chapter 1 #5

He looked at her as she chewed, which made her extremely conscious about the tiny acne scars on her face. She swallowed quickly and asked, 'How has your day been? Busy?

'As usual. I'll have a more normal schedule by next month, I'm hoping. Once we finish this project. 'Kishan nodded, more to himself. 'Tell me about your college. How are classes going? '

'They're okay.'

'Good. I hope you're not cutting classes. Why did you need to come here in the middle of the weekday? I don't want you to fall behind on your coursework. '

'I know. I'm doing fine, don't worry about me. ' Maahi smiled. ' I went to the morning class and I'll get notes for the ones I've missed. I mean, it's not really all that difficult--'

'Maybe not right now, but it's going to get tough. You'll see. I've been there and I've done exactly that-- that's how I know. You have to take this seriously. The initial classes will build your basics more than anything else. '

They ate quietly. Maahi took small bites, even as her stomach contracted with hunger. Back home, she could go without a few consecutive meals and still be fine, but recently she had found herself too weak to skip even one. She had no energy reserves to pull through if she didn't eat.

' I need water, ' she said.

Kishan passed her the bottle of water. 'I didn't mean to snap at you. I was only saying that for your own good. '

'I know. But it's our anniversary... '

'Yeah I know. I do appreciate all this. ' Kishan pointed to the food. 'And look you got me gulab jamuns! How can I not love you? '

Maahi laughed as he ate one.

'I have a surprise for you too. '

'Really? '

Kishan nodded. 'You'll have to wait though. I have work to finish here, but I'll see you after that? '

'You'll come to my hostel? '

'If you don't mind. '

'Of course I don't mind! Around when? I'll have to check who the warden is and how to sneak you in, but we'll figure it out. We always do! ' Maahi said, excitedly. She couldn't wait to see what the surprise was, but tried to contain her enthusiasm.

'I have to get back to work now. But I'll come to you as soon as I can, okay? If there's a problem with me getting in, I'll just take you back to my apartment. It feels like I haven't spent time with you properly in forever. '

'You've been so busy. ' Maahi said, as Kishan kissed her lightly on the cheek.

'We'll make up for it tonight. '

That evening, Maahi took a second shower and changed into a light-yellow dress that fell in pleats just above her knees. She sat down on the bed with a book. Her room had ugly green bumpy walls. She was nearing the end of (Catching fire) , the second book of the hunger games series. Rohit was reading the same book and she wanted to finish it before he could spoil it fir her. She lost track of time as she fell asleep, her dreams and the novel meshing strangely.

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