The Unlikely Connection

Chapter 7: The aftermath

Instantly, panic flooded over me as I realised the weight of my actions. I hurriedly excused myself and left for the washroom, leaving her sitting there.

I paced back and forth in the bathroom, my heart pounding with a mix of fear and anticipation. What had I just done? I couldn't believe I had kissed her forehead, revealing the depth of my feelings in such a vulnerable moment. 'What if she takes me as a pervert? She won't..right?' Doubt gnawed at me, questioning whether I had crossed a line, whether I had risked our friendship. 'What if she thinks it's disgusting?' and at this moment, I was internally screaming.

As I looked at myself in the mirror, my reflection showed a whirlwind of emotions. I felt a surge of love for her, a longing to protect and cherish her, but also a fear of rejection and the potential loss of our connection. My mind replayed the image of her face, her puffy eyes, and I couldn't help but question the consequences of my impulsive action. 'Am I the kind of person who takes advantage of others' vulnerability?'

Leaning against the bathroom sink, I took a deep breath, desperately trying to gather my scattered thoughts. What was this overwhelming feeling that had taken hold of me? I had never experienced such intense emotions towards anyone before. With my numerous friendships, I have never ever kissed anyone, not even as a joke. But I kissed her.

'It's just forehead, come on'

'No, it's not about just a forehead it's about how she doesn't like it when anyone ven slightly touches her'

'But I am happy', my different personalities were having different opinions at the moment.

'It was like- wait no, why am I happy. I am not happy.'

'What have I done? I shouldn't be happy, I literally kissed her without asking for her consent, even if it was on her forehead.'

'You should ask for her consent next time.'

'Yes, what? What next time? no!'

'don't be an idiot.'

'I wonder how her lips would feel-'

'NOO!!! WHAT THE FUCK BRO? WHAT THE HELL AM I THINKING'

My heart was breathing very fast. Oh god! Why do I feel this way around her?

'Do.. I.. like.. her .. as.. a.. Wom- STOP!! Let's just focus on our IAs first.You will be okay!' I told myself to try to calm down.

Slowly, I made my way back to our room, each step filled with fear. As I entered, I discovered her peacefully sleeping on the bed. I approached her cautiously, my heart pounding relentlessly in my chest, as if it were about to burst out.

"I'm sorry," I whispered to her slumbering form, my voice trembling with a mix of regret and vulnerability.

The next day, a sense of normalcy returned as if the events of the previous night had been forgotten. Nobody mentioned what had happened, and everything seemed to be back to normal. Pallavi and I resumed our daily routines as roommates and study buddies.

Days turned into weeks, and our friendship continued to grow. We found solace in each other's presence, seeking comfort after a rough day or celebrating small victories. Late-night talks became a regular occurrence, where we shared our views on a particular professor, their way of teaching or even about a classmate, what they wore, how they looked, and whatnot. Ever since that day, our friendship had grown immensely. I think I now know why she got so angry when she heard us calling her 'our free tutor.'

One evening, while we were watching a movie on my laptop in our room, I couldn't help but notice the way Pallavi's laughter filled the room, her eyes sparkling with joy. It was at that moment that a pang of jealousy hit me unexpectedly. I quickly brushed it off, convincing myself that it was just friendship, nothing more.

But as time went on, the boundaries became even more blurred. As we spent more time together studying for our IAs in our room, my heart raced a little faster whenever I was around her. And that means it races all the time, believe me. 'I think I need to consult a doctor, maybe?'

~

"Seriously, why do you never listen to me? How many times have I told you not to drink cold water right after walking up those four flights of stairs?" Pallavi was exhausted after my infinite sneezes, as she handed me a blanket.

"I am more annoyed than you," My eyes were tired, my head was aching, and my sore throat was making it very hard to speak. "Will you go to the doctor with me tomorrow, please?"

She asked, "Why wait until tomorrow? Let's go now," as she prepared to leave. I held her hand, seeking her support, and she reciprocated by holding me back. I rested my head on her shoulder and said, "Nah nah, the warden said cold hi toh hai kal tak thik ho jayega. Plus we went out the other day so..." (it's just a cold.)

"Didn't you tell her you have tonsillitis?" she asked while gently stroking my head. I held her even tighter and replied, "She said it's nothing."

She tried to make me sit and said, "Just lie down, I'll go and talk to her." However, I held onto her hand and said, "Forget it, Pavi. I have no energy, please."

I was already exhausted and feeling like I had a fever too. I felt like I was going to die. She put her hand on my head to check if I had a fever, then she placed it on my neck and said, "I feel like you have a fever too. Just wait here." She left the room and after some time, she returned with warm water and some meds from her table's drawer, "Here. you just rest. I'll take care of this warden."

She went ahead to do something on her laptop. I was very grateful and wanted to go to sleep, but I couldn't. After tossing and turning on the bed, she finally noticed and asked, "Not able to sleep?" I shook my head. I patted my bed, signalling for her to come sit with me.

"You don't want me to pat you or something?" she asked to which I nodded. she smiled and came to sit on my bed. I actually thought she wouldn't come, but she did without saying anything more. I rested my head on her lap and she played with my hair. I don't know when I fell asleep, but when I woke up, I found a cloth on my forehead and felt better, like I didn't have a fever anymore.

The door opened and she entered followed by Aadya and Purvi. She gave me a hot bowl of soup, which I drank and felt much better.

"How are you feeling now, huh?" asked Aadya.

"Much better," I replied.

"Of course you will after replacing that khadoos warden," Purvi was very much happy. (strict/cranky)

Pallavi was busy drying the laundry on the balcony. "Oh, she has no idea, bro," Aadya exclaimed. I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer. "Just tell me the news already," I said, growing frustrated with their slow conversation.

"Bro, Pallavi emailed the administration about your condition and the way the warden treated you. As a result, the warden has been suspended. And guess what? We're finally getting a medical room in the hostel!"

"Wait, all of this happened overnight?" I asked, feeling confused.

"What do you mean, bro? You were unconscious for an entire day," Aadya replied.

I was completely taken aback. "What? I was out for a whole day?"

"Yes, madam, your temperature reached 104 degrees Celsius," Aadya informed me.

Purvi chimed in, "I can't believe Pallavi has been taking care of you for the past two days, missing her classes."

I glanced at Pallavi, who had just entered the room and seemed to be ignoring us as if we didn't exist. However, she later returned and handed me some medication.

That day, I realised that even though she may appear indifferent, Pallavi actually cares a great deal. She just struggles to express it. She truly is extraordinary.

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Next chapter will be published on 20th October.