Conversations

The regular classes have started. The vigour we had, in the beginning, is receding. The third-year students are going to organise and manage the stalls. Maybe just because of the fest, the air around us isn't thick with monotonous atmosphere.

We four friends have decided to watch the practice together. Avika didn't want to be left alone with Kabir even by happenstance. So both of them joined Trisha and me. Unfortunately, Avika didn't realize that the whole drama club was here to witness the great drama to unfold. Obviously still in rehearsal state. The actors did a pretty good job. They brought out the essence of the play, highlighted the flaws of the characters which we ( him and I) wanted to unravel.

I was looking for Mr President but couldn't find him here. Trisha wasn't here either.

"Are you looking for someone?" Riya asked.

"No." I and Avika said at the same time.

Who did she ask?

"The question was directed to whom?" Avika asked voicing my thoughts.

"I asked Manya but I'm surprised to get an answer from you too." Riya laughed.

We were sitting on the cemented floor, a little far from the stage, a short break between two scenes was going on.

"Did you tell anyone else?" I whispered in Avika's ear.

"No...you are the only one who knows." She answered back, whispering.

I was back to the task I was doing. Looking around for him. Is he coming or not? As the break ended and drama started. The scene didn't consist of the main characters rather the side ones in this scene. I saw Kabir roaming around aimlessly.

"He is here." I whispered to Avika and pointed at his direction.

"I don't understand. Why don't you talk to him?" I asked.

"I'm scared." She replied.

"I didn't know Avika that you would be this foolish." I said.

"Wait let me go and talk to him." I said. I don't know why but suddenly I courage to matchmake my friend.

I heard the protesting voice of Avika but she didn't dare to be loud.

I approached Kabir and I could see he seemed to recognize me but was still puzzled.

"Hey, Kabir" I said.

"Yeah, um, hi." He said.

"So....whats going on between Avi and you?" I jumped straight into the point. It felt good when you had the upper-hand in these cases.

I took in all his expressions and reactions. He was very surprised at first, then he blushed a deep shade of red and was very embarrassed.

"Huh? She told you?" He asked.

"Why won't she tell me?" I feigned the look of being incredulous.

"No...its not like that...." He stuttered.

"Did she say anything about me?" He almost pleaded. I burst out laughing at his face.

"Both of you!" I slapped my forehead.

"You both should talk, you know. Go ahead give a try. Clarify your feelings and take one step at a time. Take things slow." I encouraged and giggled.

"You think so? Will she like me?" He asked still unsure. He is still stuck there.

"Have a little more confidence in yourself okay. Where is your annoying attitude when you were in the Literary Club that day?" I asked back.

At that, he smiled profoundly.

He went ahead and I saw Mr President talking to Susan. They always talked. Is she his girlfriend? I'll ask him. We are friends anyway. I made my way to him. I was pretty sure that whatever Susan meant to him he won't ignore me completely, my bond with him is beyond that. I don't know why I had that trust in him, but I do.

"Hii." I said as I approached him.

But gosh, I was wrong. He ignored me. Even though his conversation was in completion with her, he didn't say anything to me. No matter what I'll ask him many things today and he will have to reply. This time I won't run away. Because apart from last time I now had this authority to actually ask.

Susan looked at me. She constantly took glances of me from the corner of her eyes. When she saw the person in front of her isn't paying attention to me her mouth slowly curved upwards. Had she misunderstood something?

"Is there anything else?" He asked her, clearly suggesting her to go.

After hearing this subconsciously my lips turned upwards.

She went back, leaving us alone.

"What? Are you ignoring me?" I asked.

"Oh? You have time to talk to me?" He asked.

"Huh? What do you mean? I was waiting for you!" I said.

"Yeah? But I saw you nicely joking, laughing and chatting with that guy, Kabir." He said.

"You saw me! So why didn't you call out." I asked.

"Hey, I didn't want to interrupt the lover's conversation. Both of you look so good together." He said not-so-nicely.

I burst out laughing at that.

"Is it funny? Did his confession not go well?" He asked. Amusement filling his brown eyes.

"You seem to have a great misunderstanding. He is Avika's soon to be boyfriend. I was interrogating him in her stead." I said still laughing.

"You seem to be in a good mood!" He remarked.

"Yes, I'm." I said.

"Yeah, I can see that. I purposely made things difficult for you just now. But surprisingly you did not react the way I thought so. First I ignored you and then I irritated you intentionally but you didn't run away this time. Nice progress Manya." He said.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"I accidentally saw them kissing yesterday, but your roommate fled." He laughed.

"Yeah, she told me. That means you knew what we were talking about. I don't know what was your purpose of testing me but let me tell you that once I make a friend I trust them, okay? I have told you a lot so of course, I don't want to have bad blood with you."

"We weren't friends before?" He asked.

"Nope." And I laughed.

"Anyway, I didn't know you observed me so much."

I said.

"And by the way. Is Susan di your girlfriend? Both of you look very good together." I said.

"No, she isn't." He said curtly.

"But why? She clearly likes you." I poked further.

He looked at me with a warning.

"Hey, Vihaan." Someone said from far away.

A boy, about Vihaan's age probably, neared us

"What are you doing here?" Vihaan asked.

"Just hanging out." The boy answered. He had a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Really I don't think so. Anyway, Manya, this is Tarun, my friend." Vihaan said.

"Best friend." Tarun cut in. "Nice to meet you, Manya, I have heard a lot about you." He said.

"Oh, yeah? Like what?" I asked.

And he was quiet. Vihaan laughed loudly at my remark.

"Both of you, maybe you are made from the same mould. Vihaan I came to tell you about the party. Are you coming?" Tarun asked.

"No." He said not glancing at him.

"Okay then bye. Nice meeting you Manya, the fiery bird." He nicknamed me and went away.

"Ignore him, but I think the nickname he gave you, suits you well." He said and chuckled softly.

"I'll pretend, I didn't hear that. Do you go to parties often? I don't think so."

"Right, I don't go. If you want to experience you could come with me." He said.

"Um, you would have guessed that going to parties are not my forte. I don't know why but everytime I picture a party, a danger always follows." I voiced my concern.

"I think you would like the happy get together. I'll suggest that if you ever go to a party go with a reliable friend." He said.

"Like you?" I asked.

"Hmm, yes if you want to." He questioned me back.

"But, you know I'm itching to ask you something." He said

"Shoot." I said.

"Are you drunk?" He asked.

"No....why would you think that. Now that I'm casual with you, you think that I'm drunk? Should I behave the same way as before? If you prefer then it's okay, I'll revert back to aloof Manya."

"No, I'm quite enjoying your transformation. You are very funny this way. Pretty crazy when you are casual." He said.

"Hey, it's nothing wrong in being crazy remember." I said.

"I wonder what will happen to you once you drink." He said.

"Looks like your friends are missing you." He said glancing behind me.

"Yeah?" I turned back and saw all four, now that Trisha and Kabir have joined the three. Instantly remembering a scene from Twilight, in the first book. I was curious about the two's development too.

"Will you join us?" I asked.

"Okay." He said and fell beside my step to go back.