reply. He just walked into his room and shut the door behind him.
And in that one dorm, under one roof, were four people — each dealing with feelings they didn't fully understand.
Preesha, who didn't know if she should confess to Chaitanya or keep pretending it was nothing.
Krisha, who told herself she didn't like Abhishek, even when her heart betrayed her every single time.
Abhishek, who was too proud to admit his jealousy — and too afraid of losing her if he ever did.
And Shaurya, who might be the most perceptive of them all... and wasn't planning to stay on the sidelines for long.