PART I
RUCHIT...
"It's been really a long time, Ruchit. 4 years.. of you of liking her and still nothing.. You know what her priorities are, you know what will be her response. You've got parents whom you've to make proud, you too have a dream of a becoming a competent and successful Chartered Accountant.. Doesn't it mean anything to you?? Give it up already.."
Genuineness in Arpit's words was quite compelling. He has seen the broad smile on Ruchit's face every time he saw Rucha entering from the school's main gate and followed her to their class for about 4 years now.. But he has also seen the mount of expectations of Ruchit's parents from him and their envisioned life of his.. And in no way these both coincide." I know it Arpit and you know it too. I just can't simply forget it man.. We had this conversation for the umpteenth time and every single time I have told you...I just can't.. I don't know if this is right or wrong, maybe.., maybe it's just my lovely blossoming puberty which makes me think nothing but her, maybe it's just fad which will shy away with time, which hasn't till now by the way, but I know for sure, every time I see her, feel her presence, I just want it more.. that feeling.. that clash of neurons and uneven rush of hormones"
"But.."
"But, I also am aware of my parents wishes, my career and I should tell you.. I'm not so foolishly frivolous and dumb to let go of my dreams in case she actually says 'NO' for our yet-to-begin relationship. I'll probably be hurt, for sometime, surely, but won't go haywire.. So just buck it up.." Ruchit's assuring tone still didn't quite satisfied Arpit..
Last paper of prelims for class 10th was just over. Both of them were sitting on the railing of cycle stand, their usual spot.. The school was getting deserted and so did Ruchit's heart..
"So?.. What have you decided, what are you going to do now? We're days away from our Board Exams and after that we may never see some of us again.." Arpit sought a plan rather an end for his friend's.. what a desire/quest/feelings what was it??
Ruchit looked up, turned his head towards Arpit.." I know it too.. and so I think I should at least confess to her my feelings. I know that she already knows I like her . probably because of which she stopped talking to me way back in 8th standard.. But I should definitely in my future should be able to tell to myself I tried...Despite what she says, despite what happens to both our lives,.. despite what anyone thinks.. Don't you think so?"
A bit startled, but also relieved that this maybe the beginning of the end, he comforted, "So what should I do??"
" I'll tell you at the right time, till then we'll focus on our prelims, lets go now, Harry Uncle will literally kick us out of the school now.. See there, he's coming!" Ruchit exclaimed with a grin.
" True that.."
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RUCHA...
" Rucha! You have to understand! He really does like you, it isn't just clueless attraction.. If it was, it would have faded away in these four years.. You've always been that stubborn -'Will break but won't bend' attitude girl.. Everyone has their dreams, their priorities and have expectation which they have to fulfill. You aren't alone, inflated with aspirations, you know!.." Shruti almost yelled at Rucha.
They were sitting in the park in Rucha's society.. It was first Board Paper tomorrow.. They had just got down to buy necessary stationery exam, but decided to sit for a while..
"I am the villain here, ain't I? Why? Because I don't like the guy who likes me and I in no way want to get into a relationship so early.. Because I don't gawk him back the way he does.. Because he's been liking me for 4 years and I still haven't responded to him.. What should I do? Go back to him and tell Ruchit how sorry I am, please forgive me.. for what.. not liking you... " Rucha countered.
"You know it I don't mean that. You could have been a good friend to him, could have explained him at some point, the reason, not through ignorance, but by actually talking to him like an adult. What's his fault? Just liking you? Before that if you remember ,we've all been friends since the time we literally shit our pants. Just ignoring him intentionally, being despicable, behaving as if he doesn't exist, doesn't really bring good to anyone. You get annoyed and he'd be disappointed." Shruti cleared up.
"Shruti, stop acting like his advocate.. just.. just let it go now. There is no point discussing it now... This is presumably not the topic to discuss when we have such an decisive exam beginning tomorrow.. Just forget it.. " trying to change the topic Rucha said.
"I'm.. I'm.. " Shruti wants to say plenty of things but maturely decides to end it here. She knows the exam is way worth than a disturbing fight and in no way it could be the reason for meager marks for both of them.
There's silence between them, for about a minute..
"Yes of course we do.. here comes my mom's call its 7:01, isn't it? I told her I'd be home by 7. Chal bye! All the Best! See you at 10, at school tomorrow" forgetting everything Shruti says.
Rucha's face was now replaced with a smile.
Both hug each other and part ways.
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Time's gone by.. as quick as it could have.. It's the 5th paper, apparently Ruchit and Arpit are again at their usual spot, being in a small town, their school itself was their exam center..
They were watching the crazy excitement Indian parents have about BOARD EXAMS , be it anyone's.. Flocking the center, as soon as the final bell's rung, like an actual literal war between parents expectations with student's directed reality.. CLASH OF PLANS!!
"Its time.." Ruchit asserted..
Startled at first, Arpit gradually recollected.. "OK! What exactly to do?"
"I'll confess to her on the day of our last paper.." Ruchit cleared up his voice, "Ghole Road's her usual route for school if she comes on her cycle.. Its a short way here, not so crowded, than the bustling main road.. I'm sure of that... You just tell Shruti, in our revision lecture today at our institute, to convince Rucha, to come with her on cycle to school for the last paper.. If that happens, she will surely use Ghole Road and we'll be waiting there.." he blurted out..
Arpit got up, thought for a while, and turned towards Ruchit.." OK Fine.. I'll just inform Shruti as you said.. BUT.. before that.. you must promise me, if it does not goes as you planned , if she.. if she says 'NO', you will never pursue this further anymore.. You will try to make yourself understand and move on.. Do you promise, Ruchit??"
Ruchit, though reluctantly, nodded, " I promise"
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Later in the evening at their coaching institute Arpit signaled Shruti to wait after class..
"Hii!, Thanks for waiting.." Arpit greeted with smile.
"Hii! Tell me! What is it?"
"Actually, Ruchit has asked me to tell you something."
"Is it about Rucha? Because if it is, I can't be of any help to you. Last time we almost got into a fight for it and ..." Shruti began shooting like a canon.
" Yes it is.." Arpit intervened, " But at least listen! On the last day you've to persuade Rucha coming with you on bi-cycle, as you were use to. You know their equation since the beginning. You can do this much, can't you?"
"Ohh.. You've planned something?? Is he going to.. "
Arpit intervenes again, " I won't hide it from you, he is going to confess.. but Please... please don't tell Rucha anything about this.. She won't think about coming on bi-cycle if she suspects anything.."
Shruti's legitimately surprised at this dare by Ruchit, but she too impliedly, bottom down, was rooting for him and his quest for getting Rucha's acceptance.
Shruti affirms," I will try, but I don't think she'll budge in. Tell him don't get his hopes too high"
"He knows that already.. I mean he knows what she might say but he couldn't just assume, could he?" Arpit continued.
" Ok then, anything else? I'll leave.."
"No. Just that.. All The Best , though.."
"Yes, same to you, BRO.."
Walking away, Arpit said to himself "That hurt!! Man.."
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Finally its THE DAY.. Last paper is Geography, every year its the same, hardly anyone complains.. its the last paper, duh,.. its the only thing standing between students and their two probably three months holidays.. Its last thing holding up the rustling dam of excitement, freedom, relief, curse(?), spell and what not..
As planned Ruchit and Arpit were at a quite place on the Ghole Road waiting.. Its 10 now..
"She'll be here any moment now, hang in there.." Arpit commented assuring.
The words to be told were clear, courage was sought, hope was sighted, though a brittle one and a friend for support was already , what more you need??
That's when Arpit spotted, Rucha's uncle coming their way on his two-wheeler.. He wasn't sure enough there was someone sitting behind..
"It's her.." Ruchit said in a very low disappointing voice.
"Just let them come near, I'm not sure.." Arpit couldn't accept...
"I know that scarf.. She and Shruti got exactly same pieces.. and.. 100% it couldn't be Shruti, could she?.." Ruchit clarified.
The vehicle went by.. It was Rucha with her uncle.. Ruchit could just see her eyes but it was enough.. They both exchanged a glance.. Just A glance..
Arpit looked towards Ruchit and kept his hand on his shoulder.. "Ro,,"
Just then Rohit raised his hand upright
"LETS GO!"
__________________________
"What's up man, its been over a month since the exam.. No call, no message? How are you and most importantly where are you? Can't seem to find .. its just a month, and I lost contact with you, how will I in few years?" frantic Arpit spoke.
" Oh! Can I speak now?" -Ruchit
"You piece of ... Speak!"
"I thought, aai told you I'm at my uncle's place. Just came here after the last paper. It's in Konkan.. Very quite and peaceful.. Eating Fish and Rice day and night.. You should come too.. Could you? ..I .." Ruchit was talking until Arpit interrupted..
"Couldn't you call once? I'm trying your phone and messaging.. And no reply? You didn't spoke anything after our last paper. I wanted to check up on you.."
" There is a weak mobile network here and so maybe your call couldn't reach me.."
"Messages??"
"I've deleted Whatsapp, you didn't sms, did you?"
"Ok just let go of your fragile excuses.. Do you want to talk??"
"About?"
" Of course what happened on last day.." Ruchit interrupts this time..
"Just wait someone's calling me, it might be Aunt, I haven't saved her number till now, I'll call you right back"
" But wait.." Arpit got disconnected..
Ruchit picks up the phone.
"Hello! Ruchit?' a soft delicate voice spoke.. Surely it wasn't of his 40 yr. old konkani aunt..
"Yes?" Ruchit with hesitancy and a pacing heart....
"Rucha here!..."