Guess what I was up to during my year-long break? Not hiding treasure, just crafting a bunch of works. Now, I’m back and ready to share them all! Happy reading 
Also also, here's one my favorite work that I find the best till date, give this a read too - When walls fall
Between Pages and Hearts
The library buzzes with a quiet energy as Jodha Sharma settles into her favorite corner, surrounded by tall shelves filled with novels and academic texts. The scent of aged paper fills the air, comforting her like an old friend. She pulls out her notes, ready to dive into the world of accounts, her favorite subject, as she prepares for her exam.
Outside, the campus is alive with activity. Students chat animatedly, some lounging under the trees, while others rush to their next classes. Among them is Jalal Mohammad, the quintessential college heartthrob, effortlessly charming everyone around him. With his tousled hair and playful demeanor, he attracts attention wherever he goes. But today, his focus is elsewhere - his friends have coaxed him into the library for a quick study session, and he isn’t quite ready for the confrontation waiting for him.
As Jalal strides into the library, he catches sight of Jodha, hunched over her notes. An impish grin spreads across his face. “Hey, nerd!” he calls, the playful tone echoing in the quiet space.
Jodha looks up, annoyance flaring instantly. “What do you want, Jalal? This is a library, not a playground.”
Ignoring her irritation, Jalal makes his way to the coffee shop tucked in the back, where he orders a steaming cup of chai. As he turns to leave, he bumps into a table, and in a moment of clumsiness, spills hot chai all over Jodha’s carefully organized notes.
“Watch it!” Jodha shouts, horrified as she sees her notes drenched in brown liquid. “You just ruined my entire study session!”
Jalal’s eyes widen as he realizes the mess he’s made. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to--”
“Clearly!” she snaps back, furiously wiping at the pages, but it’s no use. The ink runs, and her heart sinks.
“You could at least be a little more careful!” she adds, shooting him a glare that could melt steel.
Jalal raises his hands in mock surrender, a smirk dancing on his lips. “Relax, it’s just a little chai. It’s not the end of the world.”
Jodha glares at him, feeling her temper flare. “For you, maybe! But for me, it’s my grades on the line!” She’s irritated by his nonchalance, yet something about his carefree attitude intrigues her.
With a teasing smile, Jalal backs away, clearly enjoying her frustration. “You’re really uptight, you know that?” He strolls off, leaving Jodha fuming, her mind racing with irritation and confusion.
--
--
--
The next week brings a fresh wave of anxiety as Jodha attends her lectures, her mind still reeling from the chaos of last week. As the professor begins pairing students for a group project, dread settles in her stomach. “Jodha Sharma and Jalal Mohammad,” he announces, and laughter ripples through the classroom.
“Great,” she mutters under her breath, already dreading the impending clash.
Jalal approaches her with a wide grin. “Looks like we’re partners, Sharma! Ready to get started?”
“I’d rather not,” she retorts, folding her arms defiantly.
“Come on, it can’t be that bad,” he chuckles, taking a seat beside her. “We’ll ace this project, trust me.”
“Trust you? You mean the guy who spills chai on my notes?” she shoots back, rolling her eyes.
“Okay, that was an accident,” he replies, feigning hurt. “I swear I’ll be on my best behavior this time.”
Their initial meetings are filled with bickering. Jodha insists on delving deep into the themes of the project they’re studying, while Jalal argues for a more relaxed, straightforward approach. “Why complicate things?” he says, leaning back in his chair with a casual air.
“Because BBA deserves respect!” Jodha counters, her passion evident in every word. “We can’t just skim the surface.”
Jalal smirks. “You know, you could stand to loosen up a little.”
With each session, their playful banter turns into a peculiar kind of friendship. Jalal learns to appreciate Jodha’s passion, while she starts to see the charm in his laid-back attitude. They find themselves sharing stories, Jodha revealing her dreams, while Jalal talks about the pressure of being the boss in his company.
“Sometimes I feel like everyone expects me to be just a jock,” he confides one evening. “I want to be known for something more.”
Jodha nods, understanding his struggle. “I get that. Sometimes I worry that no one will remember my works when I’m gone. It’s terrifying.”
As weeks pass, their study sessions transform into something more enjoyable. They explore the library together, laughing over silly anecdotes and debating characters as if they were friends for years.
One evening, after a particularly intense debate over a theory of their project, Jalal leans back in his chair and grins. “You know, you’re actually kind of fun to be around.”
Jodha raises an eyebrow, feeling her heart flutter. “And you’re not as unbearable as I thought.”
“Hey! That’s a compliment coming from you,” he jokes, leaning closer.
As they spend more time together, Jodha begins to notice the way Jalal’s laughter lights up the room. The chemistry between them grows undeniable, and she finds herself looking forward to their study sessions more than she thought possible.
--
--
--
The weekend rolls around, and Jalal suggests they take a break from studying. “Let’s go out for a movie. We deserve some fun!” he exclaims, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Jodha hesitates. “A movie? Are you serious?”
“Absolutely! It’ll be great. Just one movie, and then we can get back to work. I promise,” he says, his enthusiasm contagious.
After a moment of deliberation, Jodha finally agrees. “Fine. But if you make me regret it, I swear…”
“You won’t regret it!” he cuts in, flashing her a charming smile.
When they arrive at the theater, Jalal’s excitement is palpable. They pick a romantic comedy, and as they settle into their seats, Jodha can’t help but notice the way he leans in closer, fully engaged with the film. She laughs at his witty comments, realizing that she’s genuinely enjoying his company.
After the movie, they decide to take a stroll in a nearby park, the evening air filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Jalal chats animatedly, recounting hilarious moments from the film, and Jodha finds herself laughing more than she has in ages.
“Okay, but seriously,” Jalal says, his tone shifting slightly as they pause by a fountain. “Why do you always act so serious? You’ve got to let loose a little.”
“And you’ve got to stop being such a clown all the time. There’s a time and place for everything,” she replies, but her smile betrays her amusement.
“Isn’t that what makes life interesting?” he challenges, his grin infectious. “What if we just… stopped worrying so much about what’s expected and just lived?”
“Easier said than done,” she replies, but she can’t help but ponder his words.
As they walk, their conversation drifts to their families. Jalal opens up about the pressure to excel in business, while Jodha shares her struggles to balance academics and her passion for writing. They connect over their fears and aspirations, discovering a shared understanding that deepens their bond.
Later that evening, as they sit on a park bench, Jalal glances at Jodha, a soft look in his eyes. “You know, I never thought I’d have this much fun with you.”
“Same here,” she admits, her heart racing. “You’re surprisingly tolerable.”
“Ha! I’ll take that as a compliment,” he grins, leaning closer.
In that moment, a spark ignites between them, the chemistry undeniable. Jodha feels a rush of emotions, but just as she contemplates leaning in, a group of her classmates passes by, their laughter breaking the spell.
“Hey, Jodha! Fancy seeing you here with… him,” one of them says, eyeing Jalal with disdain.
“Yeah, we were just leaving,” Jodha replies, trying to brush off the awkwardness.
But Jalal steps forward, his voice firm. “Is there a problem here?”
The classmate scoffs. “Just wondering why she’s with you. You’re just a ...let it be.”
“Whatever, I’m here with her, and I’d appreciate it if you’d leave her alone,” Jalal retorts, his protective instinct kicking in.
As the classmates walk away, Jodha turns to Jalal, her heart racing. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“I wanted to. I don’t like seeing you uncomfortable,” he replies, sincerity in his eyes.
Their gazes lock, and Jodha feels her breath catch. In that moment, everything shifts.
As they stand by the fountain, the soft glow of the evening lights bathes the park in a warm hue, creating an intimate atmosphere. Jodha feels her heart race, a mix of excitement and uncertainty swirling within her. The air is thick with unspoken words, and for a moment, the world around them fades into silence.
Jalal’s gaze is intense, locking onto hers with a depth that sends shivers down her spine. “I’ve liked you for a while now,” he admits, his voice steady yet laced with vulnerability. Each word resonates in her chest, igniting a flicker of hope amidst her fears.
Jodha’s breath catches as she processes his confession. It feels like a revelation, a truth that has been bubbling beneath the surface, waiting for this moment.
Jalal steps closer, his expression softening. “Let’s not let fear hold us back,” he whispers, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The gentle touch sends a wave of warmth through her, and she feels a surge of courage rising within.
With a slight hesitation, he leans in, their faces inches apart, the space between them charged with anticipation. Jodha can feel his breath, warm and inviting, and she leans into him, drawn by an invisible force. The world around them blurs as they close the gap, their lips meeting softly at first.
The kiss starts as a delicate brush, but it quickly deepens, filled with an urgency that speaks of all the emotions they’ve held back. Jodha's heart swells as she responds, her hands instinctively finding their way to Jalal’s shoulders, pulling him closer. The kiss is electric, igniting a fire within her that she didn’t know was there.
Time seems to stand still as they lose themselves in each other, the worries of the world melting away. Every sensation is heightened - the warmth of his body, the taste of his lips, the gentle pressure as they explore this newfound connection. It feels both exhilarating and terrifying, a leap into the unknown that they are both willing to take.
When they finally pull back, breathless and wide-eyed, Jodha feels a mixture of disbelief and elation. “What. Shit,” she breathes, her cheeks flushed. Jalal’s smile is infectious, filled with a mix of triumph and affection.
“Wow,” he echoes, his eyes sparkling.
It’s electric, and the world around them fades away. As they pull back, both are breathless, eyes wide with realization.
--
--
--
After that kiss, everything feels different. Jodha can’t shake the feelings swirling inside her, both exhilarating and terrifying. They continue to study together, but an unspoken tension lingers between them, shifting the dynamics of their relationship.
Jalal senses the change as well. While their banter remains, he notices Jodha growing quieter, more reserved. She seems to be lost in her thoughts, and he struggles to find the right words to bridge the growing distance.
One afternoon, as they sit in the library, Jodha is particularly distant. “Hey, are you okay?” he asks, concern etching his features.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” she replies, but her voice lacks conviction.
“Seriously, Jodha. You’ve been acting different. Did I do something wrong?” he presses.
“No, it’s not you. I just… I don’t know,” she admits, her voice wavering. “Things feel complicated.”
“Complicated how?” he questions, his brow furrowing.
“Like… I don’t know how to deal with this. With us,” she finally says, gesturing between them.
Jalal feels a sinking feeling in his chest. He wants to reach out, to pull her closer and express his feelings, but the words seem stuck in his throat. Days turn into a week, and Jodha withdraws further. She pours herself into her studies, hoping to distract herself from the whirlwind of emotions threatening to consume her.
Whenever Jalal tries to reach out, she feels a mix of longing and fear, unsure of how to navigate their changing relationship. He misses her laughter and the way they used to connect effortlessly.
Frustrated and worried, Jalal confides in a close friend, who urges him to confront Jodha. “You have to talk to her, Jalal. Don’t let misunderstandings ruin what could be something amazing,” his friend insists.
Taking a deep breath, Jalal decides to send Jodha a message, asking her to meet him at the park where they had shared that fateful kiss.
--
--
--
When Jodha arrives at the park, the tension in the air is palpable. She sees Jalal pacing near the fountain, his expression serious. “Hey,” he says as she approaches.
“Hey,” she replies, feeling a knot in her stomach.
“Thanks for coming. I wanted to talk,” he says, shoving his hands into his pockets.
“About…?” she prompts, her heart racing.
“About us,” he says, his eyes locking onto hers. “I don’t want to lose what we have, but it feels like we’re drifting apart.”
“I know,” Jodha admits, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s just… I’m scared.”
“Scared of what?” he asks, stepping closer, his gaze unwavering.
“Of getting hurt. Of things changing,” she confesses, vulnerability spilling over.
“Things are already changing,” he replies earnestly. “But it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. We can navigate this together.”
“Together,” she echoes, feeling a flicker of hope. “But what if it doesn’t work out?”
“Then we’ll figure it out. But I don’t want to hide how I feel about you anymore,” he says, his tone firm yet gentle. “You mean too much to me.”
Her heart races as he steps closer, his expression softening. “I’ve liked you for a while now, Jodha. It started with our project, and it just grew from there.”
Jodha feels warmth flooding her cheeks. “I’ve liked you too. But I didn’t know if you really meant it or if it was just a phase.”
“It’s not a phase,” he insists, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “This is real, and I want to explore it.”
In that moment, the walls she has built begin to crumble. “Okay,” she says, her voice stronger now. “Then let’s explore it together.”
Their lips meet again, this time with a newfound intensity, the kiss filled with promise and desire. Jodha feels her heart soar, the weight of uncertainty lifting as they embrace what has been simmering beneath the surface.
--
--
--
As weeks turn into months, Jodha and Jalal navigate their relationship with newfound understanding. They find comfort in each other’s presence, supporting one another through classes, personal challenges, and late-night study sessions that often turn into deep conversations.
Jalal encourages Jodha to enter a writing competition, believing in her talent more than she does. “You’ve got to put yourself out there. You’ll never know unless you try,” he urges one evening as they sit on a bench overlooking the campus.
“I’m not sure I’m ready, moreover I'm studying commerce Jalal” Jodha replies, biting her lip.
“Trust me, you’re ready. You’ve got this,” he says, his faith in her unwavering.
With his encouragement, Jodha finally submits her work, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. When the results are announced, she is shocked to learn she has won second place. She rushes to tell Jalal, who is elated. “I knew you could do it! I’m so proud of you!” he exclaims, pulling her into a tight embrace.
Their relationship blossoms, filled with shared dreams and laughter. They explore new coffee shops, attend college seminars, and take spontaneous trips to nearby parks, reveling in their time together.
One day, as they stroll hand in hand, Jodha looks up at Jalal, feeling grateful for the journey they have taken together. “I never thought I’d be this happy,” she confesses.
“Me neither. It’s kind of surreal,” he admits, his eyes sparkling. “But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
As their final exams approach, the pressure mounts. They spend countless hours studying, but instead of letting it stress them out, they find ways to make it enjoyable. “How about a study break?” Jalal suggests one afternoon, pulling out a deck of cards.
“Seriously?” Jodha laughs, raising an eyebrow. “We’re supposed to be studying!”
“And we will! But we need to keep our sanity too,” he replies with a grin.
With laughter echoing in the library, they balance study sessions with moments of levity, their connection growing stronger as they face challenges together.
--
--
--
As the semester comes to a close, Jodha and Jalal find themselves reflecting on how far they have come. They have transformed from reluctant partners into a couple whose bond feels unbreakable.
One evening, as they sit beneath the stars in the park, Jalal turns to Jodha, his expression serious. “I know we’ve had our ups and downs, but I really care about you. I want to keep building this, whatever it is.”
Jodha feels her heart swell. “I feel the same way, Jalal. You’ve changed my life in ways I never expected.”
“Then let’s make a promise,” he says, taking her hand in his. “No matter what happens, we’ll communicate. No more misunderstandings.”
“I promise,” she replies, squeezing his hand. “We’ll figure it out together.”
As the summer approaches, they plan to spend it together, exploring their city and sharing experiences that will further deepen their connection. They discuss traveling, visiting places they have always dreamed of exploring, and making memories that will last a lifetime.
But as the reality of their future looms, Jodha can’t shake the feeling of uncertainty. “What happens when college is over?” she asks one evening, her voice tinged with apprehension.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there,” Jalal replies confidently. “Right now, let’s just enjoy being together.”
Jodha nods, taking comfort in his words. As they sit together, watching the stars twinkle above, she realizes that the uncertainty of the future doesn’t matter as long as they have each other.
--
--
--
As their relationship flourishes, Jodha and Jalal learn to embrace the unpredictable nature of life. They face challenges head-on, and with each obstacle, they grow stronger together.
Graduation day arrives, filled with excitement and nerves. Jodha stands among her classmates, the cap and gown feeling heavy but symbolizing the hard work she has put in. She spots Jalal across the crowd, and their eyes meet, a reassuring smile exchanged.
After the ceremony, they celebrate with friends and family, their hearts full of hope and anticipation. As they stand together, watching the sunset, Jodha turns to Jalal, a smile lighting up her face.
“Whatever happens next, I know we’ll face it together,” she says, her heart swelling with love.
“Always,” Jalal replies, pulling her close as the sun dips below the horizon, their future stretching out before them like an unwritten story, waiting to be explored.
© 2024 by Anushka. All Rights Reserved.
