Chapter 18

She ran through the campus to get to her safe place: Home. Her room. Naina was unsure how her confidence with him keeps increasing because it really shouldn't. He is not the kind of guy who one should mess with.

"Naina," A concerned Meera opened the door, "You're back early?"

"I was done studying." She said and went into her room, "I'll change and come."

Saying so, she locked her room door. Looking at the mirror, she saw herself. This was getting too much. She needed to keep her distance, even though it is difficult to do so now. Thankfully for her, Rohan and her project was almost done, so they didn't need to meet now. The remaining part can be done individually. What wasn't great, was that very soon there was the Cultural Day Celebrations.

She hated those.

Well, she loved to see the performances, but it was too many people and too much socializing.

Taking a warm shower, she stepped into shorts and a top and came outside to join her friends. Her friends, and roommates, were all she needed in this university. They made her feel comfortable despite her being a bit different to the others.

"Naina," Ananya asked, "Are you okay?"

"I'm good." Naina lied, "Why?" She didn't know what happened to her friends suddenly.

"I don't know, N," Meera said holding her hand, "We feel like ever since we took you to that party, you've been really off."

"We're sorry." Ananya added, "That we took you there. We didn't know that it took this big of a toll on you that you were there."

Naina looked at her friends. She felt horrible that they deemed themselves guilty of what happened to her. They aren't the reason she's off. That damned kiss is.

But should she tell them?

She didn't feel like he could.

But, they might be able to help her and keep her away from him. They should know about it.

"Meera, Ananya," Naina started, "I... I haven't told you what happened at that party. You two are not the reason I'm off. Truth is," She hesitated for a bit, but then continued, "I was feeling out of place and I drank a little. I don't know what got into me once I did, but when Ayaan came to the bar to talk to me... I... I kissed him."

"YOU WHAT?" Ananya and Meera yelled in unison, "OH MY GOD!"

Naina jumped at the sudden tone and then looked them in worry. They relaxed then gestured her to continue, "Sorry, Carry on."

"I... I don't know what got into me. It was the alcohol but I didn't drink that much so I don't know how it happened and what and—"

"Naina," Ananya said, "First of all, relax. You didn't kill someone, you just kissed someone. I know that it's not a regular or normal thing for you and you're scared. I get it. But we should be thankful that at least you weren't out drunk and you didn't get hurt."

She's right. Naina thought. At least I didn't get hurt.

"Exactly." Meera added, "So what was the aftermath of this? It's been 2 weeks now. Does he remember it?"

"He does." Naina sighed, "Unfortunately he very clearly does. He asked me about it the next day and I pretended to not remember. But I don't know he was able to figure out that I'm lying."

"And then?" Meera asked, intrigued.

"Well, he claims he felt something and he thinks I did too. But I know he didn't."

Ananya gave a small smile, "You've always liked him, and the first thing the alcohol made you do was kiss him, doesn't that speak volumes?"

"I had a crush on him. Yes. But I never planned to take it forward. I didn't even want him to know but—"

"Oh my God. Did you tell him?" Meera jumped.

"I did. I told him that I had a crush on him and that's probably why my reaction was to kiss him, but I made it clear that it's nothing more. It can ever be something more."

Ananya groaned, "Naina! Why? You have Ayaan Malhotra asking you if you felt the same way as he did. Do you know what that means?"

"He likes you, Naina." Meera finished.

Naina chuckled, almost sarcastically, "Tell me one thing. When we watched Malang, didn't you simp over Aditya Roy Kapur for 4 weeks straight?"

"Yeah....?" Meera replied, unsure as to which direction Naina is taking this.

"And didn't you move on after 4 weeks?" Naina stated, "It's the same thing Meera, it's human nature. When we watch something new, or meet someone new, or something new happens, we tend to want more. It's common. He's gotten kissed by someone he'd least expect and how he wants more - or he wants to replay or re-feel that exact feeling again, because it's thrilling. This isn't love."

Meera and Ananya listened to their friend in silence. Meera was emotionally driven, Ananya was more practically driven and she knew that what Naina was saying made complete sense.

It could just be a momentary feeling.

"She's right." Ananya said, looking at Meera, "I don't think we should push her."

"But—" Meera tried to speak but was gently interrupted by her friend.

"Meera, I know that you're happy for Naina. I am as well. Having your crush reciprocating your feeling is amazing. But, I don't think it's right in her case."

Naina was relived that at least one friend felt the same way as she did - or so she thought.

"Ananya, but, if he's telling her he feels the same way then what's the problem?"

"The problem is, Meera, that he might be feeling this right now. What's gonna happen in a few weeks when the hype of party dies down? When he meets his other people and when, let's say, there's another party. A hype of one thing only lasts until another thing comes to replace it."

"Hmmm," Meera pondered, "Maybe you two are right. What can we do then?"

"Nothing." Naina intervened, "We don't need to do anything. I'll just go about my day."

"Naina," Ananya said, "Relax. It'll be fine. I heard there is a party in another 2 weeks. Maybe by then he'll forget about it."

"I hope so." Naina said.

"But tell me, do you not feel anything at all Naina? I mean, it's your crush." Meera asked.

"I do feel. I guess. I don't know. I have a good idea on how to stop my feelings for things. I need to stop it for him and I will."

"Naina," Meera said, "I don't like that you think this way. You deserve love and I really still do think that you should go and talk to him about it. I know you and Ananya disagree, but I can't help but feel like he doesn't like you, not just for the moment, but for real."

"I get it, Meera." Ananya said, "But until we know it's real, we shouldn't push Naina."

Naina smiled at the overwhelming support she got from her friends; she didn't expect it. She assumed they'd be extremely enthusiastic and would want that she goes for it.

"Guys." Naina said, grabbing her friend's attention, "I wanted to ask for one thing. Can you please not let him know that you know? I know that we all don't talk much to them but I know that Meera, you and Rohan are close and we do listen to his singing; please just act like you guys don't know, and please help me in staying away from him."

They smiled, "Don't worry. We won't tell anyone and we'll keep you away from him."

Meanwhile, Ayaan sat by his desk, lost in his thoughts. He had a whole semester ball to plan which was in 2 weeks, and he had his own studying to do and he had one girl... who was constantly taking over his mind and heart.