Days continued in the same rhythm.
Sessions.
Notes.
Small conversations.
Everything looked normal.
Nothing around her had really changed.
But for Aarvika—
something had slowly started shifting.
She had begun noticing him.
Not in a big way.
Not intentionally.
Just sometimes.
Like when she entered the room—
her eyes would move around for a second.
And sometimes—
they would stop there.
Then move away.
Now—
she knew his name.
Aryan.
She didn't remember exactly when she heard it.
Maybe someone called him during a session.
Or during attendance.
But once she heard it—
it stayed.
Not important.
But not unknown anymore.
One day—
during a practical session—
everyone was busy with their own work.
Students were moving around.
Some were discussing.
Some were trying to complete their tasks quickly.
Aarvika was standing near one of the desks.
Focused on her part.
Trying to do it properly.
Without paying much attention—
her hand hit the edge of the desk.
It wasn't loud—
but it hurt.
She pulled her hand back slightly.
For a moment—
she just paused.
A faint redness appeared.
She looked at it—
pressed it lightly—
and then ignored it.
She didn't like making small things noticeable.
She was about to continue—
when someone nearby noticed.
Not Aryan.
Just another student.
He leaned slightly forward—
and placed a bandage on the desk.
"You can use this," he said casually.
No extra concern.
No questions.
Just a simple gesture.
Aarvika looked at it for a second—
but didn't pick it up.
"Thank you," she said softly.
He nodded—
and went back to his work.
The bandage stayed there.
Unopened.
And within a few seconds—
everything went back to normal.
No one paid attention.
And neither did she.
After some time—
the actual practical grouping started.
Students were divided into small groups.
Names were called out one by one.
Aarvika listened quietly.
Then—
she heard it.
Aryan.
Same group.
For a second—
she noticed.
But didn't react.
She quietly moved to her place.
The group gathered around.
Everyone looked at the task.
At first—
no one spoke much.
Then Aryan said,
"Let's divide it. It'll be easier."
Simple.
Clear.
No one disagreed.
He started assigning parts.
Not in a controlling way—
just normally.
Like it made sense.
When his eyes came to Aarvika—
he paused for a moment.
"You can take this part, if you want."
His tone was easy.
Not forcing.
Not hesitant.
Just normal.
Aarvika nodded.
"Okay."
Her voice was low—
but clear.
And this time—
it didn't feel difficult to respond.
They started working.
Everyone focused on their part.
There was no unnecessary talking.
But no awkward silence either.
If something needed to be said—
it was said.
Otherwise—
everyone just worked.
Aarvika noticed something.
She wasn't uncomfortable.
She wasn't trying to avoid anything.
She wasn't overthinking every small thing.
She was just doing her part.
Like everyone else.
And that felt normal.
After the task was done—
everyone stepped back.
Some checked their work.
Some started talking again.
The session ended shortly after.
People started leaving.
The same way they always did.
No one stayed back.
No one made it a moment.
Aarvika picked up her things—
and walked out.
Nothing special had happened.
Nothing dramatic.
But still—
something was different.
Not in a big way.
Just slightly.
Because now—
Aryan wasn't just someone she had seen around.
He was someone she had worked with.
Someone she had spoken to—
even if it was just a few words.
It didn't feel important.
It didn't feel like anything big.
But it wasn't nothing either.
And maybe—
that was enough for now.