Segment # 20
Chahat was making her way to her Accounting class when she was accosted by Aryan.
"Hey, you really okay with this? Me and Saheel? Cos if you're not..." he left off and Chahat rolled her eyes at him.
"Of course I'm okay. How can you even think I wouldn't be, Aryan?"
He gave her a sheepish look.
"I'm not proud of how I've handled this whole thing.”
“I get it. You weren’t sure.” She shrugged. She was done being miffed with her best friend.
“I really do miss hanging out with you, Cee. Any chance of you moving back with me?"
"With a big brother who thinks he's Papa Wolf reborn, not anytime soon," she sighed when they were diverted by a loud commotion.
It was the elderly janitor, Deenanath yelling at a student outside the music room. Chahat's heart sank. It was Nick.
She made her way to the scene, muttering a quick excuse to Aryan who went off to class promising to catch up later.
Nick looked lost. And frustrated.
"What's going on?" asked Chahat aloud.
Deenanath replied angrily in Hindi, "I'm telling him he can't go in but he just won't listen. I'm cleaning in here!"
Chahat turned questioningly to Nick.
I'm auditioning for Symphony in 30 minutes. I need my flute. Joe has exams so couldn't come. And Deenanath can't read, he signed helplessly holding up the piece of paper with his neat Hindi script.
Symphony was SP college's annual Music festival and was very popular among students in their city.
Wow, you play the flute too?
Figured I'd put my mouth to some use, Nick smiled self-deprecatingly and Chahat felt a jolt in her mid-section.
It's a very nice mouth, I could think of several uses for it, she thought and then caught herself as she felt a flood of pink on her cheeks. Whoa! Where had that come from? Especially after that awkward encounter with Nick earlier? It was still confusing and she had a lot to unpack. But first things first.
She explained the situation quickly to Deenanath who moved aside to let Nick in.
Thank you! Meet later? he signed as he rushed in. Chahat nodded feeling an inexplicable bubble of joy.
~~~*** ~~~
She was in the library, all her classes done for the day when her Insta app popped up a DM notification.
Hey, I'm in the courtyard by the cafeteria if you're free.
She smiled, closed up her books and hurried to find Nick.
Audition went okay?
Yeah, got selected.
He gave her a self-effacing grin that had her melting.
Hooray. Congratulations. I'll be in the front row cheering like crazy.
He smiled, then his smile faded.
I'm sorry about the other day. I shouldn't have.... I guess I crossed a line.
It's okay.
There was an awkward pause.
I like you, Chahat. I have for a while since we met in that photography class. I noticed you all the time. But I don't want you thinking I'm some creepy stalker.
Chahat was stunned. She had never had a boy say he liked her. She had no idea how to react.
I like you too, she signed without thinking, & then all of a sudden realized it was true.
Nick's jaw hardened in response.
You don't have to say that. Don't you feel sorry for me! I can take rejection. I'm not some fragile China doll.
No, Nick. I really do like you. I followed you on Insta. I don't follow anyone I don't like.
He smiled at her feeble attempt at levity.
Then I have to ask, what happened back in the music room? I thought there was a spark between us. Or did I just imagine that?
Nnnnoo..., you didn't. I..I just ...lost my nerve, that's all.
He nodded.
Ok, just so you know, I don't often feel this way with girls. You're the first one I've really wanted to kiss.
Oh my. What was she supposed to say now? She was a complete novice at this.
And also I'm not saying this to burden you with it. It's not your problem.
He turned to leave when she called out aloud, "Wait, please!"
Then she signed rapidly.
I don't know what came over me. One minute I thought I was ready and the next minute I just ...couldn't.
His brow scrunched up in deep thought.
Are you into girls?
No! I mean, I've only ever had crushes on guys. And I definitely like you. I mean..you're... you're very attractive and nice and umm yeah..but ...but... she fumbled. Shit. She was screwing this up badly.
But he merely grinned.
You're just not into kissing then?
She could only gape at him.
It's fine. I wasn't into it much either. I've done it only a couple of times and found it quite unpleasant. Except with you... I have a feeling it won't be. For me at least.
His dark eyes bore into hers intensely and she felt an unexpected tingle go through her.
But hey, no pressure, he signed. Feel free to tell me to take a hike.
Chahat smiled, the tightness in her chest suddenly easing. She felt almost giddy with relief.
Take a hike, Nick. With me.
________
In case people haven't caught on, the Italics are used when they're signing in ASL.
I've left it open as to Nick and Chahat's sexuality. Ace is a wide spectrum so you can take this any way you choose.
Edited by LizzieBennet - 2 years ago
Financial markets and global economy
Ishaani
