The first kiss

Surya stands outside Vaishali’s college, staring at the tall walls. It is a women’s college with tight security, and no one without an ID can enter. For men, it is even tougher. But none of that matters to Surya. He has been missing Vaishali a lot, and today, he decides nothing will stop him from seeing her.

After carefully looking around, he finds a spot where he can climb the wall. His heart races as he climbs over and sneaks into the college. He manages to avoid the security guards and staff, making his way up to the first floor. Vaishali is a B.Sc. Economics student has a practical session scheduled today. Surya learned this from a mutual friend, and now he waits beside the lab she is heading to.

Vaishali and her friends are walking down the corridor, chatting. When he sees her, his face lights up with excitement. He feels so happy that he can’t help but silently cheer.

Surya whispers, “Vaishu, Vaishu...."

Vaishali stops, confused. She thinks she hears something but isn’t sure where it’s coming from.

“Vaishu! Over here!” Surya says, waving his hand.

Her friends notice and nudge her. “Vaishali, who is that guy? He’s waving at you!”

Vaishali’s heart sinks. She feels nervous and panicked. Turning to her friends, she whispers, “Please go inside the lab. I’ll explain everything later. Don’t tell anyone about this, okay?”

Reluctantly, her friends enter the lab. Vaishali quickly walks over to Surya, her face full of anger and fear. “Surya, what are you doing here?” she whispers harshly. “This is a women’s college! Do you have any idea how big of a problem this could be if someone catches you? Please leave right now!”

But Surya smiles. “I know, Vaishu. I know this is risky, but I can’t help it. I miss you so much that I have to see you today.”

Vaishali sighs, looking around nervously. “We're lucky my HOD isn’t here today. If he catches us, it’ll be a disaster. Please, Surya, leave. We can talk after college.”

Surya shakes his head. “I’ll leave, but there’s something I need to say first.”

Vaishali, now even more anxious, says, “What is it? Say it quickly. My roll call is about to start.”

Surya hesitates, speaking softly, “Vaishu, I...I.…I want to kiss you.”

Vaishali’s eyes widen in shock. She stares at him, unable to believe what she has just heard. Thoughts race through her mind; what if someone sees them? Why would Surya come here and say something so bold?

“Have you lost your mind?” she whispers angrily. “If anyone sees us like this, it’ll be a huge problem! Please leave, Surya.”

Surya doesn’t move. “I’ll go, but only if you kiss me.”

Vaishali clenches her fists. “You’re crazy. Just leave!”

Inside the lab, the roll call is going on. “13… 14… 15…”

Vaishali’s roll number is 19, and her anxiety grows as her turn approaches. She is angry, nervous, and confused all at once. Finally, in her panic, she gives in. “Fine! Kiss me quickly and leave!”

Surya’s face lights up. “Really?”

“Yes! But do it fast!” she whispers harshly.

Surya moves closer, Vaishali's heart pounding in her chest. Surya leans in, holding her hands lightly. The moment is electric and fleeting.

“19...Roll number 19!”

Vaishali’s eyes shoot open, and she quickly pushes Surya away. “That’s my number!” she whispers and starts running toward the lab.

Surya sighs as he watches her go. “Why couldn’t her roll number be 30 or 40? Just my luck,” he mutters while sneaking out of the college.

Vaishali slips into the lab through the back door. Her heart is still racing as she quickly sits down at her desk. “I’m here, Miss,” she says breathlessly.

Her teacher frowns. “Why didn’t you respond earlier? Do I have to call you twice for attendance?”

“Sorry, Miss,” Vaishali mumbles. “I was so focused on the practicals that I didn’t hear you.”

The rest of the day passes in a blur, but Vaishali can’t stop thinking about that event. She is shocked by Surya’s boldness, but a small part of her can’t deny the excitement she felt.

That night, Surya can’t sleep. He replays everything that happened and feels restless. Finally, he decides to see Vaishali again. This time, he goes to her house.

It's 10 pm, the wall around her house is shorter than the college wall, so he easily climbs over. He finds her bedroom window, and quietly slips inside. Just as he enters, Vaishali steps out of the washroom.

She gasps, her eyes wide with fear. She opens her mouth to scream, but Surya rushes over and gently covers her mouth. “Vaishu, it’s me! Don’t shout. Please calm down.”

Vaishali pushes his hand away, glaring at him. “Are you crazy? First my college, and now my house? Do you have any idea how much trouble we’ll be in if someone catches you? Please leave!”

Surya smiles softly. “Relax, Vaishu. I just wanted to see you again.”

“You said the same thing this morning, and look what happened!” she says angrily.

Surya chuckles. “Okay, forget about that. Just tell me something; what did you feel when I tried to kiss you today?”

Vaishali looks away. “I didn’t feel anything,” she lies.

“Vaishu,” Surya says firmly, “I know that’s not true. Don’t lie to me. Tell me; did you feel nervous?”

After a pause, she nods. “Yes.”

“Were you feeling curious?”

“Yes.”

Surya steps closer to Vaishali and softly asks, “And… did you want me to kiss you?” he asks softly.

After a long silence, Vaishali finally admits, “Yes...”

Surya smiles and moves even closer. “Close your eyes, Vaishu.”

“Why?” she whispers nervously.

“Just trust me,” he says.

Slowly, Vaishali closes her eyes. The world seemed to fade away around them, and all they could hear was the soft ticking of the clock. Slowly, Surya leaned in, and their lips met in the first kiss.

In that moment, all of Vaishali’s nervousness melts away. She stops clenching her fists and lets herself relax. The kiss is tender and intense, and for a moment, time seems to stand still.

It’s 1 minute and 9 seconds before they finally pull apart. They look into each other’s eyes and share a soft smile. They were so caught up in the moment that the silence around them was only broken by the ticking of the clock.

Then, Vaishali spoke, breaking the silence. "Is this what we need in our life?"