UNIVERSITY ARC
Fate has a way of delivering justice, but it doesn't always seem fair. Rahul received the punishment he deserved, yet Geetha, the innocent one, was also paying the price for his mistakes. It didn't sit right with me, so I resolved to do whatever I could to help her.
When I brought Geetha back to her house, she was still unconscious. I immediately called her parents and recounted everything that had happened at the police station. Their faces were filled with concern as I explained the situation. After ensuring she was safe, I returned to my hostel room, my mind heavy with worry. Raksha was waiting for me and asked about Geetha. When I told her everything, she was furious with Rahul and deeply concerned for Geetha's wellbeing.
Days passed in a blur, each one marked by Geetha's continued absence in our classroom. A week had gone by, and despite my numerous text messages, I received no response from her. Our classmates, too, sent messages in the group chat, all hoping for some sign of her well-being. I understood her pain more than anyone; I had been in her shoes not too long ago. Unable to bear her silence any longer, I decided to visit her home.
When I arrived, her parents informed me that Geetha had fallen into a deep depression. She had locked herself in her room, refusing to come out, even for a moment. Their words shook me to the core. I knew I had to do something. Without hesitation, I went straight to her room and knocked on the door.
|"Geetha, it's Manoj. Why are you suffering like this? You did nothing wrong. He's the one who should be punished, not you. Please, come outside."|
For a moment, there was only silence. Then, a weak, trembling voice responded from the other side of the door, choked with tears.
|"Manoj, why did you come here? Just go away. I don't want to talk to anyone."|
Her words were like a knife to my heart, but I pressed on.
|"Geetha, I understand what you're going through. I've been where you are now. Just listen to me, please."|
She shouted back, her voice filled with despair.
|"Manoj, the light I saw a few days ago is gone! This is my fate, Manoj. There's no future for me. Just leave me alone."|
Despite her harsh words, I couldn't help but smile sadly. I spoke with a voice full of concern, hoping to reach her.
|"Geetha, do you know something? The day Kusuma broke up with me, I felt just like you do now. The darkness was overwhelming, blinding me to everything good in life. But then, a light appeared, guiding me through my friends. They became my hope, my reason to keep going."|
Her sobs grew louder, and she cried out in anguish.
|"But why, Manoj? Why are you trying to help me? I was the one who always scolded you. I was also the only one behind your breakup. Because of me, you suffered so much. Why did you forgive and decide to help me?"|
My tone remained gentle and understanding.
|"Geetha, you're thinking about this all wrong. I should be thanking you for what you did. Your actions revealed Kusuma's true colours to me. I'm better off now because of that."|
Geetha couldn't hold back her emotions any longer. The door swung open, and she rushed out, throwing herself into my arms. She hugged me tightly, her body shaking with uncontrollable sobs. Her tears seemed endless, and for several minutes, she clung to me as if I were her lifeline. I understood her pain deeply, feeling her desperation as if it were my own. She needed someone to console her, someone to give her hope, just as my friends had done for me when I was at my lowest.
After what felt like an eternity, Geetha finally began to calm down. I gently guided her to the sofa, where she sat down, exhausted but more at peace. Seeing her like this brought immense relief to her parents, who had been watching anxiously. As her mother and I discussed our college, Geetha picked up her phone, noticing the flood of messages in our group chat.
She turned to me with a faint smile.
|"Manoj! Did you see our group? Everyone's been asking about me."|
Her smile was like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds. I felt a wave of happiness wash over me as I nodded.
|"Yes, Geetha. They've all been worried about you."|
Satisfied that she was on the road to recovery, I took my leave and headed back to the hostel.
The next day, Geetha returned to college with a fresh, radiant smile. I was taken aback by the transformation. She looked different—stronger, more resilient. Something had definitely changed in her.
Later that evening, I decided to visit the library near the university gate. As I was walking, I heard someone call my name.
|"Hi, Manoj."|
I turned around to see Ruby, a classmate known for her involvement in social media and streaming. She was more advanced in body shaping and often flaunted it.
Ruby greeted me, her tone flirtatious.
|"How are you, Manoj! Long time no see. Hey, hold on. Did you watch my live stream?"|
I felt a bit uncomfortable with her forwardness.
|"No, Ruby. I'm not interested in those kinds of shows."|
She pouted slightly but pressed on.
|"Come on, Manoj! How long are you going to stay the same? Times are changing, and people need to keep up."|
I remained silent, my expression unchanged. Ruby sighed, realizing she wasn't going to convince me.
|"Okay, Manoj. It's up to you. But try to watch my stream tonight if you can."|
Before I could respond, another voice cut in, dripping with sarcasm.
|"Don't waste your time, Ruby. You won't gain much from him watching your stream. How can he send you such elaborate gifts?"|
We both turned to see Kusuma standing there, her eyes sharp. Ruby bristled at the sight of her and shot back.
|"Look, Kusuma, not everyone is obsessed with money like you. If I get more viewers, that's good enough for me. So it's fine if he doesn't send any gifts."|
Kusuma rolled her eyes, unimpressed.
|"How foolish. I've never seen anyone so desperate for views. But whatever, it's your choice."|
With that, Kusuma turned and walked towards the gate. As she reached it, a sleek black Audi pulled up. Aadish, her boyfriend, stepped out with a broad smile. My heart sank as I watched the scene unfold. Kusuma caught my eye, her gaze acknowledging the pain I was trying to hide. She signalled to Aadish, and after a brief exchange, she hugged him tightly and planted a kiss on his lips.
Aadish murmured, glancing around nervously.
|"Baby, this is a college. If anyone sees us, it could be a problem for you."|
But Kusuma didn't care. She kissed him again, deliberately, her eyes briefly meeting mine as if to drive the point home.
Kusuma's voice dripped with arrogance.
|"It's fine, darling. Why did you come so late? We already planned everything for today."|
Aadish smiled apologetically.
|"I'm sorry, baby. Let's go; we're already late."|
She turned to me with a smirk that made my stomach churn.
|"Look, Manoj. This is what a real boyfriend should be like. Bye."|
With those final words, she got into the car and left. I stood there, feeling utterly disgusted and dejected. My mood was completely ruined, and I no longer felt like studying. Frustrated, I decided to head to the canteen instead.
Meanwhile, Kusuma and Aadish arrived at a grand hotel. The moment they stepped inside, Kusuma's eyes lit up with excitement.
|"Wow, Aadish! This place is amazing. I never imagined I'd get to dine at such a luxurious hotel. The dishes here are so famous."|
Aadish couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm.
|"Yes, baby. This hotel is known for its combination of various restaurants and luxurious lodges."|
Kusuma's excitement only grew.
|"Aadish! Let's go to that popular floor."|
Her sudden request took Aadish by shock. He thought to himself, "What? Is she planning to spend all my money here? I only intended to have dinner on the first floor, which is expensive but manageable. But the floor she's asking for is way beyond my budget."
Despite his concerns, Aadish couldn't say no to her. Reluctantly, he booked a table on the twelfth floor. After a brief wait, the staff escorted them to the lift, and they ascended to the exclusive floor. As they stepped out, a waiter approached them politely.
|"Excuse me, sir. Do you have a reservation? May I know your table number?"|
Aadish nodded, showing the ticket he had booked.
|"Yes, we have a reservation for table number seven."|
The waiter quickly checked their reservation and led them to their table. A moment later, their ordered dishes were served by elegantly dressed waitresses. Kusuma savoured the food, her eyes wandering around the beautifully designed interior. The ambiance was perfect for couples, with soft music playing in the background, creating a romantic atmosphere that was incredibly popular among the youth.
Back at the canteen, I couldn't stop thinking about Kusuma and Aadish. The whole situation left me feeling restless. My friend Ramu, clearly irritated, spoke up.
|"Manoj, you really need to move on. How long are you going to keep looking at her photo like that?"|
Keshava, another friend, noticed the tension and tried to smooth things over.
|"Ramu, leave him be. He'll figure it out eventually. Let's head back to the room."|
As they walked away, I was lost in my thoughts until a familiar voice snapped me out of it.
|"Manoj! Are you still thinking about her? Just let it go. She doesn't know your worth, and she never will."|
I turned to see Geetha standing there, a look of concern on her face.
|"Oh! Geetha. How are you feeling now?"|
She smiled warmly.
|"I'm fine, Manoj. But let's not talk about me. Are you seriously still hung up on that traitor?"|
Her words hit me harder than I expected.
|"What? Do you really think that? I was just looking at our photo one last time before deleting it. That's all. I'll delete it right now."|
But as I tried to act tough, my emotions betrayed me. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I couldn't hold them back any longer. Geetha's expression softened as she watched me struggle. Wanting to lift my spirits, she quickly changed her tone.
|"Manoj! Is this really you? Just yesterday, you were the one encouraging me, and now look at you. To cheer you up, how about I treat you to something nice? Sounds good, right?"|
Her words brought a small smile to my face. I forced myself to regain composure.
|"I'm not crying. It's okay now. But instead of you treating me, how about I treat you? A little celebration for your recovery. What do you say?"|
Geetha's eyes lit up with happiness.
|"Sure! But where will you take me?"|
I thought for a moment before it came to me.
|"Let's go to the Royal Meridien hotel."|
Her eyes widened in surprise.
|"You mean, the hotel where that meeting was held the other day?"|
I smiled, trying to keep things light.
|"Yes, Geetha. Let's go. Maybe it'll lift my mood."|
We arrived at the Royal Meridien within minutes. Geetha was amazed by the luxurious decorations and interiors. It was clear she hadn't had the chance to fully appreciate the place the last time she was here due to the tension of the situation.
I decided to go all out and booked a VIP table for us on the twelfth floor, which was famous for its romantic ambiance. Geetha couldn't believe it.
|"Manoj! Are you serious? We're going to the twelfth floor?"|
I nodded with a soft smile.
|"Yes, Geetha. Didn't you want to?"|
Her excitement was palpable.
|"Are you kidding? It's been one of my dreams to come here. I'm so happy right now."|
The twelfth floor, often referred to as "Love Paradise". It was a favourite among couples for its beautiful and intimate setting. I already wished to see this beauty on that day, but the sudden slap by Aarna made my mood spoiled.
Finally, when we showed our reserved receipts and reached our table, a couple was already seated there, enjoying their meal. The waiter was clearly confused and asked the couple to show their booking receipt once more. But as we approached, I was shocked to see who it was—Kusuma and Aadish. What were they doing at our reserved table? How can the management allot both of our parties with the same table at a time?