The corridor was filled with the chattering of students, and Heer felt uncomfortable under their stares. Ishani was proudly walking beside her, just giving her assurance and support that whatever she was doing was perfect and worthwhile. They reached the hostel, but the gazes never left Heer. For once in a while, she thought that she was really seen—not as an introvert, not as an unseen person, but as a girl with personality and individual status. But her composure and wall broke as soon as they entered the room, dropping their bags to the bed. Heer stood facing the window, her hands clenched and eyes closed as if just waving out the awkwardness she had faced around and the lingering gazes of all the people.

"Heer..."