The next week flew by in a glance.
Without knowing, the first day of their college arrived.
Prabha got up early as usual, made her own breakfast and slipped into her casual dress.
Seemingly, she was all prepared to attend her first class.
But deep down, she was terrified.
It was her first time .
Going somewhere different and completely unknown.
It wasn't going to be easy.
This was the first step towards healing .
Even though it could be filled with lots of difficulties , yet she stepped into that path with heart full of courage and patience.
Aarav , on the other hand ,also woke up as usual - little later than Prabha.
Aarav wasn't prepared at all - neither physically nor mentally.
The dresses wrinkled inside the suitcase .
The bed was messed too.
He was really scared.
As an introvert, the thought of backing off the college crossed his mind numerous times .
But , he kept reminding himself about - the reason he arrived here.
His mind was convinced but , his heart -- always debating back .
After a while, he got a call from his older brother.
" Hello ?
" So.. Did you reach the university?? " His brother asked .
" Umm, yes ! It's my first day today. "
"Oh really?
Then go find some rich girl and live off her money your whole life. At least you won't touch my property." his brother spoke.
Aarav scoffed. "I would gladly do that rather than depend on you. And don't worry -I'm not like you."
"What does that even mean?" his brother snapped.
"It means I don't play around. I'm serious about people I choose."
There was a pause.
"Wait… don't tell me - you already found someone?"
Aarav smirked faintly. "Maybe I did."
"It's been a week!"
"That's enough for me."
Without waiting for another word, Aarav cut the call.
The silence that followed felt heavier than the argument.
Before his grandfather's death, they at least knew how to pretend.
Now, even that effort was gone.
The house changed completely and so did the people in it.
After a while, he started preparing his bag, made the bed and arranged his suitcase.
He ironed his clothes, wore clean shoes and brushed his hair .
Then, he went to college .
With heart full of sudden motivation- he confidently entered the classroom and sat on a empty bench.
As his eyes roamed around the classroom, he suddenly saw someone familiar yet unknown.
That was Prabha-- the girl he met on the airport.
His eyes widened, eyebrows lifting. And then his inner voice spoke, " ohhh!! It's her ---- the airport girl. "
Before he could think further, she suddenly came and sat beside him.
He was shocked . But to his surprise, she just sat there quietly without looking anywhere throughout the whole classes.
She never looked towards him-- not even once.
Just concentrated and eyes straight on board. She was focused on classes. After the last class ended, she quietly got up and turned towards door.
He was surprised yet relieved.
Surprised that she didn't recogniz him.
Relieved that she didn't try to start conversation just like every one else.
So, he felt good when she focused on herself rather than asking for introductions just like every one else.
Her behaviour might have looked rude but Aarav somehow felt comfortable around her in comparison to others.
As for Prabha, her heart sank when she entered the classroom.
The classroom was already filled with students - nearly 50.
Even though those faces were unfamiliar, yet they didn't felt comforting too instead felt haunting and terrifying.
She started panicking and stood still on the door for a minute.
She suddenly clashed with one the students -- bringing her back to reality.
She didn't look anywhere -- just went inside and sat somewhere on the bench without looking around.
She seemed calm but her heart was terrified at the moment.
The gazes of people felt judgemental and traumatic. Some of the students tried befriending her but she ignored them.
Just then, her eyes looked sideways -- someone was sitting beside her in the same bench.
She screamed inside her heart , " hmmm.... someone is there. Oh my god..."
She hadn't noticed when she sat there.
She was confused about his behaviour.
She thought to herself ," Why isn't he telling me to change my seat ?
Unlike others- he seems silent . "
Prabha never dared to look in his face. So, she never knew who he was and how he looked like.
It was as if those moments of silence were holding them together like a thread. Both of them just went on with the flow. Neither of them initiated the conversation.
That silence not only comforted Aarav but also made Prabha feel slowly relaxed.
When classes finally ended, Prabha took a sigh of relief. She was finally relaxed. So without looking back she ran towards door and headed to her room.
(Their second meeting was a little different --Because Prabha didn't knew it was their second meeting .
On the other side, Aarav started finding her so called "rude" behaviour comfortable....
Maybe this is what people call connection. Getting comfortable with stranger without any valid reason.....)
After this meeting, they met several times in a week either in classes or in the Library---but Prabha was never attentive enough to notice him.
As for Aarav, he never thought of disturbing her.
So he stayed afar from her -- curious, yet pretending to be uninterested.
This went on for almost 5 months. Prabha was finding difficult to cope with new environment, new people and new country.
So, she was busy handling herself.
Despite being introvert, Aarav had already adopted himself in the environment.
He seemed much more comfortable than before.
Except when it came to Prabha --- always backing off.
He never dared.
Or maybe he didn't just had the courage to talk.
Until one day,....
Prabha finally noticed him .
But sadly, she had already forgotten him as an airport boy.
The professor had given them some sort of research activity and divided everyone into group of 2-2 students.
And so on , Aarav and Prabha were paired together.
This situation finally gave Arav the courage to speak.
Just when she was about to leave, he decided to call her.
But his mind and heart argued -- "What if she doesn't wants to pair with me ?".
He looked at himself -- gaze filled with a look of self doubt and hesitation.
But then - before his fear could stop him---he called her .
With a gentle voice --- he called, " Prabha! Prabha ! "
Aarav wasn't sure whether she heard or not. He was confused and wasn't confident enough to call her again either.
But ,then after a minute, Prabha turned back. Her eyes slowly looking and searching the one who called her through the crowd.
Just then, he whispered," Thank god! She listened. I don't have to call her again."
Aarav was also looking through people. After a moment, he found her.
Then, he spoke in a gentle voice--waving towards her, " Prabha ! This side? Can you come here ? Just once ?"
Prabha instantly noticed someone waving towards her.
She suddenly felt a surge of joy --- of being called by her name in a humble way. That was something, her family never did. So, she felt respected for the first time in years.
She wasn't sure whether to go or not.
Till the moment she was processing further, she was already standing infront of him.
Her eyes seemed curious-- wanting to know him, his personality and his thoughts.
" Are you.... calling me ??" Prabha asked looking towards Aarav.
" Ummm.... Yes !
Actually we ....are paired together for the research.so....." Aarav spoke scratching his hair and locking eyes with her.
" Oh....uhh... So it's you. But ... How did you know my name ?" Prabha asked confusingly.
" Um.....we met in the airport. Don't you remember me ?." Aarav hesitantly answered.
"I am really sorry. I have poor memory so I don't remember much.
But before we continue,
Should we go to the park and talk ??
I mean it will would be more peaceful and easier to discuss there rather than by standing here ....? "
Her tone had shifted.
She suddenly sounded... friendlier. Almost too friendly for someone like her.
Even she noticed it.
But somehow, talking to him didn't feel as heavy as talking to others.
" It's fine..... But Just a give me a minute.." "Ok let's goo...." Aarav packed his belongings and both of them went towards park.
As they sat on a bench , cool breeze brushed their faces.
They glanced at each other and exchanged an awkward smile.
There was a moment of strangely comfortable silence.
But, then Prabha finally broke the silence and initiated their conversation.
" So... Your name is.....?"
" It's Aarav....!"
" Okay ,then how do you think should we conduct our first research?? I mean what kind of mental illness should we focus on ? Like..... Depression.." Prabha suggested her opinion.
" I guess we can go with those similar options like depression or panic attack..or maybe anxiety attacks..... Which one do you think is more suitable?"Aarav asked.
" Umm.. maybe we should do C-PTSD instead"
Prabha replied instantly.
" As ,.it combines all you mentioned - panic attacks, anxiety attacks and sometimes depression too."
Prabha's instant reply felt different.
But, aarav acted unknown and normal towards her fast response.
" Umm.... Okay.
It's brilliant idea. But how will we do research?"
" Actually, I have something to do today. So , can we talk about this clearly tomorrow?" Prabha asked him politely.
" Sure . We have 2 weeks deadline.
So , I guess it's fine delaying one day.
But can I ask you something ?"
" Yes . " Prabha replied curiously.
" Can.....I ...get...your... number....?
It's just for research. I mean if you happen to encounter any situations like today , then....
We can reschedule our meeting earlier or later according to our preference... And we can share our ideas through social media too...
We won't have to meet too frequently as well.
But if you are uncomfortable, it's completely fine. We can just talk in class..."
Aarav spoke continuously in fast pace.
His heart just skipped a beat in a fear of being misunderstood.
" Umm.. it's okay! I am fine with this idea. I can give you my number. " Prabha reluctantly gave her number to him.
" Thanks. I will message if I get some new ideas about research. Then.. let's meet tomorrow in class...." Aarav politely waved her goodbye.
Aarav was secretly happy to have her as his research partner. Among all those students, she was the only who never made him feel awkward
So, he was in awe when he got chance to know her.
Prabha was hesitant for a minute while giving her number, but it was just for research .
So, She didn't thought of further risks. But she was surprised when someone called her and knew her name.
She was surprised that someone actually noticed her. Strangely, she felt happy when she saw him waving and calling "Prabha ".
But she didn't dare to wave him back and just gave a awkward smile.
She finally felt seen in someone's eyes. That kind of noticement that felt strange yet wanted.
( As for Prabha this was finally the moment, she actually noticed him. They gave their numbers to each other as the first step of communication.
Unaware of the fact that , this small step is going to bind them together in the long journey of healing.)