Chapter 27
(You in the Alleys of My Heart… ♥️💬)
Every day of college life now seems to leave something behind within Aishi and Ayush. Even they themselves don't quite understand where this relationship is heading. Yet, they don't want it to stop. They have become each other's shadow—and when a shadow disappears, even the light seems to fade into darkness.
One day, when Aishi enters the classroom and doesn't see Ayush, something inside her quietly aches. She asks,
"Why didn't he come today? He didn't even say anything."
Shreyasi, standing beside her, smiles and says,
"He didn't tell you, and you're this upset?"
Aishi gets slightly irritated.
"Who said I'm upset?"
With a playful smile, Shreyasi replies,
"No, not at all. You just checked the clock twelve times, stood by the window five times, and smiled three times saying, 'It feels really hot today.'"
Aishi says nothing. She simply looks away. Deep down, her heart has already admitted it—his absence quietly creates a hollow space within her. She understands now, no matter what she says, Ayush has taken a place right at the center of her life.
On the other hand, Ayush didn't come to college because his mother is unwell. She has been sick for a few days, and since Ayush is the only son, all responsibilities fall on his shoulders. From giving his mother medicine in the morning, preparing something light in the kitchen, to sending his younger brother to school—he manages everything on his own.
Yet, amidst all this, Aishi's face keeps appearing in his mind. A sense of guilt also lingers—
"I came without telling her. She might be waiting."
In the evening, he quietly goes up to the terrace. Silence surrounds him. The stars shimmer above. With a diary and pen in hand, Ayush writes—
"I couldn't tell you today why I didn't come. You don't know, I spent the whole day taking care of my mother while thinking about you. Sometimes I felt like texting you, but then I got scared—what if you think I'm disturbing you? You know, my day now begins with your smile and ends with the memory of your face."
Aishi, too, writes in her blue diary—
"You didn't come today. And yet, you know how many times I got up just to look for you? You weren't there, but your absence was—right before my eyes, inside my chest, in every breath. Ayush, when you don't come, something inside me feels empty. I realize now, you've become a part of my life… a part without which living would feel incomplete."
The next morning, Ayush comes to college. From a distance, he sees Aishi and smiles softly.
At first, Aishi gets a little angry.
"You didn't come, and you didn't even tell me!"
Ayush pauses and says,
"My mother wasn't well. I didn't tell you because I knew—you would worry."
Aishi's voice softens.
"You know, I want to worry about you. Why do you think that's not my responsibility?"
Ayush falls silent. For a moment, both of them just stand there quietly. Around them, the college buzzes with noise—laughter, chatter, people taking selfies, others sipping coffee. Yet, amidst all that, their silence becomes its own language.
Suddenly, Ayush says,
"Don't you want us to go somewhere… just you and me?"
Aishi looks surprised.
"You know my parents are strict. I'm not allowed to go anywhere except college."
Ayush smiles.
"Then tell them you're going to the library after college. We'll go somewhere outside campus for just an hour."
Aishi thinks for a moment.
"Just one hour? Can we go for coffee?"
"Yes—not just coffee, but a cup full of conversations."
Aishi laughs. That laughter leaves a soft mark in their relationship for the first time—something that is not quite love, yet no longer just friendship either.
The next day, after college, they walk to a nearby café. Ayush has never been to such a place before. Aishi is familiar, but it's her first time bringing someone along. The café is cozy—soft brown walls, candle-like lights on tables, and gentle music playing.
Sitting across from her, Ayush looks into Aishi's eyes and says,
"You know how it feels bringing you here? It feels like I'm walking inside a dream of my own."
Aishi stirs her coffee quietly and says,
"I want to tell you something today."
Ayush looks up.
"Tell me."
Aishi meets his gaze and says,
"If you weren't here… I don't think I could ever sit like this with anyone else."
Ayush is a little surprised, then smiles softly, looking down.
Aishi continues,
"There's a river in your eyes, Ayush. Sometimes I drown in it… and sometimes I float back up. You make me feel safe."
Ayush replies slowly,
"You know, I see my whole world in your eyes. And when you smile, it feels like I've won every battle in life."
The steam from their coffee cups rises and brushes against their faces. Words fade away, leaving behind unspoken emotions reflected on their expressions.
Now, even they know—this friendship, this relationship, is no longer nameless. Perhaps, this is what love is called. But when will they finally say it aloud?
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What happens next? Stay tuned for the next chapter. And keep following this novel till the very end.
Next chapter coming very soon…
To be continued…... 🌷