Epic College Love Stories – 4
“Ashu, why did you lock the door?” he shouted, his voice echoing with frustration.
“Seriously, what are you doing out there?” he bellowed even louder.
I quietly slipped away, heading upstairs, making sure I left no trace of my presence.
Ashu, flustered and disoriented, scrambled to the door and flung it open. Her brother stormed in and slapped her with a force that left me stunned. Watching this unfold, I finally understood why she never ventured outside. It was as if she was imprisoned within her own home. Her plight was heartbreaking, and I felt a surge of sympathy. She seemed to live in a constant state of distress, and I wished I could bring some joy into her life. I never wanted to see tears on her beautiful face.
I learned her name as her brother yelled at her—‘Ashu,’ which I guessed was a nickname. It turned out her full name was ‘Ashwini Jain.’
In a bid to distract myself, I started browsing the internet and stumbled upon a love compatibility app. I entered both our names, only to be disheartened by a dismal 30% match. When I tried ‘Romeo’ and ‘Juliet,’ the result was a perfect 100%. It seemed even the love meter was against me.
Despite the app’s verdict, I had fallen deeply in love with her. Every thought of her sent a whirlwind of butterflies through my stomach. I would sing with joy whenever I saw her from my window:
Like a gust of wind, she swept me away.
Like drops of rain, she drenched me in emotion.
Like the notes of music, she completed me.
Yet, like the vast sky, why did she leave me?
Every day at precisely 10 p.m., I awaited a glimpse of her, my patience wearing thin. Three days later, I saw her again at the usual spot.
“Hi Ashu, how are you?” I greeted her, trying to mask my concern.
“That day was unsettling. Is he really your brother or just some thug?” I asked, barely containing my anger.
“Forget it. I’m used to it,” she replied with a blank expression, not offering the smile I had come to cherish. Her eyes, once full of sparkle, now seemed dim.
“I can’t focus on anything. My thoughts are consumed by you day and night. I think I’m in love with you. I’ve given myself to this feeling,” I confessed.
“I feel the same way. I understand your feelings, Avi,” she said, her face still expressionless.
I stepped closer, gazing into her eyes. Under the twinkling stars, our faces drew nearer, and for a moment, I could feel her breath. The moon seemed to hide in shame as our lips met in a kiss—the first of my life and the most extraordinary. Her acceptance encouraged me.
After the kiss, I was elated. It was a sweet taste, like sugar, and I wished I could kiss her every day. I feared that if I did, I’d become diabetic from the sweetness.
The next day, I rushed to class and excitedly shared the news with my best friends, Pruthvi and Vijay.
“You’ve lost your V, bro. Congratulations!” they cheered, making a V with their fingers.
“This calls for a celebration! Party time, guys!” Vijay announced.
“Had to happen eventually,” I winked, and we headed to the cafeteria.
That day, I was overjoyed, and thoughts of our kiss kept me awake at night. We started meeting often, enjoying our time together. We’d sit on the stairs, with her resting her head on my lap while I gently stroked her hair. I admired the beauty of her eyes, losing myself in their depth. Such was the mystery of the angel who loved me.
“What did you do all day, Avi?” she asked, running her fingers through my hair.
“I was thinking about you,” I replied.
“Oh, and you expect me to believe that? Liar,” she teased with a smile.
It was a moment of pure bliss, but then my neighbor Riya’s mother caught us in the act. We both broke into a sweat, fearing her disapproval. She looked at us and smiled.
I didn’t see Ashwini for over two weeks. I suspected Riya’s mother had informed Ashwini’s mother about us. When we met again, she appeared distraught, her usual sparkle gone.
“How are you, darling?” I asked, trying to sound cheerful.
“Everything is over, Avi,” she cried.
She wiped her tears and continued, “That Aunty warned my mother about us, saying my focus was shifting toward you.”
With that, she hurried back home. I went upstairs, feeling as if everything between us had ended before it truly began. Our love was extinguished prematurely.
The next day, I told Pruthvi and Vijay about what had happened.
“It’s okay, man. When one door closes, another opens,” Vijay consoled.
“Maybe you’ll find someone even better. Don’t worry,” Pruthvi added.
“I hope so,” I said, though my smile had faded.
“Let’s go for tea,” Vijay suggested, leading us to Raju’s tea stall.
Days and nights were filled with thoughts of her. The memories of our time together lingered, never fading. I longed for a love that seemed so pure, but our paths were not meant to align. After many months, I learned that Ashwini had gotten engaged to someone from her community, leaving me to nurse my broken heart alone.
