Time: 7:14 PM
Location: Raj's Room / Anamika's Room
After everything that happened today, Raj couldn't stop thinking about her.
Anamika.
Her voice. That smile. The "Thank you."
And his cheesy "My pleasure."
Now, lying on his bed, he stared at his phone like it was a bomb about to go off.
Should he message first? Would that look desperate?
Screw it. He literally fought thugs today. He could handle a text.
> Raj: "Hey… are you free? Can I call you?"
She replied instantly.
> Anamika: "Hmm… okay. Do it."
His heart skipped a beat. He hit the call button without thinking twice.
Anamika (picking up):
"Hello?"
Raj (teasing):
"So, is the lady safe now? Or were you planning another goon encounter?"
Anamika (laughing):
"Wow. One rescue and you've become a superhero already?"
Raj:
"Of course! My entry was totally in slow motion. I had background music playing in my head."
Anamika:
"Oh really? And I suppose I'm the damsel in distress who falls in love after being saved?"
Raj (grinning):
"Well… did you?"
Silence.
He could feel her blushing on the other end.
Anamika (changing the topic quickly):
"By the way… that note. How did it even end up in your book?"
Raj (genuine):
"I don't know. I just… opened the page and there it was. Almost like someone wanted me to find it. Like fate, or something."
Anamika (softly):
"Well… I'm glad you did. Really."
Raj:
"Same. Otherwise, how would I have met you?"
That pause again.
Not awkward. Just… real.
Anamika:
"You're… different, Raj. Kind of annoying. But nice."
Raj (mock offended):
"Kind of annoying? That's harsh."
Anamika (laughing):
"Okay, okay. Maybe a little more than kind of."
Raj:
"You're not so innocent either. You're cute. A little sarcastic. And way too honest. I like that."
Silence.
This time, it wasn't playful. It was heavy with meaning.
Anamika (quiet):
"You say things very easily."
Raj (softly):
"I only say what I truly feel."
Another pause.
The kind that lingers, not because you don't know what to say,
but because… you're afraid to say too much.
Anamika:
"You're strange, Raj."
Raj (smiling):
"But strange in a good way… right?"
Anamika:
"Maybe."
Raj:
"Then maybe is good enough for now."
She smiled. Softly. Secretly.
Anamika:
"Goodnight, Raj."
Raj:
"Goodnight, Anamika. Sweet dreams… and if I show up in them, I hope I look handsome."
Anamika (giggling):
"Too late. You already do."
The call ended.
But something else had just begun.