Statistics. She casually glances at him again but in vain. He seems to be listening to the professor with rapt attention and a slight disappointment settles in her mind. All the effort to look prettier than usual seems like an utter waste of time now. As she glances at him again hoping to meet his dreamy eyes, she sighs. “Maybe it is wiser to give up and concentrate in class” she thinks as the class progresses to multivariate analysis.

 International Finance. “And that was a very valid point miss! “, the professor comments on Kaajal’s answer and faces the white board to explain US fiscal policies. Her phone buzzes, the text reads “Show off!“.  She looks at him, surprised, as he grins toothily and shakes his head.

“No, not even once did he ask if I found the book engaging. Are you sure this is his favorite book?” quizzes Kaajal. She had carried the book to the class ceremoniously for a week now. This should have been a good conversation starter but he didn't seem to have noticed it. She dumps the book in her closet later.

It's 3 in the afternoon and the library is almost empty except for a few students. Most are either enjoying the weekend or sleeping in the hostel. Kaajal turns the pages of her new book noisily and a throaty whisper makes her jump slightly. “Didn't know you were into political thrillers” he comments and casually walks past to the newspaper stand. 

It is a regular day in the sports bar with a few friends. He is chatting with the pretty girl next to him. “It is a lost cause I am telling you. For God's sake, she doesn't even understand real cricket. This IPL is just show biz.”  She complains to her best bud as they gulp down another beer.

Twirling her hair, she winks at her friend. Read the text you dimwit she silently whispers through her teeth. The girls giggle at the private joke they seemed to have shared. The professor warns them and they straighten up in the seats. Kaajal has the amused, suppressed laughter look on her face. Through the giggles, she tries desperately to put up a straight face. She looks around only to find him nervously staring back at her. Check your phone he mouths silently. The text reads, “You know you are damn cute when you smile like that. I kind of like you :) ”