PARALLEL LINES DON'T INTERSECT

Chapter 13 - The Festival, Fire & Mixed Signals

3-4 days passed by as usual. My parents were finally back, and I had shifted into my own house again. Life felt a little normal, yet when I sat in the balcony, I couldn't help but feel something was missing. I didn't see Nick at his window anymore. I kind of missed his presence-even though, if I'm honest, I don't really know much about him. He's so mysterious, almost hauntingly so. But strangely, I always feel like he knows everything about me.

And since he left, he hasn't sent me a single meme or reel. Not one. It almost feels like he has cut me off. Still, he checks my stories regularly, so I know he sees what I'm up to. And I see his posts too, but... that doesn't mean anything. That doesn't mean he likes me. Maybe I'm just overthinking. And no-I don't love him either. So, what's the point?

Tonight was Diwali, my first Diwali in this new place, and I was determined to enjoy it. After helping with the rangoli at the entrance and decorating the house with diyas, I dressed up in a traditional lehenga. For the first time, I wore proper festive makeup, and honestly, I felt beautiful. Compliments from my friends-Yoshita, Lakshita, Yukta, and Manisha-only boosted my confidence further.

We left together for the Diwali festival nearby. It was magical-bright lights, laughter, people in colorful traditional outfits, even foreigners trying to blend in with desi vibes. For a moment, I forgot everything about Nick's existence.

Until I saw him.

From a distance, through the thick crowd, I spotted a tall figure. 6'2, unmistakable. My heartbeat stuttered. It was him. Nick. My Nick.

I froze, eyes glued to his, as if the world had stopped. Time stood still. The noise, the crowd, even my friends faded away in that moment. Our eyes locked-an unbroken gaze that lasted far longer than it should have.

And then he walked toward me.
The first thing he said wasn't a hello, wasn't a "how are you." Instead, with a smirk tugging at his lips, he teased, "You're looking fat."

I rolled my eyes, but I knew it was his way of giving me a compliment. That tone-that mischievous glint in his eyes-wasn't meant to hurt. It was meant to get a reaction. And he got one.

"I don't care," I shot back with a playful laugh. "I know I look pretty."

He laughed softly, and for a moment, it felt like it was just us. "What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I came with my friends," I replied, then tilted my head, teasing him back with a side-eye. "And you? Weren't you supposed to come tomorrow?"

"I couldn't miss the best festival of my place," he said smoothly. "And honestly..." he paused, eyes holding mine with a weight that made my chest tighten, "...I didn't want to stay away from family tonight."

Before I could respond, my friends called me. I waved him goodbye and was about to leave, but he stopped me. "Join us?" he asked, nodding toward his group of friends.

I shook my head politely. "They're older than me. I'll stick with my girls tonight."

He gave a small smile, though I caught the flicker of something in his eyes. "Fine. But later-come for the bonfire in the neighborhood. Everyone will be there."

I nodded, waved him a quick bye, and walked away. Our paths crossed-and then pulled apart again.

That night, after changing out of my heavy lehenga into a simple kurti, I went out for the bonfire. The November air was cool, and my skin still carried the after-effect of my backless blouse, making me feel chilled. I sat down, waiting for my friends, but my eyes kept scanning for Nick. No sign of him yet.
Instead, I found myself talking to Raman and Nikhil, our neighbors. They were friendly, easy to chat with, and made me feel comfortable. But then my gaze shifted to someone sitting alone-quiet, focused on his phone. Curious, I asked who he was.

"That's Bhuvan," Raman said. "We call him Billy. My younger brother. He's just come back from hostel. A state-level cricketer, always busy with tournaments."

Two years older than me. Shy. Introverted. Exactly my type in some ways. I don't know why, but I felt drawn to him.

I walked over, started a conversation. At first, he seemed hesitant, almost disinterested, but slowly he opened up. We talked about random things, laughed a little. He even admitted, shyly, that he found me cute-and asked for my Instagram. I gave it to him without overthinking.

But I could feel it. Those familiar eyes on me. Watching. Burning.

Nick.

When he finally appeared, he walked straight over to us. Not looking at me, not greeting me-just directly asking Bhuvan about his tournament. His interruption was casual, yet deliberate. My heart raced.

Jealousy. That was it. He was jealous.

But instead of reacting, I just smiled politely and left him to his "tournament talk." My friends had arrived anyway. I sat with them, trying to ignore the strange tension building in the air. The bonfire glowed warmly, laughter and gossip filled the space, and kids ran around joyfully.

Later, when we all left for home, I waved at Bhuvan. He grinned and whispered, "I'll text you."

And then I waved at Nick. At first, he didn't respond-he just walked away. Cold. Almost intentionally ignoring me. It stung. But I wasn't going to let it go. So I called out louder, "Bye, Nick!"
He stopped. Turned. Gave me a small, awkward smile. "Bye," he said, before leaving in a hurry.

Something about it felt... off.

Back in my room, in my night PJs, I tried to shake off the feeling. But as I stepped into the balcony, I saw him. Nick. Pulling the curtains shut. He never did that. Ever. And he did it right after seeing me.

Suspicion tugged at my heart, but before I could think more, my eyes shifted. Across the other side of the neighborhood, I spotted Bhuvan on a call. His head bowed, his voice low-and then I noticed it. He was crying.

I didn't want to intrude. So I stepped back into my room, switched off the lights, and slipped into bed. My mind swirled with too many questions. About Nick. About Bhuvan. About this strange pull of hearts in a festival of lights.

And eventually, sleep claimed me.