The lecture hall buzzed with the hum of students engrossed in Sharan's lecture on microeconomics. Shree, having silently slipped into the room, found a seat at the back, her eyes instantly drawn to Sharan at the front. Dressed in a crisp white shirt paired with black trousers, he radiated a captivating charm.

As Sharan explained the intricacies of microeconomics, Shree couldn't help but admire the way he effortlessly commanded the room. His passion for the subject was evident, and each word he spoke seemed to draw her in, creating an invisible thread of connection between them.

Sharan, in the midst of his lecture, noticed Shree sitting at the back. Their eyes met, and a warm smile curved his lips. Shree felt a flutter in her chest.

As the lecture continued, Shree found herself captivated not only by the subject matter but also by the man delivering it. Sharan's gestures were animated, his explanations clear, and his eyes held a depth that went beyond.

When the lecture concluded, Sharan made his way towards Shree at the back. The students filed out, leaving the room in a quiet hush. Sharan reached her, a warm smile still gracing his features.

"Surprised to see you here," he said, his voice a soothing melody.

Shree, looking up at him, replied, "I wanted to see you in action, Professor Sivakumar."

Sharan chuckled. "Well, I hope I lived up to your expectations."

Shree's eyes sparkled. "More than you know."

They shared a moment, a connection that transcended the roles they played in their respective lives. Sharan, still in the professorial aura, leaned in slightly.

"Care for a post-lecture coffee?" he suggested, the invitation hanging in the air.

Shree smiled, feeling the warmth of the shared moment. "I'd love that, Professor."

The university cafeteria bustled with students, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingering in the air.

Sharan returned with a milkshake for Shree, and a plate full of cookies, aling with an espresso for himself. He placed the drinks on the table, his gaze lingering on Shree with adoration.

"Here you go, Shree. Milkshake for the mom-to-be," he said with a warm smile, gesturing to the creamy concoction.

Shree accepted the drink with a grateful nod, her eyes reflecting the affection she held for Sharan. "Thank you, Sharan. And thank you for looking out for me," she replied softly, her heart swelling with gratitude for his care.

As they sat together, Sharan couldn't help but admire Shree's radiant presence. Her smile illuminated the room, and he couldn't tear his gaze away from her. "You know, Shree, you look absolutely beautiful today," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.

A blush painted Shree's cheeks, the rosy hue adding to her natural charm. "Oh, stop it, Sharan," she teased, her laughter filling the air like music.

But Sharan persisted, his eyes fixed on her as though she were the only masterpiece in a gallery full of wonders. "I mean it, Shree. You truly are a work of art," he said, his words carrying the weight of his admiration.

Shree's blush deepened at his words, her heart fluttering at the sincerity in his gaze. "Thank you, Sharan. That's really sweet of you," she replied, her voice soft with emotion.

As they made their way through the faculty, Sharan found himself unable to tear his gaze away from Shree.

In the solitude of the elevator, as the doors closed around them, Sharan's heart raced with anticipation. He couldn't resist the pull of the moment, the magnetic energy that seemed to draw them closer with each passing second.

Without a word, Sharan closed the distance between them, his hands finding hers as he pulled her gently into his embrace. The air hummed with the electricity of their connection, the tension between them palpable as their lips met in a tender kiss.

Shree's lips, soft and yielding, met Sharan's with a hesitancy that soon melted into warmth. The kiss began as a sweet brush, a delicate caress that invited a deeper connection. Sharan's hands found the small of Shree's back, drawing her closer as the kiss evolved into a more profound embrace.

Shree's senses ignited as their lips melded together, the warmth of Sharan's touch sending shivers down her spine.

Time stood still, the world around them fading into insignificance as they lost themselves in the warmth of each other's embrace. It was a moment of pure intimacy, a testament to the depth of their connection.

As the elevator descended, Shree and Sharan remained locked in their embrace, their hearts beating in unison against the backdrop of the bustling university life.

And as the doors opened to reveal the world beyond, Shree and Sharan stepped out hand in hand, their hearts intertwined.

*****

Shree sat in her dimly lit room, the soft glow of her phone casting shadows across her face as she dialed her mother's number. The phone rang, each ring echoing through the quiet room, until finally, her mother's voice filled the line.

"Hello, Shree dear," her mother's warm voice greeted her.

"Hi, Amma," Shree replied, her voice tinged with a mixture of exhaustion and longing.

"How are you, beta? Are you taking care of yourself?" her mother asked, concern evident in her tone.

"I'm okay, Amma. Just tired," Shree replied, her voice trailing off as she struggled to find the right words.

Her mother sensed the hesitation in her daughter's voice and pressed on gently. "Is everything alright, Shree? Is Madhav talkimg to you?"

Shree sighed, her thoughts drifting back to the tumultuous events of the past few days. "It's, I think he doesn't want me, Amma." she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Her mother's voice softened with understanding. "Has he called you, Shree? Has he spoken to you?"

Shree shook her head, even though her mother couldn't see her. "No, Amma. He hasn't called."

Her mother's concern deepened. "Why hasn't he reached out to you? You're carrying his child, Shree. He should be here with you, taking care of you."

A bitter smile tugged at the corners of Shree's lips. "Forget about Madhav, Amma," she said, her tone resolute. "He's not going to come back to me. And honestly, I don't want him to. He's better off dead at this point!"

Her mother's voice was laced with worry. "But how can you say that, Shree? He's the father of your child. You can't just forget about him."

Shree's resolve hardened. "I can and I will, Amma. I don't need Madhav to take care of me. I can do this on my own."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line as her mother processed Shree's words. "But beta, it's not just about you anymore. You have a child to think about," her mother said gently.

Shree's heart ached at the reminder of the life growing inside her. "I know, Amma. And I'll do whatever it takes to take care of our baby. But I can't rely on Madhav to be there for us. He's made his choices, and now I have to make mine."

Her mother's voice softened with understanding. "I just want you to be happy, beta. And if this is what makes you happy, then I'll support you every step of the way."

Tears welled up in Shree's eyes at her mother's unwavering support. "Thank you, Amma. That means more to me than you'll ever know."

There was a pause as both mother and daughter let the weight of their conversation sink in. Then, her mother's voice broke through the silence, filled with curiosity. "So, tell me about this person you mentioned last nigt. Sharan, was it?"

A smile crept onto Shree's lips as she thought of Sharan. "Yes, Sharan," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "He's been there for me in ways I never imagined. He's kind, caring, and...he makes me happy, Amma."

Her mother's voice was filled with intrigue. "And how does he feel about you, beta?"

Shree's heart fluttered at the question, her thoughts drifting back to the moments she had shared with Sharan. "He...he cares about me, Amma. A lot," she admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

There was a knowingness in her mother's tone. "I can hear it in your voice, Shree. He sounds like a wonderful person."

"He is, Amma. He really is," Shree replied, a smile playing on her lips.

Her mother's voice softened with affection. "Well, then, I'm happy for you, beta. Truly happy. You deserve all the love and happiness in the world."

Tears welled up in Shree's eyes at her mother's words. "Thank you, Amma. That means everything to me."

The two of them fell into a comfortable silence, the distance between them bridged by the warmth of their love and understanding. And as the call came to an end, Shree felt a renewed sense of hope stirring within her-a hope that, despite the challenges ahead, she would find the happiness she so desperately sought.