Quatervois

Part 13

(Tara's POV)

Studying with Dhruv was surprisingly refreshing. I had never imagined that I would find myself sitting in a hospital room, going through physics problems, and actually enjoying it. Dhruv's explanations were clear and concise, and his patience was evident as he answered my questions.

As we worked through the material, I couldn't help but notice the genuine effort he was putting into helping me. It was as if he truly cared about my progress, even though we had only recently become friends. His dedication made me feel grateful, and I began to let my guard down just a little.

"Dhruv, how do you manage to make physics seem so simple?" I asked, genuinely impressed by his teaching skills.

He chuckled and replied, "Well, I've struggled with it too, but over time, I've found ways to break down complex concepts. If you understand the basics, everything falls into place."

I nodded, absorbing his advice. The more we talked, the more I realized that Dhruv wasn't just offering academic support; he was trying to make a connection. Despite my usual cold demeanor, his genuine efforts were starting to chip away at the walls I had built around myself.

Hours flew by as we tackled various subjects. Dhruv's enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself engaging in discussions and debates that I had never thought I would enjoy. There was something about his presence that made studying feel less like a chore and more like an adventure.

"You know, Tara, you've got a unique way of looking at things," Dhruv commented, scribbling some notes in my book.

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his observation. "Unique? Is that a polite way of saying I'm weird?"

He chuckled and shook his head. "No, not at all. I mean, you're analytical, and you have a different perspective on things. It's refreshing, really."

I couldn't help but smile at his words. No one had ever described me like that before. It felt good to be seen as more than just the tough exterior I usually portrayed. Maybe Dhruv was right—I did have a different way of looking at the world.

As the evening sun cast a warm glow into the room, I realized that I had spent hours studying with Dhruv. Surprisingly, I hadn't felt the need to check the time or escape the situation. For the first time in a long while, I was content being in the moment.

"Time flies when you're having fun, huh?" I remarked, glancing at the clock.

Dhruv smiled and nodded. "Definitely. But I think it's time for you to rest. You've been through a lot, and you need to take care of yourself."

I nodded in agreement, grateful for his concern. As he gathered his belongings, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth. Dhruv had managed to break through my icy exterior, even if it was just a crack. And strangely enough, I was looking forward to spending more time with him, whether it was studying or simply talking.

"Thank you, Dhruv. For everything," I said sincerely.

He grinned and replied, "Anytime, Tara. We're in this together, remember?"

As he walked out of the room, I lay back on the bed, my thoughts swirling. Perhaps there was more to life than just surviving.

Maybe, with the right people by your side, it could even be enjoyable. And in that moment, I realized that Dhruv was becoming one of those people for me.