I glanced up at the medium-sized building ahead of us, my anticipation quickly turning to disappointment. I shifted my gaze from the building to Advik and back again, unable to hide my judgmental expression.

"Don't you think this hotel is a bit... well, third-class?" I shot Advik a judgmental look, my scepticism written all over my face. I mean, couldn't we have booked a fancy hotel for the night?

Advik barely spared me a glance before shaking his head in defeat. "This is my dormitory, silly," he admitted, a hint of amusement in his voice.

 I couldn't help but feel a twinge of embarrassment at my assumption, but I couldn't deny the humour in the situation. Here I was, expecting luxury, only to end up at Advik's humble dorm. Well, that explained a lot. Note to self: Next time, check the accommodations before passing judgement!

"Oh..." I nodded, trying to wrap my head around the situation. "what?"

His dormitory? Huh?

I shot him a puzzled glance. What on earth am I doing standing in front of his dormitory?

"What!?" he nodded in response.

"Are girls allowed in your dorm?" I asked, curiosity getting the best of me.

"Nope," he replied flatly.

I gave him a side-eye, completely baffled. "Advik, I really think it's not a good idea—"

"Come on," he interrupted, grabbing my hand and pulling me through the gate. His towering five-foot-eleven frame loomed over my five-foot-five self, catching me completely off guard. With his hand firmly on my shoulder, he steered me forward, leaving me utterly astonished.

He bent to match my eye level, and his hands reached out, his fingers delicately brushing against my hair, gently tucking a loose strand behind my ear. 

The soft graze sent shivers down my spine, and for a brief moment, time seemed to stand still. I couldn't help but be acutely aware of his touch, and a mixture of anticipation and warmth flooded my senses. 

My heart raced, and my breath hitched, caught in the magnetic pull of his gesture. My eyes automatically landed on my foot, so he couldn't see my blushing face.

"Don't say anything in front of the guard. Nothing," he whispered, pulling the cap off my hood and covering almost half of my face with it.

"Why?" I lifted my face, knowing he would've sent me a glare even though I couldn't see it right now.

"Just do as I say," he urged. I nodded in response and glanced down at my outfit—a baggy black hoodie and grey cargo pants, almost drowning in this fit. And then it hits me.

"Are you sneaking me into your dorm?" I questioned, almost in disbelief. I hoped he knew what he was getting himself into because, if we got caught, he'd have to face the consequences, and that's the last thing I'd want for him.

So I have to pretend like a guy to sneak in now? wow. mastermind plan. 

"But don't you think I am too short to pretend like a guy?" I blurted out, 

"Wo kaamchor soo raha hoga to itna noticeable nhi hoga," he said and took my palms in his, walking towards the entrance door. 
(that slacker must be sleeping so it won't be that noticeable.)

"Orr usne notice kar liya to?"
(and what if he noticed?)

"nahi karega."
(he will not.)

"or fir bhi kar liya to–"
(but still, if he does–)

He shot me a glare, and I pursed my lips. I bring my hands up to my lips, pretending to zip them and nod my head as 'yes' guaranteeing him that now my lips have completely and finally gone on lockdown.

We entered the entrance of his dormitory, and my heartbeat rose with each step we took. and there was that 'kaamchor' guard sitting on a chair with his head resting on the wall, half-asleep.

"Just act normal," Advik whispered, and I could feel my palms sweating with nervousness. The dimmed lights and quiet surroundings added to the tension. Faint sounds from the corner rooms drifted to us, laughter and chatter mingling in the air. 

As we passed the guard, I finally released the breath that had been trapped in my throat for what felt like an eternity.

"Who's that?" A voice called out from behind, and I froze, my heart pounding in my chest.

ab to tu gyi beta. tere kaarnamo par ab permanent wala full stop lagne wala hai.
(Now you are gone, daughter. There is now going to be a permanent full stop to your exploits.)

Advik cursed under his breath, whispering, 'Don't turn around,' as he glanced over his shoulder. "Advik!"

"And that guy?" I heard him. Woah! Do I really look like a guy from behind? I used to be petite since childhood, but now I do have curves. 

The guard wasn't aware, but he offended me in a very unappreciated way.

"Ishaan!" Advik answered him back. "He is drunk... a little."

So, I am Ishaan and I am drunk. Okay. Noted. But do I have to act like a drunk now? I slightly tilted my head to see his face. he was looking at the guard.

no answer. mission drunk abort!

"Advik, ain't Ishaan out of town–"

"Areee uncle..." he cut him off, "go upstairs, take a left and the last room is mine," he whispered squeezing my hand and leaving it afterwards,

he turned around, "Uncle, so I was saying..." Advik started walking towards the guard.

so? 

bhagg pagal aurat??
(run crazy woman?)

I hurriedly walked towards the stairs without looking back.

"Uncle... aap batao aunty kaisi hai?" I could hear Advik while strolling up the stairs,
(Uncle... tell me how's Aunty?)

"Tujhe meri biwi ke baare me kyu jaan'na hai sale??" (Why do you want to know about my wife?)
and a chuckle left my mouth.

Descending the last step, I surveyed the empty hallways and pivoted on my heels, choosing the left path. It felt like entering a dark valley, where at any moment a monster might emerge and swallow me whole.

Even though I hate to admit it, I'm scared of the darkness. Just a little bit.

A shiver traced down my spine, causing me to halt mid-stride. I considered waiting for Advik, but who was I kidding? Deep down, I knew I was acting a bit nuts.

My eyes scanned around the quiet area. There was a basement at the corner of the hall and a broken tap with water dripping from it, little by little. The hallways felt oddly strange to me since the lights were all dimmed, making it look like a scene from a horror movie.

My breath hitched as the light suddenly extinguished, sinking me into a suffocating darkness. The air felt denser, and I could almost taste the palpable tension. A chill snaked down my spine, and my body tensed involuntarily.

My muscles suddenly started to tense up as I heard the faint footsteps approaching in my direction, and my heartbeat fastened. The mere thought of what might lurk in the shadows sends shivers through my already tense body.

God ji saare paapo ki sazaa aaj hi deni hai?
(God ji, are you going to punish me for all my sins today?)

I nervously gulped, taking a step further, feeling like one of those dumb characters in horror movies—yup, that was me. But risking it wasn't an option. My hands fumbled in the darkness, desperately searching for some reassurance that seemed to slip through my fingers.

The steps grew louder, and I tensed, ready to release a scream that could wake the dead. 

But before I could, a massive hand landed on my lips, cutting off any sound, before pulling me back and hitting my back against the wall. Tears welled up in my eyes,

"Shh, it's me!" he whispered, his breath brushing against my face. In that split second, I recognised the voice and let myself unwind in his embrace, tears streaming down my face.

"Anika, it's me, your Adverb–" he began, but before he could finish, I threw my arms around him in a tight embrace.

He stood frozen for a moment, taken aback by my sudden action, while I hugged him tightly, a few sobs escaping my mouth. He wordlessly opened his arms, and wrapped them around me, providing a shield against the unknown shadows that loomed around.

"shh, I am here," I felt his hand on my head, while the other wrapped around my shoulders. I snuggled against him, his scent engulfing in my senses, finding an unexpected sense of security amid the darkness. 

"It's okay, it's okay," he whispered. Though, soon enough, this moment was disturbed by someone

"What was that noise?" the voice came from downstairs. And I pulled myself away from his embrace.

Guard uncle. this is the second time you've offended me in a row.

"Ishaan fell in the darkness!" Advik shouted back. I pulled the hood out of my face, breathing loudly, and he turned on the flash of his phone.

This fake Ishaan was almost the target of a ghost today!

"I'm telling you, there's a ghost in your dormitory," I whispered as I entered Advik's room, clutching the hem of his sleeve, my heart racing with fear. The lights were off, enveloping the room in pitch darkness, and the only source of light came from the flash of his phone.

"There's no ghost." He said, switching on the lights and I squinted my eyes due to the sudden brightness. The room was bigger than mine, I noticed the layout. Three single beds are neatly arranged in each of the room's corners, A large bookshelf dominates the fourth corner, its shelves filled with books of all shapes and sizes. Nearby, small wardrobes stand beside each bed,

In the centre of the room, a long study table racks out, and Adjacent to the bookshelves, a small kitchen area is tucked away. 

From the outside, this dormitory appeared to be a run-down, third-rate hostel. However, once inside, the room exuded the lively atmosphere of a college drama series, where the main character shares living space with their close friends.

Except I was not the main character of his life.

okay, okay, I am so judgmental, so what?

But what caught my attention, particularly, was a coffee-brown-coloured guitar hanging on the wall. Its strings were tangled, the head was broken, and the nuts were loose. It appeared shabby and weathered as if it had been broken and repaired numerous times over.

"You can rest there," Advik pointed at the first bed next to the window, which had white sheets and cherries imprinted on them. I smiled, "Is that Aditya's bed?"

"How do you know?" 

because that's my bedsheet that he stole from me.

"Whose guitar is that?" I asked, taking a step towards it.

"mine."

"it's broken," I acknowledged, tracing my fingers on the side of it. The body of the guitar was taped from the back.

"Yeah, a little." I heard him from behind. My gaze abruptly fell on the music posters next to it. I didn't know Advik was into instruments and music.

"Why don't you buy a new one." I looked at Advik, his gaze held sadness, which made me quite concerned.

"It's my favourite; my mom gifted me this on my tenth birthday," he smiled softly before walking to the kitchen. 

Instantly, regret floods me as soon as the question slips from my lips. Suggesting someone buy something is a risky move, especially without understanding their financial or emotional state. After all, we can't gauge someone's situation just like that.

Did I just make him sad? I should just buy a zip for my mouth at this point.

I walked to the bed, setting myself comfortably on it, while Advik was gone to the kitchen. After a few minutes, he walked out with a water bottle and kept it on the side table beside my bed.

"You can tell me if you need anything," he suggested, his face appearing exhausted, his hair tousled. The black coat lay discarded, and the sleeves of his white shirt were rolled up.

Advik glanced over my shoulder for a moment before fixing his gaze on me. Instantly, I averted my eyes, unable to bear the tension that seemed to hang heavy between us, though I was certain only I could sense it. 

As Advik leaned closer, my breath hitched in my stomach. His hand reached out towards my neck, and I shut my eyes tightly, bracing myself for whatever was about to happen next.

kuch zada fast forward nhi ho gya ye?

His warm breath fanned my neck, and I clutched my hand on my leg, stiffening my place.

"Ye Aditya bhi naa, bohot careless hai,"

huh?

I looked up at him, pulling out the pink-coloured hoodie from behind me, nestled in the corner of the bed where I sat. With a nod, he stood up and placed the piece of cloth on the cupboard beside his bed.

The sound of a punctured tyre played in the background of my mind for whatever unholy I was thinking two seconds ago. If a clown had a face, it would've been me right now, with my expression surely mirroring the epitome of foolishness.

I entirely pulled the comforter on my legs. laying back on the bed, I shut my eyes and covered my embarrassed face with it.

In the dead of night, I stirred from my slumber. Getting up from the bed, gazing at the clock: 02:07 am

I don't remember when I fell asleep. And it's strange since I find it difficult to fall asleep in the presence of strangers, especially males.

The lights were off, except for a couple of night bulbs, which were illuminating, making the room less dark. Unknowingly, I looked at the bed next to mine, then the other one. All of them were empty, and Advik wasn't in the room either. Was he going out this late?

I was lost in my thoughts when some peculiar noises caught my attention. But it wasn't just any noise,

it was a tune, followed by a subtle wince...

Curious, I followed the sound, my footsteps quiet on the floorboards. As I approached the kitchen, the tune grew clearer, wrapping around me like a warm embrace. And there, in the dim light, I saw him.

Advik.

He was shirtless.

his back facing me as he strummed a guitar with skilled fingers. My heart skipped a beat, as I watched his figure on a stool, playing the guitar.

I couldn't tear my gaze away from him, mesmerised not only by the melody but also by the sight of his decent physique in the soft glow of the night bulbs,

He had a tattoo below his neckline. It looked like a symbol of a stylized dagger or knife, adorned with a couple of tilted squares in the middle of the knife. To me, it looked like a mirrored Bluetooth symbol, though.

But my admiration was cut short when a silent curse left his lips, and that's when I noticed his fingers...bleeding.

"See, I am a graduate now. You're proud of me right?" he mumbled, leaning on the kitchen counter,

My heart lurched in concern as he muttered a few more words, muffled to me and continued to try and play the broken guitar.

"Advik..."

My eyes widened in surprise as I realized I had caught his attention. Instinctively, I placed my hand over my mouth, feeling a flush of embarrassment creeping up my cheeks. He swiftly turned back, our eyes locking with mine,

"uh...did I wake you up?" he asked, getting up from the stool and walking towards me. From the corner of my eye, I caught sight of a photo frame, its details somewhat hazed, resting on the counter where he had been seated moments before.

"Are you scared?" 

I tear my attention back to him and shake my head as no, he gave me a confused look "I just... heard a sound..." I couldn't bring myself to meet his eyes. 

How could I? He was literally shirtless, standing in front of me. 

And Advik? He was almost unbothered by the fact that he was half naked, standing in front of me.

I cleared my throat, 

"I am sorry if I disturbed you,"

god, this is so awkward.

"But you play it nice," I pointed to the guitar, smiling awkwardly at him and he returned the small smile, muttering "Thanks,"

After a heavy one minute, I decided to break the silence

"You should sleep,"

"Why are you up this late?"

We both said in unison, our eyes locking as I pursed my lips, waiting for him to speak first. But he remained silent.

"Your fingers... they are bleeding," I finally said, tearing my gaze from his shirtless form to the guitar.

He looked down at his hands, "it's nothing,"

"it is." I pointed at his finger. The strings of his guitar were quite old, "You will get infected."

"it doesn't matter,"

"Oh, it does," I folded my hands on my chest, "I don't wanna have an infected Advik in my life," I managed to say, though my tone was more serious than accusing.

the corners of his mouth betrayed him, curling up into a smile and despite my best attempts to sound serious, I chuckled when I saw his smile widening as his eye went small.

he is cute.

"come on, I will treat your cuts," I turned around taking a step out of the kitchen, "free of cost!" I added.

After a few seconds he came up buttoning his shirt, and I cleared my throat, trying to get rid of the images from my head but who I was kidding? His chest is lean and toned, every inch of him screams meticulous perfection.

"do you have antiseptic?"

He pursed his lips, shaking his head afterwards 

"band-aids?"

He again shakes his head as no, I sigh looking at him unbelievably

"Turmeric?" I asked finally, a little annoyed as he chuckled looking at my frustrated face.

He brought the turmeric from the kitchen and I took out my handkerchief from my bag. Making a turmeric paste I looked at him placing my palm in front of him and raising an eyebrow. He kept his hand on mine and I applied the turmeric paste on his fingertips and knuckles.

I could sense his eyes on me while I wrapped my baby-blue-coloured handkerchief around his fingers. I gulped nervously trying to ignore the whole ass zoo doing chippi chippi chappa chappa in my stomach.

He is so distracting, that I started to regret stepping foot into his dorm.

"Thanks," he muttered, breaking the silence. I realized I had finished a while ago, yet I still didn't let go of my hand.

"You are careless." I looked outside the window and pulled my hands back, gazing at the glossy stars dancing on the black canvas of the sky. They are so lovely.

"do you like stars?"

I furrow my brows, stealing a glance at him. He, too, gazes out the window, his hair tousled gently by a soft breeze, strands cascading over his eyelids. Such a shame, they're so pretty...

 "Do you like stars?" he asked again, and I nodded slightly, "they are lovely,"

"the moon is also beautiful," I added.

he hummed in response, "Why are you up so late?" I asked again, the question from before.

"To tell my mom that I have finally graduated," he looked at me, "I used to complain a lot about schools and studying..."

"she must be proud of you," 

His gaze softened as he reminisced, a hint of nostalgia lingering in his eyes.

"Yeah, she is..." he pointed at the sky, and my eyes followed his gesture, landing on the brightest star above. "So proud of me... I hope so."

My heart clenched, the memory of him in the kitchen flooding back to me as I gazed at him. 

The photo frame.

His smile was faint, but it held a certain vulnerability.

"I am sorry," I managed to say,

"It's alright. some stars stay alone in the corner of the sky...forever"

My mouth felt dry. He was clearly hurting inside, a fact that anyone could sense, yet his lips never ceased their upward curve. I clutched my hand, gazing at his, wanting desperately to reach out and intertwine our fingers, to convey that I was here for him. But something about it felt oddly wrong...

"yet, they shine the brightest," I replied, And he turned his face to me, 

"Thanks,"

And that night, we sat in silence, gazing at the sky and its twinkling stars. Advik didn't utter a word, nor did I, granting him the space I knew he needed. Yet, a sentence lingered in my mind from what he said,

"The beauty of love is like that of the stars; it is timeless, boundless, and fills the universe with wonder." 

"Do you think you would look cool while vaping?" Veer smacked my head with a book, and I winced in response while glaring at him.
Currently, I was in the library to get my phone back from Veer, and it turned into a lecture session.

"I'm sorry, naa..." I fake-cried, and he shook his head before smacking my head again.

"VEER-"

"shh! We're in the library." He kept his index finger on his lips and looked around, passing me with judgy looks. We were seated at the last-second table in the library.

My throat felt dry, and I coughed to avoid the embarrassment. My eyes felt heavy, and I massaged my temples, trying to keep my eyes open. I regret eating ice cream last night, knowing that I'm sensitive to cold, but I still did that. 

But hey! Advik treated me that, so it was worth it.

"I've warned you so many times, but tumhare kaan me to bas gane bajte rehte hai." He nodded, agreeing to himself folding his hands on his chest.
(I've warned you so many times, but the songs just keep playing in your ears)

"Anika, I'm not saying you shouldn't make friends or miss the fun, but try to be more cautious." He paused and kept his hands on the desk, leaning in. "You're still not familiar with the people here," he completed, leaving me in utter confusion.

"Don't tell me your brother is going to get me suspended again." Veer pointed at himself, and I let out a chuckle.

"Why would he? He is not my brother anyway," I shrugged, and the pool of confusion spread on his face.

"Aayien?" Veer raised his eyebrows, then widened them after a millisecond. I looked at him, slapping my head, knowing where his thinking had just landed.

his mouth hung open, "Anika I never expected that you were..."

"Shut up." I cut him off. "He is my brother's best friend."

"Oh," he said. He looked at me and sighed in relief. 

"I mean, I wouldn't mind if he were your boyfriend, though; he is kind of cute too." He pouted, keeping his right palm on his cheek, looking sideways as if he were daydreaming.

I looked down at the table, avoiding his word 'boyfriend' as a few flashbacks from yesterday clashed in my mind. 

Advik is quite hard to understand; I never know what's going on in his mind, and he doesn't speak much either. But whenever he does, my heart flutters and that's not a good signal for someone seventeen-year-old.

"Anyways," Veer stood up. "I'm leaving... and send me those pictures afterwards," he said, poking at my phone.

I got up too and collected the books we took out for 'the purpose' of reading, but only worked out as his weapon to smack my head.

"What are your plans now?" He asked as we walked towards the bookshelf, and I smiled to myself.

"I don't know, might ask my brother for guidance," I responded, and he nodded in understanding. "What about you?" I turned my head to him

"Need a break, leaving for my hometown this evening." He said to put the books on the shelf before snatching mine and keeping them on the other one.

I nodded at him. "See you then, after a month." I smiled at him. There's still time until our results, and everyone is already planning their professions and dreams. And then, there was me, still struck by my own thoughts.

"I just hope whatever I choose, I won't regret it later," I mumbled to myself before walking towards the exit door of the library.

"Bye-bye!" I waved my hand to Veer.

"Hey Bhagwan, meri ek lauti aulaad ki raksha krna," he clutched his heart with his hand, and I rolled my eyes at his statement. He laughed and walked away before waving back, leaving me amazed at his overdramatic self.

My phone beeped, and I looked down at the incoming call from my brother.

"Hello"

"I tried calling you like thousands of times, but you just wouldn't pick up!" His voice came from the other side, almost angry, making my heart jump.

"Uh, I slept early yesterday and it was on silent mode..." I made up the excuse."Where are you now?" He asked immediately,

"In the library." I breathe out, "why?"

"Since your exams are over, I am coming to pick you up. I will be there in an hour or two. pack up." He said that, and suddenly a grin formed on my face, making me excited all of a sudden.

"Okayyyyy... thank you... love you dher Sara Bhaiii..." I squealed walking back to my hostel, utterly excited.

Finally! I will be able to meet my old friends and my family.

Here's a glimpse of Advik's tattoo-