It was a surprise that I was able to talk with Maitri for so long but now I was back to stage 1.

During first lecture, I was lucky that Jiya never spoke, having her whole attention towards studies. I am not sure if Maitri would expect me to converse during the lecture. Despite their constant reassurances, I couldn't help but be wary of my actions.

To my astonishment, Maitri didn't even peep towards me. Her whole concentration was towards the lecture while simultaneously taking notes of whatever the professor explained.

Maitri being studious, was something I never imagined. The lecture ended but I was still in shock and didn't realize that I was staring at her until she asked me, "What?"

"Ahm, nothing", I said not knowing what to say after staring at her stupidly for such a long time.

She rolled her eyes and said, "It wasn't nothing. Now tell me the truth before I lose my temper".

"It's seriously nothing. I just didn't deemed you to be studious", I answered immediately still scared of her anger.

"God, look at you. I was just kidding. No need to be so scared of me. And I understand, looking at my marks no one can guess that I am studious", she spoke while packing her bag.

I winced at her words, "I didn't mean like that. Please don't think that I was indirectly insulting you for your marks. I had just assumed that Jiya was the only one in the group who liked studies".

She waved off my apology and informed me, "Your assumption is absolutely right, Jiya is the only one who likes studies. I need to study because my brain can't remember anything easily. I manage to get passing marks after putting in all the efforts. If I study like normal students, I will fail".

"Oh!", I said stupidly not knowing how to respond.

She rolled her eyes seeing my inability to speak.

"See you tomorrow", she said thus effectively ending the conversation.

"Yeah, bye", I waved with a small smile .

                       ~~~•~~~

I reached home and my excitement reached skies when I saw Ganga Tai working in the kitchen.

"Ganga Taiii", I called out happily.

She turned and walked towards me with a smile.

"How are you, my child? It's been so long", she asked cupping my cheeks with her hands.

"What's gonna happen to me? You tell me, how are you? And why are standing? You should take as much rest as you can. Come, let's sit and talk", I told her directing her towards the sofa.

"I am tired of resting. At home, Rudra constantly pesters me to take rest, now you don't start here", she said pouting like a little kid who was denied candy.

"Well this time, I have to agree with Rudra. You need to take care of your health", I said after letting out a little laugh seeing her pouting face.

She narrowed her eyes and spoke dramatically, "Of course. Now that you are friends, you are going to take his side only. Who would think about poor old me?".

"Gosh, stop acting so pitiful. We both are thinking about you only", I told her as a matter of fact.

Suddenly a thought hit me and I asked her raising my eyebrows, "How did you know about us being friends? Did Rudra gave you all the information about what happened here?".

She had a decency to look guilty and she answered sheepishly, "Not everything. He gave out vague information even though I pestered him, not relenting to tell me more.

Now don't give me such looks. This old soul was getting bored, I needed some gossip for entertainment".

"I don't even know if I should get angry for invading our privacy or laugh hearing your cute reasons behind it", I said shaking my head.

"Well laugh it off, it's better than you getting angry. I don't like being scolded. And what privacy are talking about. Don't speak like this or I will assume the worst", she said wiggling her eyebrows teasingly.

God, she is no better than Mom. "Stop it. Nothing like that, we are just friends. And privacy matters and you don't have to be in a relationship for that. By the way, I wasn't talking about two of us only, as I am sure you would have asked Rudra about each and every little thing", I tried to explain but she just waved me off.

"Leave all this, come and eat first or else food will get cold. I have cooked your favourite dishes, come", she said and dragged me towards dining table.

I laughed out loud seeing her getting so excited.