39. Blossoming spring days

Neethu's POV

I felt sleeplessness, so I came out of the room and stood in the balcony for about half an hour. I remembered the happy days in my home town... that brought unknown tears in me. I was longing to see my sister, my parents, and my friends.

After the completion of this project-based learning, one more month was to go before our final exams. How did the days pass so quickly? Only one month more to complete the studies. Would this one month bring changes in my life? After that, How would I see Rithick?

After completing my studies, my parents would arrange for my marriage. Now itself, they were busy in searching a pair for me. Would my love end in this college itself? What would I do if Rithick didn't confess his love to me? No! I couldn't be a loser. My heart would breaks if I lost him. With a lost hope, I was waiting for him. Random thoughts were running in my mind.

Then, I remained quiet and gazed at the dark clouds passing. It took me to some other world. I dreamt about my life with Rithick after ten years. It brought an unknown smile on my lips and lightened my heart. The gentle breeze caressed my skin and made me forget my worries. I was cool and happy right at that moment. My eyelids drooped. I stepped towards my room.

All the lights were off, except a dim light at the corner of the hall. I was shocked and happy to see Rithick standing there. He spoke with someone on the phone. I stepped closer to him. Unexpectedly, Shantra came out from her room with a phone pressed in his ear. She was talking to someone. Was Rithick talking to Shantra? Did Rithick love me really? My body shook the moment when I saw them. I stepped closer to them. I didn't hear their conversation.

I had a doubt, they were standing out, then what was the purpose of using a mobile phone in this spot? Did they notice each other? I was totally confused. To make it clear, I stepped closer to Rithick. He didn't notice me as he was facing the other side.

Suddenly, he hung up the call and turned towards me. There was a one-step gap between us. I didn't bother about Shantra. My heart gave me a warning that only one month remained to complete the studies. So, I should use all the chances of getting my Rithick.

"Rithick, tell me the answer to my question, which I had asked you before?" I asked him straightly.

"I didn't get you."

Stupid, I cursed him silently.

"I mean, Do you love me? Don't give me this unbearable pain to me, Rithick. How long do you want me to beg in front of you? I have kept my self-respect aside and confessed my love to you... but why are you troubling me so much?"

"I don't love you, Neethu. Don't confuse yourself between friendship and love."

"How can I believe this? Look into my eyes once and tell me, Rithick. If you really consider me as your friend, I am sorry for my actions. I will never cross your paths again," I said with finality in my voice.

"Very good." Shantra clapped her hands from behind me. I turned back.

"Why are you looking at me? Continue... continue," she teased. Her eyes looked like they belonged to the devil.

I glanced at Rithick. "Answer me."

"Are you so cheap to long for another's lover at night? He said that he loves me and not you. Are you clear?" She scoffed and glanced at her nails.

"No, I don't believe it. He has no feelings for you. Look into his eyes. They don't have any love when he is looking at you. But when he looks at me, they are filled with a lot of love. Can't you see that? You are so cheap. You took away my Rithick from me. Mind your words too."

"How dare you propose to him and talk to me like this?" She raised her hand towards me.

Rithick held her hand. "Shantra, you shouldn't raise your hand on her. She may be your friend or enemy, it doesn't matter,  but give respect and take respect."

Shantra stared at me and I stared at her squarely.

"Go and sleep. Don't disturb our privacy. You bloody idiot!" she almost screamed.

"These words are only for you and not me," I said and came to my room, without looking at those stupids. Really I was mad at Rithick. His actions were also so stupid.

I didn't sleep for the whole day. I freshened myself for the next day. It was the 22nd day of our tour. The days were passing without any fruitful results. I had some buried hope. I cursed myself for having that hope for a person like Rithick. Was it my fault to love him? Love had changed me to this extent. I had never scold anyone before, but now? I had never curse anyone, before but now? My style, my attitudes, my speech... everything had changed the moment I felt empty without Rithick. I would go to any extent to get my love back.

If he had selected a good girl, other than Shantra I would have definitely hidden my love for him. But now, I couldn't spoil my Rithick's life. He would not be happy in the hands of Shantra. He didn't love her, then why should I confuse myself? How could I give my gem to someone who didn't know its value? Nope! I can't. I was sure that he would definitely come to me.

We went to some important places of Malaysia in the morning. As usual,  we enjoyed there. Later we went to the class and returned back to the hotel in the evening. Rahul, my friends and I were stepping behind Rithick and Shantra.

"Rithick, stay with me." Shantra pouted. She glared at me eventually.

"I am with you only, Shantra," he said. I stared at him.

"I mean you can stay with me in the same room. Only 8 days more. Let us spend our time together, Rithick," she said, making us in shock.

"It is not necessary to stay together in a room before marriage," he said.

"Please, Rithick," she said again.

"Ok, as per your wish, Shantra." Rithick sighed.

Rahul didn't say anything. He didn't stop him. I left the place immediately because I couldn't tolerate this foolish act.

I was a fool to wait for Rithick. I lost my last hope too. I was not ready to accept him in my life again. Yes! He was playing a double game. I hated him. I hated him to the core.

******

The time was about 9 PM. I saw Rithick in Shantra's Room. I couldn't stay in the hotel after seeing them together. I came out of the hotel. The climate was chilly. I walked along the paths where my feet stepped. In other words, it was an aimless walk. At one point, I stopped and felt comfortable with that place. Some students from other places who had come here for the tour used small sticks to build a fire. They started dancing around the fire. It was a different kind of dance and looked very beautiful. The reason behind this dance was to feel warm in the cold climate. They danced to enjoy themselves.

I sat on the grass and looked at them to forget everything, including Rithick. He stayed with Shantra, it nearly killed me. I wanted to erase everything regarding Rithick but still, my mind struck about him. Was it my fate to remember him every second? He gave zero importance to me, then why was I struggling for his love?

I hated him for the sure. No more discussion about him, I warned myself. I faked my emotions and started enjoying the dance of those students. It was about 11 PM. The students went from that place. I was sitting alone. It was raining lightly. Unknown tears were dropping from my eyes like heavy rain. I remembered those rainy days that I had spent with my Rithick. No! No! He was not my Rithick. Why was I being stupid and thinking about him? I buried my head in knees.

Someone touched my neck. I was scared and jerked up. I stood up immediately to look at the person. I was shocked to see Rithick. He hugged me at once. I pushed him away. He hugged me again. He kissed my forehead. I pushed him away. He kissed my cheeks and I couldn't push him. I stopped fighting. I looked into his eyes. I could see only his love and my anger flew away.

"Neethu... I love you, my sweetheart. You are my world. You are my everything. You are my future wife. You are the mother to my children and the grandmother to my grandchildren. Will you accept this idiot?" he confessed his love. It was a beautiful surprise for me. I didn't expect these unexpected words from Rithick at this unexpected time. His words made me smile.

"Why are you laughing, Neethu? Did I tell a joke?" he asked, sitting beside me.

"No, Rithick. Shall I pinch you to test whether it is a dream or reality?"

"Of course, Neethu, but there is a small change."

"What?" I asked.

"Give me a kiss," he asked, looking into my eyes. He made me blush.

"No. I am... feeling shy... Rithick." I pouted.

"You are looking very beautiful, Neethu... in this moonlight."

"You Idiot. Why did you make me cry for so long? I will never forgive you so easily," I said, turning my face aside.

"I know how to melt my queen."

I gazed at him. He held my face and kissed my forehead, "I love you."  "I love you my darling." "I love you so much, Neethu."

I kissed his forehead. "I love you Rithick."

"I trust you, Rithick."  "I knew there would be some reason behind your drama."

He laughed at me. "That's my girl, you are my angel."

"These rose petals were tempting me." He pouted. He looked so cute with his innocent act.

"What?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Your lips." He was making me blush again and again.

"Neethu, I am sorry if I am wrong. I can't control myself," he said and kissed my lips. I closed my eyes. I responded to his kiss. It had a lot of unknown feelings, which only we both knew. I hugged him tightly.

It was hard to process this moment and he left me breathless with soft kisses on the corner of my lips. He was making me blush again. His hand was interlinked with mine He pampered me like a child. I looked at his eyes. He looked at me. We were immersed in our love. He kissed me again and showered me with his hidden love.

"I can't believe this yet, Rithick. Will you leave me again?" I asked him with teary eyes.

"I will never leave you again, not even for a second, Neethu. You are mine and only mine," he said and kissed my cheeks.

He let out a sigh. "Neethu, I am sorry for giving you such a hard time. Do you know how much I have hated myself for treating you like this?" His tears fell on my hand.

I wiped his tears away. "I knew it, Rithick. Your eyes said everything to me." I kissed his forehead to give him confidence.

"I have solved everything a little while ago, Neethu. I have searched for you everywhere. With a final hope, I came here. Why did you leave, my girl?" Rithick asked, holding my hands.

"How can I see you with that girl? I love you, Rithick, and you are the only mine. I can't give you to anyone," I said.

He hugged me from the side. "How could I be like that, Neethu? I loved you only and not anyone else."

I had a lot of doubts but I didn't ask anything to him. When he felt comfortable, he would definitely tell me. I didn't want to make him in worry.

"What are you thinking, Neethu? I know you have a lot of unanswered questions but I will make everything clear very soon. Please be patient, Neethu. I love you a lot, my angel. You trusted me a lot and I will never break your trust Neethu" he promised me.