After that evening in the library, things slowly began to change between Riya and Aryan.
Before, they had only exchanged a few words in class. But now, they started seeing each other almost every day.
Sometimes they met in the library.
Sometimes in the college cafeteria.
And sometimes they simply walked together after class.
At first, Riya thought their friendship would remain small and simple.
But slowly, she realized Aryan had become an important part of her daily routine.
One afternoon, the professor announced a new assignment.
"You will complete this project in pairs," he said while writing instructions on the board.
Students quickly began choosing their partners.
Before Riya could even think about it, Aryan walked over to her desk.
"Looks like we're partners," he said with a confident smile.
Riya blinked in surprise.
"You decided that already?"
Aryan shrugged playfully.
"I thought you wouldn't mind."
Riya hesitated for a moment.
Then she nodded.
"Okay."
The project required them to meet after college several times during the week.
Most of their meetings happened in the library.
They studied, shared ideas, and sometimes even laughed about small things.
Riya slowly started seeing a different side of Aryan.
He wasn't just the popular boy everyone admired.
He was thoughtful, funny, and sometimes even a little childish.
One evening while they were working on their project, Aryan suddenly asked a question.
"Riya… can I ask you something?"
She looked up from her notebook.
"What?"
"Why do you always stay so quiet in class?"
Riya thought for a moment.
"I guess I just prefer listening."
Aryan smiled.
"I noticed that."
There was a short silence.
Then Aryan added softly, "But I'm glad you talk to me."
Riya felt her heart beat a little faster.
She quickly looked back at her notes.
Outside the library window, the sun was slowly setting again.
Days passed quickly as they worked on the project together.
But Riya began noticing something strange.
Sometimes Aryan would suddenly become quiet and distant.
As if something was bothering him.
One evening she finally asked, "Is something wrong?"
Aryan looked at her for a moment.
Then he forced a small smile.
"No… everything is fine."
But Riya could tell he wasn't telling the whole truth.
There was something in Aryan's past that he was hiding.
Something important.
And sooner or later, that secret was going to change everything between them.