As they cooked, Hazel suggested, "Why don't we cook at home? Ordering in costs more, and we'll save money."
Ava agreed, and they divided tasks – Ava baked rotis while Hazel cooked vegetables.
While cooking, Hazel brought up the latest gossip. "Have you heard about those twin siblings? They're getting really famous."
Ava's curiosity piqued, "Who?"
Hazel elaborated, "Those twins studying in our college. Apparently, one of them is in the commerce section."
Ava nodded, "I've heard about them."
Hazel asked, "Have you seen their video?"
Ava shook her head, "Not yet."
Hazel proposed, "Let's watch it after dinner."
Ava agreed, and they continued cooking.
Over dinner, they watched a movie, but the excessive fighting scenes prompted Hazel to suggest, "Vrinda, let's watch something romantic."
Ava scoffed, "You know that only happens in stories, friend."
Hazel chuckled, familiar with Ava's skepticism toward romantic tales.
Ava wasn't a fan of love stories or movies; she believed they portrayed unrealistic expectations.
Hazel teased, "You never know, maybe our own love stories are waiting to unfold."
Ava playfully rolled her eyes.
As they settled in for a cozy evening, Hazel asked, "Want to watch that twin siblings' video now?"
Ava nodded, intrigued.
As the love song played in the movie, Ava and Hazel couldn't resist teasing each other.
Ava asked with a mischievous grin, "Friend, with so many boys in our college, do you have a crush on anyone?"
Hazel's eyes widened in surprise. "Why are you asking this suddenly?"
Ava shrugged. "Just came to mind while watching this movie. And we've been in college for two years now."
Hazel raised an eyebrow. "So?"
Ava pressed on, "So, you must have someone special."
Hazel's face turned a delightful shade of pink as she denied it. "Oh, friend, there's nothing like that."
Ava noticed Hazel's blush and thought, "Ava, what's gotten into you? You never cared about this stuff. Have you lost your mind?"
Ava probed further, "Come on, there's no one else home except us. Spill the beans."
Hazel hesitated, then whispered, "Okay, you won't tell Dadi."
Ava's curiosity piqued, she promised, "No, I won't."
Hazel's eyes sparkled. "You mean you like someone too?"
Ava smiled slyly. "Maybe. But you tell me first."
Hazel's voice barely above a whisper, "Guess who it is."
Ava thought aloud, "Harry from our music department?"
Hazel shook her head.
"Shridhar, who works with us in plays?" Ava asked.
Hazel chuckled. "Nope."
Vrinda's eyes narrowed. "Then who?"
Hazel teased, "Think..."
Ava's mind raced. "Is he from the science department?"
Hazel's smile hinted, "Maybe..."
Ava sensed Hazel's excitement. "Tell me straight! Why the roundabout way?"
Hazel took a deep breath. "Okay, listen..."
Finally, the secret was out.
"You know those foreign students in the student exchange program?" Hazel began.
Ava nodded, intrigued.
"They're in the science department too," Hazel continued.
Ava's eyes widened. "Who's the quiet one in the library?"
Hazel's face glowed. "His name is Cassilas. He's from Spain."
Ava's eyes sparkled. "I didn't know."
Hazel shared, "I found his library card near a book and returned it to him."
Ava smiled, encouraging Hazel to reveal more.
but also
Ava's eyes sparkled with curiosity, her gaze locked onto Hazel's. "So, what did he say?" she asked, her voice tinged with excitement.
"He said thank you," Hazel replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ava's eyebrows rose. "That's it?"
Hazel nodded, her eyes darting downward. "Yes."
Ava's expression turned thoughtful. "I think he's interested in girls."
Hazel's gaze snapped back up, her eyes clouding over. "I don't think so," she said, her voice laced with skepticism.
Ava noticed Hazel's downtrodden expression and hesitated, unsure whether to press further. "What's the point, friend?" Hazel continued, her shoulders sagging. "He's not from here, and all he does is study. What's the use of liking him?"
Ava's expression softened. She paused, collecting her thoughts. "He doesn't even know the language here. He speaks Spanish, and he has very few friends. Still, try," she urged gently.
Hazel's eyes flickered with longing. "I know," she whispered. "I also know how he looks and how brilliant he is in studies. He's been topping our class for two years." Her voice trailed off, and she looked down, her cheeks flushing.
"I'm nothing," she continued, her words barely audible. "An ordinary girl who's neither good at studies nor good-looking. Why would he notice me when there are so many beautiful and intelligent girls in our college? He's a science whiz, and I'm just an arts student; we're worlds apart."
Ava's understanding dawned. She placed a reassuring hand on Hazel's shoulder. "Why are you saying this?" she asked, her tone gentle.
Hazel's eyes lifted, searching for validation. Ava's expression held a warm smile.
"Look, it's not necessary to doubt yourself," Ava said. "You believe in love; take a chance. It's possible he's waiting for you." Her words were laced with playful teasing.
A faint smile crept onto Hazel's face, and Ava's concerns dissipated.
"I don't believe it," Hazel said, her voice tinged with wonder. "Things like this only happen in movies."
Ava's relief was palpable. Thankfully, Hazel's expression had changed, and a glimmer of hope had ignited.
Hazel's curiosity got the better of her. "Okay, now it's your turn," she said, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. "Tell me, who do you like? Is he in our college?"
Ava's cheeks flushed, and she hesitated, "I don't know, friend." Her voice was barely above a whisper.
Hazel's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "How can this be? You're always so certain about things!" She leaned in, her tone playful. "Okay, let's start from the beginning. Tell me about the person you were first attracted to."
Ava's gaze drifted inward, her thoughts swirling. "Who was I attracted to first?" she pondered aloud.
"Let me think for a while," Ava requested, her eyes closing as she delved into her memories.
Hazel sat down beside her, studying Ava's face. She knew Ava's telltale signs – the gentle press of her lips, the faint furrow between her brows, and the soft flutter of her eyelids.
As Ava's eyes remained shut, Hazel asked, "Is it Ethan from the drama troupe?" Her voice was laced with amusement.
Ava's response was swift and decisive, her eyes still closed. "No."
A moment passed, and Ava's expression shifted. Her brows relaxed, and her lips curled into a gentle smile.
Then, like a flash of lightning, a face materialized in Ava's mind's eye – a radiant smile, piercing gaze, and an unmistakable nose.
"Julien," she whispered, startled by her own revelation. Her eyes snapped open, and she met Hazel's inquiring gaze.
Memories flooded back: Julien's captivating smile, his sun-kissed eyes, and the way it had left her momentarily spellbound. She recalled the flutter in her chest, the dryness in her mouth, and the inability to move or speak.
That supernatural smile had awakened something within Ava, and she couldn't shake off its impact.