Days continued like before.
Same classes.
Same timings.
Same routine.
Nothing really changed.
At least—
that's how it looked.
Aarvika followed everything the same way.
She came to class.
Sat in her usual place.
Took notes.
Listened quietly.
Rhea and Meher were the same too.
Talking.
Laughing.
Sharing random things.
Sometimes pulling Aarvika into small conversations.
And sometimes—
just letting her stay quiet.
Everything around her stayed normal.
And in between all of this—
he was there too.
Not always near.
Not always part of the same group.
But around.
Sometimes in front.
Sometimes behind.
Sometimes just passing by.
And sometimes—
just there.
There were still no long conversations.
Nothing had changed in that way.
But small things kept happening.
Things that didn't matter—
but didn't disappear either.
During one class—
the instructor asked everyone to submit their work.
Students started getting up.
Moving toward the front.
Aarvika waited quietly.
Holding her notebook.
When her turn came—
she stepped forward.
He was already standing there.
Near the table.
For a second—
they were in the same space.
Close—
but not interacting.
He moved slightly to the side—
making space for her.
Aarvika placed her work.
And stepped back.
No words.
Just a small moment.
One that no one noticed.
Another day—
during a practical session—
the class was quieter than usual.
Everyone was focused.
Writing.
Checking.
Completing their work.
Aarvika was doing the same.
She didn't look around much.
But once—
she lifted her head—
just for a second.
And saw him.
He was looking in her direction.
Or maybe—
just looking ahead.
She wasn't sure.
So she looked away.
And went back to her work.
That felt easier.
During break—
Rhea and Meher were talking to others.
There was noise.
Laughter.
Random conversations.
Aarvika stood with them.
Not fully involved.
But not completely separate either.
Someone said something funny.
Everyone laughed.
Aarvika smiled.
For a second—
she noticed him there.
He was smiling too.
Not at her.
Just part of the same moment.
And that felt normal.
One day—
after class—
it was a little crowded.
Students were leaving together.
Aarvika walked slowly.
Careful not to get pushed.
At the same time—
he was coming from the other side.
For a second—
they crossed paths.
Too close.
He paused slightly.
Let her pass first.
A small gesture.
Nothing more.
Aarvika walked ahead.
Without looking back.
In the bus—
things were the same.
Sometimes she saw him.
Sometimes she didn't.
If he was there—
she stayed quiet.
If he wasn't—
nothing felt different.
One day—
the bus was more crowded than usual.
Aarvika was standing.
Holding the support.
Trying to keep her balance.
After a few stops—
he got in.
She noticed—
but didn't react.
There wasn't much space.
People were moving around.
For a moment—
he stood near her.
Not too close.
Just nearby.
Neither of them said anything.
There was no need to.
After some time—
a seat became empty.
He moved ahead.
And sat there.
Aarvika stayed where she was.
Looking outside.
Watching everything pass by.
Another day—
when the bus was less crowded—
they ended up getting down at the same stop.
Walking in the same direction for a few steps.
No conversation.
Just the same road.
Then—
without saying anything—
they went their own ways.
Days kept moving like this.
Nothing big.
Nothing important.
No clear change.
But still—
something stayed.
Not something she thought about deeply.
Not something she tried to understand.
Just something that existed.
Quietly.
Like a part of her routine.
Something she didn't notice all the time—
but still remembered.
He wasn't a stranger anymore.
But not someone close either.
Just someone she knew.
Someone she saw often.
Someone she spoke to—
sometimes.
And maybe—
that was enough.
Because not everything needs to be big—
to stay.
Some things remain—
just the way they are.
Simple.
Unspoken.
And still there.