The next morning felt... different.
Not because the sun rose any brighter, or the air was any cooler.
But because he was now real.
Aanya clutched her bag tighter as she walked into college with Meher, her steps slower than usual.
She wasn't sure what to expect. A text? A message? A passing glance?
But what if it was nothing?
"You're overthinking," Meher said, nudging her with a knowing smirk. "It's not like he's going to ignore you after last night."
Aanya sighed. "I know. I just—feel weird."
"That's called having a crush, sweetheart." Meher winked.
Later that day, in a free lecture hour, the two of them wandered out to the open court near the canteen. That's when they saw him.
Aarav.
In a black T-shirt, shooting hoops.
Hair slightly messy. Laughing with a few guys. Completely at ease.
Aanya stopped mid-step.
Meher raised her brows. "Someone's in his element."
They watched as he dribbled once, faked a pass, then turned smoothly and scored. A clean shot.
Meher clapped sarcastically. "Wow. I thought he was just a sad-song guy. Turns out, he's got moves."
As if sensing them, Aarav turned.
And then—he smiled.
Right at Aanya.
That same smile from last night.
Not shy. Not too bold.
Just… warm.
And she froze.
Meher whispered, "Oh yeah. He's coming this way."
Aanya blinked. "What? No—wait—Meher don't just stand here—"
Too late.
He jogged over, wiping sweat off his forehead with his sleeve. Still catching his breath, but his focus was only on her.
"Hey," he said.
"Hey," she replied, trying to sound normal and not like her heart was learning how to walk.
"You didn't disappear after all," he teased gently.
Aanya smiled nervously.
Meher jumped in before she could answer. "We were just admiring your basketball skills. I was honestly thinking you were just good at singing moody songs, but okay—sports too?"
Aarav laughed, eyes still flickering toward Aanya. "Multitalented. What can I say?"
Then, turning slightly, he asked Aanya directly, "Can I get your number?"
She blinked. "What?"
He chuckled. "You know… so next time I don't have to wait around the stage wondering if I'll ever see you again."
Her face flushed. Meher tried not to squeal.
Aanya nodded slowly. "Yeah. Of course."
They exchanged numbers, and he saved it under Aanya 🌙.
She looked at the moon emoji and bit back a smile.
Before leaving, Aarav added softly, just for her—
"You sang beautifully yesterday. But more than that… you meant every word, didn't you?"
Aanya looked at him.
"I did."
He held her gaze a second longer. Then jogged back to the court.
Meher bumped her shoulder. "Girl… you're in trouble."
Aanya didn't answer.
Because in her chest, something was blooming again.
And this time… it wasn't fear.