The Love Algorithm - AdiYa FF

Chapter 10

Just then, Zoya's room door swung open, and Aditya stepped out, taking one look at the scene, before tackling both, Arjun and Yash, onto the couch. "Alright, that's it! If anyone's going to cause chaos here, it's going to be me. Please stay quiet!"

He looked at Noor, "I don't know what he did, but please let this go. I have other things to worry about."

"Take your brother to a good psychiatrist! He needs one!" Noor said, while Arjun said, "Yes Bhai. Just get the details of her doctor. We will go there with a referral discount."

"God!!" Aditya said to Pooja, "Sorry...I have to leave. And..." He looked at Zoya's room and saw her taking a glance at Aditya from the door, "Please come to class...as usual. I will be waiting."

Saying so, Aditya left with Arjun and Yash, while Zoya had a slight smile, as she walked back to the room. Still, the effort he made to visit her all the way home to just check on her made her laugh, and also somewhere impressed.

"How'd it go?" Yash asked while going to the car, smirking.

Aditya shook his head. "Somewhat okay. Looks like she understood the situation."

Arjun grinned. "And?"

"And I'm also pretty sure she's never going to unsee that." Aditya covered his face, and walked to the driver's seat.

Yash burst into laughter. "Poor Zoya!". Aditya sighed, running a hand down his face. "Poor me!"

***

The next night, Zoya arrived at Hooda House with her usual art bag and a few art supplies tucked under her arm. The house seemed empty and quiet, which was so unlikely Hooda House. It usually was like a public park.

She walked to the bedroom area, and entered Aditya's bedroom, while Aditya screamed looking at her, covering himself, when he was fully covered. Zoya too screamed dropping the things down, closing her eyes. A moment later, both of them looked at each other, while Zoya asked, "Why did you scream?"

"I don't know. Since that day, whenever you come. I get startled. I guess I am suffering from PTSD." Aditya rolled his eyes, while Zoya had a quick laugh, as she walked inside and placed her bag aside.

"No one is home?" Zoya asked, as she took out her paint brushes.

"Our neighbor shifted to their own house today, and they wanted all of us to attend the housewarming party. So, all of them are there. I stayed back for you."

Those last words did something to her, as she looked at him hearing that. Aditya quickly clarified, "I mean...for...the class."

Zoya nodded slightly, while she turned to see a violin on the bed.

"Violin? You play the violin?" She asked, walking toward it.

Aditya nodded with a smile, "Yeah, I do."

Zoya's fingers brushed against the smooth violin before she turned to him, eyes alight with curiosity. "I just love the music of the violin. Why didn't you ever tell me?"

"You never asked," He said simply, walking toward her. With an easy familiarity, he took the polished violin in his hand. The sight of it made something flutter inside Zoya—there was something inexplicably charming about a man who played an instrument. At least for her.

"Play something," She said, her voice softer than before.

Aditya raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Any special request?"

"Some song...that touched you recently" Zoya said, tilting her head, her expression hopeful.

That did it. With a small chuckle, Aditya took out the violin, adjusted the bow, and brought the instrument to his shoulder. His fingers found their place on the strings, and then, as if the world itself paused to listen, he began to play "Love me like you do" by Ellie Goulding.