Monday Morning: Cold Messages, Colder Faces
The college corridor was buzzing — laughter, music practice, and colorful posters advertising the upcoming "Literature Week." But inside Ruhi, everything felt gray.
Since the fest, she hadn't spoken much to Rudra. His texts had become shorter. Replies delayed.
She told herself it was just stress.
But deep down, she knew something was off.
As she walked toward class, she saw him — Rudra — standing near the sports board, surrounded by three juniors and one familiar face.
Tanya.
Her hand casually brushed Rudra's arm as she laughed at something he said.
He didn't flinch. But he didn't pull away either.
Ruhi's heart sank.
💭 Flashback: The Anonymous Photo
The image still haunted her — the snapshot of her and Rudra, holding hands during the fest. Someone had sent it anonymously, warning her that her parents would be "proud."
It wasn't just a joke. It was a threat.
Simran had suggested reporting it to the Dean, but Ruhi had refused. "It'll only create drama. And I don't want Rudra dragged into it."
Now, she wondered if keeping quiet had been a mistake.
📚 In the Classroom
Ruhi took her usual seat. Simran was out sick, and Aarav had basketball practice. She sat alone, flipping through her notes, trying to focus.
Rudra walked in late.
He didn't even look at her.
That one second of silence between them said more than a thousand arguments.
📩 Later That Day: A Message From Her Father
As Ruhi stepped outside to grab tea, her phone buzzed again.
Papa (Home)
"Beta, there's a boy we want you to meet during the semester break. Just for tea. Please don't say no before meeting him."
Ruhi stared at the screen, her hands trembling.
Her family wasn't asking anymore. They were deciding.
And Rudra… he wasn't even there to talk to.
📓 Beyond the Buzzer — Page 62
"I thought love was two people choosing each other.But what if one starts hesitating?
What if one gets tired before the finish line?"
🏀 Meanwhile, on the Basketball Court
Rudra was shooting free throws alone. Shirt soaked, mind spinning.
Aarav sat on the bench, watching quietly.
"You're distracted," he said finally.
"I'm trying not to be," Rudra replied, panting. "But everything's a mess. Dad's talking about sending me to Mumbai for three months. Ruhi's parents are pushing for her marriage. And I don't know if I'm helping her or just… making things worse."
Aarav threw him the ball again. "Then talk to her."
Rudra caught the ball but didn't move. "What if she's better off without me?"
"Then let her say that. Don't make the decision for her."
💔 That Evening — The Message That Broke Her
Ruhi was sitting in her PG, about to text Rudra, when her phone buzzed.
Tanya Sharma → You
"You really think a guy like Rudra would choose you over his father's empire? You're just his distraction. He'll forget you when he leaves Delhi."
Attached was a blurry screenshot of Rudra's WhatsApp status.
A boomerang of him clinking glasses with some corporate men. Captioned:"Next step, next city. Let's go."
🌧 Simran Returns
Just then, Simran entered the room holding hot tea.
"You okay?" she asked.
Ruhi didn't respond.
"Ruhi?"
Ruhi turned slowly, her eyes filled with tears. "I think I'm losing him."
Simran sat beside her and pulled her into a hug.
"No. If you are, then make sure he says it to your face. Not through screenshots and silence."
📓 Beyond the Buzzer — Page 64
"I keep waiting for him to fight for me.But maybe he's fighting something else.
Maybe I'm not the storm he's afraid of.Maybe I'm the home he's scared to return to."
🕊 Ruhi's Last Attempt
She took a pen. For the first time, she didn't write in her diary.
She wrote a letter.
To Rudra,
I don't know where we stand.Maybe we never stood still — we were always running.
I don't want a perfect love. I just want honesty.If you're tired, say it.If you're scared, say it.If you're done…Then at least let me hear it from you.
I don't need promises.Just one truth.
—Ruhi
She folded the letter, sealed it, and slipped it between the pages of Beyond the Buzzer.
She didn't plan to give it to him.
Not unless she had no choice.
🧊 End Scene: Rudra's Room
Rudra stared at his phone. Dozens of unread messages. One from Ruhi.
Ruhi:
"Can we meet tomorrow? Just talk. One last time."
He didn't respond.
But he kept reading the message again and again.
And again.