Well, love is something that happens at the most unexpected time with the least expected person. Love has its own way of coming to us. Its ways are dumbstruck but magical and charismatic. Isn't it bizarre that we see our whole world within a single person? When love is carved out beautifully within two pure souls, the experience becomes unimaginably magical. It's each moment is etched on their hearts forever creating an inseparable bond between the two. The aroma of love is bewitching and mystic.

Well not everyone finds their soulmate effortlessly. For many, after several heartaches, the right one arrives while for some it's just like a blink of the eye. But if you find your one, in the very first relationship, then you are the luckiest person, I guess. Only a few are fortunate enough, so never let go of such a beautiful soul. It all depends upon your fate and destiny, which brings you close to a stranger.

Like any other love story, our story is also unique and endearing in its own way. Every moment we spent together, every second of it is so precious and is embedded in my heart forever. It's like a fairytale becoming true in the most exquisite way it could. Love emerged between us eventually, blooming vibrantly. Our devotion for each other is tremendous and chaste.

So starting with, It's about me and my person 'brownie', well that's what I call him.

I never thought that I would end up with him. Well, to be honest, I thought I wouldn't end up with anyone, that's because I've always been apprehensive of the thought of making a boyfriend. I mean it's not that I didn't want a boyfriend but it's just that, I was not in dire need of one at least not then. First I wanted to focus on my career and then to think about other trivial stuff like this one.

Well I guess, that's enough for now. So moving on to our story.

It happened in the late second semester. My first interaction with him was a brief one, actually, it was on Instagram when we first conversed, like for a few seconds. which lasted only for a few seconds. I had posted a story of me on my Instagram which I had snapped the same day. I went to hang out with one of my senior, Gloria, that day to a couple of places. She clicked a picture of me, in which I was wearing a crop top with skinny jeans. It was a side pose actually.

So he reacted a ' fire ' emoji to my story. Well, he's in my batch and the same branch as well but I neither had a conversation with him nor chatted ever. I was a bit shocked at first seeing his reaction to my story because I considered him as a guy who remains mute, that was my perception of him. I mean he always remained engrossed in his group and I don't think that I saw him attending the classes regularly. He was the sorta guy who was more into himself and his friends. You know the guys who always keep to themselves, don't interact with girls, lost in their own world and imagination. That's how he was.

I responded with a smiling emoji. I thought that's the end of our conversation. but to my surprise after a few seconds, his message arrived.

"Do you go to the gym"? Austin asked.

"Nope". I replied.

"Okay". he replied.

"Why do u ask?". I asked.

"You have great body language." he replied.

I felt a kind of blush. I don't usually get persuaded when random boys admire or appreciate me on social media because it's their trick to impress girls.  But for this guy, I don't know, it was kind of unusual.

"Thanks". I replied.

He left the message seen and did not reply further.

His profile picture was quite classy, sitting in a car, gazing outside and revealing his sexy jawline. I read our short duration chat again and again especially reading the message " you have a great body language" consecutively. I couldn't stop thinking about it. So I clicked on his profile and started checking out each post. There weren't a lot of posts, a few showcased his excellent photography skills of distinct places while the rest of them were of him.

The snaps he clicked were definitely something to look at. The places looked more happening and exotic than they actually are, I guess he's a wanderer. His own pictures were perfection, I mean not all guys know how to pose, they always tend to give a mixture of awkward posture and expressions. But his were quite impressive, best poise combined with perfect expressions. I had enough of checking him out, so I stopped myself from further stalking a person with whom I had chatted only once.

Austin, hmm. I have seen him during lectures a few times, entering the class with his boy gang. Maybe he really liked my body language. No, I don't think so, he's also like other boys probably, who appreciate girls to talk to them. I get a lot of messages from random guys of college with a mindset of impressing, but I am not the only one, besides me, they send the same text to other girls as well. this is one of the major reasons why I don't trust boys so easily, and maybe that's why I keep a safe distance from them keeping aside my few male friends.

I can't trust Austin. He might be trying to do the same, he could have also appreciated a lot of girls. Oh god, why am I thinking about him, I don't even know him, he's just a stranger to me and no more text I am going to receive from him.  But I was intrigued by him. I finally halted my thoughts about him, grabbed my blanket, and went to sleep.

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Hey guys. So I have posted a new story, after a long time. This one is going to be really tempting.

Comment if you like it and do tell what you think about Austin.

The next day, I woke up with sore eyes due to my habit of sleeping extremely late. I do have an unscheduled routine which is absolutely poor for my health. I need to fix myself definitely. I quickly took a shower, got dressed, ate my breakfast, and headed to the bus stop. Ugh, I'm literally bored from this dull life of mine. I need to do something, like really something to lighten up my not so cool lifestyle, at least that would provide a much-needed spark and adventure in my life.

The bus finally arrived, ten minutes later, delayed as usual. I took all my lectures dedicatedly, sleeping with wide-open eyes. Well, that's what has been happening for a couple of weeks.  During the break, me and my batchmates, Sam, Samantha, Yule, and Ulrick were chilling out outdoors as usual. Yule and Ulrick are kinds of my best buddies. We spend a lot of time together hanging out.

Ulrick is more on the polite side, he doesn't talk much. He's more enthused by facts and knowledge rather than random trivial stuff which people of our age usually discuss. You can try voicing your opinions about any issue and boom, there he goes, he'll start debating with you. It doesn't matter whether you are correct or not, but he'll begin bombarding you with facts from his unimportant online research resulting in the other person to definitely step back from the argument even if he's right, or else Ulrick will not let you live in peace until you accept his point.

Yule, on the other hand, has a jolly nature. He can be a little shy in front of girls but with me, he's definitely comfortable. We chatter a lot on call for hours. Well, to be honest, there's one thing about him that puts me off. He likes me, not as a friend, but more than that. He has told me that through indirect ways and gestures, like a hundredth time. But obviously, I cannot reciprocate the same feelings he has for me. I never felt an inch of what he feels for me. I do have a fondness for him, but nothing more.

What he has for me, sometimes pisses me off. It's like, he has assumed that he's my boyfriend and he will try to control me. But that's the converse of it. He always tells me to spend more time with him. Like if I don't talk to him, he would say something indifferent, twisting it to a point, so that I get what he's actually trying to convey. Being his friend, I understand his state of mind, so I usually respond friendly, ignoring his tantrums.

I was just gossiping about some random stuff when my glare shifted to the other side. And there he was. I gasped. Walking in my direction with his two other friends, wearing an olive green perfect fit t-shirt clenched to his body, his chest puffed out, and his exposed biceps. Austin does have a great muscular body and sharp features, I must admit. He probably goes to the gym. His walk was quite attitudinal and his expressions so stern, that it seemed like he could hit a boy any moment. His guise is of a typical violent, bad boy.

His gaze was on the floor when suddenly he looked up towards my side, but it was only for a few seconds and he went back to staring down. Did he notice me? I don't think so, and why would he? I am just like another girl to him whom he texted and I must have vanished from his memory till now.

Then he strolled past me. I resumed talking to my friends.

Back at the hostel, I finished studying and started scrolling my Instagram. I did get plenty of likes and comments on my recent pictures. I was wearied when my cellphone screen flashed with a popup notification.

"Austin sent a message: Hey".

I looked at the notification in awe for a few seconds. I finally received a text from Austin, I was exhilarated.

I quickly replied with a "Hey".

My heart started beating faster, waiting for his message. Then I could see "typing.." displaying at the bottom of the chat screen. I took a deep breath, and his message popped.

"You still awake. What are you doing up at this hour?". He asked.

"Nothing much really". I replied.

I have never felt so agitated before. I mean, I never have waited for a response so eagerly. There's something about this boy definitely. Perhaps, I'm just accelerating my curiosity for him that's why. He's like a vague mystery to me. The aura that he generates, whenever I see him is just inexplicable.

After that, we both talked about our hobbies and interests. He loves to travel like me. He has also been to the places where I have traveled. His favorite sport is football, which he plays brilliantly. I am also a fan of football, I've played it several times with my cousins.

He plays the keyboard. I have seen him posting stories, of him playing the keyboard, and he does play well. I told him that I have played the flute, I was in the school band. He was stunned at knowing that I know how to play the flute. He asked if he could have the pleasure to learn the flute from me some time. I agreed.

I too asked him to teach me football, since I am not an expert in it and I definitely wanted to learn it flawlessly for a long time. So we both made a deal, to share our skills amongst each other. I got to know that he does sketching too.

So we both shared some of our sketches, and he was dumbstruck at watching mine.

"What the ****, Valerie. These are profusely hilarious. I am astonished, like seriously. Even better than mine." Austin said.

"Thanks, Austin. Yours are also awesome."Austin said.

We talked about a lot more other stuff, and it amused me as well him, that what we think is quite similar.  He sounds like me, undoubtedly. I and Austin can become great friends. I do have friends in boys, but I have always wanted a boy best friend in college, just my type, with whom I can share everything and he seems to be a good alternative for it. He certainly satisfies my categories of being a best friend. I can give him a try.

"Well, it was lovely talking to you. Now I must sleep, It's already late. Good night, Valerie". Austin said.

I wished him back and then he went offline. All the conversations with him kept resurfacing in my mind. I was smiling from inside at the thought that we finally talked. I've been longing for his texts due to some unknown reason which I, myself not able to understand. But I was ecstatic at the thought, that we will chat again probably. I giggled before falling asleep.

I searched for Austin everywhere, but I couldn't find him. Grabbing the hem of my long billowing dress, I moved in random directions. He might be at the stalls stuffing appetizing delicacies. I looked for him there, but it was futile. I had already searched all the possible places, corners, stalls, and entries in the splendorous hall of the grand wedding, but he was nowhere. My mom summoned me and began introducing me to her friends. But my mind was somewhere else.

Where he could have gone. I saw him a few minutes ago, but now he just vanished in thin air. I excused myself from the guests, though my mom didn't want me to leave. But I surely needed to find him. I made an apologetic face to mom and left.

 I crossed the aisle, took a turn to the right, and passed through the corridor of green rooms. I reached outdoors and walked towards the pool area. Chairs were scattered surrounding the pool. Bright fairy lights spiraled the branches and trunk of trees and also the railings of the staircase. Beautiful hanging lights dropped from various furnishings. Pillars covered with vibrant exquisite flowers filled the place with ravishing fragrance. I inhaled, taking the refreshing air in.

I looked at the other far end of the pool still holding up my dress to prevent it from touching the floor and I saw a silhouette on the chair. I walked in its direction. I was getting closer to it as each second passed. I could hear the sound of my heart-thumping as I stood just behind it.

Facing towards the fence, sitting on that chair, was Austin. I placed my hand on his shoulder. A low whisper came out from me as my lips parted to say "Austin".

He turned to look up at me. His lips curled up in a smile the moment he saw me. He took my hand which was placed on his shoulder and stood up facing towards me. He stared into my eyes like he is search for something in them, keeping his smile constant. We both stared into each other's eyes for a few seconds. Then I hugged him quickly taking a sigh of relief.

I pulled myself back and forcefully said "Where were you, I have been looking for you everywhere. How you could be so negligent?".

"Valerie, can you hear the beats of music in the background. Let's dance". Austin said wriggling his fingers in a wavy motion.

"Ohh Goodness, you won't change. Since you are insisting, I would dance with you". I replied blithely.

He took my hand and placed it upon his shoulder while holding the other one in his. And placed his other hand on my back. We swung together to the tunes in the background happily staring into each other eyes. We didn't say anything,  just kept dancing and living the moment blissfully.

"Valerie, what the hell are you doing here with him? Are you serious?" My mom shouted from a distance ferociously.

We both pulled back immediately, intimidated by her.

I woke up to the alarming voice of my mom ringing in my ears. I held my face in hands visualizing all the events that occurred in my dream. I was appalled at the thought that, this boy, Austin, even managed to enter my head. I hugged and danced with him, seriously? What kind of a peculiar dream it was? Does this boy affect me this much? How could I let him inside me?

I have been thinking a lot about Austin lately. I never imagined his influence on me would become this strong and captivating. Every day I hold the phone in my hands in hope of receiving a text from him. We have been just chatting for a couple of weeks and I am already falling into his clutches. His words have an impact that could sway any girl. But I am not gonna fall into his trap. I am a strongwilled girl and I have other imperative issues in my life to focus upon than dreaming about some random boy. My thoughts cannot be persuaded by anybody, especially a boy.

I tucked the strand of my messy hairs behind my ear and got down from the bed to get ready for college. I wore a crop top with black skinny jeans and left my medium length black hairs open.

All my lectures were canceled that day since all the staff was busy working on some workshop. None of my friends had arrived so I called Yule to ask when he would come. He told me, it would take him some time.

I walked to the library to wait for Yule. I sat on a bench outside the library. I was shifting my bag when I saw Austin climbing up the stairs to the library. I fixed my glare at him, hardened my expressions, and improved my posture. He walked up deftly, gave me a quick once-over, and entered the library.

When are we going to interact in person? Or are we only going to keep watching each other from a distance? Somebody would have to take an initiative to talk, but I don't think that's gonna be me.

In the evening, we were chatting again.

"By the way, you can call me 'V', that's what my friends call me". I told Austin.

"Amm, no. I would call you ' Valey'. I won't call you anything by which everyone addresses you. Only I can call you Valey, no one else can". Austin replied.

My heart skipped a beat. He just gave me a nickname. I have got some other too, but he's the only online friend who gave me a nickname. I do mean something to him for sure, or else why would he do that. I couldn't help myself to cease my smile and exhilaration.

 No doubt, we have become great social media friends but still, we haven't talked to each other in person. He does show interest in whatever I say, not like other guys whose sole concern is to impress a girl. The way he expresses himself, the way he talks, his angle of analyzing any situation, his views and every slight particular detail that I have learned about him is just mesmerizing. He's surely got something which makes me crave for him more.

"Well, thanks. I obviously like this new one". I replied.

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I almost puked while having my dinner. These hostel chefs, do need to learn how to cook. I mean, how can someone manage to prepare a dish so gross and unflavoured and still call themself a chef proudly. These people certainly need to lower down their vanity. We are paying these guys only to expect a healthy and tasteful meal but no, they don't have any self-realization that their premium cooking skills could adverse our health.

I was hell pissed. I picked up my phone to text Austin about my sad predicament.

"Austin, I guess I am going to die. I am done with this".

A few seconds later his message popped.

"Why? What happened? Valerie, are you alright?". I could sense the hint of panic in it.

"These hostel people do not know how to cook. Initially, the food was good. But now it's horrible. They are degrading their quality constantly. The food is so cheap, I can't even swallow it. I can't take this anymore". I blurted out my exasperation.

"Oh God, Valerie. You scared the shit out of me. I got tensed. I thought something obnoxious happened to you".He replied.

"No. You don't get it. This is some serious shit. What if I fall sick. My situation right now is a real bummer". I replied annoyingly.

"Yes. I get that. I have heard from my hosteler friends about the lousy food quality you guys get. Don't get troubled. I can get you homemade food, after all, I am a localite. I can ask my mom to prepare a great meal for you. What do you say?"

"Hmm. That would be okay".

"Or...".

He took a long pause before his next message popped.

"If you would like, we could go out for a luncheon. You could stuff yourself, as much you like. And we could also hang out in some places. What do you say?" He replied.

I was elated. Yes, at last, he asked me out. I have been longing for this. I wanted to know him better for such a long time. Now finally, we would go out and I could learn more about him. I was dancing in my head. What he's like in person? How is his voice? How does he look like from close?

Oh my goodness, we will finally go out. I was in hysterics at that moment.

But, I haven't gone out with any boy alone before, with whom I have only chatted. I want to go out with him but, would that be okay. What should I do?

"Hey, Tia. Do you remember Austin? I told you about him, my batchmate. He asked me out. What should I do? Suggest to me. I am in a perplexed state." I asked Tia. She is my roomie and also my best friend.

"Yeah, I remember. You told me that you both have become good friends. I guess you should go out and enjoy your day with him. Sometimes you should think about yourself too, I mean don't think that much. You can give it a try. By the way, you trust him?" Tia said.

"Yes, I do trust him."

"Then don't give it a second thought. You must go out with him"

"Yes, you are right Tia."

I quickly grabbed my phone and texted Austin.

"Yes. I think that's a great idea".

"Okay. I will text you the time tomorrow." Austin replied.

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Hey guys. So this chapter is a bit longer than the previous ones and also interesting. Do tell in comments, how it is.