IN THE CAR.....
After talking to Rohan, Rudra sighed and leaned back, closing his eyes. I trust her… he thought, but Rohan's words still bothered him. I don't want this to come between me and Radhika.
At home, Rudra went to his room, wanting to be left alone.
At the dining area, his mother looked at him. "Rudra, everything okay? You look bothered."
Radika noticed him too, waiting for his answer.
Rudra nodded. "Mom, it's nothing… just the workload with placements."
Later, in their room, Rudra sat on the sofa, lost in his thoughts.
Radika noticed his face and asked softly, "Sir… is something bothering you? You can share it with me."
Rudra shook his head. "No, Radika. Nothing. If there's something, I will definitely share it with you."
But in his mind, he decided to keep it a secret. He didn't want to trouble Radika with Rohan again. With that thought, he got up and went to sleep.
"Okay, sir. Good night," Radika said softly, smiling gently.
In the college canteen, Rohan decided to propose to Radika but was thinking about how to do it."How about I take help from Sara and Hima?" he questioned himself.
Gathering some courage, he called out to them."Girls, I need your help. Will you help me?"
Hima looked at him curiously. "What is it, Rohan?"
Rohan hesitated for a moment and said, "I… want to propose to Radika directly. So, can you help me?"
Sara's eyes lit up. "Wow, Rohan! That's great. I'll definitely help you!"
Hima frowned. "I'm not going to help you. Sorry."
Sara pouted. "Hima, don't spoil the fun. Let's help him, please?"
After a bit of convincing, Hima reluctantly said, "Okay, fine."
They began discussing how to plan the proposal.
Later, in the classroom, everyone received a message that they were selected for interviews.Radika, Hima, and Sara were so happy that they all got offers.
Radika quickly messaged Rudra:"Sir, I got the interview offer!"Rudra replied shortly:"Congratulations."
Sara suddenly got an idea and said, "Guys, we have to celebrate this! How about going out for dinner?"
Radika asked, "Tonight?"
Sara grinned. "Yeah!"
Radika hesitated. "Sorry, Sara…"
Sara sighed. "Not again, Radika! Every time we plan something, you skip it. Okay, let's celebrate on Sunday night then."Radika smiled shyly. "On Sunday…? I'm not—"Before she could finish, Sara gave her a mock-angry look. Radika laughed. "I'm just kidding, Sara! I'm coming."
Everyone had bright smiles on their faces, filled with excitement and joy.
At home,
Radika was so happy. She hugged Rudra's mom and said with a bright smile,"Aunty, I'm selected! I got the interview opportunity!"
Rudra's mom smiled proudly."Congratulations, Radika. I'm so happy for you, beta."
That night, aunty cooked all of Radika's favourite dishes, and they had a small but warm celebration at home.
Later, in their room,
Radika sat on her bed, still smiling."Today's food was so good, sir. I'm so happy," she said softly.
Rudra nodded."Yeah, it was good."
Radika continued,
"Sir, this Sunday I have a dinner plan with my friends."
Rudra looked up."Ohh, nice. Where are you all going?"
"A restaurant near our college," Radika replied casually.
Rudra paused for a second, then said calmly,"Message me when you're done. I will pick you up."
Radika shook her head quickly."No sir, I'm not sure when we will finish. I will book a cab. You don't worry."
Rudra looked at her for a moment, then simply replied,"Okay. Then… have fun."
Radika smiled and nodded.
But as she looked down at her phone, Rudra leaned back on the sofa, eyes thoughtful.He wasn't angry — just uneasy.A feeling he couldn't push away, no matter how much he tried.
ON SUNDAY NIGHT....
TO BE CONTINUED....