[shailu4ever]

Tuesday Noon – A Call, A Pause, and a Change of Plans

Abhi stood under the shade of a neem tree near the main gate of the university, scrolling idly through his phone.

The crowd of students flowed around him in waves—some rushing, others strolling, the usual Tuesday restlessness.


Then his phone buzzed.

Varnika Calling.

He answered. “All set?”

A soft sigh came through. “Not even close.”

He smiled. “Still waiting?”

“Yeah... they’re taking forever. And I just found out the admin head is on lunch break. Might be another hour.”

Abhi shifted his weight. “Okay. I’ll wait here.”

“No, no. Come inside na. There’s a courtyard near the law block—quiet, shaded, and surprisingly mosquito-free,” she said with a little laugh. “Feels weird making you stand out there like a lost boyfriend.”

He chuckled. “You rehearsed that line, didn’t you?”

“A little,” she admitted. “Come. I’ll send my location.”