Ash's POV
The time I had spent with Chris at the beach was special. It made me happy. I will forever be grateful to him for taking me there. But as soon as I think of him, my heart aches. He has become a person that gives me happiness and pain both. The more I want to go away from him, the more I get involved in him.
"Why are you back so late? I called you even but you didn't pick up the phone.", Arin asked me.
"I..I.. was with Chris.", I replied hesitantly.
"What!!", she exclaimed. "Can you please come again!", she said.
"You heard it right. I was at the club but then the bus was not available for almost a couple of hours and so he offered to drop me back and we happened to go to the beach.", I said in one breath.
Arin's mouth was wide open. She was shocked and couldn't believe what she had heard.
"That's insane girl. I knew there was a spark between you two since the freshers.", she said excitedly.
"Its not like that Arin. He's really complicated and difficult to understand. Every time I meet him I get a headache.", I replied irritably.
"That's how the love teases you. Makes you restless and gives you insomnia.", Arin said teasingly.
"No Arin. Nothing can happen between me and Chris because I'm already in a committed relationship. His name is Paul and he loves me very much.", I said sharply.
"Oh! I didn't know that. How come I didn't notice it since we came here. You barely talk to him. It just doesn't feel like you are in a relationship.", she said.
"We do chat or talk at night. He's studying medicine so obviously busy and I'm here busy as well so you might not have noticed.", I replied.
"Oh okay then. Good for you. I think I need to close the chapter of Chris here only.", Arin said with a laugh.
We both turned off the lights and went to sleep.
I knew somewhere that Arin was right. Me and Paul are not like how every couple looks like. Plus we don't talk much. I have to admit that after coming here I'm not giving him much time like replying to his texts immediately or calling him every night. My mind's just not there and it hurts. I never knew life at Princeton would be so complicated only because of this guy I met. Everything was much better before I met him. I wish things could go back to how they were before.
At the College
"Students this is your first assignment and I want you all to do your best. The score will add to your final term marks.", said Professor Liam.
It was an individual project where we had to pick one author from all the eras and do a case study on their works. I was sure that library is the best place to complete this assignment.
"Oh I wish it was a group assignment. If I had you two as my group members, I would have been a little free.", said Arin with a sigh.
"Don't worry Arin, I'll help you finish your assignment in time.", Josh assured Arin.
"Then lets head to library and issue books that will be required for our assignment.", I said.
The three of us went to the library. There was a long queue at the books issuing window and so we went to search for our books.
"Oh look the three bookworms are here!", said Laila while looking at us.
"Don't they already have enough books that they still have to come here for more?", said a girl with Laila.
Both of them laughed at us.
"Why are you here then?", I asked.
"We're just waiting for Chris you bore.", Laila replied.
So he is still with Laila. I don't know what their relationship is but every time I see him with her I don't feel good. It somehow hurts. I ignored her and went to look for my book.
As I was going through the pile of books I saw him. Chris was there holding a poetry book "The love poems of Rumi". He looked majestical. His long hair coming to his eyebrows and to add more beauty he had his specs on which I saw for the first time. I kept looking at him. My eyes as if not willing to even blink. I couldn't believe a person who is so into bad stuff can also love to read romantics poems. He himself had told me that he hates love but now I'm here watching him holding a love poetry book. I just always feel that he doesn't show his true self to anyone.
I somehow managed to look away from him and went to take a look for my reference books. After we were done we joined the queue at the issuing window where he was also there a couple of students ahead us and was chatting with his friends including Laila. I did not like it.
"This will take all day Ash!", sighed Arin.
"We don't have any other option Arin. Professor already mentioned that he wants only book references and not something just copied from Google.", I replied.
"Lets just grab a burger at the La Pino's cafe after this. I'm starving.", said Josh.
We were just in the line when I heard Laila whispering something about us. Everyone laughed including Chris. I did not expect him to at least laugh at us. But he did.
"What's there to laugh at? Let me give this bi*ch a reason to laugh then!", said Arin angrily.
I somehow managed to stop her as we were in library and needed the books. Also I didn't want to create a scene there.
"Let them be Arin. Just ignore them. Lets just issue our books and go to the cafe.", I said.
After half an hour we were free. All of us had our books issued and now were heading to the cafe.
"I just want one good chance to smash her face!", said Arin.
"Leave her. She's just like that. Having Chris on her side makes her feel so proud about herself.", said Josh.
We talked our way and reached the cafe. I wanted to be at peace but guess it was not in my list today. Chris's group was also there.
"Good good. Take the name of devil and devil comes. Just one single word from Laila's mouth and she's dead meat.", Arin said while twisting her palms.
"You will ignore them Arin. Let's not get involved in these people.", I warned her.
We three sat at a table opposite to theirs. We were deciding on the menu when Laila came towards us with a Lime soda in her hand and said, "You all following us or what?"
"We have better things to do Laila.", Arin replied.
"Oh like what? Doing home works and completing assignments!", she said and laughed with her friend.
"At least we mind our own business and not go to other people's tables.", I replied while giving her a sharp look.
"Ooo so Miss Ashtine is talking. You look as if you are so timid but its just your way of getting attention. Your baby face and bookish girl image is of no use to us.", she said while coming near me.
"I don't give a sh*t about what you think about me. I am who I am and that's none of your business. Now would you please excuse us we need to give our orders.", I replied.
Chris was there looking at both of us but he was doing nothing. Not stopping her from insulting us.
Just as I stood up and started to switch my seat Laila spilled the soda on my shirt. "Ohh!! I'm so sorry!! You just pushed me and it spilled from my hand.", she said mockingly.
"You are impossible.", Arin shouted and took a ketchup bottle and squeezed it into her dress.
"What the hell!! You idiot! Are you sick!", Laila yelled.
I knew this was it to start a formal rivalry between us. I saw Chris coming towards us. I was hoping he would just calm down the situation.
"You guys are pathetic. Like who even squeezes a bottle of ketchup on someone?", he said angrily.
My heart sank hearing his words. He was there all this time looking at the situation and knowing very well that Laila was the one provoking us and she even spilled soda on me but still he was taking her side. Why? If not anything but at least be fair.
"Lets go Arin, Josh.", I said while picking up my books.
"You will pay for this. Today at 8 PM sharp you three will come to the racing ground or I will complain about you three to the Dean for being violent.", Laila said angrily.
"Why the racing ground?", I asked.
"Because we have a race today between Chris and Evan. Whoever looses will kneel down and apologize in front of everyone. You three will be in Evan's team.", she said.
I knew it from the start. That's why I didn't want to be involved with them. My hear beat was fast and I was fearful. I didn't want to be dragged into this. I am a simple girl and just want to live a simple life. Since the day I've met him, my life is not normal.
"See you guys at 8 today!", Laila said with a smirk.
"Game on butterfly!", said Chris while looking at me.
God please save me!!