Arjun was packing his bag in the hostel room when his roommate, Rohit, came in, pushing the door open. It was a September morning, and third-year students were returning to Delhi University for the new semester.
"Bro, you look so nervous! It's just a semester change, not the UPSC exams," Rohit said, laughing, placing his guitar in the corner.
Arjun adjusted his glasses and straightened the sleeves of his white T-shirt. "I don't know, man… new batch, new people. You know how hard it is for me to talk to strangers."
What can I do? Talking to people just doesn't come naturally to me, Arjun thought. He looked into the mirror—average height, curly hair that was always messy, and glasses that constantly slipped down. How does Rohit manage to be so confident?
"Chill, bro. You're the topper in CS. Last semester, 9.2 CGPA! Have some confidence," Rohit said encouragingly, patting his shoulder.
Arjun's cheeks turned slightly red. Compliments always embarrassed him. "Grades and social skills are different things, man."
"Just smile. Girls like friendly guys. And your shy look… some girls find it cute."
"Shut up," Arjun muttered, throwing his pillow. His face turned completely red.
Rohit laughed and left. Arjun took a deep breath and hoisted his backpack. New semester, new beginning. Maybe this time I'll actually make some friends.
---
Arjun's attention was on his books on his way to the library. The September sun was soft, and students formed groups, chatting and laughing around the campus. He was looking for his favourite corner—the quiet second-floor section, where fewer people came, with a view of the trees outside the windows.
The scent of books welcomed him as he climbed the stairs—old wood, paper, and a faint aroma of coffee from the nearby café. The library was his safe space.
But today, someone else was in his spot.
A girl with silky black hair down to her waist, wearing dark blue jeans and a white kurta, simple yet attractive, was sitting there. She was reading a thick philosophy book—Nietzsche. Her posture was delicate, one hand supporting her chin.
Shit, someone's in my spot, Arjun thought, but he didn't want to disturb her. He carefully chose a side table nearby.
As he approached, she looked up. Dark brown eyes, perfect eyebrows, and a smile—just friendly, but also knowing, mysterious, as if she already knew him.
"Oh! Sorry, am I disturbing you?" Arjun stammered, almost dropping his books.
The girl closed her book gently, placing a bookmark inside. "Not at all," she said softly, yet clearly. "Actually… I've been waiting."
"Waiting? For someone?" Arjun was confused.
"For you."
Arjun's heart skipped a beat. Me? But I've never met her… have I? Memory lapse? Oh God, this is embarrassing!
"I'm Priya," she said, placing her book on the table and standing. She was almost his height, about 5'6". "You're Arjun, right? CS third year? Hostel Block B, Room 237?"
Arjun's eyes widened. She even knows my room number? "H-how do you know?"
Priya laughed lightly, musical and sweet. "Research. I'm a psychology student, second year. Studying human behaviour is my… let's say… passion." She stepped a little closer. "And your behaviour, Arjun… It's very interesting."
The way she said his name—slowly, deliberately—made his cheeks burn red. He instinctively stepped back, almost hitting his chair.
"Careful!" Priya immediately moved forward, placing a hand on his arm to steady him.
A jolt ran through him. Her touch was soft but firm; her fingers were slightly cool. She lingered just a little longer than necessary. Her perfume—light jasmine with something he couldn't identify—wafted subtly.
Why is she this close? Can she hear my heartbeat? It's racing!
"T-thank you," he whispered, voice almost breaking.
"You're welcome," Priya said with a wink, stepping back slightly. "So… shall we sit? I mean, since we're both here to study."
"We?" Arjun blinked.
"Don't you usually prefer studying alone? I'm not disturbing you," her tone suggested she had no intention of leaving.
They sat. Arjun stiffened, arranging his books meticulously, trying to concentrate. Priya relaxed, occasionally stretching, sometimes making soft "hmm" or "interesting" sounds as she wrote.
Don't look, don't look, his mind repeated. But his peripheral vision betrayed him.
For the next hour, Arjun could not focus at all. Every subtle movement, tilt, or sound from Priya shattered his concentration. Was she actually reading or just watching me? I'm going paranoid.
---
The next morning, Arjun went to the hostel mess early for breakfast. Normally, he arrived early to avoid the crowd, but today he had stayed up thinking about Priya.
How does she know so much? And why do I feel… strange around her?
The mess was chaotic—students lining up for parathas, groups chatting, complaints flying everywhere. Arjun grabbed a tray and found a corner table.
Then, he noticed a small surprise in his bag:
A pink gift box, beautifully wrapped with a silver ribbon. No tag.
What is this? I didn't order anything.
He looked around. Everyone was busy. Carefully, he opened the box.
Inside—homemade chocolate brownies, perfectly baked, smelling heavenly. A small handwritten note read:
"For the cute nerd who blushes so beautifully. Hope you enjoy the chocolates as much as I enjoy watching your expressions. – P"
Arjun's face turned bright red. His hands trembled slightly. P stands for Priya! She made these for me? How did she even put them in my bag?
He looked up. Priya sat at the cafeteria corner, casually sipping coffee, reading a newspaper. She didn't look directly at him, but he could feel her gaze. She winked slightly.
Oh God, she's been watching me! Since when?
Arjun picked a small piece of brownie.
Heaven.
"Bro, why are you suddenly happy?" Rohit appeared with his plate.
Arjun hurried to hide the box. "Nothing."
"Gift box? Pink wrapping? Dude, what's going on? Who's the girl?" Rohit's eyes sparkled.
"Nothing special," Arjun stammered, face burning.
But fate had other plans. Priya walked toward their table, seemingly to return her tray. Strategically, she dropped her pen near Arjun's chair.
"Oh, my clumsiness," she said sweetly, bending slightly.
Instead of picking it up, she leaned close, brushing his shoulder, and whispered softly, "Did you like it?"
Her warm breath brushed his neck, leaving him nearly breathless. Yes… Amazing, he stammered.
"I can make more… special requests too," she added, with a gentle, innocent smile. "If you want, absolutely."
She walked away gracefully, leaving a faint trail of jasmine and Arjun was completely flustered.
Rohit's jaw dropped. "DUDE! Who was that? And why are you red like a tomato? She's flirting!"
"I… I don't know," Arjun whispered, touching his neck, still feeling the lingering tingle of her presence. Special requests? And why do I… want to know more?