14-04-2025, 12:21 AM
Episode 17: The Second Look
The college day moved like a slow current—thick, warm, unhurried.
It was just after lunch, and the last few periods always felt like a dream—half the class fighting sleep, the rest mentally checked out. But for Arjun, this part of the day was when his senses were sharpest.
Meera Ma’am walked into class, saree dbangd in effortless folds, today’s shade a faded coral pink that clung to her softly as she moved. Her sleeves were short, clean-cut, and the blouse sat neatly against her back, dipping just low enough to keep Arjun’s thoughts right on the edge.
She placed her books on the desk and turned to the board, unaware—still completely unaware—that one of her students had just exhaled like he was seeing her for the first time all over again.
---
At the Door – Priya’s Passing Glance
As Meera began her lecture, Priya passed by the open classroom door, a loose stack of worksheets in her hand. She didn’t intend to stop—just a glance into the room, a quick scan before heading to the staff room.
But something caught her eye.
Arjun, seated third row, leaned slightly forward, elbows resting on his desk, still as stone. He wasn’t looking at the board. Wasn’t writing. Wasn’t listening, not really.
His gaze was locked—lower than usual.
Not on Meera’s face. Not even her movements.
His eyes were fixed on her waist.
She had just turned to reach the chalk shelf. The fabric of her saree had shifted slightly, revealing that familiar bare strip of skin just above the pleats. And Arjun’s eyes had dropped to it without hesitation. Focused. Quiet. Unblinking.
Priya paused. Just for a second. Not to judge—just to observe.
Her brow lifted slightly. She didn’t smirk. Didn’t frown.
Just noticed.
And then she walked on, the corner of her mouth lifting faintly.
A private thought.
A half-story forming in her head.
---
Back in Class
Arjun was lost again. Completely.
Meera moved like she always did—calm, composed, unaware of the quiet storm brewing just behind her.
She adjusted her pallu with one hand, her blouse pulling slightly at the back as she did. Arjun watched the movement with laser focus, hoping, just briefly, the pleats would drop a little more.
They didn’t.
But it didn’t matter. Because he’d seen enough to keep his mind occupied for days.
---
To be continued…
The college day moved like a slow current—thick, warm, unhurried.
It was just after lunch, and the last few periods always felt like a dream—half the class fighting sleep, the rest mentally checked out. But for Arjun, this part of the day was when his senses were sharpest.
Meera Ma’am walked into class, saree dbangd in effortless folds, today’s shade a faded coral pink that clung to her softly as she moved. Her sleeves were short, clean-cut, and the blouse sat neatly against her back, dipping just low enough to keep Arjun’s thoughts right on the edge.
She placed her books on the desk and turned to the board, unaware—still completely unaware—that one of her students had just exhaled like he was seeing her for the first time all over again.
---
At the Door – Priya’s Passing Glance
As Meera began her lecture, Priya passed by the open classroom door, a loose stack of worksheets in her hand. She didn’t intend to stop—just a glance into the room, a quick scan before heading to the staff room.
But something caught her eye.
Arjun, seated third row, leaned slightly forward, elbows resting on his desk, still as stone. He wasn’t looking at the board. Wasn’t writing. Wasn’t listening, not really.
His gaze was locked—lower than usual.
Not on Meera’s face. Not even her movements.
His eyes were fixed on her waist.
She had just turned to reach the chalk shelf. The fabric of her saree had shifted slightly, revealing that familiar bare strip of skin just above the pleats. And Arjun’s eyes had dropped to it without hesitation. Focused. Quiet. Unblinking.
Priya paused. Just for a second. Not to judge—just to observe.
Her brow lifted slightly. She didn’t smirk. Didn’t frown.
Just noticed.
And then she walked on, the corner of her mouth lifting faintly.
A private thought.
A half-story forming in her head.
---
Back in Class
Arjun was lost again. Completely.
Meera moved like she always did—calm, composed, unaware of the quiet storm brewing just behind her.
She adjusted her pallu with one hand, her blouse pulling slightly at the back as she did. Arjun watched the movement with laser focus, hoping, just briefly, the pleats would drop a little more.
They didn’t.
But it didn’t matter. Because he’d seen enough to keep his mind occupied for days.
---
To be continued…
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