A Proper Time and Place

As they say, there’s always a proper time and place for everything.

Even the right things you try to do might become wrong to others if the timing isn’t right.

I began to realize this during Mythili’s absence in my life. I thought that perhaps it wasn't the right time to try to impress a woman I hadn't even spent an hour with. I believed it was time to focus on myself and my career.

During moments when I would sit alone and contemplate what it would be like if she were interested in me and we were dating, I would feel a sense of sadness. "Is this a less intense version of how it would feel to break up with someone?" I pondered to myself.

A few months flew by with me being busy with my studies and university clubs. I did remember her quite a few times but then distracted myself with work, anime, and books.

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A few months later.

My campus was bustling with people, including my juniors and classmates, as it was the induction ceremony for the latest batch of enrolling students. I took up the role of supervising the entire induction program, which gave me a chance to meet new people and take my mind off of things that had happened a few months ago. Vishal and Aashvi were helping me with the duties.

I met Aashvi when Vishal and I entered college. She was very cheerful, active, and outgoing, basically our polar opposite. We were a bit awkward around people in the beginning, as it was an unfamiliar place. Even though she was in a similar situation, Aashvi took the initiative to speak to us. I had some issues dealing with people. There were only a few people other than Vishal whom I was close with. The rest weren’t even my friends. But, after Aashvi started hanging out, we became inseparable friends.

Later, she told me the real reason she approached us: she had seen Vishal treating a wounded cat on our first day on campus. It was no surprise, as Vishal had grown up learning various first-aid techniques and other simple treatment methods from his parents, who were doctors. Treating a wounded cat was a simple task for him. She noticed that even though he is a bit reserved among strangers, he never hesitated to do what’s needed immediately to save the cat despite his somewhat introverted personality.

She crushed on him ever since (in secret of course). When I asked her about it, she blushed, calmed herself, and told me everything. She was very excited because he was the first guy she ever liked. Vishal is still in the dark about this and I got to see an awkward idiot, who is oblivious to the fact that the girl near him is crushing on him, still complaining that he’s single.  But, the fact that I was able to make a best friend at college was all thanks to Vishal.

Among all the hustle and bustle, I noticed a newcomer girl having a hard time with her seniors. I called out to Aashvi, gave her a couple of instructions on how to handle the situation, and sent her toward the newcomer girl.

Aashvi came back with a radiant smile brimming with confidence and a feeling of accomplishment along with the newcomer girl. Her silhouette was way too familiar for it to be called an illusion or mistake. Both of them came towards us and I knew at once - it was Mythili. I didn’t know whether to be happy for her appearing in front of me or feel sad for getting reminded of that sting in my heart again.

I stood there with a blank expression on my face and waited for Myhili to speak something. Vishal gave me a glance and gestured “Is she Myhtili? If she is, stay calm.” 

“It’s not like I can do anything better!”- I gestured back.