College days were becoming more intriguing with each passing moment. Due to the business project, Aarav was now spending a lot more time with the three girls—Bhavya, Meera, and Megha. Sitting together for discussions, brainstorming ideas, formatting presentations, and understanding each other's strengths—it was all gradually strengthening the bond between them.
Bhavya, who was initially a bit reserved, had now begun to smile more openly around Aarav. Her way of speaking was graceful, but there was a certain sparkle in her eyes when she looked at him—something subtle, yet undeniable.
Meera, confident and outspoken by nature, was deeply impressed by Aarav's maturity and calm demeanor. During group discussions, she would often interrupt him playfully, "You should be in a courtroom or something. Even your presentations sound like some high-profile case hearing!" Everyone would burst out laughing, and Aarav would just respond with his soft smile and go quiet.
Megha, the most observant among them, noticed everything about Aarav—how he thought, how he encouraged others, how even the smallest things triggered deep thoughts in him. One day, in a soft voice, she had said, "You're… different from others. It feels like there's an untold story hidden behind your eyes." Aarav was caught off guard, but said nothing in response.
Meanwhile, Priya could no longer stay unaffected. Every time she saw Aarav laughing and working so effortlessly with the trio, a strange heaviness settled in her heart. She tried not to show it, but her closest friend, Kanika, could read her eyes like a book. One day, Kanika asked her directly, "You're in love with Aarav, aren't you?"
Priya remained silent for a few seconds before replying, "I don't know… but whenever I see him with someone else, it hurts. Maybe… yes."
Back in class, the final presentation date had been announced. The HOD declared that all groups would present next Wednesday, and that day would also be used for grading.
That evening, Aarav was sitting alone at home. His mother had gone to the temple. He was flipping through his old notebook—the one he had written in before time-traveling. Each page held a regret, an incomplete dream, and a promise he had made to himself.
"This time, I won't lose my mother… and this time, I will understand what my heart truly wants," he resolved silently.
(To be continued...)