Chapter 7 – The First Step
The college campus was buzzing like always—students laughing, couples walking, and friends gossiping near the canteen.
Poonam stood near the corridor, holding her notebook tightly. But today… it wasn't about studies.
It was about him.
Ayush.
For years, she had only watched him from a distance. School corridors, morning assemblies, farewell day… and now college.
Same feelings.
Same heartbeat.
But today… something was different.
"Bas… ab aur nahi," she whispered to herself.
(Today, no more hiding.)
Meanwhile, Ayush was sitting on the canteen bench with his friends, laughing carelessly.
Poonam saw him… and her heart started racing.
"Ja na… warna phir regret karegi," her inner voice pushed her.
She took a deep breath…
One step…
Then another…
On the other side, Swati noticed this and nudged Aditi.
"Look… Poonam is going towards Ayush "
Aditi's eyes widened, "Finally! Yeh toh history banne wala hai!"
Poonam reached near him.
"Ayush…" her voice was soft… almost trembling.
Ayush turned.
For a moment, everything slowed down.
"Yes?" he said casually, not knowing what storm was about to begin.
Poonam gathered all her courage.
"I… I just wanted to say… can we talk… alone?"
Ayush looked slightly surprised. His friends started teasing him.
"Oooo Ayushhhh "
He stood up, brushing it off.
"Yeah… sure."
They walked a little away from the crowd, near the trees.
Silence.
Only the sound of wind.
Poonam's hands were shaking.
Say it.
Just say it.
"I know this might sound weird…" she started.
"I've known you since school… and… I…"
Her voice broke.
Ayush looked at her seriously now.
"And…?" he asked softly.
Poonam closed her eyes for a second.
Then finally—
"I like you, Ayush."
Silence.
Heavy. Deep. Real.
Ayush didn't speak immediately.
And that silence…
It hurt more than anything.
Poonam's eyes slowly filled with tears.
"I don't expect anything… I just… didn't want to hide anymore."
Ayush finally spoke.
"Poonam… I didn't know…"
He paused.
"You're really sweet… but I need time to understand this.
It wasn't a yes.
But it wasn't a no either.
Poonam forced a small smile.
"Take your time."
From far away, Swati, Aditi, and Lavesh were watching.
"Yeh toh serious ho gaya…" Lavesh whispered.
Swati smiled softly, "But I'm proud of her."
As Poonam walked away… her heart felt lighter.
For the first time in years—
She didn't hide.
She didn't run.
She took her first step.
But little did she know…
This step would change everything.