The Love Algorithm - AdiYa FF

Chapter 6

As the rain poured down in torrents, Zoya sat on a nearby bench, her face etched with worry, wondering when she would finally get to go home. They sat in that area where a dim light from the street lamps entered. Meanwhile, a restless Aditya, bored and sitting by the window, suddenly pushed it open. Zoya, startled, quickly shielded her face and scolded, "Vyavahaarik buddhi bhi nahi hai!!"

Aditya turned to her, surprised, "Excuse me?"

"Why did you open this window? The water is splashing into the hall!" Zoya exclaimed.

Aditya shrugged. "Fine, I just wanted some fresh air... And listen, if you want to scold me, do it in English or Hindi. I don't understand Sanskrit."

"Sanskrit?" Zoya chuckled. "You couldn't even tell that was Hindi?"

Aditya looked at her with disbelief. "Hindi?? You always speak in this weird dialect where no one can understand anything?"

Zoya crossed her arms. "Just admit you are poor in Hindi, and stop insulting how I speak."

Zoya moved toward the pillars near the open roof, keeping her distance from the rain. Shaking his head, Aditya muttered, "I preferred her in that silent role."

"You said something?" Zoya called from across the room as she moved towards the pillars under the open roof where the rain poured down.

Aditya quickly replied, "Nope, just... humming a song."

He glanced up at the rain and smiled. Zoya noticed and asked, "Do you like the rain?"

Aditya nodded, a spark in his eyes. "I love it. You know, I have this cosmic connection with the rain," he said, crossing his legs. "My mom told me that I was born during a thunderstorm. My first day of school? It rained. First day of college? It rained. And now, my first night stuck with a girl... it's—"

"Excuse me!" Zoya gasped, recoiling in shock, grabbing her bag for defense.

"No, no, no, I didn't mean it like that!" Aditya quickly clarified. "I meant the first time I'm stuck in such an awkward situation with a girl—and it's raining—nothing else!"

Zoya breathed a sigh of relief, while Aditya shook his head, internally laughing at how a small misstep could change everything.

For five minutes, they sat in silence before Aditya broke it. "Are we at a funeral or something?"

"Sorry?" Zoya looked confused.

Aditya leaned forward. "See, I'm not used to this much silence. That's why I never go to libraries. I hate silence. And yes, I'm a doctor, so I have to endure it at work. But after my shift? I make up for it."

Zoya listened, puzzled.

"Come on," Aditya added. "Say something. Why are you looking at me like I'm a terrorist? Whether we like it or not, we're stuck here all night. Just staring at each other until sunrise is not an option."

Zoya hesitated, "What do you want me to do?"

"Talk! Ask me something. Let's kill time."

"Uh..." Zoya thought for a moment. "Actually..."

"Yes, actually?"

"Why are you so insistent on apologizing to me?" she finally asked.

Aditya leaned back, nodding. "Well, for starters, I don't usually like these overly traditional, 'disciplined girls' like you. I find them boring, so I stay away from them. But with you, things got out of hand, and I ended up hurting you too. And I'm not one of those guys who think it's beneath them to apologize to a girl. Especially a good-hearted one like you. That's why I'm so determined. Simple."