"Just Another Love Story" (Scene11)

Scene 11: The Love Letter

I spent the next two hours waiting for the afternoon session when we have our computer science practical classes.   Three hours, where everybody will be busy with their computers and no one will bother about anything else. That will be the perfect time for me to go to Meghana and produce my heart in the form of the letter in front of her.  Even if she turns it down, I would be spared from major embarrassment.

I had the letter in my pocket, but, my confidence was missing. There was something about her that made me fall short of confidence every time I approached her. And every time I tried to speak to her I ended up struggling for words. I was someone who could talk in front of a large crowd without even a single fumble and here I was in a complete contrast, in front of this girl.

From the day I saw her, my life had changed. I was not the same guy I used to be. My friends complained that I spoke less and my mom suspected something wrong with the alignment of my stars, and the astrologer whom she consulted told her that it was because Shani was too interested in me and my guru was not in my favor. He even smelled some black magic performed by some relatives, and that a daylong Pooja costing some thousands of rupees would wipe it off. But, all I needed was Meghana. I don’t know what the text book definition of love is, but, all I knew was that, my day starts and ends with her thoughts. Everything else felt boring and all the sounds in the world except that of her seemed harsh. I would go restless when I don’t see her for a day, and would walk every evening behind her, (without she noticing of course) till the place she stayed, when actually my house is in the exact opposite direction. If this was not what they call love then maybe I was not yet in Love.

It was time for lunch and my friends wanted to go out to some good restaurant instead of the college canteen. I had no choice but to go with them. For the first time, we had been to a good place to eat and I didn’t decide what to eat. They ordered whatever they wanted and Vinay knowing my likes, ordered the best he could find in the menu. I couldn’t eat much that day. Others in the group were praising the food all the way till college But, I didn’t have any opinion. For, it didn’t matter if the food was good or not, the only things that mattered to me now were Meghana, the Computer Practical session and that letter.

As we had gone a bit far from the college, we were late for the session. By the time we reached the lab, others had already taken their seats and had begun with their coding. In the huge lab spanning up to two rooms, it was difficult for me to locate Meghana. We were not allowed to move around in the lab unless we had some questions to be asked to the Lecturers. I had to find a place for myself and sit. I didn’t get time to look for Meghana. If I had been there on time, I could even get a seat next to her. But, damn these guys planning for food outside, I have to pay the price. And the food wasn’t great either.

I started with my practical session, typed some random codes from the notes. I had typed almost for ten minutes when I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was my lecturer standing behind me. I stood up and asked

“Sir…”

Lecturer: “Akash, how are you?.”

Me: “I am fine sir thank you. What happened sir?”

Lecturer: “Are you sure? You don’t seem to be fine today. You need some help?”

Me: “No sir. I am alright.”

Lecturer: “Then why are you typing the wrong code? This was from the previous session”

Me (Realizing he was right):  “Oh! I am sorry sir. I did not know. I missed to note the ones for this session”

Lecturer: “It’s alright.” 

With another tap on my shoulder

Lecturer:  “Concentrate a bit more my friend.” And he looked around, and said,

Lecturer: “Meghana, come here.” 

I was shocked for a moment. All this time I was sitting there and didn’t realize that the she was sitting next to me. Meghana was now standing next to me. My heart was sprinting.

Meghana: “Yes Sir?”

Lecturer: “Meghana, it seems that Akash here needs you to help him with the code for today’s session. Can you help him? Can you give him the correct code so that he can carry on with the practical? “

Meghana: “Yes Sir. Sure.”

I was staring at her face.

Lecturer: “good then. You guys carry on.”  

He walked away from there.

I was still standing without moving a muscle, staring at her face.

Meghana: “Akash…” (pause) ” Akash...Hey...Akash.”

The next minute she placed a book in my hand I came back to reality.

Meghana: “The codes for today are in here. If you need some help let me know.”

Both of us took our seats and continued our work.

I didn’t look up for the next one hour and typed all the codes and compiled them. They didn’t have many errors.  Even though she was sitting just next to me, I got up from my seat and went to her seat in order to return her book.

On reaching there,

Me: “Meghana, Thank you. You are So beautiful”

Meghana: “Excuse me? I didn’t get you.”

Me: “What? What didn’t you get?”

Meghana: “You said something like beautiful or something?”

Me: “oh…umm….your handwriting, I mean it’s so beautiful.”

I was about to give the book back to her and I realized, I could use that book to accomplish what I wanted to accomplish. Without thinking much, I said,

“Oh! Wait. Let me have another look at the code. I may have done some mistake. Don’t want to bother you again for this. I have the habit of missing some things every time”

I walked back to my seat.

Meghana didn’t understand what was happening. She turned back to her computer to continue what she was doing. She was typing it slow, as there was more time left.

On reaching my seat I carefully took the letter and placed it inside her book. Acting as if I am going through the code on the monitor and the book I sat there for five more minutes. Then, I got up from my seat and went to her and returned her book. 

Meghana: “Is everything alright? I mean was there something wrong in my code?”

Me: “Oh...no no...Everything was perfect. After all it’s your code. I had done some mistakes while typing. All sorted out now. Thanks.”

Returning back to my seat I felt I had spoken too much. But, was happy that I had finally handed the letter, I mean at least handed the book with the letter back to her. I felt sitting there for more time may not be a good idea for my health. So, I went to the lecturer and told him that I had finished my tasks for the day and asked if I could leave. He was probably in good mood and granted me permission to leave.

I didn’t waste much time and walked out of the room the next moment. I was excited, happy and scared… all this at same time. I decided to leave for the day as I didn’t feel it safe and imagined a furious Meghana walking out of the lab with the letter in one hand and a sword in another.  It was too scary. I walked out of the college campus.

"Just Another Love Story" (scene 10)

With Love, Akash:

I woke up from my sleep. I am in the ICU of The Indian Cancer Institute. It is the 13^th day after I was admitted here. Mostly all of my relatives are standing around my bed, looking at me. In usual conditions so many people are not allowed into the ICU. But, today there is an exception, everybody seems sad. My mom is here sitting beside me, holding my hand, laying her head near my head. She is weeping. I wish I could move my hand and wipe her tears off. But I can’t. Four months ago, I was diagnosed with cancer. It was too late, and now I am going to die. I hardly have some hours or days left.

Only things that keep me alive are my past with Meghana. Those are some lovely memories that I would take with me to my grave. The cancer has taken its toll on me. My mom is here with me. I wish Meghana was here too. It would have been good to bid adieu to the world holding the hands of both the women I love the most. But, how will she come here, for I had given her so much of pain that she hates me now. The few years that we spent together, were the best years of my life.

I can’t see my loved ones crying.( I close my eyes.)

…..

The next day, I took a little extra time to get ready. I had to make sure I looked better than ever that day. My mom was surprised seeing me spend so much time in deciding the cloths. I usually wear whatever I get first from the wardrobe.  I had good breakfast and left home. The buses will be crowded in the morning and I didn’t want my look to be spoilt.

Soon, I reached college. It was still early. Most of the students were yet to come. I sat on the Katte, under the biggest tree there for some time. I felt as if the trees were wishing me luck. I had a smile on my face, and that nervousness you can’t explain. After some time, I got up from there and started to walk towards the classroom, smiling at everyone I met on the way. Finally, the day was here.

When I walked into the classroom, the song ‘pehla nasha….Pehla khumaar..Naya pyaar hai naya intezaar’ was playing on some one phone. I walked into the class and sat on the first bench. I was lost, I was thinking about what will happen when I give the letter to Meghana, and how we would be together forever and ever.

Then, I was interrupted by someone’s artificial coughing sound. When I looked towards the sound, I realized I was actually sitting next to a girl in the class. It was supposed to be a female only bench.

Me: “oh…I am sorry…!!”

And I turned to get up from there and move to a bench behind, I noticed some one was waiting for me to get up so that she could sit. I looked at the face and it was Meghana. I stood up, I was standing in front of her. I couldn’t take my eyes of her, I couldn’t move. She waited for some time and then, entering from the other end she sat on the bench I was still looking at her. Only a pat on the back from Vinay, who had just walked in brought me back.

Vinay: “Dude! Control…she will be yours soon and then you can eat her off. Wait till then”

Me: “hatt….”
We walked to the next bench and sat there. I was sitting just behind Meghana. I could sit and watch her for a long time from so close, for the first time. I was happy and Vinay was looking at me and giving a sarcastic smile.

Vinay: “ahem ahem…. Akash, it’s too hot here. Let’s sit on some back bench.”

Me: “I am fine here. I can’t hear the lecture properly from last.”

Vinay: “oh…Lecture!!”

I speaking with Vinay about many things, but, still looking at Meghana.

Then Kiran, my class mates came to my desk.

Kiran: “hey Akash. ”

Akash: “Hi Kiran.”

Kiran: “Hey do me a favor. Can you give me your Computer Science note book? I will return in 10 minutes. I was absent yesterday and have to note down yesterdays class notes.”

Akash: “hey! No problem.” I looked for the Note book and handed it over to her.

She took it and went to her desk. Because she asked the book I was reminded of the Letter. I just wanted to make sure that was there in my bag. I looked in all the note books and I couldn’t find it in any of them. I was sad. I must have left the book at home. So much hope I came with and now, it will be delayed again.

I was mad at myself, how can I do such a silly mistake? Why didn’t I make sure it is there when I left home? I can’t go back home and get it too. What if mom finds it? I was asking So many questions to myself.

Then, Kiran, came back,

Kiran: “Akash!”

Me: “Yes Kiran. Tell me. What happened?”

Kiran: “I found this in that book. Don’t want to lose it so thought I will give it back right away.”
She had that letter in her hand. It was not opened yet.  I took it and was quickly keeping it back in my pocket. Vinay held my hand,

Vinay: “What is that? Show me what is it..?”

Me: “Hey! Nothing. Just a paper.”

Vinay: “Just a paper ha? Let me see.”

Me: “No No…”

By then he had already pulled that letter off my hand. He read the cover.

Vinay: “With Love from Akash. To Meg…ahem ahem…”

Vinay: (loud)“Love letter?..A love letter!!! Oh oh o….”

Everybody including Meghana was looking at us. I grabbed the letter from his hand and placed in my pocket.

Akash: “Vinay..Are you crazy?"

Vinay: “no..not me..but,…you are…crazy..crazy about..Mezz..Ahem ahem”

The Class bell rang…

"Just Another Love Story" (Scene 9)

The Love Letter:

That evening, I couldn’t get over the thoughts of Meghana. I had seen something special for me in her eyes today. I knew I shouldn’t delay any further and talk to her. I was still not completely sure how I was going to tell “The” matter. For, I was not scared or less in confidence, but, every time I see her, I run out words, and start behaving like a kid seeing a box full of chocolate candy. I knew if I decide to talk to her I will fail this time too, hence, I had to look for a different method. I didn’t have her phone number yet, and hence, the option of sms was not there. I didn’t get any idea.  I kept thinking.

It was 8 P.M and it was time for some Daily soap that my mom watched regularly.  She was sitting on the sofa. When at home, I sit on the floor and if mom is on the sofa, I rest my head on her lap and just look at her enjoy her program. I could hear the sound from the TV behind me. I usually enjoy the program more when I hear only the voice from the TV and the expressions come on my Moms face. I always feel relaxed on her lap.

After some ten minutes, Mom’s facial expressions were changing. Someone who was smiling was now serious. I knew something serious was on it her program, I enjoyed this bit too. This was the time, my mom would sit free and be herself and do something to keep her entertained. Otherwise it’s about her husband and kids for her always.

I ignore her seriousness for some time, but, then she started commenting on what she was seeing,

Mom: “There is nothing but this in TV now. “

I was surprised.  I didn’t understand what she was commenting on exactly. So, I turned towards the TV to see what it was. In the program, a college going guy was handing over a love letter to a girl. The girl received it and smiled at him, and they fall in love, blah blah. Mom somehow didn’t like it.

Mom: “Look at that guy, not even a proper moustache has started to grow on his face and he is giving letters to girls.”

I felt as she was telling this to me. Unknowingly, my hand moved to my moustache and I was looking at moms face. She looked at me and I gave me a light slap.

Mom: “Son, what happened?”

Recovering, I said: “Nothing. Why are you asking? “

Mom (continuing where she left earlier): “And what kind of a girl she is.?”

Me (shocked): “Who Maa?”

Mom: “This Meghana.”

Me: “Meg..Meghana?!!Who?”

Mom: “Arre..That girl in the serial. Who received that Letter? What kind of a girl she is? How can she do it? What will her parents feel if they come to know? They send these people to college to study and they plan to make a family.”

I went speechless and looked at mom. But, then, knowing my mom, I said,

Me: “Amma, it’s just a serial. Why do you take it so seriously? Why do you watch these things and spoil your mood? Give me the remote. Let me see if there is some comedy program is there.”

Mom: “No No... No need of any comedies. Today I need to watch these serials. Today Chandrika is getting married to Vijay. I hope Ramesh doesn’t create trouble.”

Me: “Chandrika? Vijay? Ramesh? Who are these people??”

Mom: “These are the people in the next serial. Don’t disturb me now. Let me watch it.”
Me (Smiling): “Amma!!! You watch your serials. I will not disturb. Call me when it’s time for dinner. I will be in my room”

I got up from there and came into my bedroom. I was thinking about the lines mom told about the Meghana and the guy who gave her the letter. I was not worried or something, because, I knew my mom and she will not say no, If I tell her I am in love someday.

Because of the love letter scene, I now had an Idea. Why not I write a letter to Meghana? That will mean I could express whatever I have in my heart without looking like an idiot. Yes, I should write a letter.

I grabbed a pen and an A4 sheet paper. I didn’t know what to write and where to start. It took me 10 minutes to start writing.

Letter:

“Hi Meghana,

I am not sure how you will react to this letter and I don’t know if it’s appropriate from my part, but, some things that I wanted to tell you directly I am writing here as every time I approach you to tell that, I fail.  I don’t know if you remember the first day to college, and that rain. But, as far as I am concerned, that day was very special. That day I lost myself under that rain. It was the day I saw you for the first time.

I had never before felt the way I felt that day.  Let me tell you, I fell for you the first time I saw you. I knew nothing about you then, but, now I want to know more about you. I had been following you since, without you even noticing that.  I am not sure if you even remember me properly and are able to recall my face, for it has been just few days since the first time we met and you wouldn’t have noticed me.
Yesterday, I felt as if you were looking at me, but, I am not sure if it was actually that, or if you were looking at someone else. Once you left from there, I looked for you but, didn’t see you. I wanted to talk to you and when I saw you walking out of the chapel, I was preparing myself to talk to you. But, like every time, I was interrupted, and this time in the form of Karishma. Karishma, she is my ex-class mate and nothing more than that. Probably, yesterday was the first time we spoke. I sat with her, because you were there. All I wanted was to talk to you.

Finally, it would be not right if I tell you I like you. Because, I don’t just like but, I Love you. You might not believe in this kind of Love, but, what to do? I am helpless now.

I don’t really expect a positive reply from you. But, any reply would be good. Let me know if we can talk.

Akash.”

It took me really long to write a small letter.  I kept the paper in one of my books and came out to the living room. Was a bit relaxed thinking that finally I am going to express my love to Meghana. When I came out, mom was sitting on the sofa and staring at me.

Me: “What happened Amma? Your serial is over?”

Mom: “Yes long back. What do you think the time is? What were you doing so long? I called you for dinner so many times.”

Me: “You called me?”

And I looked at the wall clock. And it was 11:05 PM. I was there in my room for almost 2:30 hours and didn’t realize that. I didn’t even hear mom calling me for dinner.

Mom: “yes. I did. What were you doing so long without even responding to my call?”

Me: ummm…a...Assignment...I was writing my assignment. I am hungry now. Give me dinner Amma.“

Mom (smiling) : “OK…was your hands and come I will serve you dinner.”

"Just Another Love Story" (Scene 8)

Scene 8: Minutes of silence

Meghana now had a clue that I liked her and have been following her. The stupid thing that Vinay did the other day had somehow helped me. It would have taken me too long to let her know that I liked her and wanted to try if this works out. But, Vinay in just some seconds had made that happen.

I gathered some more information about her in the next few days through common friends and social networking sites. There were a lot of surprising information’s about her. She is a Malayali and so am I.In fact she was from my hometown. Our family backgrounds and other cultural backgrounds were similar.I was kind of happy. This seemed as if god has a plan here. Like Vinay said once, even I believed in Destiny now.

That day I decided to follow Meghana. But, at the same time I didn’t want her to see me. So, I waited for everyone to leave the classroom and when Meghana left with her friends I waited for two minutes and then left the classroom, to the direction of the building exit. When I reached the exit I saw Meghana sitting on the bench near the entrance with her friends and chatting. I had to follow her and hence had to be around till she left.

I looked around and saw Karishma, my 12^th class mate sitting on one of the benches. I approached her, and she smiled at me.

Me: “Hi Karishma”

Karishma: “Hey Akash. Which batch?”

Me:”Physics. What about you?”

Karishma: “Bio-tech.”

I am not sure when the last time we spoke was, or I don’t even know if we ever spoke. But, Now I had to talk to someone and didn’t see anyone but her.

The bench we were sitting on was exactly opposite to the one Meghana was sitting.  A Lot of people were walking towards the exit, which constantly blocked the view between the two benches. But, still she could see me and I could see her. I couldn’t stop looking at her, I tried my best but she was like a magnet attracting me. The hard I tried to look away, the more I looked at her. Karishma was talking to me but, I was not attentive to her and didn’t know what she was telling. After sometime, she laughed and even though I didn’t know what she was laughing for, I joined her and laughed out loud. I think I was too loud. I realized this when all the noise around the place had vanished and everyone present there was staring at me. I felt like an Idiot.

Karishma continued talking and I was just nodding my head without being attentive. After a minute she tapped on my shoulder,

Me: “ah..umm..what happened.?”

Karishma: “Don’t look immediately but, that girl there on the opposite bench. The one in the blue salwar is staring at us from long time. Not sure for what.”

When someone says not to do something, you can’t stop but do that. I did the same. She had not finished her sentence and I looked at the girl who she was talking about. I knew it was Meghana in the blue salwar hence I had to look. Since I was quick, I could see Meghana looking at us and she seemed a bit annoyed. When she saw me noticing this she looked away.

It was surprising for me. The girl who I thought is annoyed because she knows I was in love with her, was now annoyed because I was sitting with another girl. Was her mind leaning towards me? Was she beginning to feel possessive about me? Or was she looking at something else and I mistook it?

All of a sudden she stood up and started to walk out. Her friends were still there. Again, I left after two minutes. When I came out I didn’t see her. I looked around but, didn’t see her anywhere. I ran towards the direction of the place where I saw her the first day. She was not to be seen. I had missed her even this time. I was almost in tears. I shouldn’t have missed this time. I walked back. I had not felt so sad for a long time. I wanted it to rain because I wanted no one to see me crying.  I reached the college campus, in front of the Chapel. I walked into the Chapel, and sat on the bench there. With my head hung down I was crying, with only god looking at me. I felt like asking god the reason behind this. Why is this happening with me every time? Why am I not able to meet her properly and talk? How am I going to tell her that I want her to be mine?

I sat there for a long time. I felt relaxed. I felt I just spoke to a close friend and shared all the sadness I had with him. I prayed for some time and decided to leave. When I came out of the chapel it was raining. I sat behind one pillar and was waiting for the rain to stop. I was thinking about a lot of things sitting there. And I heard the Chapel door opening, when I looked, for my surprise it was Meghana walking out of the chapel. She was there in the chapel all this time. She should have come here directly from the college building, and not knowing this, I was searching for her. More over, I went into the chapel and didn’t see her there. I hope she didn’t see me crying. Now, it seemed like she didn’t notice me there. She came and stood on the other side of the same pillar behind which I was sitting. Even she was waiting for the rain to stop. I didn’t have the guts to speak to her today, and after the little time I spent inside the chapel, I felt like I should talk to her tomorrow with a fresh mind.

After almost 10 minutes, the rain slowed down, and those who were inside the building waiting for the rain to stop,started walking out. We were still standing there, and then, Karishma who was going that way saw me, she was carrying an umbrella,

Karishma: “Akash! You are here. Are you waiting for someone?”

Me: “No. I was just waiting for the rain to stop”

Meghana realized now that I was standing there. She peeped to see I was there. She didn’t expect me there and was surprised.

Karishma: “Oh  ...Then come...I will walk with you till the bus stand. Come.”

Me: “Hey! It’s OK. This rain will stop now.”

Karishma: “No. It’s not OK. Come let’s go.”

I didn’t want to go but had to...I moved under her umbrella and we started walking.

Even though I didn’t turn back and look, I knew Meghana was standing there looking at us go, and if she had any feelings towards me, she will not be happy seeing me go with Karishma.

The Rain was still on.

"Just Another Love Story" (scene 7 )

Scene 7 :  "I met her Again"

I left early from home today as I wanted to be in college early. My Mom was shocked to see me get up early. I was always late otherwise. She didn’t know the real reason though. I wanted to be early to know more about Meghana. I now had Vinay for my support, and the poor guy had to come early just because I was coming. 

I was walking up towards college, near the same area where I had seen her the first day.All of a sudden it started to rain. I never carried an Umbrella with me and I couldn’t get wet in the rain this time. After all, I had to make an impression on her today. I decided to stay under the rain cover of a petty shop nearby. The rain didn’t seem like stopping that day. I was sad, every time I want to approach and talk to her, something or the other interrupts. 

Then, I got a call on my cell phone, it was from Vinay.

Vinay: “AK, where are you dude? I came early for you and you have not come yet.”

Me: “Aah..Sorry Vinay. I am near the park. It is raining heavy and I am not carrying an umbrella. I wanted to talk to her today but, I think I will be late cos of this rain. ”

Vinay:”hmmm…it will be bad. But, there will be another day. Or maybe the lunch break would be a better time I guess. Don’t worry. You try and come as soon as possible, or wait ther, I will get my umbrella. OK. Wait there I will be there in 10 minutes.”

Me: “oh...That will be a great help dude. I will be here.”

I spent the next ten minutes at that place. The rain was still on and every time a drop of rain fell on my face, I was reminded of Meghana, and the first day I saw her.  I felt her in every drop of rain, sound of the rain was like her talking to me. I wanted to keep feeling and keep listening to her. I was smiling all by myself.

And, suddenly rain stopped dropping on me and when I looked it was Vinay standing there covering me with his umbrella. He was smiling. I didn’t understand for what he was smiling at first. But then, when I looked around, I realized I was standing in the middle of the road under the rain, I didn’t know when I moved from where I was actually standing.

Vinay: “Can we move now sir?or are you planning to wait till your madam arrives?”

Me: “What? She has not come yet? I thought she will be already in the class. And how do you know she will come this way?”

Vinay: “I don’t think she has come yet. It’s still half an hour to class. And about the other question, you had told the other day that you saw her for the first time somewhere around this place right? So she should be coming this way only.. right?” 

Me: “You got a point there. But, I think she would have come already. May be you didn’t see. Anyways let’s go to college. I will meet her in the afternoon.”

Vinay: “Okay, let’s go.”

We started walking.

All of a sudden,

Vinay: “Hey! Look there AK!  Meghana.”

Me: “Where?!!”

Vinay: “She is in that auto. There! I saw her. It is her.”

Me: “Oh!“

And I started running towards the auto. The auto was too fast for me, but, I was running. I didn’t care for the rain or for the people who were looking at me. All I knew was that I wanted to meet her and talk to her. But, what was I going to tell her? I didn’t know. I heard Vinay calling out my name. But, I was not going to stop. 

I saw the auto stop in front of the gate. I slowed down a bit as I was almost there. I was completely drenched. Water was dripping out of my clothes. When I reached the gate, I saw it was actually her. It was My Meghana. I was walking behind her. She stopped all of a sudden. I thought she noticed me following her and is going to yell at me. She turned back. I stopped walking. She walked towards me and I didn’t know what to do and was standing there. She was closing in and my heart beat was growing faster. And then she went past me towards the gate. She was waving at someone outside the gate. The auto she arrived came back. I saw her talking to the autowala and taking something from the backseat. She had forgotten a bag she was carrying in the auto itself.  She was walking back towards the college, and I was still standing there. She noticed me and this time smiled at me. I was happy.  I started walking behind her again. I hesitated at first then I called her name,

Me: “Meghana…Meghana”

She stopped, turned back and looked at me. I reached near her.

Me:”Hi, Meghana. I hope you know me.”

Meghana: “Oh yes. I know you. Don’t know your name yet, I am sorry. But, you are from the physics batch, right? You are Vinay’s friend.”

She didn’t know my name. But, she knew Vinay. I suspected if there was any truth in what Vinay told me yesterday.

Me: “oh. Yes Vinay is my friend. My name is Akash.”

We started walking together towards college. We didn’t speak anything at all. Then, Vinay came running behind us, he called out my name

Vinay: “Akash wait. Wait AK!” it seemed like even he was running all the way.  He came near me. Meghana was now walking a bit ahead of us. Vinay had not noticed her yet.

Vinay: “Did you see her? Did you meet her AK?”

I was trying to tell him that she is there in front of us. But, this dumb guy wouldn’t understand. I tried my best.

Vinay (loud): “What?! What signs are you making? I am asking you, did you meet Meghana?.”

It seemed she heard him. She turned and looked back. It was embarrassing for me. This was the second time this is happening to me.  First, I had told the rain incident to the whole class when she was there and now this guy has so openly screamed that I wanted to meet her and it was something that I had planned. What impression would she have of me now? She would be thinking what a looser I am.

Yes! I actually felt like a looser now.  By this time Vinay had noticed that Meghana was around and realized what he had done. I looked at his face and he was trying to control his laughter. I was mad at him. I couldn’t face Meghana.

 I quietly walked towards the class.