"I Love You...yes i do..."
Finally, I had said it. Those 3 words. It was a wonderful feeling.
"Chimney..Chimney..Get up now..you're late for college..get up now you idiot!!!"
Well, it was supposed to be when suddenly, the land started shaking. i wasn't able to stand still. It was an earthquake. Oh My God..it was an earthquake..wait..or was it me..yes..it was me. I was shaking!!!
Finally, I had said it. Those 3 words. It was a wonderful feeling.
"Chimney..Chimney..Get up now..you're late for college..get up now you idiot!!!"
Well, it was supposed to be when suddenly, the land started shaking. i wasn't able to stand still. It was an earthquake. Oh My God..it was an earthquake..wait..or was it me..yes..it was me. I was shaking!!!
Oh No! It was a dream! But wait, did I say it loudly? In front of Dee?
And then suddenly, a PILLOW banged on my face!
"Aaaaahhh!!!"
I woke up hurriedly and was about to hit the pillow back at my Dee when I saw her staring at me.
I think she has a doubt on me, I thought to myself.
"What?" I tried to be normal.
"What what?" She's still staring at me.
"Why are you staring at me like that?"
"Mummy's calling you"
"Dee"
"What?"
"Did you hear anything?" I asked her in a lower voice, trying to sound as innocent as I can.
"Lets keep it for tonight"
"That means you did! you did na?"
"Uhh..Yes!!"
"Oh Shit!!! Please Dee, Mummy ko mat batana"
"Will see..get ready and come downstairs for nashta, jaldi!!!"
"Ohkay"
I got up and slowly walked towards the washroom, still thinking about Dee.
-What did she hear?
-Will she tell mom about it?
-Would she use it against me, just the way I do?
-Most importantly, what did she mean when she said "Will See"???
Still thinking while brushing my teeth...
*****
Walking through the corridor, towards the Biotechnology Department, still thinking about the talk I had with Riya.
Hurry before its too late was all that was scrolling through my mind like a marque.
"Hey, watch out"
Before I could turn around and respond to he voice, my heel tripped over an uneven surface, making me loose my balance. Mine is an old college, hence the uneven tiles. Everybody knew that they had to be careful, so did I. But, totally engrossed in my own world, hardly did I notice it coming my way. I was about to fall over and go crashing to the ground, when someone held my arms tightly. As a result, it saved me from the embarrassment of falling flat in my own department. In order to thank that someone, I turned around only to find out- IT WAS HIM!!!
"Oh my God! Are you okay?" he looked very concerned.
I managed a weak smile, my heart beating faster.
"I'm..I'm just fine" I somehow spoke up.
God, why me? why?
"You sure?"
"Ya..absolutely"
Hell, I'm not fine. This is not happening. This is the last thing I'd ask for. Moreover, does he have any idea what he is doing to me at all the wrong places? Or is it the right place?
Few seconds passed while he was still holding me, by my arm.I think, he realized that I was staring at him weirdly. Besides, we were right at the entrance of the department. To avoid problems, he released my arm quickly.
"You know the condition here. You must be walking with your eyes open, sweetheart."
Sweetheart! He just called me Sweetheart. I truely wished I could do a handstand and shout like a cheerleader!
"Anyways, I got to go. It's Mahesh Sir's class, and I really don't want to get late. Chalo, B-bye!"
All I could do was just wave at him as he left for his class.
He looked even more handsome than the last time I had seen him- that was just yesterday.
"Hey, Aditi"
I had to forcibly tear my eyes off him as I was already IN the department.
It was Anshul Singh- or rather Ansh, for that's what I call him.
"Hey Ansh"
"Ready for the test?"
"Hell, No!"
"Chill Aditi. Don't panic. Neither am I ready for it"
"But Neha ms would be mad at us."
"It's a proxy yaar! Why on the earh do you think we'er wandering out like this?"
"We?"
Saying so, I looked around, only to find out everybody staring at me.
"By the way, it was a nice one."
"What? What are you talking about?"
"You know, the fall, and the subsequent catch.."
"You saw that?"
"Not just me. Everybody did."
Now I know reason behind the strange cold stare by my classmates.
"Come on now..don't think much. Shivani has brought some nice stuffed paranthas. If you don't hurry up, you won't get a piece of it."
I smiled and followed him as he held my hand almost pulling me towards the class.
" Hey asshole! That's mine." He shouts at Rupesh who tries to steal his share of parantha!
*****
6 months ago...
"Fresher's party on the 14th..." said Shivani.The whole class hurrayed at the so called CR's announcement, for it was a day we juniors awaited for so long."...and the dress code is traditional!" Shivani completed her announcement and sat next to me.
Everybody, specially the girls, were very excited about the party."You guys will see. This year I'm going to win the Miss Freshers title." boasted Trishna, who thought that the college was a total fashion show, and she - the show stopper!"But there is a competition!" said Shivani."You know what baby, I like competitions, as it only fair to give losers like you a chance to lose!" snapped the bitch."We'll see Trishna!" I didn't like her and here she was calling my friend a loser."So you challenging me, huh? I'll.."Before she could complete her blabber, I walked away with Shivani leaving her fuming.
"That was pretty good, Jhansi ki Rani, eh?" Anshul joined us."I hate her..I..I..""Chill girl, let her boost. The seniors were saying that only the one who deserves the freshers tag will be given one. All we have to do is enjoy the party!" squeaked Shivani in her sweet tone, for annoying girls like Trishna didn't really bother her. This made her an obvious target for Trishna.
"Lets go to the canteen. This thing needs a cold drink."
Rohan said poking my head and his tummy at the same time. We left for the canteen, laughing at Rohan's jokes.
"Fresher's party on the 14th..." said Shivani.The whole class hurrayed at the so called CR's announcement, for it was a day we juniors awaited for so long."...and the dress code is traditional!" Shivani completed her announcement and sat next to me.
Everybody, specially the girls, were very excited about the party."You guys will see. This year I'm going to win the Miss Freshers title." boasted Trishna, who thought that the college was a total fashion show, and she - the show stopper!"But there is a competition!" said Shivani."You know what baby, I like competitions, as it only fair to give losers like you a chance to lose!" snapped the bitch."We'll see Trishna!" I didn't like her and here she was calling my friend a loser."So you challenging me, huh? I'll.."Before she could complete her blabber, I walked away with Shivani leaving her fuming.
"That was pretty good, Jhansi ki Rani, eh?" Anshul joined us."I hate her..I..I..""Chill girl, let her boost. The seniors were saying that only the one who deserves the freshers tag will be given one. All we have to do is enjoy the party!" squeaked Shivani in her sweet tone, for annoying girls like Trishna didn't really bother her. This made her an obvious target for Trishna.
"Lets go to the canteen. This thing needs a cold drink."
Rohan said poking my head and his tummy at the same time. We left for the canteen, laughing at Rohan's jokes.
*****
The party hadn't started at the given time, half an hour delay was because the principle and his chamchas wanted to make a VIP entry, and so we were made to wait. But, we were too excited to bother. I, as the dress code suggested, wore a white salwar kameez along with my favorite white pearl ear ring, pearl pendant and pearl bracelet as accessories. Shivani wasn't well, so decided to stay at home and hence I was alone, wandering aimlessly in the auditorium that was converted into a party hall. That is when I saw Anshul and decided to join him instead.
"Hi Ansh," I said as I approached him. Anshul sported a cool black kurta over jeans. "Looking chhava"
"Hey," he checked me out for a moment longer than usual, "You look..different today."
"Different, as in..?"
"Just different from the rest."
"But, I'm just in a normal salwar kameez.."
"But my eyes find you looking different."
"And what do you think about me?", asked Rohan as he joined in.
I looked at Rohan and just smiled.
"Terrify..", Anshul stopped and corrected himself, "Terrific".
"Let it be Romeo dear!" snapped Rohan.
Before he could continue teasing us, as he usually did, there was an announcement made.
"Attention Friends, Indians, Countrymen and my dear juniors. The party is about to start. But, first I'd like to call upon our principle, Mr. Shekhar to come upon the podium and say a few words."
The guy, Nik, yes, that's what his friends in the audience called him, handed over the microphone to the principle and came back to the audience smiling.
*****
The principle, holding the microphone, was addressing us. But I was least interested in his speech. My eyes, as if filming this guy, kept him as my focus. I hadn't seen him before. I wondered who he was. Considering he had friends in the senior's group, I assumed him to be my senior. The more I wondered, the more I stared at him. The wine colored shirt and black trousers he sported, made him look cute from rest of the boys around. Fair complexion, red thin lips, eyes that exuded as much as eternal commitment as it did incorrigible naughtiness, smile that announced romance- that kind that ruined a girl of her calmness, as it did to me, yes, he was undoubtedly the most handsome guy in the class, the batch, the department, the college- THE WORLD!
It was like, someone, I had always dreamt about but never thought could ever exist was suddenly blessed flesh and blood! I felt blessed to have taken admission in the same college, same department as his! I was so mesmerized by his looks, that I didn't realize I had been staring at his ocean deep eyes throughout the speech. I didn't know how long it was - I DIDN'T CARE!
"Girl! Stop Starring!" Someone was elbowing me.
"Huh? Wha..at? What? Nothing. I'm Just.."
"They are calling out your name!"
I panicked. I looked at the person who was elbowing me. It was Anshul. All the staring had made me forget that he sitting right next to me all this while.
"Yes..yes..I'm going."
Saying so I moved towards the stage. On my way towards the stage, I tripped once, and there was a roar of laughter, "Oh!" I said to myself, shyly.
When on the stage, I was back to normal- I assume, for the act I decided to perform in order to introduce myself, came out very well and confident. I could hear the applause and laughter all over the auditorium, but the only person I wished to see was nowhere to be seen. By now, his appreciation meant a lot to me. Many seniors appreciated me and my act on my way back to the seat. I again placed myself next to Anshul, hoping to see him from the same angle. But he wasn't there with his friends. This kind of upsetted me.
"Gosh! You're talented ya. Theatres try kar na!" said Shraddha, my senior and HIS friend, I knew she was, I had some how seen her in the group before I laid my eyes on him. Shraddha was a beautiful girl, and I had heard that she was tagged the "Ms. Fresher" tag last year.
"Yaaa..you should give your name to Nikhil! He is the Drama Head."
I didn't know her name but since she was with Shraddha, I assumed her to be my senior.
"Who is Nikhil?" I asked with curiosity as I tried to behave as normal as possible!
"Nikhil. From T.Y..arre...the guy who gave the intro speech!"
Is she talking about the same guy I've been starring at since I-don't-know-how-long, or was there any other intro speech which was missed by me in my long stare game!
"Do you mean Nik?" I decided to confront.
"Yeah! The same guy you've been..." saying so, Shraddha winked at me.
"Uh...umm...o...o...okay...I'll...I'll talk to...Nik...Nikhil..." I said, trying hard not to blush as I knew Shraddha had already caught me staring at him.
I'll talk to him.. I'll talk to Nikhil!!!
*****
The party was in full swing with games for the juniors like paper dance, where I and Anshul danced as a couple, as I wasn't comfortable with any other guy as I was with him, and we won too! Other games such as lemon spoon, eating mirchis, tailing the donkey- many more followed. I was physically there with Anshul and Rohan, but mentally was making plans on how to initiate talks with HIM! Thinking about him, spelling his name, even in my thoughts, made me blush!
At around 10 on the clock, all had dinner together. By now we had bonded well with the seniors. Soon, there was another announcement made that really excited us.
"Guys and Girls! Hope you guys enjoyed our presentation to the core. Before you leave, I would like to call upon two people on the stage, our very own Mister and Miss Fresher." Shraddha paused for a moment "Mister Fresher goes to...Anshul Singh!" followed by a bright round of applause.
"Now Miss Fresher goes to... Aditi Thakur!" The crowd roared again. I was too shocked to move. Disbelieve was evident in my eyes and so was glimmer of gratitude!
Anshul came over, held my hand, as we had to ramp walk once before collecting the prize. As we reached the podium, there was again a big round of applause. Shraddha, the ex "Ms. Fresher" came over and congratulated us. I smiled back. She wore me a sash labeling "Miss Fresher 2010" and placed a crown on my head. Another guy, Nikunj, presented the "Mr. Fresher 2010" sash to Anshul and crowned him. We were handed with our prizes, a mini mp3 player, and there was a thunderous applause. I was supposed to be happy. But I was not. I wanted to see him. I wanted to get appreciated by him. Moreover- I WANTED TO TALK TO HIM!!! But he was nowhere to be seen. I tried to ask his friends, but words didn't come out. All this, and still I managed to smile. Anshul was quite excited about his new mp3 player! He even hugged me out of joy-but couldn't feel the touch. I felt numb. I craved to go home. I decided to go. I was about to leave when Anshul stopped me,
"You leaving?"
"Yeah.." I answered blankly.
"Why? Everything alright?" he enquired.
"Got to go. Not feeling well re.."
"Wait, I'll call Rohan. Will drop you home. Don't go alone yaar!" saying so he left to search Rohan.
I had lied. Yes, I wanted to go home, as soon as possible, not because I wasn't well, but because I wanted to see him. The only way to see him was-FACEBOOK! Facebook was the new trend of the season to know more about friends. It was the best way to discover more things about him and I couldn't wait to do so.
By the time I reached home, it was 11. My parents asked me how the party was and if I had fun. I told them that I was tagged as the Miss Fresher 2010 and they were happy about it. I wrapped the conversation as fast as I could and rushed to my room.
As I stretched on my cozy bed with my laptop, I dreamt of how I'll introduce myself. I logged in. Once there, I searched Nikhil. It wasn't surprising to see that many number of Nikhils on my facebook page. But none of the account's d.p. matched with him. I couldn't do much. I hardly knew anything about him. Not even his surname. So, I decided to search in Shraddha's friend list. There were two Nikhils there too. But how could I not recognize my dream boy. He was smiling sweetly posing on his bike. I assumed it was his. Immediately, there was a picture flashing in my mind- it was me on the backseat of his bike, hugging him tight. This thought gave me rushes in my stomach. I blushed. I then thought to myself,
Would he recognize me?
Why wouldn't he? Now that almost every seniors know me.
But how would he? He wasn't even there when they tagged me "Ms. Fresher".
Where was he today?
Where was he all these days?
I clicked on the "Friend Request" button. Facebook popped friend request sent to Nikhil Desai and I was on the top of the world. I felt like dancing with joy and I did dance holding BuBoo - My King-size Teddy, close to me as if it was him. I blushed again. There was no one to question me. Dee was fast asleep. It was just me and my dreams.
Love was in the air and I was on the ninth cloud!!!
At around 10 on the clock, all had dinner together. By now we had bonded well with the seniors. Soon, there was another announcement made that really excited us.
"Guys and Girls! Hope you guys enjoyed our presentation to the core. Before you leave, I would like to call upon two people on the stage, our very own Mister and Miss Fresher." Shraddha paused for a moment "Mister Fresher goes to...Anshul Singh!" followed by a bright round of applause.
"Now Miss Fresher goes to... Aditi Thakur!" The crowd roared again. I was too shocked to move. Disbelieve was evident in my eyes and so was glimmer of gratitude!
Anshul came over, held my hand, as we had to ramp walk once before collecting the prize. As we reached the podium, there was again a big round of applause. Shraddha, the ex "Ms. Fresher" came over and congratulated us. I smiled back. She wore me a sash labeling "Miss Fresher 2010" and placed a crown on my head. Another guy, Nikunj, presented the "Mr. Fresher 2010" sash to Anshul and crowned him. We were handed with our prizes, a mini mp3 player, and there was a thunderous applause. I was supposed to be happy. But I was not. I wanted to see him. I wanted to get appreciated by him. Moreover- I WANTED TO TALK TO HIM!!! But he was nowhere to be seen. I tried to ask his friends, but words didn't come out. All this, and still I managed to smile. Anshul was quite excited about his new mp3 player! He even hugged me out of joy-but couldn't feel the touch. I felt numb. I craved to go home. I decided to go. I was about to leave when Anshul stopped me,
"You leaving?"
"Yeah.." I answered blankly.
"Why? Everything alright?" he enquired.
"Got to go. Not feeling well re.."
"Wait, I'll call Rohan. Will drop you home. Don't go alone yaar!" saying so he left to search Rohan.
I had lied. Yes, I wanted to go home, as soon as possible, not because I wasn't well, but because I wanted to see him. The only way to see him was-FACEBOOK! Facebook was the new trend of the season to know more about friends. It was the best way to discover more things about him and I couldn't wait to do so.
By the time I reached home, it was 11. My parents asked me how the party was and if I had fun. I told them that I was tagged as the Miss Fresher 2010 and they were happy about it. I wrapped the conversation as fast as I could and rushed to my room.
As I stretched on my cozy bed with my laptop, I dreamt of how I'll introduce myself. I logged in. Once there, I searched Nikhil. It wasn't surprising to see that many number of Nikhils on my facebook page. But none of the account's d.p. matched with him. I couldn't do much. I hardly knew anything about him. Not even his surname. So, I decided to search in Shraddha's friend list. There were two Nikhils there too. But how could I not recognize my dream boy. He was smiling sweetly posing on his bike. I assumed it was his. Immediately, there was a picture flashing in my mind- it was me on the backseat of his bike, hugging him tight. This thought gave me rushes in my stomach. I blushed. I then thought to myself,
Would he recognize me?
Why wouldn't he? Now that almost every seniors know me.
But how would he? He wasn't even there when they tagged me "Ms. Fresher".
Where was he today?
Where was he all these days?
I clicked on the "Friend Request" button. Facebook popped friend request sent to Nikhil Desai and I was on the top of the world. I felt like dancing with joy and I did dance holding BuBoo - My King-size Teddy, close to me as if it was him. I blushed again. There was no one to question me. Dee was fast asleep. It was just me and my dreams.
Love was in the air and I was on the ninth cloud!!!
*****
"Hey, I've uploaded our freshers' party's pics on Facebook!!!", Anshul said, excitedly, as usual. There was not a single day when he wasn't excited."It took one week for uploading na- Aalsee!!!", Shivani teased him.
Yes, one week had passed since I had seen him and there were no signs of him at all. Not on Facebook, not even in college. He had, as if, vanished during the party itself. I, on the other hand, like a dutiful follower, visited his profile daily on Facebook, and prayed that he would atleast accept my friend request, as if I waiting for him to accept my "proposal". I decided, today I will talk to Shraddha. Maybe she could tell me where he was. After all I was scared too, for his well being.
"Oye kaha kho gayi?", Anshul asked tapping my arm."Huh? k-kya hua?" again, acting as normal as possible. Shraddha was right. I really should try in the drama club. Acting was definitely in my blood. After all, that was the only thing I did all the time. I laughed to myself."Karegi na participate?" Anshul said, or rather repeated himself, that is what I think."Uhh..yes..wait..kisme?" I had a question mark on my face. I wasn't aware what they were talking about. Was I so lost?"Drama club, what else?""Haa..haan, obviously!!!", trying hard not to blush."Chal toh fir. Auditions ke liye naam dene jana hai. Aaj last date hai." Anshul almost pulled me with him. I could hear two people giggling behind me. I knew, one was Shivani. She was there since the beginning. The other one- Was he Rohan? Wait, when did he join us? I turned around to check it for myself. Rohan waved at me. He was indeed there, laughing with Shivani. I smiled back at him and walked as fast as I could.
Yes, one week had passed since I had seen him and there were no signs of him at all. Not on Facebook, not even in college. He had, as if, vanished during the party itself. I, on the other hand, like a dutiful follower, visited his profile daily on Facebook, and prayed that he would atleast accept my friend request, as if I waiting for him to accept my "proposal". I decided, today I will talk to Shraddha. Maybe she could tell me where he was. After all I was scared too, for his well being.
"Oye kaha kho gayi?", Anshul asked tapping my arm."Huh? k-kya hua?" again, acting as normal as possible. Shraddha was right. I really should try in the drama club. Acting was definitely in my blood. After all, that was the only thing I did all the time. I laughed to myself."Karegi na participate?" Anshul said, or rather repeated himself, that is what I think."Uhh..yes..wait..kisme?" I had a question mark on my face. I wasn't aware what they were talking about. Was I so lost?"Drama club, what else?""Haa..haan, obviously!!!", trying hard not to blush."Chal toh fir. Auditions ke liye naam dene jana hai. Aaj last date hai." Anshul almost pulled me with him. I could hear two people giggling behind me. I knew, one was Shivani. She was there since the beginning. The other one- Was he Rohan? Wait, when did he join us? I turned around to check it for myself. Rohan waved at me. He was indeed there, laughing with Shivani. I smiled back at him and walked as fast as I could.
*****
"Hi Shraddha" Anshul waved at her."Hi Anshul, hi Aditi.""We are here to give our names for the drama club auditions."Wait, our names? Did I hear it right? Since when was Anshul interested in the drama club? I looked up at Anshul. He had a bright smile on his face."Ya sure. I was expecting you guys. See, this is not my work actually. I'm not even a member of the club. Dosti me kya kya karna padta hain. Nik is busy with his script and you see he is really busy these days. Anyway, auditions kal hai, 2pm, second floor, room no.24. Waise toh, I've seen your performance. But Nikhil has to see. I'm sure you'll be selected." saying so, she tapped my arm and left with a faint smile.
Nikhil? Was he supposed to audition me? Oh my God!!! This is a chance to impress him. Thank you God!!!!
"I'm so excited Aditi.""Umm, me too!!!" I said, but to myself."Nervous?""Naa,""Ae sun na, we'll enact our freshers' partywala play. I'm sure Nikhil Sir will like it.""Ok." I said, smiling to myself.
Nikhil? Was he supposed to audition me? Oh my God!!! This is a chance to impress him. Thank you God!!!!
"I'm so excited Aditi.""Umm, me too!!!" I said, but to myself."Nervous?""Naa,""Ae sun na, we'll enact our freshers' partywala play. I'm sure Nikhil Sir will like it.""Ok." I said, smiling to myself.
*****
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