The college campus was buzzing with excitement.
As Ganpati Bappa was arriving soon, and the whole place was alive with festive energy.
Students ran around, decorating the campus with colorful rangolis, hanging marigold flowers on every door, and talking about which stall would have the best modaks.
But today-today was different.
It was Hartalika Pujan, a special day when Maharashtrian women, both married and unmarried, fast and pray for a good husband.
And that included Sharayu.
She walked into college wearing a deep red Anarkali suit-a red so bold it grabbed attention without trying. The soft gold embroidery sparkled in the sunlight, tracing down the edges of her flowing dupatta. Her jhumkas swayed with each step, and her long hair was neatly braided with small jasmine flowers tucked in.
Satish was walking into the class, ready for the lecture, when he saw her.
For the second time.
First in pink, now in red.
What's her problem?
He was supposed to start the lecture and stay professional.
But his brain short-circuited.
Why was she wearing that?
Why did she look like she just walked out of a festive movie?
Why did this feel different?
He'd seen her in traditional clothes before-but this time something was off.
Or maybe it was him.
Their eyes met, and something shifted.
For a second, everything else faded-the students, noise, classroom. Just them.
And then Rutuja ruined it.
She nudged Sharayu and whispered loud enough, "Sir dekh ke atak gaye lagta hai."
Sharayu, already wriggling under his gaze, nudged her back, "Shut up!"
Satish cleared his throat and looked anywhere but at her.
He refused to acknowledge whatever weird thing had just happened.
Instead, he turned to the class, voice firm. "Settle down. We have a lot to cover today."
Satish tried.
He really tried to focus.
But every time he spoke, his eyes betrayed him.
They flicked back to her without his permission.
And each time, Sharayu noticed.
Once, she raised an eyebrow as if saying, "Caught you."
He hated being caught.
Rutuja, loving every second, whispered again, "Sharayu, tu fasting kar rahi hai par sir ko dekh ke lag raha ke sirf unka patience fast ho raha hai."
Sharayu flushed-and not from her outfit.
Satish caught the whisper and shot a look at Rutuja. "Miss Rutuja, if you're done discussing irrelevant topics, should I start asking you some taxation questions?"
Rutuja instantly shut up. "No, sir."
The class snickered.
Satish sighed deep inside.
Because no matter how much he pushed the thought away...
The image of Sharayu in red didn't leave his mind.
The lecture went on, but for Satish, it felt like a war zone.
A war between his professionalism and his brain repeating:
Red. Red. Red.
Sharayu pretended not to notice-inside, she was burning up. She knew he was looking. She could feel it every time his gaze flickered to her, then quickly looked away like he'd been caught doing something illegal.
Rutuja couldn't resist teasing more.
She kicked Sharayu's chair and whispered, "Aaj toh tu bhooki hai, par sir ko bas tujhe dekh ne se digestion ka problem ho raha hai."
Sharayu clenched her jaw. "Shut. Up."
Before she could reply, Satish spoke.
"Miss Sharayu." His voice sharp, commanding.
Sharayu snapped her eyes to him.
Oh no.
She gulped.
Had he heard?
His face gave away nothing-except maybe a tiny unreadable hint in his eyes.
"Would you like to enlighten us on the concept of Section 54 ?" He tilted his head slightly, like he already knew she had no clue.
Sharayu froze.
She'd been so distracted-thanks to her irritating best friend-that she hadn't heard a single word.
Rutuja quickly looked away, pretending not to know her.
The class went quiet, waiting for her downfall.
Sharayu knew it was a trap.
Answer wrong-game over.
Answer right-still stuck under his gaze, worse somehow.
After a long pause, she said, "...Could you repeat the question?"
A few students chuckled.
Satish leaned on his desk, arms crossed, expression too calm.
"I don't think so," he said smoothly. "Because it seems like you were busy with... other things."
The class burst into laughter.
Sharayu wanted the earth to swallow her whole.
This man was pure evil.
Before she could say anything, the bell rang-salvation.
As soon as the lecture ended, Sharayu bolted.
Not today, Satan.
She grabbed her bag, pulled Rutuja along, and rushed out.
But just as she reached the door-
"Miss Sharayu."
She stopped.
Closed her eyes for a second, breathed deep, then turned around, forcing a polite smile.
"Yes, sir?"
Satish stood there, still at his desk, looking at her like he'd already won this battle.
"Meet me in my cabin. I have something important to discuss."
Her friends ooohed.
Sharayu glared at everyone before looking back at him. "Now?"
Satish nodded simply. "Now."
She bit her cheek.
This was revenge, and she knew it.
Rutuja whispered, "Ja na."
Sharayu elbowed her but reluctantly headed to his cabin, while her friends exchanged sneaky glances.
Inside his cabin, Satish leaned on his desk, arms crossed.
A tense silence.
Finally, he sighed, "Why are you not paying attention in my lectures ?"
Sharayu, mentally prepared, said, "I'm paying attention Sir."
Satish raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Really?"
She shrugged. "It's just that...... some things distract me."
Satish tilted his head. "Things."
She nodded. "Yes. Things."
Pause.
Then Satish smirked.
"Did those 'things' include picking traditional outfits specifically when I'm teaching?"
Sharayu's eyes widened.
Excuse me?!
Satish didn't look away.
"First that Pink. Now this Red. Are you trying to get my attention?"
Sharayu's jaw dropped. "Are you serious?!"
Satish shrugged, still smirking.
This man was impossible.
She breathed deep. "Sir, with all due respect, the world doesn't revolve around you."
Satish leaned forward a bit. "No?"
She exhaled sharply. "No."
He studied her, then straightened up.
"Good. Then I expect you more attentive in my next lecture. No more excuses."
She opened her mouth to argue, but he was already on his laptop, dismissing her.
She stomped out, furious.
Outside, waiting like a pack of gossip-hungry hyenas, were her friends.
Rutuja grinned, "Sooo... kya bola?"
Sharayu ignored her.
Arohi nudged her, "Did he say you looked pretty today?"
Sharayu ignored her harder.
Gayatri smirked, "Did he-"
"Enough!" Sharayu snapped. "I hate all of you."
She marched off.
Her friends laughed.
The campus lawn was buzzing with chatter that afternoon.
Satish had just stepped out of the library when he noticed Sharayu sitting with her friends under the big neem tree. He wasn't paying attention at first, until a couple of words made him freeze in his tracks.
"...yes, I'm fasting today. The reason behind keeping this fast is you get good, caring and loving life partner, you know...," Sharayu said with a shy laugh, her friends teasing her.
Satish stiffened instantly, his jaw tightening. He wasn't even sitting with them, but the words hit him like someone had smacked him across the face. For a husband? For a life partner?
He lingered just a little to catch more. Gayatri nudged her playfully, "So, who's the lucky guy you're keeping the fast for, haan?"
That was enough to set off the fire boiling in his chest. His brows furrowed, and an ugly wave of jealousy twisted inside him.
Under his breath, he muttered sharply, "Who the hell is that fucker, whom she's fasting for?" His fists clenched so tight that his knuckles cracked.
It wasn't like him to lose patience so quickly, but the very thought of her doing something so personal, so deeply meaningful...for some other guy... it made his blood rush hot.
He grabbed his bag and walked away briskly, expression stormy, before anyone could notice he was eavesdropping.
***
Ganesh Chaturthi
The streets pulsed with dhol-tasha beats, incense blended with sweet modak smells, and devotion filled the air.
Satish had just finished taking Bappa's blessings at his best friend Nilesh's place. He wore a deep blue kurta with gold embroidery, paired with crisp white pajamas-traditional Maharashtrian style, very different from his usual formal look.
Just as he was leaving, Nilesh smirked, "Abe ruk na, at least let me drop you till the gate!"
Satish rolled his eyes but agreed. They headed downstairs, only to find the lift broken.
"Of course, today of all days," Satish muttered as they took the stairs.
Then it happened.
A soft, cheerful voice floated up-warm, welcoming, unmistakably Maharashtrian.
Sharayu.
Satish froze mid-step.
There she stood, at her home's entrance, greeting relatives and friends like she'd stepped out of a Marathi folk song.
She wore a rich purple Navari saree, the traditional nine-yard drape, perfectly pleated. The deep red and gold border added a royal touch to her dusky skin.
Her hair was tied in a neat bun, scented with jasmine flowers.
She wore a delicate pearl and gold Nath (nose ring), making her look regal.
Green and gold bangles jingled on her wrists, and a half-moon bindi rested between her eyebrows.
Satish thought time had stopped.
What the-
His brain short-circuited.
He'd seen Sharayu in traditional wear before-but this? This was Maharashtra's culture personified.
God help him, he couldn't look away.
"Satish ..."
No reaction.
Nilesh nudged him.
Still no reaction.
Nilesh smirked, "Bhai, ladki se aankhen hata le, warna ladki ke gharwalon ko shak ho jayega."
Satish blinked, snapping out of his trance. "Shut up," he muttered.
Nilesh wasn't done.
Satish sighed, running his fingers through his hair.
Nilesh grinned, "Warna main Bappa se officially pooch leta hoon ki kya scene hai?"
Satish glared, "Main tujhe yahi chhod ke chala jaunga."
Nilesh chuckled but stopped teasing when Sharayu noticed them.
She'd been busy welcoming guests and offering prasad.
The moment she saw Satish, she forgot everything.
Her breath hitched.
What was he doing here?
Why did he look like that?
She'd seen Satish in formals, casuals, professor mode- but in the blue kurta with gold embroidery, sleeves rolled up to his forearms, hugging him just right-
Her brain malfunctioned.
Her hands went cold.
Was it the fasting?
Was she hallucinating?
"Sharayu!"
She snapped out of it when Kunal nudged her. "Oye, tu kya kar rahi hai? Aise statue kyun ban gayi?"
Sharayu blinked. "Nothing."
Kunal smiled knowingly. "Acha... kuch nahi, huh?"
Sharayu looked away. "Shut up, Kunal."
Before she could escape, Satish walked up.
Suddenly, face to face with the man causing her emotional turmoil.
For a moment, silence.
Then, hoping her voice sounded normal, she said, "You... you can come inside and take blessings, if you want."
Satish hesitated, then nodded. "Okay."
As soon as he stepped inside, Sharayu mentally face-palmed.
Big mistake.
Because her friends descended like vultures.
Rutuja: "Areeee, Satish sir bhi aaye hai! Dekho dekho, universe ne phir se mila diya!"
Vrushal: "Bappa ne bhi confirm kar diya ki kuch toh hai!"
Arohi: "Waise sir, abhi bhi kehna hai ki kuch nahi hai?"
Satish exhaled, "Tum log thode kam irritating ho sakte ho?"
Their teasing only got louder.
Sharayu stood hands clenched, pretending not to hear.
Sharayu, feeling slightly overwhelmed with all the teasing and glances from her friends, took a deep breath and turned towards her parents, who were busy welcoming guests, distributing prasad, and ensuring everything was going smoothly.
She knew that if she didn't introduce Satish now, things would get weirder.
So, taking a small step forward, she cleared her throat and said, "Aai, Baba, this is Satish Sir... my professor from college."
Her parents looked up, a warm yet brief smile gracing their faces.
Her dad nodded respectfully. "Oh, Satish Sir? Welcome, beta. Please, do take Bappa's blessings."
Her mom added, "Please make yourself comfortable. Have you had prasad yet?"
Satish, ever the polite guest, joined his hands and nodded. "Yes, Aunty. I just took blessings and had prasad as well. Thank you."
The interaction was quick, and her parents went back to hosting.
Sharayu exhaled in relief.
But Satish?
That formal introduction gnawed at him.
"My professor."
Why did that feel so weird?
Satish blended into the crowded house, softly humming aarti chants, laughter, and prayers around.
Students teased Sharayu but avoided Satish, since his temper was famous.
Rutuja whispered, "Matlab, sir bhi dekh rahe hai Sharayu ko, Sharayu bhi dekh rahi hai sir ko... par tease sirf Sharayu ko karna hai?"
Kunal grinned, "Haan. Kyunki agar sir ko tease kiya, toh woh taxation paper mein humein tease karenge."
Everyone laughed, exchanging glances like silent rom-com spectators.
Satish excused himself and went to Nilesh.
Nilesh had been watching everything:
- How Satish went quiet after seeing Sharayu in traditional clothes.
- How his gaze followed her all festival.
- How lost he seemed.
When Satish joined him, Nilesh smirked, "Bhai, Bappa ke saamne itne serious kyun lag raha hai? Mannat maang raha hai kya?"
Satish rolled his eyes, "Mannat waise bhi maangni nahi padti, universe khud zabardasti de raha hai."
Nilesh laughed, "Aree, waah. Pehli baar tujhe kisi cheez ka realization itni jaldi ho raha hai."
Satish sighed.
After a pause, he asked, "Tujhe Sharayu kabse pata hai?"
Nilesh smiled, "Jabse main yahan shift hua hu. She's my neighbor, almost like a younger sister. Why?"
Satish hesitated. Didn't know why he asked.
Just muttered, "Kuch nahi. Bas aise hi."
Nilesh raised an eyebrow, "Bas aise hi? Tu aur bas aise hi?"
Satish looked away.
That was enough for Nilesh.
Something was definitely going on, and he intended to find out.
Sharayu was doing everything in her power to ignore the fact that Satish was still there.
But it was hard.
Because every time she turned, every time she greeted a guest or walked by-her eyes betrayed her.
And for some ridiculous reason, her friends wouldn't stop teasing her.
Arohi joked, "Suno suno suno! Aaj se Sharayu sirf Navari pehnegi!"
Rutuja added, "Bappa ne bhi blessing de di hai. Universe is back, guys!"
Sharayu groaned, hiding her face.
Long night coming.
As the festival went on, Satish finally decided to leave.
The dhol-tasha, chanting, and modak scent filled the air, but his mind was elsewhere.
Polite as ever, he nodded at Sharayu and said, "Sharayu, main chalta hoon."
She was helping her mother with prasad, surprised.
Hearing him say 'Sharayu' so casually made her heart skip.
As Satish stood up to leave, Sharayu called out softly, "Sir, wait a moment."
She quickly moved to a small tray where some ladoos and modaks-fresh prasad from the pooja-were neatly arranged.
With a shy smile, she gently handed him a small box wrapped in colorful paper. "Take this home. For your family," she said, her voice warm but a little quiet, her cheeks tinged pink.
Satish looked surprised but pleased, carefully accepting the box.
From the corner, Rutuja nudged another with a grin.
"Wow, Sharayu, you're really taking care of 'Sir' today, huh?" she teased, trying not to laugh.
Kunal chimed in, "Should we start calling him 'Jiju' now?"
The group giggled, watching Sharayu's slight blush deepen.
She rolled her eyes playfully but said nothing, while Satish offered a grateful smile and a soft "Thank you."
She gathered herself, smiled politely. "Oh, okay, sir. Take care."
Sir.
He almost rolled his eyes.
Why so formal suddenly?
Before he could say anything, Nilesh stepped in.
"Aree ruk na, kuch baat karni thi," placing a hand on Satish's shoulder.
Satish brushed him off casually, "Kuch nahi, baad mein baat karenge."
Nilesh wasn't convinced.
He'd seen the look in Satish's eyes when he glanced at Sharayu.
Satish left after a last glance at her busy with guests.
The streets still buzzed with festival spirit as he drove home, but his mind was stuck on one scene-
Sharayu in that Navari saree, her bangles jingling, welcoming guests.
The way she looked at him-stunned but unsure.
Why did that moment feel so important?
He shook his head, "Bas, bohot soch raha hoon. Forget it."
At home, he was lost in thought, a small smile creeping onto his lips.
His mother noticed, "Aree wah! Aaj toh beta bada khush lag raha hai."
He frowned, "Aisa kuch nahi hai, Maa."
Then realized he was smiling.
Quickly turned neutral, "Kuch nahi, bas ek joke yaad aa gaya tha."
His mother suspected but let it go.
Satish sighed and went to his room.
Once the door shut, he leaned against it, exhaling sharply.
What was wrong with him?
Why was her image stuck in his mind like a catchy song?
He muttered, "Paagal ho raha hai kya?"
Back at Sharayu's house, the festival buzzed on.
Her family hosted guests, offered aarti, distributed prasad.
There was laughter, devotion, warmth.
But amidst all of this, Sharayu felt restless.
Helping her mom, her mind drifted back to that brief encounter.
Satish calling her 'Sharayu' so naturally.
His look-not as a professor, but something else.
Why did that feel strange?
Why was she a little disappointed he left without more?
She shook her head. "Bas, bohot ho gaya. Yeh sab kya soch rahi ho tu, Sharayu?"
Her thoughts were interrupted when her cousin Gargi nudged her. "Aree Sharayu, kahaan kho gayi?"
Gargi teased.
Sharayu blinked, "Kahin nahi."
Gargi smirked, "Phir woh cute si smile kyun thi tere face pe?"
Before Sharayu could protest, Hriday teased, "Oh ho! Kya baat hai, Sharayu? Universe waapas se apna kaam kar raha hai?"
Sharayu shot him a glare. "Shut up, Hriday."
Rutuja crossed arms. "Bata na, kya baat hai? Sir aaj Ganpati ke darshan karne aaye the na?"
Arohi gasped, "Iska matlab-"
"No matlab!"
"Tum sab zyada soch rahe ho!" Sharayu cut them off, but her flushed face said more.
Her friends just smirked.
***
Ganesh Chaturthi went by in a flash.
The house that echoed aarti chants, laughter, sweet modak aroma now felt empty.
Sharayu stood at the door, eyes on Bappa's idol being taken for immersion.
Her hands folded, lips moving silently, whispering wishes and thanks.
As chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya!" filled the air, a lump formed in her throat.
No matter how many times she celebrated, saying goodbye to Bappa was always bittersweet.
Her mom placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"It's a part of life, beta. Bappa will come back next year, bringing even more happiness."
Sharayu nodded, forcing a smile.
"Haan Aai, pata hai... bas na... mann thoda bhari ho jata hai."
Her dad smiled, ruffled her hair.
"Tujhya sathi Bappa tar best friend jhala aahe!"
She chuckled softly, wiping a tear.
"True, Baba."
And just like that, another festival came to an end. The decorations were taken down, the house returned to its usual state, and life resumed its normal pace.
***
The next morning, Sharayu woke up to the blaring alarm.
Holiday spirit was over.
Reality kicked in.
She groaned, pulling the blanket up. "Nooooo, just one more holiday please!"
No escape.
She'd missed enough classes.
With a heavy heart, she got ready and left for college.
Campus buzzed with students, canteen clatter, last-minute assignment talks.
"Back to the grind," she muttered.
Her group waited near their usual spot, chatting about the festival.
"Aree, our festival queen is here!" Hriday teased.
Sharayu rolled her eyes, "Shut up, Hriday. I know you missed me."
"Pfft! Missed you? No way. But, haan, college felt too peaceful without you."
Rutuja smirked, "And what about Sir? Kya unhone bhi Sharayu ki kami mehsoos ki hogi?"
Sharayu stiffened but covered it with an eye roll. "Tum log bas plan banate ho mujhe irritate karne ka."
Arohi laughed, "Aur kya kaam hai humare paas?"
Bell rang. First lecture.
Cost Accounting.
As the bell rang, Prof. Hrishikesh walked in, pushing glasses up his nose.
"Good morning, class. I hope you all enjoyed the festival, because now it's time to get back to work."
Groans filled the room.
"Open your books. Today's topic is Marginal Costing."
Sharayu sighed, pulling out her notebook.
The switch from festival joy to equations was a harsh reality check.
Next was Financial Management.
A young, enthusiastic professor tried to lighten the mood.
"I know you all still have the festival hangover, but trust me, the stock market doesn't stop for Ganpati!"
Chuckles echoed.
Finally: Taxation lecture, right before lunch.
And that meant... him.
Satish entered with his usual confident stride, crisp grey shirt sleeves rolled up.
His sharp eyes scanned the room, pausing on Sharayu for a second before moving on.
"Good afternoon, everyone. Hope you all are done with your festival mood because now, taxation is waiting for you."
Students groaned.
Satish smirked.
"Alright, enough complaining. Let's begin."
As he began, Sharayu tried to focus on the subject, not the professor.
Satish noticed something odd.
She wasn't looking at him at all.
He frowned slightly.
Was she still avoiding him?
He pushed the thought aside and kept teaching.
But the uneasy feeling in his chest stayed.
As class ended, Sharayu sprinted to the canteen.
Her friends were already there, smirking.
"Kya baat hai, Sharayu? Taxation lecture mein ek baar bhi 'accidental' eye contact nahi hua?" Hriday teased, wiggling eyebrows.
Sharayu groaned, "Uff! Tum log kabhi nahi sudhroge na?"
Rutuja grinned, "Bilkul nahi!"
Arohi giggled, "Sharayu ab bas traditional outfits hi pehnege, taaki Sir ka mood achha rahe!"
Sharayu threw a piece of sandwich at them.
"Tum sabko mujhe pareshaan karne ke alawa aur koi kaam hai kya?"
"Nope!" they chorused.
She shook her head, a tiny smile playing on her lips.
Maybe the teasing wasn't that bad after all.
***
Back in his cabin, Satish pretended to sort files.
But his mind wasn't on work.
It was on her.
Her soft smile with friends.
The way she avoided his gaze.
And the emptiness he felt when she did.
He sighed, leaning back.
"This girl is going to drive me crazy."
***
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as Satish entered the café. The place was warm and inviting, with soft yellow lights casting a cozy glow over the wooden furniture. He spotted Nilesh sitting near the window, casually stirring his coffee, a smirk already in place as he waved Satish over.
"Brother, you finally got time!" Nilesh teased as Satish sat.
Satish chuckled, "As if I had a choice. You were so insistent."
Nilesh grinned. "Of course! We met at Ganpati, but there was no chance to have a proper conversation. So, today, I thought, let's trap you with coffee."
Satish smirked, sipped coffee. "Tell me, what's important?"
Nilesh leaned back. "Just life updates. Work, office, usual. He paused dramatically before adding, "Also... there's this girl in my office."
Satish almost choked. "TU? A GIRL?! The same Nilesh who ran miles if a girl looked at him?"
Nilesh laughed. "Haan! During College Days my entire focus was studies and career. Time changes things."
Satish smirked. "Okay, who is she? How did this miracle happen?"
Nilesh smiled, "She's my team member. Smart, kind, doesn't try hard. Just... different."
Satish raised a brow. "Sounds serious."
Nilesh nodded. "Maybe. Still figuring."
They talked about it for a while, with Satish teasing him mercilessly, reminding him of his 'girl-phobic' past, and Nilesh defending himself. Their laughter echoed in the café, drawing a few amused glances from nearby tables.
Laughter echoed.
Then Nilesh got serious.
"Now, my turn to ask you something."
Satish frowned slightly. "What?"
Nilesh leaned forward. "Why are you so different these days?"
Satish frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"Don't act dumb. I've known you for years. You were always a no-nonsense, practical guy. But lately, something's off. I saw it at Ganpati too. There's something on your mind, and don't tell me there isn't."
Satish sighed. "It's nothing."
Nilesh wasn't convinced. "Satish, I'm not just your old college buddy. I'm your best friend. If you don't want to tell me, that's fine. But if you think you can lie to me, you're mistaken."
Satish stayed silent.
Nilesh tried again, "Alright then, if you consider me your friend, tell me the truth. If not, I'll just leave."
He made a show of grabbing his wallet and standing up.
Satish sighed in frustration. "Ugh, "You're manipulative."
Nileshp sat back down, grinning. "And you fall for it."
Satish ran hand through hair, finally said, "There's this... thing. A mere student not attending my lectures, avoiding me, is pissing me off."
Nilesh raised an eyebrow. "A student?"
Satish nodded, frustrated, "Yeah. I've taught hundreds, thousands of students. Many skipped lectures. Did I ever care? No. But this one student missing my class is affecting me. And I don't even know why."
Nilesh's smirk faded, serious now.
Satish shook head, "I should be professional. She's just a student. Then why the hell do I feel like something's missing when she's not there?"
Nilesh observed him for a moment before speaking carefully.
"Look, Satish. You and I both know where this is going. If she's just a student, you wouldn't be feeling this way."
Satish looked away.
Nilesh sighed. "I won't lecture you. But I'll say this-if it's real, if it's something you can't shake off, don't ignore it. But if it's something that's just... momentary, let it go before it gets complicated."
Satish didn't reply, sipped coffee, lost in thought.
Nilesh smirked. "By the way, who's this 'student'?"
Satish glared. "Don't push."
Nilesh laughed, "Fine. But think about it. Next time, don't wait for me to drag you out for coffee to open up."
Satish gave a small reluctant smile. "Noted."
But as he walked out of the café that night, Nilesh's words stayed with him.
And the one face that wouldn't leave his mind was hers.
Satish picked up his wallet, ready to leave, but just as he turned, Nilesh's voice cut through the air, casual yet laced with knowing amusement.
"One more thing."
Satish paused, glancing back. Nilesh was leaning back in his chair, arms crossed, looking smug-like a man who had just won a game of chess without even playing.
"Don't make Sharayu wait too long for your confession," he said, as if he were stating something as obvious as the weather. "You might be an excellent professor, but when it comes to expressing emotions? You're a complete idiot."
It was like a punch straight to the gut.
Satish stiffened, fingers tightening around his wallet. His mind instantly blanked for a second before his eyes narrowed.
"What did you say?"
His voice came out calm-too calm.
Nilesh chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, come on, Satish. Don't act so surprised. You're not fooling anyone-least of all me."
You're making assumptions," he said, his voice firm, but even to his own ears, it lacked conviction.
Nilesh raised an eyebrow, taking a slow sip of his coffee before setting the cup down. "Am I?"
Satish looked away for a second, but his mind was in absolute turmoil. How did he know? How was he so sure?
He hadn't even admitted it to himself yet.
And yet, here Nilesh was, casually throwing out the truth like it was no big deal.
"How do you know?"
"I see things," Nilesh said.
"Listen," Nilesh continued, his tone shifting to something more serious.
"You're clearly affected by her. A mere student skipping your class wouldn't mess with your head like this. You wouldn't be restless, thinking about it. You wouldn't be overanalyzing it. Hell, you wouldn't be having this conversation with me right now if it were just 'nothing.' "
Satish exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
Nilesh leaned forward, lowering his voice. "You know what's even funnier?"
Satish shot him a look.
"That girl? That idiot you're struggling to understand? She probably doesn't even realize what's going on between you two."
That one hit differently.
Because it was true.
Sharayu had been avoiding him, yes, but never once did she act like she knew why she was doing it.
She was confused, just as much as he was.
And that realization only made his chest feel heavier.
Satish let out a deep sigh. "Even if you're right-"
"Oh, I'm definitely right," Nilesh interjected.
Satish shot him a glare but continued. "Even if you're right... what am I supposed to do about it?"
Nilesh smirked, tapping the table lightly. "That's for you to figure out. But let me tell you something-if you keep pretending this doesn't exist, you'll regret it later. And knowing you? You hate regrets."
Satish stared at him, unblinking.
Nilesh leaned back, stretching his arms lazily. "Also, don't even think about pulling the 'I'm her professor' card. You and I both know that excuse is useless outside the classroom."
Satish scoffed. "You talk too much."
Nilesh grinned. "That's what best friends are for."
Satish sighed, shaking his head, but his mind was far from calm.
His friend had cracked the case before he himself could even admit there was one.
With one last look at Nilesh, who was still looking smug as ever Satish turned on his heel and walked out of the café.
But the problem was, he wasn't just walking away from a conversation.
He was walking straight into a truth he had been avoiding for far too long.
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