Ava didn’t know what exactly was happening between Abhi and her. But she did know that they couldn’t stay away from each other.
She missed him already even though it had been less than a day since she last saw him. The previous night, after the private jet had landed back in the Simha campus and she returned to the housing unit, she had more or less crashed on bed. But even in her sleep, she felt his presence as he kissed her and wished her good night and left.
Her lips curved with a smile recalling that sweet gesture.
I miss him.
She hadn’t seen him all day. She knew he had student council meetings and rugby practice after classes. Not wanting to disturb him by calling him in the middle of the meetings or practice, she texted him.
Ava: Why didn’t you wake me last night?
She didn’t expect him to respond right away, but her phone pinged a moment later.
Tormentor: You were in deep sleep and had a long day coming up.
She smiled at his consideration. Her tormentor could be quite sweet at times. But just when she labeled him as sweet, the next text came up.
Tormentor: I didn’t want you too tired when I kiss you between your legs tonight. I’m looking forward to tonight’s feast. And for dinner, I’ll pick up a pizza.
Her cheeks heated and her heart raced in anticipation.
She let out a laugh. Abhiram Simha was a dirty talker. Never in her wildest dreams did she think she would get involved with the college bad boy.
Letting out a dreamy sigh, she finished sipping her coffee, hoping the caffeine would drive away her tiredness and keep her alert for the hot date that night. They only had two nights before he left for the rugby tournament. She wanted to make the most of their time together.
Rinsing her coffee mug, she loaded it in the dishwasher. She was about to go to her room when she heard something. It sounded like a loud thud.
She frowned wondering what it was.
Did Pooja throw something on the floor in anger?
Feeling concerned and hoping to talk to Pooja, she went towards her room.
“Pooja? Are you all right?”
She almost expected Pooja to growl and ask her to get out. But there was eerie silence.
“Pooja? Are you okay?”
There was still no response.
Ava knew Pooja would be quite pissed if she went into her room again. But she had to check on her. Nitya wasn’t back to the campus yet, which meant she couldn’t ask Nitya to check on their roommate.
Prepared for being yelled at, she pushed open Pooja’s door and stepped inside.
“Pooja, are you—” Ava broke off with a gasp.
Pooja was lying on the bedroom floor and she wasn’t moving.
“Oh my God, Pooja!”
Pooja’s face was pale and was turning even paler. Ava ran and checked Pooja’s pulse. It was weak and her breaths were equally weak and shallow.
With trembling hands, she dialed the emergency number for the hospital. Thankfully it was answered right away.
“H-hello, this is Avantika Patel. I’m calling about an emergency.”
*****