Chapter 2: Love Written in the Shadows

After leaving my shoes outside the classroom, I stepped in nervously. That peculiar boy, Vihan, sat behind me. The lecturer began the class by asking everyone to introduce themselves. Before that, she asked Vihan to remove his cap since caps weren’t allowed. They could hide a person’s face, and honestly, I couldn’t see his face clearly while he wore it.

The lecturer started introductions from the last row, and soon, it was Vihan’s turn. He came forward, and to my surprise, he was bald!

So that’s why he wears a cap.

When he removed it, I finally saw his face. His sharp, tiny eyes were unexpectedly cute. As he clasped his hands, his eyes briefly met mine. My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly turned away.

In a scratchy, rough voice, he said, “Hey, everyone. I’m Vihan from Chandipuram. I did my schooling at Akashdeep Public School, and I’m currently staying with my uncle. That’s all about me. Thank you.”

As he walked back, the lecturer stopped him. “Why did you choose this course?” she asked.

“I’ll probably discontinue it soon, so it doesn’t matter,” he replied coldly.

How rude! I thought. Doesn’t he know how to talk to people?

Next, it was my turn. My palms were sweaty—Oh no, glossophobia! Slowly, I made my way to the front of the class.

“I… uh… I’m Riya, from Peetalpur. I completed my schooling at Rajdhani Convent School. I chose this course because I want to become a writer. I love writing blogs, and that’s my reason. Thank you.”

As I turned to walk back, I slipped. “Ouch!” I gasped, falling awkwardly. Laughter erupted in the classroom. Embarrassed, I hurried back to my seat.

Then, a voice from behind me said, “Hey, are you okay?”

I nodded without turning around.

The lecturer started explaining the syllabus. Meanwhile, the girl sitting next to me whispered, “Hey, Riya, do you have a pen?”

“Yeah, here you go,” I said, handing her one.

When the class ended, she turned to me. “Are you hurt?”

“No, I’m fine,” I replied. “Just a bit nervous.”

“Yeah, I could see that on your face,” she said with a smile. “Oh, I forgot your name.”

“Riya,” I said.

“I’m Advika. Let’s be friends?”

“Sure!” I smiled.

We explored the campus together, chatting about our lives. She asked about my family, so I shared:

“My dad is a chef, my mom is a homemaker, my brother is a software developer, and my younger sister is in school.”

“You’ve got a wonderful family,” she said warmly.

“What about yours?” I asked.

Her smile faltered. “My dad’s an alcoholic. My mom collects garbage for a living. My brother… he ran away because of my father’s abuse. My maternal uncle pays for my college fees. Without him, I wouldn’t be here.”

Tears glistened in her eyes, and I felt a deep pang of sympathy.

Hoping to lighten the mood, I asked, “Do you think anyone here will be a topper?”

She chuckled. “Maybe the girl with glasses sitting in the front row. She seems like it.”

Then, she gave me a curious look. “Hey, do you know Vihan?”

“No, I don’t,” I replied, puzzled. “Why do you ask?”

“When he introduced himself, you were staring at him,” I quickly responded, “No, I don’t know him. I only saw him this morning on the stairs.”

“Hey, I was just teasing you! But why does your face look so serious? Relax, I was only joking,” she said with a laugh.

“Was I…?”

Stay tuned for the next chapter of Love Written in the Shadows!.......