9. Who is Raj?

Meera had already considered today's day a bad day for her because of all the things she had to listen to from the teacher. But when the teacher announced that she had been partnered with none other than Aryan for the project. She was sitting on her bench with Rohit on her side and wanted to scream so hard but only she and Rohit knew how she controlled her actions.

What Miss just said, I am partnered with Aryan. Is it a dream? If it is then Rohit please pinch me so that I can wake up from this false hope.

Thinking this she looked over at Rohit and used her eye language to ask him to pinch her.

I knew this would happen. Meera being Meera herself. I pinched her and she couldn't believe that It's for real.

Omagieeee!!!! , IT IS FOR REAL!!!! It is not a dream. I cannot believe this Rohit. Life is beautiful. Life is amazing. Life is great. Life is illogically magical. Thankyou…Thankyou…Thankyou… so so so much God.

"Class Dismissed, you can go home now". Saying this the teacher left the class.

"Rohit, come with me now".

"But where"

"Geography Lab man"

This Lab is the location where Meera, Rohit and Alaya meet. It's kind of their secret place because most of the time It remains empty, not many students come as the Liberal Arts classes are on a different floor and the lab is on their floor. And they are too lazy to come here in every geo period, even the teacher finds it tiring.

In the Geo Lab,

"Omagie!!! Am I dreaming? It all still seems like a dream"

"Meera, It's the third time you are asking me the same question. Don't take it as a big deal. You are being over-excited. You know that Aryan is in a relationship with Shyna. What are you even thinking?"

Hearing this, all her excitement stopped for a while as if she had been confronted with a harsh reality. She took a deep sigh. Put her head down and saw her shoes, saw the ground and saw herself. And, then with a big smile, she put her head up and said to Rohit.

" I never thought anything i.e. unrealistic. I only wanted to spend some time with Aryan. After that time only when he recognised me on my birthday, I just wanted to know him more and more. I wanted to talk to him about a lot of things. What he likes and what not. What is his passion? What he wants from life and many more. I know, It seems like I am being too clingy for him. But I promise you, I will never make him feel uncomfortable around me and he will never realise that I like him so much."

"Meera, but make sure that you do not let your feelings hurt in all this. All me and Alaya can do is to support you and if you need me anytime. I will always be there for you,"

"I know Rohit. I consider myself so lucky that I got friends like you and Alaya. I cannot even imagine my school life without you guys. I love that you guys support me in all my decisions whether good or not and thank you for always staying by my side."

Behind us, Rohit saw Alaya standing next to the door and listening. What instincts she has that she always gets to know when Meera needs her. She came and patted her back and said.

"How can you do our hi-fi without me? And Meera, you should not give this much attention to anyone. You deserve the best. No problem, if he ever hurt you, I will hurt him more."

By saying this, she was almost ready to fight. But Rohit stopped her. They both look so nice together. God, protect them from all the evil eyes.

"Okay okay Alaya. But no violence. You know how much I hate violence. Let's have a group hug".

From the hug Meera could see Aryan, who was standing near the door seeing with deary eyes as if he was admiring our friendship. But I went into a little bit of shock thinking whether he listened to our conversation or not. I would be in big trouble if he listened to anything. My promise to break so early was what I didn't expect.

"Aryan"

Rohit and Alaya broke the hug and also saw him

"O, I am so Sorry If I disturbed you guys".

"No, no.. we were just hanging out. You tell, how you came here"

"Well, I wanted to tell you that from tomorrow you can come to my place. So that we can work on the project. And research on the necessary things".

Meera's heartbeat was running faster than the fastest sprinter. But still she did not want to embarrass herself. And tried her best to stay calm. Even gave death glares to Rohit and Alaya, who were giggling a little. That is why they just left the room leaving both of them alone.

"Hmm.. okay, I will come. You may tell me the timings"

"How about after school? Rather than going to your place you just accompany me. My driver will drop you home also. So, you don't have to worry about transportation."

Hesitantly,

"Okay, I will talk to my parents and will tell you If any further changes happen."

She was so scared because she might not get permission from her mom. But she thought rich kids don't have this problem so he won't be able to understand her situation that's why she did not acknowledge this issue in front of him.

"If there is any problem, you can tell me. I won't mind at all."

"Ummm… actually I don't think so that I will get the permission"

"I understand. I will just ask Miss to give a call to your parents explaining the same. Is that okay?"

"Yes, that would be fine"

"Is that okay?" It seems like I have listened to this from someone else also… but i could not remember it now.

"Okay, then Bye…"

"Hmm… bye"

As soon as he left. She just holds the desk for support by one hand and her heart from the other.

Man, I cannot do this. This is making my heart run so fast. It can even win a marathon now. Control Meera control. You have promised Rohit and also he has committed. Your acts are being questioned by your own self. But thank goodness, he did not listen to our conversation as far as I can understand with the reaction he gave.

At home,

In the Evening.

Meera came to her study table and checked her computer for any emails that may come after she asked people to give their opinions about one sided love in her previous article. But, It was all empty. It was really demotivating for her. All a writer needs is for her work being noticed and praised. Many days, she just wants to give up on her dream to become a successful writer because she thinks that no one cares whatever she writes, the fear that no one's gonna read it and praise it or atleast judge her work is her biggest insecurity. She helps others to overcome their fears and i securities but no one knows what she is going through.

"I have sometimes heard students talking about my work and I feel happy about that. But, mostly their talk is about who I am and what my real identity is . But I never heard constructive criticism about my work of course, I understand why would anyone invest their time in reading and judging my work. They say that they connect with my work a lot which is indeed a big appreciation. And I am happy with that only."

But, suddenly she saw in her inbox that an email has come.

"I think it must be an advertisement. Let me still see.."

Hello Melody, I am Raj. I wrote this email to appreciate your work and….

WHAT

Did I just get my first appreciation mail?

BUT

WHO IS RAJ?