64. The Unexpected

D's PoV

Scene 8

It was before study holidays for 12th graders. I started feeling weird that I cannot see him regularly like I do now. The chemistry sir we had also teaches them. So, all the 12B class came to our class during our chemistry period to get his 'All The Best'.

I hurriedly searched for him. He stood way back. But he was so tall that he could be seen from anywhere in the crowd. He was looking at me too. Obviously, I was at the first desk. When our eyes met, I had those silly butterflies in my tummy again. I lowered my gaze. Our chemistry sir blessed them all with an 'all the best!'

We all said 'All The Best' in the chorus. I mouthed him a special 'All The Best' and he nodded his head to me. Not once did he see anywhere else for the whole time he was in our class. My friend told me.

I couldn't see him after that. I really missed him. I felt like crying. I hated going to school. Whenever I crossed the cycle stand or ground or auditorium, I missed him so much. It was so hard for me. But I made myself busy with my studies and friends. Whenever a guy tried to approach me after that, my mind would flash his smile and his raised eyebrows in my heart. Never once have I felt those butterflies again!

Rishi's PoV

Scene 9

I know I will ace the exams. After all, I was ready for these exams 2 times already. Our class decided to see all our teachers for this year to get their wishes. We went to her class to see our chemistry teacher. She was sitting right in the first desk corner. So cute with those big eyes!

Once my class leader said that we are from 12th B, she jerked her head and searched the crowd. Her eyes held a satisfaction when her eyes found me. It gave me an indescribable feeling. I couldn't take my eyes-off of her. She was so captivating. When everyone wished us, she looked me in the eye and mouthed an 'All the best'! That was the best wish I have ever received. Before I wrote every exam, I literally saw her wishing me in my mind.

I missed her when I couldn't see her. Her big eyes and innocent child like face always disturbed me in my dreams. I even tried going to see her. But I couldn't.

After exams, Dad arranged for flight tickets for me and Kishore. Right after the last exam. Back in my own place gave me so many distractions. New college, business, part time studies. Life moves on right? I made myself engaged in other activities that I put her in the depths of my heart!

D's PoV

"He was the most handsome boy in our school! Every girl had their eyes on him. But his eyes were just on me. I felt so proud of myself, when my friends had jealous looks on me. He is so manly and handsome now. I totally can't stop myself from going behind him! He is..."

"Whoa whoa! Stop it! My ears are bleeding. Give me a break. I agree, yours is a pure and God blessed love and your husband is the most handsome man in the world. Now shall we have our dinner and then talk?" Achu said.

"Tasteless fellow, I'm telling you a romantic story and you want to eat? Mark my words, you will die single!" I cursed her.

She held her hands together and pleaded to go with her to eat. I was tired too after all the narration. So, I settled on the dining table with aunty, uncle and Achu. We had a good dinner.

"Danya, you sleep here tonight. But tomorrow morning we should tell your family about this. It's not good to hide this big issue from your family. They are the only ones who can give a permanent solution for this problem." Aunty said.

"I know aunty. Rishi will come here before 8am tomorrow. We don’t have to tell anything to my family, aunty. I don’t want them to feel upset. I can handle him." I told her.

"I can understand how you are feeling, Danya! But you are like my daughter too. I've been seeing you since your childhood. I know you can handle anything. But See, as a parent we find it important to let your family know!" Uncle said.

"I understand, uncle. If he is not here after 8am tomorrow, then we can tell my family. Please uncle!?" I know the power of my pleasing puppy eyes.

"Ok dear! We will wait till 8 tomorrow." they both said and went to bed.

Achu and I went to her bedroom and settled down with video games.

"Hey please, I feel so sleepy. Let's sleep. This ‘super Mario’ is really boring!" Achu whined.

"You go to bed. I don’t think I can sleep now. I will play for some time and will come to bed".

"Donkey, It's already 11pm. Switch it off. Come, You need rest."

"Please Achu, Let me be." I pleaded with her.

She gave me a look and switched the tv off!

"Pch Achu! I was about to reach the princess! I almost killed that dragon."

"Get up now. Get to bed!"

"Sometimes you behave like a ‘school teacher’, Achu!" I went to bed complaining.

We both settled on the bed and she slept in minutes. Lucky girl. I need Rishi to sleep. I need his warmth. By now he should have known what exactly happened. He would be feeling guilty. I love him so much that I don’t even want him to feel guilty. But he cannot keep on doing this to me.

It's just me who openly stated my feelings for him. So far, he never admitted his feelings. I cannot live in an illusion for a whole life. He has to come to me this time. Every time he hurt me, I put myself in his shoes to find the reason behind his reaction. I justified everything he did. But this time it’s different. He crossed the line and touched my self-respect. He has to pay for it.

I truly believe he will come in the morning for me. He never went in search of Smirthi when she went missing, because he had no feelings towards her. But he will miss me. He will come in search of me. If he has not yet discovered his feelings for me, he will now. Aunty knocked the door calling for Achu.

I went to open the door. There were lights downstairs. Aunty and uncle went to bed way before we did.

"What happened aunty?"

"Wake up Achu ma!"

"Why aunty? Any problem?"

"No Danya. Just wake her up!"

"Come in aunty. Achu! Wake up. Aunty is here!" I shook her.

"Pch Danya sleep." Achu blabbered in her sleep.

"Achu come to our room for a minute!" Aunty woke her up.

"Pch why ma? I'm sleepy."

"Come!" Aunty said sternly.

"You sleep, Danya. She will come in 10minutes." Aunty told me and took Achu out. I sat on the bed puzzled. Why did she take Achu at this hour? But then, I heard the door open.

The room was dimly lit with a night lamp. I saw my handsome hubby coming into the room and locked it behind him.

What the hell is he doing here at this hour? I just stood there spellbound! He reached for the switch and lit the room. He looked very tired. His face carries a guilty look. My heart goes out to him to make him feel better. When our eyes met, he immediately turned away! His hands are fisted into a ball. His legs had their own mind. They were struggling to keep him at the same position. He takes a step towards me and stops and goes back. I cannot look at him like this. This sorry look and gloomy face doesn't suit him. The charming smile and the winning smirk and the raised eyebrow are perfect for him. He now looks lost.

I really don't know what to do now. I tried to look him in the eye. But he never let me. He is suffocating inside. I know how it will feel. I love him. I love him way too much that I cannot let him feel like this.

"Rishi!" I whispered.