Midnight Without Words

Monday mornings had a habit of sneaking up, but this one came with a peculiar stillness—as if the sun itself hesitated to rise. The air was soft and warm, and for a moment, the whole world felt wrapped in a blanket of quiet.

For most, it was just another weekday. But for Sri Mathi and Esther, it was the official beginning—their first day as college students.

Theresa, on the other hand, had no such urgency. Her Arts and Science college hadn't reopened yet, and she took full advantage of that privilege. Still in her nightdress, hair a tangled crown of sleep, she was lounging with a half-eaten dosa and leftover coconut chutney while her roommates hurried through their morning routine.

"You two look like you're about to attend an interview," Theresa teased, spooning chutney lazily onto her plate.

Esther rolled her eyes, tucking her hair behind her ears. "You'll know this pain soon enough."

Sri Mathi smiled faintly, double-checking her bag. She didn't say anything, but her nerves were making her fingertips cold.

The two girls began their descent down the stairs. The hostel was buzzing—footsteps echoed in narrow corridors, the scent of talcum powder and strong coffee hung in the air. First-day anxiety had a fragrance of its own.

Halfway down, a pair of hurried footsteps echoed behind them.

"Wait up!" Theresa called out, nearly tripping over her own feet as she caught up.

Esther turned, puzzled. "Why are you coming?"

Theresa panted dramatically. "John is here."

Esther's face stiffened.

Theresa added quickly, "One of his friends wanted to meet his girlfriend. So they decided to come here. John tagged along because... well, because of me."

Esther muttered something under her breath. If anyone had listened closely, they might have heard: "Why is the third wheel always here?"

The three of them reached the hostel entrance—and that's when time paused.

Standing just a few feet away, leaning casually against a concrete pillar, was Arjun.

Tall. Silent. Exactly as he had been.

John was next to him, chatting on his phone, but Esther and Theresa's attention snapped immediately to Sri Mathi.

She stopped walking.

Her face didn't betray much. Not surprise. Not anger. Just a quiet blankness that looked far too practiced.

But her hand… her fingers curled slightly around the strap of her bag.

Arjun noticed.

Without a word, he stepped forward, gaze steady, and reached for her backpack.

The world around them softened. The chatter of students, the screeching of cycles, even the morning birdsong—all of it dimmed, like a scene slipping into slow motion.

He held the strap gently, like it was made of glass.

Sri Mathi didn't move. She knew what he was trying to do. Back in school, he always carried her bag. Always. It wasn't a grand gesture—it was a quiet one. The kind that made your heart flutter without knowing why.

But that was then.

Now, her grip tightened.

He looked up at her, still silent.

She met his eyes.

Neither of them spoke.

But everything in them did.

Tension stretched like a taut wire between them.

After a while, John finally glanced up. "Guys, we're going to be late," he said, half-joking.

Arjun didn't move.

Sri Mathi's chest rose and fell in a deep breath. Then, slowly, she let go.

He took the bag.

She didn't look at him again. She simply turned, grabbed Esther's wrist with more force than necessary, and walked ahead.

"Bye, Theresa," she said without turning back.

Theresa stood there, blinking, caught between curiosity and concern.

As they walked across the gravel path that led toward the academic block, Esther kept glancing sideways at her.

"You okay?" she finally whispered.

Sri Mathi didn't answer.

Behind them, Arjun walked with John, quiet as always.

The space between them—the four of them—was heavy. Every step felt like a ripple in still water.

When they reached Block B, Room 1506 of the BTech department, Sri Mathi and Esther entered the classroom, followed by Arjun.

They took the last bench. Arjun placed Sri Mathi's bag next to her, then without a word, pulled out two Munch bars from his pocket, placed them in front of her, ruffled her hair gently, and walked out.

Like it meant nothing.

Sri Mathi sat frozen. Her mind had gone completely blank.

It wasn't until Esther shook her shoulder that she snapped out of it.

She looked around.

Her classmates were staring at her, some trying to pretend they weren't.

Embarrassed, she buried her face in her palms and took a deep breath.

Slowly, her heartbeat returned to normal.