Aditi's POV
I woke up at the sound of my alarm. As I sat up and looked around, I caught sight of the jhumkas placed at the side table, and a smile immediately made its way on my face.
I received a call from Ruhi and Radhika, Ruhi told us everything that happened in the cafe, and now, we mutually hate Siddharth.
Bloody selfish bastard!
She also said that she won't be coming today.
Anyway, I quickly got ready and asked Naman to come early.
Reaching the college, I found him waiting for me by the gate. I made my way towards him and before he could realize, I threw my arms around him.
He took a moment to realize what just happened and then hugged me back.
As I broke the hug, I saw a wide grin on his face, which was perfectly mirroring mine.
I moved back and said, "Come, let's have something, I am hungry."
He nodded and we went in the college canteen. We ordered sandwich for us.
As we were savoring the sandwich, I broke the silence, "Thank you, Naan!"
A bit surprised, he looked up, "For what?"
"For the jhumkas, obviously!"
He gave me a confused look and asked, "Jhumka?"
I gave him a smack, as I realized that he was playing with me, and said, "Don't you deny it, I know your handwriting very well!"
He smiled sheepishly and said, "Yeah, but no need to thank me, remember? Dosti me, no sorry, no thank you."
[In friendship, there is neither sorry, nor thank you.]
I rolled my eyes and said, "Yeah sure, saste Salman Khan!"
[Saste = Cheap]
He acted like Salman Khan, wiping his nose with his thumb and winked at me. I chuckled at his antics.
Siddharth's POV
After college, we guys decided that we would hang out, just the three of us.
They suggested a certain cafe, where I knew there was a certain someone, but I decided not to tell them about it.
Reaching there, they chatted with Ruhi for a while, and after that, she started taking our orders.
I ordered for a mushroom pizza, which was not available. Well, she has annoyed me a lot since we have met, so I decided to annoy her. She said that her boss would kill her if she stayed there anymore.
Do I care? Not at all.
But she started yelling at me, calling me names. I didn't really pay much attention, but when I heard someone call me heartless. My parents said that I was heartless before they left me.
Why? Just because I didn't pursue the career, they wanted me to. Law. They said I didn't have a heart and that's why I couldn't understand their dreams.
I sighed; I can't think about those things right now. But I can't just let someone call me heartless because of some stupid girl who doesn't even know how to keep her voice in control.
I noticed her boss glaring at her, he seems grumpy. An idea popped in my mind, and I smirked at the thought of it.
After having our meal, I excused myself saying I wanted to go to the washroom and asked them to wait for me outside.
After coming back from the washroom, I made my way towards Ruhi and started talking with her.
She said that I was not heartless. Too bad she was a little too late.
Before I could say anything, her boss called her, but wait, I wasn't done. Just as she was going, I grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards me.
After warning her, I left her and came out of the cafe.
I was about to turn around to get a glimpse of the aftermath of what I did, but couldn't as Rishi and Naman came by my side.
I didn't tell them anything. We went home and after freshening up, I went to bed.
However, sleep was far away. Only thing that was on my mind was a face, full of emotions- anger, shock, a bit of fear and something I couldn't quite understand.
What might have happened after I left? Was it too much?
No. She has insulted me, more than once, in front of many people. She deserves it. She deserves a punishment for messing with me.
After what felt like eternity, I finally slept.
I woke up by my ringtone. I picked up the call, still sleepy, and heard Rishi shouting, "Where the hell are you? Are you not coming to college today?"
My eyes widened and all the sleep went away. I replied to him saying I will be there ASAP.
I quickly freshened up and left for college.
I was late, obviously. But fortunately, the professor hadn't come yet. I entered the class and sat on my seat. I looked around, something is missing.
As I sat there, I realized my daily irritation was missing, Ruhi was missing.
During the break, it was too boring, with occasional flirts from Rishi and cheesy lines from Aditi and Naman.
Everything felt empty. But why?
I couldn't help but think about Ruhi. Why didn't she come? Is it because of what happened yesterday?
Nah! As much as I know her, she isn't the one who would sit and cry over such things.
She might be out somewhere planning my murder, and by the look of it, Radhika and Aditi are with her in this too.
I mean, if eyes could kill, I would have been six feet underground right now, because of the daggers these girls are throwing at me.
After college, I went home.
I sat there, hearing a business podcast, all by myself, all alone.
It does seem boring sometimes, but I was the one who decided to forget enjoyment the moment I decided to do business.
I wanted to prove myself. I wanted to prove that I am capable of succeeding. I wanted to prove that business is my thing. To them, my so-called parents.
But now, it all feels like, why?
Why am I even trying to prove myself to someone who doesn't even care to acknowledge their child? Who would abandon me just because I didn't follow their path. Why?
Hence, I decided to play garba this year. The last time I played garba was when I was in class 9.
I wanted to, in 10th as well, but my parents didn't let me, saying it will affect my studies.
I cleared these thoughts from my mind before they could go any further.
I decided to take a walk.
As I was walking, my legs involuntarily took me towards the cafe. I peeped in, unsure. She wasn't in there, but I did see her grumpy boss sitting there. Not wanting any drama, I walked away.
I reached home, studied for a while, had my dinner and went to sleep.
This is my routine, my life, nothing interesting.
Whatever happened yesterday, I don't even care about it. Yes! I don't! I have more things to worry about than a stupid girl, who might just be planning my assassination.
I slept, not so peacefully.
Ruhi's POV
Today, when I woke up, I was determined to take revenge. I called the girls and told them everything. I didn't go to the college just because I wasn't in the mood. That's the only reason. Yes!
I freshened up, had my breakfast and made my way towards the cafe.
I entered the cafe with my head held high. Confident, I stood in front of my boss and crossed my arms.
He saw me and gritted his teeth saying, "What the hell are you doing here at this time? If you think that by doing overtime, I will give you more money, then you are completely mistaken girl! Girls like you! Go ask that boyfriend of yours, you were hooking up with yester-", his words came to a halt when my palm touched his face with full force. And yes, it also made a loud thud sound, yay!
He was too shocked to react for a few seconds. When he came out of his shock, I again slapped him, harder than before.
I said, "The first one was for disrespecting me, and the second one was for giving me a character certificate, you old grumpy, judgmental scoundrel! Keep your job to yourself, I ain't gonna work here anymore!"
After saying this, I didn't wait for him to react and started leaving. As I was about to walk out of the cafe, I heard him say, "You won't be getting your pending salary, girl!"
I snorted and not even turning around, said, "Take that salary and stick it where the sun doesn't shine!"
OMG! I've wanted to say that to someone since I'd read it in Storm and Silence. It feels so good.
I am jobless now, but I definitely don't regret it.
I went home and the first thing I did was to apply for a job. This time, for an office job. After that, I studied for a while.
I studied for 2 hours straight. After that I decided to make Maggi for myself.
While eating, I decided to read a book I was half way through.
Ahh! Peace!
I didn't even realize the time as I read page after page.
This is the thing about thrillers, you can't keep the book down once you start reading.
By the time I reached the end, my jaw had already dropped.
What the hell was that even?
I don't even know what to think about it. What was the truth?
Letter or Manuscript?
(A/N: Guess the book she was reading!!)
After what felt like an eternity of thinking, I decided to keep the book aside.
It's really boring to sit idly, nothing to do.
I watched a movie, scrolled mindlessly, cooked myself dinner, and did some chores.
After all that, the day finally came to an end.
Life without work is so boring. I hope I get a job ASAP.
I contemplated what all things I could do tomorrow.
I smirked at the ideas that came in my mind.
Tomorrow is going to be fun.
I woke up, got ready and went to college.
I went to the library, as I came early.
There, I saw him. I clenched my jaw and fists. I noticed that he was wearing a white shirt.
I smirked and went to the canteen and grabbed a bottle of orange juice.
I again went to the library and made my way towards him. He hadn't noticed me as his back faced me. I reached his chair and 'accidentally' bumped into his chair. As a result, the juice fell on his shirt.
Mission successful!
He turned around, stunned. As soon as he saw me, his jaw tightened. I put an innocent face and said, "Oops!"
Not waiting for his reaction, I sat on the chair directly in front of him. He went out, probably to clean his shirt.
I smirked. Yes!
After that, I studied for a while, and he didn't come back. Good for him.
I went directly to my class as Aditi and Radhika were running late. Before I could even reach my seat, Rohan saw me.
He came in front of me and said with way too much enthusiasm, "Hi Ruhi!"
I gave him an unsure smile and said, "Hii... "
He said, "You missed class yesterday. But don't you worry, I can help you with all the notes if you want."
I gave him a smile and said, "Oh, no thanks, Rohan, I already received the notes. "
He got a little sad, but again chimed, "No problem! But still, if you need any help, I am here."
I thanked him and excused myself. I sat on my bench and sighed.
Siddharth came just after me and sat. I saw his shirt, a bit stained. I tried hard not to smirk but couldn't help myself.
He saw me and gave me a cold look, I ignored him. The professor came and the lecture started.
The lectures went smoothly, with me not allowing Mr. Selfish to answer any of the questions.
During the break, we went to the canteen. I went to receive our order and he was there too.
He was standing just behind me on the line. I turned around and said, "Hii, what would you like to have? Mushroom pizza?"
He rolled his eyes and was about to say something when I continued, "Oops, they don't have it here.", I again gave him an innocent face but couldn't hide my smirk.
He was about to react when my order arrived, I ignored him and took my tray and went away.
After the break, we went back to our class. I sat on the seat besides Siddharth.
The lecture started. I looked at my side, towards Siddharth, he was really attentive.
I tapped his shoulder, and he turned towards me. I started talking to him, saying I have a doubt. He unwilling answered my questions and again started paying attention to the teacher. I called him again; he looked at me with a little frustration.
I asked him to solve my doubts again, but he said, "Do it by yourself, I am trying to focus! "
I replied, "I am just asking you a few questions, what is your problem? Oh yes! You don't want me to study, or else I would be ahead of you. What can I even expect from a selfish person? "
He was about to answer, but a stern voice interrupted him, "What is going on?"
Before he could answer, I defended myself, "Sir, he is not letting me study!"
The professor turned his gaze towards him, but he was looking at me with a stunned expression.
Just as he was about to defend himself, we heard another voice saying, "Yes sir, Ruhi is right-", but the voice stopped as soon as Siddharth gave him a glare. Rohan immediately shut up. I was trying hard to suppress my laugh. Rohan was completely unexpected. Now Siddharth was cornered.
Siddharth finally spoke, his voice filled with frustration, "Don't you come between us! You don't even know anything."
The professor strictly said, "Enough! You-", pointing towards Siddharth, "- Out! Now! "
His eyes widened, "But sir-"
The professor again said, "I said Out! "
He sighed in exasperation and walked out of the class, not before throwing a cold look at me, I just gave him a smirk and shrugged.
The lecture continued smoothly. After the lecture, as I was walking out of the class, someone grabbed my arm and I was pinned against the wall in no time.
Siddharth had pinned me against the wall, his face just inches away. His eyes filled with fury and his jaw clenched.
I spoke firmly, "What are you doing?"
He looked straight in my eyes and gritted his teeth, "Stop it!"
I maintained the eye contact and said, "You are the one who started it."
His fingers tightened around my arms and he said, "You shouldn't have done what you did in the class. I am giving you one final chance, if you still don't listen, it won't be good for you-"
I harshly pushed him away, my face twisted in anger, I said, "What are you going to do, huh? You think what I did was bad? Yes?"
I moved a step closer and continued, "Well, I wasn't the one who tricked you during your job, you aren't the one who lost his job, you aren't the one who got a character certificate because of me!"
His expressions changed and he said, "What did you say?"
I rolled my eyes and started moving away, but he again grabbed my arm and jerked me towards him. I collided with his chest. I could feel his breath on my face. He spoke, "Who gave you a character certificate?"
I snorted but didn't reply. He looked into my eyes and asked again, "Who?"
I removed his hold from my arm and created a distance between us. I said, "Why do you want to know, huh?"
He stuttered, "I - I just want to know, just say it!"
I replied firmly, "Whoever said it, he said it because of you! So, stop with this act of yours! "
He got confused and asked, "Me?"
I rolled my eyes and said, "Can we just stop with this argument? I can't handle it anymore." Saying this, I walked away.
Later that night, I was trying to sleep. But my thoughts continuously drifted to our interaction.
Why did he want to know who did it? What would he do if he knew it?
I recalled all our interactions from day one. He doesn't like it when someone disrespects a girl, something I learned after that fight.
Okay, forget it! Why am I even thinking about him?
The next few days went in peace. We completely ignored each other.
Today is the first day of Navratri. I came from college an hour ago, freshened up, ate something and am getting ready.
I quickly get ready, look at myself one last time and leave for the location.
I reached the venue and was waiting for the others to arrive. To my misfortune, the first person to arrive was Siddharth. He walked towards me, looking just perfect in his Indian attire. I was just looking at him. When he was finally standing in front of me, I realized I was staring at him for too long. I immediately diverted my gaze and cleared my throat.
We didn't say anything to each other. It has become a normal thing to behave as if the other person is invisible for us. It's better than boiling our blood, so yes.
We stood there, waiting for others, but no one was in sight. I didn't like this silence at all. Most of the time, we were surrounded by everyone. But now, with just us, the silent was not at all comfortable. I finally decided to break the silence, saying, "Wh- where are Rishi and Naman?"
Not expecting me to speak, he got a bit startled. He replied, "They are on their way."
I blinked, contemplating what to say further, "Umm... Radhika and Aditi are also coming in a minute or two."
He replied, "Did I ask you?"
I rolled my eyes and mumbled, "Khadoos", under my breath.
[Grumpy]
He narrowed his eyes and said, "What did you just say?"
"I am sure you heard me.", I replied.
He took a step closer and asked, "Scared to say it on my face, huh?", he smirked.
I looked straight in his eyes and said, "Scared? You wish! I can throw thousands of curses on your face. And yes, I said that you are Khadoos!"
He replied, "Then you are stupid!"
I shot back, "You are an idiot!"
"You are a fool!"
"Yo- you are a joker- no wait, at least they are funny!", I said.
He retorted, "You are a witch!"
"Hawww! Do I look like a witch to you?", I asked.
He looked at me from top to bottom and then replied, "Not really."
I blinked at him, caught off guard. But before I could even think about it, he added, "You are worse than a witch!"
My eyes widened, "Then, you are a - a monster, yes! A selfish monster!"
He was about to answer back, when we heard people laughing. I turned around and saw the 4 of them laughing at us.
Naman said, still clutching his stomach, "This is the first time I've seen Siddharth fight like a child!"
Rishi said, "What's wrong with you Sid? When did you start behaving like a kid?", he was trying his hard to not laugh at Siddharth's expressions.
Siddharth was trying so hard to shut them up with his glare but failed miserably.
He immediately went ahead, not wanting anymore teasing.
The garba was on an open ground, decorated with colorful lights and traditional art pieces. Due to today's color theme, the whole ground looked like a field of sunflowers. People formed concentric circles around the statue of the goddess, like planets around the sun.
The circles were such that, one circle of women, the next of men, and just like that, the whole ground was filled.
The music started and we danced along the beats. Our feet moving in rhythm. Our steps in sync. The energy was on the next level.
As we danced, our partners changed. My partner, right now, was Naman.
I spun around as my partner changed, and now, it was Rishi.
We synced our steps with ease. The song playing in the background was:
Maine dekha tune dekha
As the lyrics played, we danced gracefully.
Maine dekha.. Tune dekha..
Isne dekha.. Usne dekha..
Maine dekha, tune dekha,
Isne dekha, usne dekha,
Sabne dekha..
Kya dekhaaa...kya dekha..
I again spun and now my partner was Siddharth and the song continued,
Ik dushman, jo doston se pyara hai,
Ik dushman jo doston se pyara hai..
I just kept looking at him as the lyrics reached my ears and I couldn't help but think about the lyrics.
What am I thinking?
Ugh!
To erase these thoughts, while spinning around, I 'accidentally' stepped on Siddharth's foot.
He hissed in pain and looked at me, but I gave him a sweet smile and continued dancing.
After that, we played for a few hours, and then it was over.
We were too tired to even talk, so we quickly bid goodbye and went home.
As I was laying on my bed, my thoughts kept drifting to our interactions, to him. However selfish he is, he wasn't looking like a monster, at least.
I don't care if he called me witch, or even worse. I know I am beautiful; I don't need anyone's validation.
Okay, forget him! Just sleep, Ruhi, sleep!
Radhika's POV
Aditi and I met Naman and Rishi outside the ground. As soon as I saw Rishi, I got lost in him. How can someone look so dashing? This is the first time I am seeing him in Indian outfit, and I have to say, he is killing it.
He noticed my stare and came towards me smirking, "Done checking me out?"
I can flirt too!
I replied, "Yes, and you look really handsome!" I winked at him and started walking ahead. He reached by my side and put his hand around my shoulder. I don't know why, but my heartbeat increased because of his touch.
He said, "You are getting good at flirting, huh?"
I looked at him and replied, "Learning from the best."
We chuckled.
In the past few days, our friendship has grown a lot. However, I still couldn't help but blush every time he flirts with me.
He said, "Well, you aren't looking any less than a heroine, you know that right?"
I smiled, "I am flattered!"
After the entertainment we got from Ruhi and Siddharth, we played garba for a few hours and then decided to go home.
Aditi and Ruhi already left. Just as I was leaving, I saw Rishi standing alone, probably waiting for a cab or something. I made my way towards him. Feeling someone's presence, he turned around. I asked what he was doing alone. He was waiting for the cab, as expected. Siddharth and Naman have already left. I suggested, "I can drop you." He initially hesitated but then agreed when I insisted.
He sat behind me on my scooter and said, "I hope I reach home safely!"
I replied, "Don't you trust me?"
He replied," I trust you...but not your driving skills."
I started the engine and while driving, replied, "Shut up, or else I will leave you in the middle of nowhere!"
He didn't say anything further. Through the side mirror, I saw him hesitating to keep his hands on my shoulders for safety. At last, he decided to keep his hand at the back.
Such a gentleman!
He is such a good guy; I am shocked he doesn't have a girlfriend.
Or does he?
An uneasy feeling washed over me as I thought about it. I couldn't help but ask him, "Rishi?"
He hummed in response, I hesitated to ask it directly, I said, "I was just wondering if any of us have a garba partner...I mean, you know, those Navratri couple goal things. So, I was-"
He interrupted me saying, "I am single Radhika!"
My eyes widened and my jaw dropped, "I - that-"
He chuckled and asked, "Why were you asking it anyway?"
I cleared my throat and replied, "I... was just wondering, I mean you are a gentleman and...and good looking too, you know, so I just thought why?"
He was silent for a moment, then replied, "People don't stay with you forever, not just your partner, anyone you know is going to leave you one day. So why waste time in something that you already know isn't gonna last forever. Hence, I don't have faith in any kind of relationships."
I didn't say anything, I didn't know what to. He wasn't wrong.
This conversation took an entirely different turn.
I said, "I don't know about others, but some special people do stay forever, for me, it is Ruhi, I have my parents too, but most of the time, they are out of town due to work. You, too, have Siddharth, right? You should be grateful for him."
Just as I completed the sentence, we reached his place. He got off and came in front of me. He was looking around, when his eyes fell on what looked like a happy family, taking a walk by the neighborhood. When I looked back at him, I saw sadness in his eyes, "Can I ask you something?"
He nodded hesitantly. I asked, "What is behind that radiant smile of yours?"
He gave me a sad smile and said, "I have been left alone a few times, so, you know..."
He looked at me for a few seconds, then took a deep breath and started, "I was never a studious kid, never got more than 65% in exams. My parents wished for more, but still, didn't say much. During my 10th standard, my parents asked me to try to score at least 85%. It was definitely hard for me, you know. But I wanted to make them proud, and hence, I studied hard, day and night. On the day of my results, my parents were really excited, more than me, because they saw how much I had worked hard." He smiled to himself while recalling the moments.
He continued, "Before my results, they decided to go to the temple and pray for me. I saw my results when they were still there. I called them, excitedly, to tell them I passed with great marks. I said 'Mumma, I passed! And guess what, I got-', she interrupted me at that moment, saying, 'Not now, tell us when we reach home, face to face', I could feel their joy from the call. I waited for them to return. I waited and waited. They didn't come. What came was a phone call. 'Hello. Is this the son of Anjali and Prem Soni? I am sorry to say that they got in an accident and couldn't make it.' " His voice breaking with every word.
"My life shattered. They left me, Radhika! They left me alone. I couldn't even tell them that I fulfilled their wish, that I scored 87%. Radhika, they left me!" And at that, he completely broke down. I parked my scooter and without thinking hugged him. He cried softly in my arms, and I continued whispering soothing words in his ears. After some time, he finally calmed down and I pulled back.
He gave me a bittersweet smile and said, "You know, I didn't even have anyone's shoulder to cry at that time. Siddharth, too, was going through a lot, yet, he tried his best to stay by my side. It took me a few months to cope up with everything. And then 11th started, I had healed, not completely, but better than before."
I looked at him, knowing there was more. He continued, "I made new friends in class 11. One of them was Sakshi. We were good friends. One day, she proposed to me, I didn't even think of her in that way, so I said no. But she insisted, saying I should give it a try. So I finally agreed. We were in a relationship for more than a year now. We were in class 12. I never ever touched her, trying to be a gentleman. Saying, we were too young to get close. But then, she cheated on me with a really close friend of mine. She was the one who was in love, yet she cheated. When I asked her why she did that, she simply said that I wasn't enough for her. She said that I never gave into the relationship. After all those dates and gifts I prepared for her, she says this on my face. She left me just like that. And guess what? People started bad mouthing about me, as if I was at fault. And she, too, told them a whole different story, making me the villain. That's when the very faith I had in relationships shattered. I realized, no one stays."
I said, "People do stay, the right ones do. That girl didn't deserve you, so you shouldn't feel bad remembering her. She left a gem; she should be the one crying not you. What was her name again?"
"Sakshi", he sniffed.
I said, "Sakshi? More like Rakshasi!", trying to lighten the mood.
He smiled and said, "Enough of the emotional drama, now go home, it's already too late."
I looked at the watch and my eyes widened; it was almost midnight. I said, "I should leave now, good night. ", he replied with a bye and as he turned around, I said, " And yes, don't think too much, you deserve the world and more!"
He smiled at me gratefully and I started the scooter.
"Text me when you reach home!", I hear him say.
Too much behind that smile. He is such a gentleman, yet a girl cheated on him. Bloody Rakshasi!
I decided then, that whatever happens, I am going to make him believe in relationships again.
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