UNIVERSITY ARC
As the cold night deepened, we eventually stood to leave. Our clothes were still damp from the lake, but the tension between us had eased. The air felt lighter now, as if sharing our burdens had made them easier to carry. After finishing her meal, we both got up and slowly walked towards our rooms.
Just before we were about to go our separate ways, I felt an urge rise within me. I couldn't stop myself, even though I hesitated at first. I couldn't let the moment slip away.
|"Divya... can I see you again tomorrow?"|
She stopped, her gentle eyes meeting mine, and a soft smile spread across her face—a smile that felt like a quiet promise.
|"Of course."|
As she walked away, I couldn't take my eyes off her. Silently, I promised myself that I would protect her from now on, no matter what. I didn't want her to face her problems alone. I would stand by her side, supporting her however I could. Whether it meant using my influence or sacrificing my own comfort, she deserved better, and I would make sure she got it.
– – –
The next day, after my classes, I went back to the lake—the same peaceful spot where we had first met. As I expected, she was already there, sitting in her usual spot, her eyes lost in the calm water. The breeze gently played with her hair, and when she heard my footsteps, she turned with a bright smile.
Seeing me, she stood up excitedly.
|"Manoj, look what I brought for you! Give me your hand."|
Her fingers were warm and soft as she took my hand and placed a small, carefully wrapped package in it. Curious, I opened it and found a few dragon fruits inside.
I frowned slightly, though I was touched by the gesture.
|"Divya, you shouldn't spend your money on things like this. Why go out of your way for me?"|
She gave me a playful look and spoke in her usual calm voice.
|"Wait—let me explain. I didn't buy them. My mom sent them as a thank you."|
Her words confused me.
|"Your mom? Why would she want to thank me?"|
Divya smiled softly, her eyes sparkling as if my confusion amused her.
|"I tell my mom everything. When I told her how you helped me the other day, she wanted to send you something to show her gratitude."|
I blinked, still surprised.
|"You told her everything? I didn't expect that. Most people wouldn't dare to share something like that with their parents."|
Her smile faded for a moment, and she hesitated.
|"At first, I was scared. But I realized that the truth is like a flame. No matter how much you try to hide it, it always finds a way out. So I told her."|
|"Didn't she scold you for getting into trouble?"|
Divya shook her head, her eyes growing misty.
|"No, she didn't scold me. She cried. Then she made me promise to always be honest with her."|
|"Then didn't your mother tell your father about it?"|
Her expression darkened, and she looked down.
|"As for my father… I've never met him. He passed away before I was born."|
I felt a pang of guilt for bringing up such a painful subject.
|"I'm sorry, Divya. I didn't know."|
She gave me a faint smile, as if saying it was okay, but I could still sense the sadness in her. Knowing her mother had raised her alone made me feel even more responsible for her well-being.
Grateful for the gift, I took a bite of the dragon fruit. It was sweet and fresh, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I had stirred up painful memories for her. To change the subject, I handed her a piece of fruit and asked her to eat with me.
– – –
From that day on, we started meeting regularly at the same spot by the lake after our classes. It became a quiet routine, something I looked forward to every day. I would bring her food from the canteen, knowing she often skipped dinner. Our meetings were simple but comforting, bringing a sense of ease that I hadn't felt in a long time. But I was careful, making sure not to repeat the mistakes I had made with Kusuma. With Divya, I brought ordinary food, the kind available in the canteen.
One evening, though, something felt different. I went to the lake as usual, but this time, she wasn't there. It was strange—she was always the first to arrive, waiting for me with her warm smile. I sat down and waited, but as the minutes passed, my worry grew.
After thirty minutes of waiting, I decided to call her. But when the phone rang and there was no answer, my anxiety deepened. Something was wrong. I could feel it.
I stood up, pacing by the water, hoping she was on her way. Then, a sudden thought hit me—maybe she was still on campus. I hurried to the campus, my heart racing.
Just then, my phone rang. Seeing her name on the screen, I answered immediately, relief flooding me.
|"Divya! Where are you? I've been so worried."|
There was silence on the other end, and my heart sank again. Then, her voice came through, shaky and distant.
|"Manoj, I'm at the pathology lab. I couldn't finish my work on time... I won't be able to meet you today."|
Before I could respond, she ended the call. Something was definitely wrong. Her voice wasn't the same. I could hear the tension in it. Ignoring her words, I rushed to the pathology lab, determined to find out what was really happening.
When I arrived, I called her again. This time, she answered, but her tone was sharp.
|"Manoj, I told you I'm fine! Just go back to your room."|
|"Divya, I'm already outside the lab. Can you tell me which room you're in? I just want to see you."|
There was silence again, followed by frustration in her voice.
|"What? Manoj! This is too much. I told you I'm fine. Just leave."|
Her harsh words shocked me. This wasn't the Divya I knew. But before I could say anything, she softened and whispered.
|"I'm sorry. I'm just under a lot of pressure right now. Please, just go. I'll see you tomorrow."|
But I knew something was seriously wrong. Her voice gave her away. Without another thought, I ran inside, searching frantically, but I couldn't find her. I asked around, checked the library, the cafeteria, even her classrooms. But there was no sign of her.
Desperation clawed at me as I sat down on a bench in the sports ground, exhausted and defeated. Where are you, Divya? Just answer me.
Suddenly, I spotted a figure in the distance—a girl sitting alone. My heart jumped as I raced towards her. And when I got closer, my worst fears were confirmed.
Divya was sitting there, bruised and broken. Blood ran from her nose, her eyes were swollen, and her hair was a tangled mess, streaked with dried blood. Her clothes were torn, slightly exposing her body. Red marks covered her arms and legs, and two of her nails were missing, bleeding badly.
I rushed to her, horrified. I took off my shirt and wrapped it around her, shielding her from the cold and the cruelty of the world. Her eyes were filled with tears, but she refused to let them fall.
|"Divya… what happened? Who did this to you? Tell me! Who hurt you this badly?"|
My voice shook with anger and fear, but all she did was lower her head, hiding her pain from me.