The library smelled of old paper and rain damp uniforms. It was after School hours, the last week of twelfth grade, and almost everyone had left for the inter-school fest rehearsals. Only a few muted bulbs glowed between the stacks.

Avni sat cross-legged on the carpeted floor of the Literature section, her skirt riding just high enough to reveal the soft crease behind her knees. She was pretending to read an English poem , but her eyes kept drifting to Saurabh, who leaned against the opposite shelf, tie loosened, sleeves rolled up, pretending not to watch her.