The Strangers - Across the Silent Heartbeat-Chapter 18: Classroom Chronicles (Part 2)

Life turned miraculous for both Arjun and Ayesha. Their love added new dimensions to their experiences. Studying in the university now felt like living an adventure, joy, and romance every day.

Added to these academic pressures, this love was building up in class. He reconciled himself with the fact that at least the lectures were made a bit brighter with Ayesha around. His mind often slips to her warm smile and how she made every moment special during some particularly grueling lecture on algorithms.

Just as the lecturer had started to delve into some complex topics, Ayesha's interest waned. He extracted a notepaper from his notebook and wrote a small message, passing it over to her. It read, "Even the toughest of algorithms turn easy when I am with you.".

The note Ayesha pulled out to read put a beaming smile on her face. She turned back to him with a sweet reply: "You make everything in life so easy by just being here with me."

Their exchanging of notes did not stop there but continued throughout the class in a manner that each note was full of sweet nothings and love confessions. Actually, all the rest of the class became blurred behind the fervent notes which formed a way of discharging their feelings with their eyes often locking in mutual affection.

The lecture ended, and Arjun and Ayesha walked out of class hand in hand. To them, this was their own planet. Hand in hand, they entered the cafeteria where their friends were waiting.

All naughty-eyed, turning back, was Vikram; behind him were Mira, Neha, and Priya. "How's it going, lovebirds?" asked Vikram in his jolly tone.

Arjun smiled, his gaze dropping to Ayesha's face. "We're fine. Just trying to catch up with all the lectures."

The source of this c𝓸ntent is frёeweɓηovel.coɱ.

Mira's eyes warmed and sparkled. "You two are radiant, it is nice to see. All of us here feel happier to have you as a part of this nice breath of fresh air."

Ayesha's heart filled with thankfulness. "Thank you so much. It feels so amazing to be welcomed so warmly."

Priya elbowed Arjun. "Your match is really made, Arjun. Ayesha is as suave as you are."

The entire afternoon was spent further in more lunch and fun with peals of laughter and poignant conversations. The bonding between Arjun and the friends of Ayesha grew even stronger; the romance that blossomed between two gave a special touch to their friendship.

Later that afternoon, under the tree in the garden at the campus, Ayesha brought out her violin once more. "I want to play something special for you," she said in a voice bright with stars.

Arjun watched with bated breath as Ayesha picked up her violin and, with great poetic elegance, started playing a beautiful lyrical tune. It was as if the music that flowed from the violin wove some spell of romance around the two; he was ensnared by the melody but even more by the grace and passion in the performance that Ayesha put into it.

The moment the last note died, he reached out and took her hand gently. "That was amazing. You're so talented, Ayesha."

Ayesha colored with pleasure as he turned toward her. "Thanks, Arjun. I wanted to share this time with you."

The bonding grew stronger with every event: studying together or even sitting in silence, but gaining comfort and strength from each other. The bonding that was growing was to the extent that it seemed quite impossible to break.

One evening, sitting in the library with Ayesha, Arjun turned towards her and said, "I cannot imagine my life without you.".

You needn't," Ayesha smiled back at me, her eyes brimming with love. "We're in it together, whatever it may be."

Days were a mix—romantic, companionable. Hours sitting together studying—whispered conversations, soft laughter—was the gentle background to our academic studies.

These are the kind of moments Arjun felt himself fall for her, much like Ayesha was. No doubt, it was just right for muffled words and gestures, and each touch or look spoke loudly, tenderly.

Walking back home from the library one evening, Arjun stopped and turned to face Ayesha. He didn't say anything. His eyes had spoken it all. "I wish we didn't have to say goodnight. These moments with you are the best part of the day."

By this line, Ayesha's heart was melted. "I feel the same way. But we will have more such moments.".

His hands cupped tenderly cradling Ayesha's face as he did a little probing in her eyes before his wandered to plant a kiss on her forehead. That tender gesture, so full of love and promise, made Ayesha shut her eyes and feel the warmth of his affection.

"Sweet dreams, Ayesha," he whispered softly.

"You too, Arjun," Ayesha returned low.

That last look hung a bit longer than usual, and they parted, full at heart, light in spirits. It is in these days that they said so much about their love for each other; both of them knew their bond was going to get stronger and stronger.

Turning around, he walked away to recollect how much Ayesha had changed his life until then. She turned out to be his strength and happiness. Every moment that he spent with her mattered to him. He looked ahead hopefully and excitedly at the rising sun of future and was sure that their love would be going to light up all the darkness.

It was during one of those nights, lying on the hostel roof, looking at the stars with Arjun's head on her shoulder, that she did feel really content. The serene silence was broken with the words from Arjun's voice: "You know, no matter what happens in the future, I want you to be sure of one thing—that I love you more than anything. You mean my life.".

Ayesha's heart swelled as she lightly clasped his hand. "We are going to face whatever comes our way, together. Our love is strong, and that's all that will matter.".

Hands in hands, looking up at the star-filled night sky, they felt connected beyond words. Their love has been; it was the beacon of light and strength to help them sail through the rough times lying ahead. Stars above twinkled, and with their twinkling, so did Arjun and Ayesha know theirs was a story yet to start with unconditional love and allegiance for whatever lay ahead.