EPISODE 4 NEW FRIENDS

A few moments later, Vivaan returned holding three cups of coffee in his hands.

Vidhi’s eyes instantly sparkled.

“You are officially the best person in this college,” she declared dramatically while taking one cup.

Vivaan calmly sat down across from them and handed another cup to Avni.

“Thanks,” she said softly.

He simply nodded.

For some reason, Avni still felt confused.

Just a minute ago, the hallway outside had been empty.

So where had he suddenly come from?

But before she could think too much about it, Vidhi started talking again.

“Okay, serious question,” she said while sipping coffee. “How are we already doing projects on the third day of college?”

“Because teachers hate students,” Avni replied jokingly.

“True.”

For the next hour, the three of them worked together on the project.

Well—

Mostly Avni and Vivaan worked.

Vidhi spent half the time complaining dramatically.

“This is unfair,” she sighed. “You both are smart. I’m just here for emotional support.”

“You’ve written exactly one line,” Avni laughed.

“And it was a beautiful line.”

Vivaan quietly looked at their project papers before correcting something with his pen.

Avni noticed how focused he looked while writing.

Calm.

Quiet.

Different from everyone else around them.

Outside, the rain slowly started becoming lighter until finally, it stopped completely.

Soft sunlight entered through the library windows again.

Vidhi stretched her arms dramatically. “Finally. I thought we’d have to live here forever.”

Avni laughed softly while packing her notebook.

Then suddenly, Vidhi froze.

“Oh wait!”

“What happened?” Avni asked.

Vidhi looked at both of them. “We forgot to exchange numbers.”

Avni blinked before laughing lightly. “That’s true.”

Vidhi grinned proudly. “And now we’re officially friends, so it’s important.”

“Friends in just one day?” Avni said jokingly.

“Some people take years,” Vidhi replied dramatically. “We’re talented.”

For the first time, Vivaan himself took out his phone quietly.

“I guess that makes sense,” he said calmly.

Vidhi immediately looked shocked. “Wow. He willingly joined the conversation.”

Avni smiled softly while saving both their numbers.

When Vivaan handed his phone to her, their fingers brushed for one brief second.

Again—

His skin felt strangely cold.

But before she could think about it too much, Vidhi suddenly snatched her phone back dramatically.

“Done! Now nobody can escape me.”

“That sounds like a threat,” Avni laughed.

“It is.”

By the time they finished packing everything, the college day had finally ended.

The three of them walked together through the busy hallways toward the main college gate.

The evening sky looked fresh after the rain.

Students all around them were laughing, talking, and making plans before going home.

For the first time since coming to college—

Avni felt relaxed.

Happy, even.

As they reached the gate, they finally stopped.

“This is where I go,” Vidhi said while adjusting her bag.

“Same,” Avni replied softly.

Vidhi pointed dramatically at both of them. “Tomorrow. Same place. No disappearing.”

Vivaan gave a small nod.

Avni smiled. “Okay.”

For a brief moment, the three of them simply stood there quietly.

Not strangers anymore.

Not completely close yet either.

But something had started forming between them.

Something warm.

Something real.

Then slowly—

They all turned and walked toward their own directions.

None of them realizing—

That this simple friendship was about to change all of their lives forever.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***