I hope you enjoy this chapter ❤️

Mary's POV~

I opened my eyes, feeling a strong headache pounding in my skull.

Groaning, I held my head between my hands and sat up.

"Madam is awake, finally."

I turned toward the voice and saw Chandni approaching with a tray in her hands.

"Both of you, drink this ginger tea for now."

Both?

I blinked in confusion and looked around.

That’s when I noticed Gauri, sitting on her bed, holding her head between her hands.

I frowned, my gaze shifting to the clock on the wall.

Then, back at Gauri.

She’s never late in the mornings, but today…?

"She was intoxicated, just like you. She had alcohol yesterday with Rajveer," Chandni explained, sensing my confusion.

I took the tea from the tray and passed another cup to Gauri.

"I’m leaving the headache medicine here. If you need it, take it after breakfast," she said, placing the medicine on the side table.

Both of us nodded.

"I’m heading to the library. Take care of yourselves."

"No classes today?" Gauri asked, surprised.

"It’s Sunday," Chandni replied while packing her things before walking out of the room.

I sipped the warm tea, letting the heat soothe my pounding head.

"I’m going to take a shower," I announced once I finished my drink, which had given me some relief from the pain.

Moving like a sloth, I reached the bathroom.

After taking a hot shower, I slipped into my pajamas and sat back on my bed, having breakfast.

At this moment, I didn’t want to go anywhere.

"You okay?" I asked Gauri, noticing a hint of fear in her expression.

She startled at my voice and looked at me.

"I’m fine. I-I’ll go take a shower," she stammered before rushing into the bathroom.

Maybe she still couldn’t believe she had alcohol last night?

After taking the medicine, I reached for my phone—

But before I could check it, there was a knock at the door.

I got up and opened it.

Rina stood there, holding a bouquet of white tulips.

"Hey Mary, the security guard asked me to hand this to you," she said, extending the bouquet toward me.

"Thanks," I smiled, taking the flowers before closing the door.

A fresh, mild fragrance filled the air, bringing a smile to my face.

I sat back on my bed, searching for a note or any hint of the sender’s identity—

But there was nothing.

Just then, my phone rang.

I glanced at the screen.

Arjun.

My cheeks flushed instantly.

Memories of last night ran through my mind, making my heart race.

"Hello, wine lover," his teasing voice greeted me as I picked up the call.

I bit my lower lip, trying to come up with something to say.

"Nothing to say?" he asked, amused.

"I don’t want to talk to you after what you did to me," I muttered, recalling the hickey I had spotted on my neck in the bathroom.

I was so flustered.

Both my friends had seen it, yet no one had mentioned it to me!

I had to cover it with concealer.

Then, his next words made my cheeks burn even more.

"You can do the same to me, sweetheart. I wouldn’t mind a hickey from my girl."

"Pervert," I mumbled under my breath.

"I heard that."

"You should hear that."

He chuckled before his tone softened.

"I want to meet you."

I blinked.

"Now?"

"Hmm. I’m waiting outside your hostel."

"What?!"

"Since when?" I asked, already panicking.

"About two hours, I guess," he replied casually.

My eyes widened.

I ran toward my wardrobe.

"I’m coming!" I said quickly, hanging up.

Grabbing a simple printed long frock, I rushed into the bathroom the second Gauri walked out.

After changing, I applied a glossy lip balm, checked my reflection once more, and stepped out.

"I’m going to meet him, okay? Take care of yourself," I told Gauri, who was drying her long hair with a towel.

She smiled, clearly amused at my rushed state, and nodded.

Grabbing my phone, slipping on my sandals, I walked out of the room.

My fast steps made my breathing quicken.

Once outside the hostel, I looked around.

My eyes landed on a black car parked on the left side.

His car.

Without wasting another second, I walked toward it.

Just as I reached, he stepped out.

My steps halted.

He looked effortlessly handsome in a black T-shirt and denim jeans.

His hair was slightly messy, falling over his forehead.

He extended his hand toward me.

I took a deep breath and reached for it.

"Why the hell were you waiting for two hours?!" I scolded him as I placed my hand in his.

"First, get in the car," he said, holding my hand as he walked around to open the passenger seat door.

I sat inside, and the cool air from the AC instantly hit my face.

I sighed in relief as he got into the driver’s seat.

He grabbed a water bottle from the backseat pocket, opened the cap, and passed it to me.

"Have some water."

I nodded, taking the bottle and drinking a few sips while he watched me silently.

After finishing, I handed it back to him.

"Feeling better?" he asked.

"Hmm," I hummed, lowering my gaze.

I had been mad at him a few moments ago—

But his actions had completely washed away my anger.

"I messaged you this morning, but you didn’t see it," he said while keeping the bottle back in its place.

I checked my phone.

He was right.

"Sorry," I muttered, looking at him.

He shook his head.

"It’s okay. I figured you were tired after last night."

I simply nodded.

"Did you like the flowers?" he asked.

I turned to him, surprised.

"So, it was you who sent them?"

"Hmm," he murmured, gently tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear.

"They were beautiful," I whispered, lowering my gaze.

He smiled and leaned back in his seat, taking a deep breath.

"My exams are coming up next month, so I might be a bit busy," he said. "But feel free to call or text me anytime you need me."

I nodded, appreciating his honesty.

He suddenly started the engine.

"Let’s have some ice cream."

I smiled.

. . . . .

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