Chapter 3 HE NOTICED ME

The pre-med classes had a high level of intensity. The rigorous subject we had to read for was demanding and it had a stressful workload. I would not lie but i had missed the simplicity of my undergrad days which were the freedom to explore other interest and the time to simply breath But now my entire existence was based on getting into medical school. There was barely enough time for other activities between reading, study sessions and hoping Nath would notice me.

Although friendships felt strained and relationships seemed impossible, I was confident on the feelings i had growing in for Nath that i can not shake away.After our usual study session, Nath offered to drop me home but i refused because i did not want to be a bother .

''Do you need a ride?'' He came asking nicely. offering me a ride home after our usual study session.

I hesitated, not wanting to be a bother but before i could say anything Lucy nudged my hand asking me to say yes since we were all going to the same direction anyways.

I got into the back seat with Lucy and Lisa and was very careful not to take up too much space. As the car moved it was silent. I wanted to say something or at least ask how his day went but i was shy and did not want any awkwardness between us. I knew then that he would not only be a friend because he would soon be the one person i could not forget.

The next evening after an utterly drained study session, our conversations went from academics to other topics. I do not remember how it stared because i had stepped out of the reading hall to take a walk when i had a stumbling headache. when i got back everybody was arguing about the best food for an all night study session which i found ridiculous and also cute.

I listened half way as they talked about whether coffee was best for an all night study session or it was a scam, not saying a word as scrolled through my phone.

''Water is best'' i hear Nath say and i turned around to look at him. He was leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed. then he continued. ''You people do not know what you are talking about.

Everybody laughed before Lisa responded saying ''Water? Be serious.''

''I am serious.'' He replied with his tone calm and his confidence exuding. Caffeine does not help you out in an way, it is just stress in a cup'' He went on to further explain.

I look up to finally join in their conversation by asking him if he does not drink coffee.

He turned to me for the first time and spoke directly to me, his eyes holding mine and i was getting ready to get lost in them.

''No. I never have.''

That moment was different, it was a few words but it was deep.

The conversation about food did not stop there. it somehow got stuck.

''You do not eat much, do you?'' Nath asked looking at me as his curiosity piqued.

''I eat.'' I said as i shrugged.

''You do not.'' He said leaning back with his arm crossed as he studied me like i was some puzzle. ''I have noticed.''

I have noticed that people often notice this about me but i never thought much of it because i felt it did not mean anything.

But then later that night, a friend request popped up on snapchat.

He added me.

I stared at the request for a few seconds because it was like a dream and i felt a small rush of surprise. it was not weird but it did something to my heart, making it beat faster and faster.

I accepted.

Seconds later his message appeared on my screen.Nath: Hey love... Vanilla or Chocolate ?Me: sorry?Him: Pick oneI smiled before replying to his question.Me: ChocolateHim: Noted.

I had to know what he meant by that so i asked him and he said he was getting me snacks because he noticed i do not eat. I stared at the message. it was so thoughtful yet unnecessary.

Me: You really do not have to.Him: I know

The next morning he brought me snacks and insisted i eat before classes started. It was nothing fancy but it was the thoughts that counts. And the next day it happened again and again and everyday without fail even though i had told him so many times it was not necessary.

Somewhere between those moments made me feel special. and everyday i started looking forward to his messages.

One evening, after an utterly stressful day of lectures, i stumbled out of the class, with my shoulder slumped and my head throbbing. I had this feeling of nausea wash over me. I could barely think of the activities going on around me because my mind was preoccupied with other activities. The world around me seemed muted and the chatter of students reduced to a dull drone. I just wanted to go home, I just want to take a long shower and collapse into bed. I was not even thinking about food at the moment because it was the last thing on my mind.

I walked along with my heads down and my gaze fixed on the pavement as i ty to get down the stairs when i heard his voice.

"Whoa, are you okay?" The voice was warm, and welcoming as it was a voice i had grown to love hearing.

"I... I think so," I managed to say, with my voice a little hoarse from lack of sleep and the strain of the exam. "Just a long day." I self-consciously brushing away a stray strand of hair from her face, feeling the exhaustion etched into my very being.