Manik's POV

I walked back into my room, my mind still lingering on the events of the day. Aliya's clinginess, her constant need for attention—why couldn't she get the hint? It was so frustrating. But the thing that kept poking at my thoughts was Nandini. Her gaze today, that brief smile, and how she looked away when I caught her watching me with Aliya. I couldn't shake it. Maybe she was bothered by it? But why? I never intended to hurt her. If anything, I wanted to make sure she knew I wasn’t like that with her.

I sat down on my bed, pulling my phone from my pocket. I stared at it for a few seconds, debating. But before I could overthink it, I opened her contact and sent a quick message:

Manik: Hey, Nandini. Are you free to talk?

I waited for a few moments, tapping my foot impatiently on the floor. Then, my phone buzzed. She replied.

Nandini: Hey, Manik! Sure, I have some free time. What's up?

I smiled. Her reply was quick, no hesitation. That was a good sign. I needed to talk to her, to explain myself maybe... or just hear her voice.

Manik: I just wanted to check in... how was your day?

It felt silly, but I couldn't help myself. I genuinely wanted to know.

Nandini: It was okay. Busy with assignments and stuff. How about you?

Manik: Same here. But, you know, I’ve been thinking...

I hesitated for a moment before continuing.

Manik: About today. I noticed you... watching me and Aliya. I want to make sure you know that there’s nothing between us, okay? She's just... someone who doesn’t get the hint, and I don’t want her getting close to me like that anymore.

A few seconds passed, and I stared at the message, waiting for her response. I really didn’t know how she felt about me or what was going on in her head.

Finally, she replied:

Nandini: Manik, I... I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I just...

I frowned, unsure where this was going.

Manik: Hey, it’s okay. You don’t have to explain anything. I just wanted you to know the truth. Aliya is not someone I’m interested in. You’re the one I care about... if that’s not clear already.

I could almost feel the tension lifting in the text, but I wasn’t sure. Nandini was always so careful with her words.

Nandini: I appreciate you saying that. I just... didn’t know what to think. It’s hard to believe someone like you would care about someone like me.

I sat up straighter, feeling a strange knot in my stomach. I had no idea she felt like that. But I understood now.

Manik: Nandini, you're not 'someone like me.' You're you, and that's what matters. I care about you, okay? That’s not going to change.

I saw the three dots appear, as if she was typing something, but the message didn’t come through immediately. Then, a notification pinged on my screen.

Nandini: Thanks, Manik. I think I needed to hear that.

I felt a relief rush over me. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to make me feel like we were taking a step in the right direction.

Manik: Anytime, Nandini. I’m here if you need me.

I put my phone down for a moment, reflecting on what I’d just said. My thoughts kept circling back to her. She wasn’t like anyone I’d been with before. She was different. Special. And if I could somehow make her see that I wasn’t like the rest, I’d do anything.

But I wasn’t sure if I was ready to take that step yet, to push for something deeper when I wasn’t sure what she felt.

I laid back down on my bed, closing my eyes. It wasn’t going to be easy. But for Nandini, I’d make sure it was worth it.

---

Nandini’s POV

Sitting in my room, I stared at my phone, still holding it in my hands after Manik’s message. I couldn’t stop replaying his words in my head. "You’re the one I care about." His words were so direct, so genuine. And yet... I couldn’t quite grasp it. Manik, the most popular guy in college, the one who was always surrounded by girls, actually cared about me?

I ran a hand through my hair, wondering if I was being too naive. Was I reading too much into this? Maybe he was just saying that because he didn’t want to hurt my feelings. But then again, his tone didn’t sound like that. He sounded sincere.

I sighed, setting my phone down on the bed and lying back against my pillow. I wasn’t sure what was happening, but one thing was clear—I couldn’t ignore what I was feeling anymore. There was something about Manik that drew me in, something deeper than just his looks or his reputation. And I was starting to realize that maybe... just maybe, he felt the same way about me.

But was I ready for this? For whatever it was that was beginning to unfold between us?

My phone buzzed again, pulling me from my thoughts. It was a message from my friend, Navya. I smiled a little, not really in the mood for a conversation but deciding to reply anyway.

Nandini: Hey, what's up?

Navya: Nothing much. Just wanted to check on you after today. You seemed a little... off in class. Everything okay with Manik?

I froze, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. Did Navya notice too? Had she seen how I reacted when I saw Aliya with him? How had I looked to her?

Nandini: I’m fine, just... thinking about things. And yeah, everything's fine with Manik.

Navya: Okay, good. But if you ever want to talk about it, I’m here.

I sat there, staring at her message for a while. She always knew when something was off. Maybe it was time for me to stop overthinking and just let things unfold.

I closed my eyes and tried to relax. Tomorrow was a new day. I would see where things went with Manik, but for now, I needed to focus on what mattered—myself, my studies, and maybe... just maybe, figuring out what was really happening between us.

---

The day came to a quiet close, but the uncertainty lingered in the air, as if both of them knew that the journey ahead was just beginning.

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