The incident in front of the library left Tuli's mind in a state of constant turmoil. She sat in her classroom, the professor's lecture flowing like white noise around her, unable to grasp a single word. Her vision was haunted by the image of that rude yet strikingly handsome youth. She couldn't stop thinking about his sharp rebuke and that faded blue note that had fallen from his pocket.
"How can someone be so beautiful yet so uncivilized at the same time?" Tuli whispered to herself, lost in thought.
Her friend Mahi, sitting next to her, nudged her with an elbow. "What's up, Tuli? Thinking about Ariyan, the biggest hero of our university, aren't you?"
Tuli snapped out of her daze. "Ariyan? Is that guy's name Ariyan?"
Mahi raised her eyebrows in surprise. "You don't know Ariyan? He's the topper of our department! Not just the topper, he's the strongest contender for the Gold Medal. But he doesn't talk to anyone. He's always in a bad mood. Half the girls in this varsity are crazy for him, but he only cares about his studies and his work."
Tuli stared out the window. Hearing the name 'Ariyan' sent a strange shiver through her heart. It was the same name as her childhood companion. But among thousands of Ariyans, could this be him? No, how could it be? That Ariyan was simple and kind, while this man was made of stone.
In the evening, as Tuli was heading toward the parking lot, she saw Ariyan sitting alone on a bench. He had his laptop open and was deeply focused on something. In the golden glow of the setting sun, his complexion seemed even more radiant.
Driven by a sudden impulse, Tuli walked up to him. Ariyan didn't look up; he continued typing as he spoke, "Did you come to bump into me again? My laptop might actually break this time."
Tuli didn't back down. Gathering her courage, she said, "I actually came to say sorry. It would be better if you learned to look at people instead of just your laptop."
Ariyan finally closed his laptop. He looked at Tuli with a gaze that held a deep, burning intensity. "Time is a very precious thing, Miss... what was your name again?"
"Tuli... I am Tuli," she replied, standing tall.
For a split second, Ariyan's pupils trembled. The name triggered a flood of thousands of memories in his mind. But he kept himself composed. With a mocking smile, he said, "Right, Miss Tuli. Time might be infinite for you because your father has a lot of money. But I don't have time for meaningless talk. So, excuse me."
Ariyan stood up and walked away with long, determined strides. Tuli remained rooted to the spot, paralyzed by a mix of insult and anger. Tears welled up in her large eyes.
"Such arrogance! Did I come to talk to you because of money? Just wait, Mr. Ariyan. If I cannot melt that heart of stone, then my name isn't Tuli!"
Tuli didn't know that just a few steps away, hidden from view, Ariyan was standing with his hand over his heart. His heartbeat was racing far beyond normal. The name 'Tuli' wasn't just causing him pain; it was vividly reminding him of the dusty paths of their village and the solemn promise made under the Bakul tree.