"Sorry. Sorry" I said as I made my way through the crowded corridors of my college.
I was already late. Mumbai's traffic is so unpredictable. I don't understand how it still surprises me. One minute the roads are deserted and very next minute there are 100s of cars honking.
"Neha?" I called as I entered the library. It was my only favorite place in this college. Actually second favorite.
"Ah. Finally you're here. I told you not to be late na?" she turned to me with a cute pout.
"Haan baba. I know. But you know Mumbai ki traffic na. My champpa got stuck." I chuckled.
"Ugh. Not again." she replied as I took a seat beside her.
Neha would always get annoyed when I called my red scooty - Champa. It was her first scooty. But when her dad gifted her a new one on her birthday last year, she was going to sell Champa, with a heavy heart. So she offered that I take it. Clearly, I refused. But after a lot of persuading, I gave in. My brother - Sahil, named the red scooty Champa. And since then Neha would always roll her eyes and say, "Champa. Seriously?"
"Aunty called and told me that you didn't eat anything, Annika. Here. I got you a paratha." She pushed the tiffin towards me.
"Thanks. You don't have to do it always. You know. My moms just worried." I said as I took the paratha. The bell rang. It was 9 o'clock.
"I know re. But still." she smiled.
"Chalo now I gotta go. I'm running late for Eco. Catch you later." I got up.
"Okay bye." she hugged me.
The minute I turned, I bumped into someone. And all his books scattered on the floor.
"Sorry."
"Damn it." He bent down and started gathering his books.
"I'm really sorry. Let me help you." I was about to help when he raised his hands, telling me to stop.
"It's okay. I'll get it." He quickly got his books and left. I stood there astound. I couldn't see his face properly as he wore a beanie and black shades. I checked the time and I was 15 minutes late. I pushed away the thought of that guy, and rushed for my class."
"According to drive theory, the forces of instinct combine into a single source of energy which exerts a constant influence. Psychoanalysis, like biology, regarded these forces as..."
Psychology was my favorite subject. I've always wanted to learn about human behavior and the human mind. But today I couldn't concentrate in the class. Something was bothering me. In fact, from the past few days I haven't been concentrating in Psychology at all.
I took my notes and turned to the last page and started doodling.
I stay away even from myself.
May I stay just under your protection,
Only you understand what I want.
And before I knew I had penned down a few lines. And just then the bell rang. I quickly tore the page, crumpled it and tossed it under my desk. I collected my things, grabbed my bag and left.
Again as I was going back to get my Champa, I was lost in thoughts. Thinking about nothing in particular, as a tear rolled down my cheek.
I stood there confused, not knowing what to do. What was happening. Wishing that a miracle would happen and I wouldn't have to go home yet. But I knew, I had to go. I wanted to escape this world. Go somewhere where no one knows me. And that would never happen.
My chain of thoughts was broken by a horn. I looked up and realised that I was standing in the middle of the road and a car was coming at full speed. Before I could do anything, someone grabbed my hand and pulled me aside. By the force I was pulled, I lost my balance and fell on him. He also tripped and we rolled down the stairs which led to the parking lot.
I tried to open my eyes but everything was fuzzy. I couldn't see anything properly and slowing I couldn't feel a thing.
When I opened my eyes, I couldn't remember what had happened or where I was. It took me a minute to realize that I was in the clinic. I tried to get up, but my head felt heavy. The nurse beside me told me not to get up as I was still weak.
"Nurse, how did I come here? I mean, who brought me here?" I asked, and the nurse pointed towards a man standing outside the door, talking on the phone. His hand was bleeding.
"I'll be late today dad. I- I can't.."
I tried to get up. I wanted to thank him. I placed my foot on the floor and immediately realized that I had twisted my ankle. I couldn't stand properly. I looked up, and saw him leave. I didn't even see his face. How would I thank him?
I entered the library looking for the guy who saved me. I had seen him entering the library. If I just find him, I'll just thank him.
'Ah, there he is.' I said to myself as I spotted the guy with a bandage on his hand.
I walked to him. His back was facing me.
"He-Hey listen. What happened yesterday, I wanted to thank you. Umm. Thank you." I thanked him and he turned.
And at that moment I was shocked. "Shi-Shivaay?" I stammered.
And our eyes locked.
Next Part : Chapter 2
Hey guys. I was recently reading a book, P.S I like you by Kasie West. And this book gave me this idea. So I just penned this down. I hope you like it. 😳 Do give me your feedback and tell me if I should continue. 😳
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