sharmap12

[sharmap12]

Cup of Serendipity

Chapter 1: Flying high

Coffee shops are one of the most common places for people to meet new people, make new friends, meet old friends or bump into old relationships.  It was the summer of 2009 when Divya was accepted in Arts program at University of Arts, London. She was excited but nervous about starting a new phase in her life. Leaving her past back in India. She left Delhi with a big smile on her face, nervousness in her heart and confidence in her thoughts. She landed at Heathrow airport where her best friend is desperately waiting to pick her up. Nisha; Divya’s best friend since 5th grade. The moment Nisha saw Divya at the arrivals, she jumped up and down with happiness and excitement of seeing her best friend. Nisha ran towards Divya and hugged her so tight that Divya could barely breathe. Nisha whispered to Divya in her ears “Welcome to London, bi**”. Divya, smiled and hugged her back tightly. Nisha’s father was also very happy to see both the friends and said to Divya “Welcome home kiddo”. Seeing the love and affection in Nisha’s father’s eyes, Divya had tears and was very emotional. She said “Thank you uncle for coming to the airport to pick me up”. Nisha and her family moved to London when she was in 9th grade. Her dad is a decent businessman and they lived just outside London.

Chapter 2: Friends forever

Divya couldn’t describe her happiness in words but her eyes were filled with joy and gratitude of being with a loving friend and her family.

Divya was eagerly looking forward to start her new school in a week and before that she had to find her own apt to live. Nisha was upset with her decision because she wanted Divya to stay with her. Nisha said “Divya, are you upset with me or mad at me? Why do you want to stay in a different place away from me?” Nisha was sad and Divya knew that her friend was in pain. Divya, said “Nishu, I am not mad at you. I am grateful that I have a family away from family, but I need to become independent and that is the reason I applied for Art school in London. I need to learn to live by myself. I can never forget what and your family has done for me but now it’s time for me to take the next step in my life.” Nisha, knew exactly what Divya meant and didn’t want to push her to stay with her. Nisha agreed and both decided that this last week of her stay at Nisha’s house has to be memorable and fun. Nisha had a big surprise planned for Divya and the week started with a day of bicycle riding all around the “London eye”. Divya always loved riding a bicycle and the summer near the London eye was gorgeous and filled with people.

Divya laughed at seeing a little girl and stopped her bicycle. Nisha was slower than Divya and seeing Divya stopped, Nisha stopped and asked “Divya what happened”. Divya replied “Nishu, do you remember when we were kids, we used to swing on the swing set in the park near our houses. I just remembered our first meeting om the slide”. Nisha immediately went in back in her memories and remembered that day on the slides when and how she met Divya. Nisha said “Divya, I can never forget that day when you saved me from that guy who used to bully me on the swings and taught that guy a good lesson”. Divya smiled and said “Look at that little girl. She is also doing the same thing, saving her friend from a naughty boy”. Nisha and Divya re-lived their childhood days biked around the Ferris wheel.

They laughed, danced with street musicians and enjoyed themselves. It was the second day of the week and Nisha woke Divya at 6am and drove her to the beach for morning sunrise. Divya has never been morning person and hence Nisha wanted to annoy her but waking her up early. But to Nisha’s surprise, Divya had changed and got ready before 6 am. Both left for the beach with hot ginger tea and old hindi songs. Divya, just enjoyed the drive, tea and the effort that Nisha took to make Divya feel happy and nice. Divya had never felt so relaxed and free than before. Looking at the sunrise, Divya knew that this year will be a new beginning in her life and it will be full of joy and happiness. After enjoying the sunrise, both of them spent the rest of the day pampering themselves. Nisha took Divya to a day spa with clay mud bath, sauna, massage, manicure and pedicure. Divya had never been to a spa before and seeing the spa, she was excited but nervous about different services as they required her to take her clothes off. Divya hesitantly said “Nishu, I don’t think I can do this. I am not comfortable taking my clothes off for the services”. Nisha smiled and said, “Divya, it’s a private session and it will be all women so just don’t worry and be shy. They will take care of us”. Divya, as usual trusted Nisha and got ready for their first service “clay bath”. Both were submerged in the clay mix with wine glasses on their side and lavender and vanilla candles lighted around their tub. Divya had never experienced anything like this. She felt extremely relaxed but little ticklish. She said “Nishu, I feel nice but I feel little mushy and ticklish”. Nishu grinned and said “Dude, this is how it’s supposed to feel”. And for the next 1 hour, they both talked and reminisced their friendship and childhood. Next stop was sauna. Divya has always been very sensitive to heat so she told Nisha that she cannot take the sauna and that Nisha should continue with her sauna appointment. Nisha said “if you won’t come to sauna then I don’t wanna go alone. Let’s go for massage”. Both smiled and went to the massage room and enjoyed a 90 min deep tissue massage followed by manicure and pedicure. They both enjoyed their day, full of wine, scented candles and deep tissue massage. The day couldn’t have been any better. Divya saw her manicured nails and was so happy that her eyes filled with tears. Divya said emotionally “Thanks Nishu. I can’t thank you enough for such a memorable and lovely day”. Nisha’s reaction from happiness changed to anger and she said angrily “Don’t talk to me Divya”. Divya was upset and confused but didn’t know why Nisha was angry. Divya asked Nisha in tensed voice “What happened Divya, why are you angry with me, what did I do to upset you. And, even if I did something unintentionally, then please forgive me”. Nisha was angrier than before and ran out of the spa and stood at the curbside waiting for her driver. Divya ran to her and looked at her worriedly. Nisha said “Divya, do you think we are best friends?” Divya was perplexed and scared as to why Nishu was asking this question. Divya instantly replied “Of course, Nishu, why are you asking me this question”. Nishu replied “Divya then why did you say thank you for everything that we did today. You say thank you so this means that you don’t consider me as your best friend”. Divya, was relieved to hear the reason behind Nisha’s anger. Divya gave a back hug to Nisha and said “I love you sexy, and I promise I will never say thank you again. Are you happy now”? Nisha dropped her act and started laughing. She said “Divya, you are my sister please never say thank you again. Thank you and sorry between us feels like we are having a formal relationship and not emotional”.

Next morning, Nisha had planned for a family outing to some of the famous gardens in London. Divya, Nisha and her parents all left early morning to cover all the prominent gardens. They all had fun and best family time together. Divya felt like she was with her family and not away from them. They all returned back home that evening with bunch of pictures and souvenirs from the gardens.

Two days left and Divya was now getting nervous about her semester, new apt and staying alone. Divya and Nisha planned next day to finish Divya’s shopping for the new apt and everything that she would need to set it up. Both of them went to a home décor shop and Divya’s eyes lighted up seeing ceramic jars for sugar, coffee and tea. She just couldn’t help herself from buying and she bought the set for her new apt.

From that store, Divya also bought some cushions for her couch, new bedsheets, corelle dinner sets and kitchenware. Divya was very happy and excited to move into her own place, set it up and decorate it just like she dreamt of.

Divya and Nisha ended up going to different stores and finishing up shopping for the apt. Finally, at the end of their shopping schedule, Nisha had a surprise for Divya and she took her to this boutique with exquisite dresses. Nisha blinded folded Divya and took her to the store. Divya was very confused and surprised at Nisha’s actions and she said “Nishu what are you doing? Where are we going?” Nisha replied “Divya, be quiet and keep walking with me”. Divya said “But Nishu, I don’t understand, all this”. Divya would not stop asking questions. Nisha finally took off the blind fold and presented her the best dress for her first day at the art school. Divya had no words and had tears of joy, love and gratitude. Divya couldn’t keep her emotions within after seeing that gorgeous laced neck black dress with silky satin black bow at the back. Divya ran back and hugged Nisha and said “Do you think I really deserve such a friend like you? You have been more than my family and I am not sure if I can take this”. Nisha lightly slapped Divya and said “Shut up bitch and just try it on”. Divya took the dress and went inside to try it on and when she came out wearing the dress, Nisha and sales girl’s eyes and mouth were wide open. Divya was looking stunning, sexy and exceptionally gorgeous. Divya never felt so confident and pretty before. She said “Nishu, how do I look?”. Nisha smiled and winked at Divya and said “You look and alright”. Hearing that Divya lost her smile and started walking towards the changing room. Nisha hugged her from back and said, “If I were a guy, I would have proposed you today”. Divya screamed and hugged Nisha back and said “Thank you Nishu”.

Both of them took the dress and went back home with lots and lots of shopping bags.  

It was the Friday, just before Divya was moving into her apt, they were passing through a street market and saw a cute coffee shop. They decided to stop there for a cup of coffee.   She didn’t know that coffee shop will change her life completely. 

Have you ever felt sudden jitters in your heart, butterflies in your stomach not because of happiness but because of something that is about to happen, good or bad? That’s exactly what Divya felt in that coffee shop.  She couldn’t put words to her restlessness but she knew something is going to happen. She was about to face her past in the most unexpected place.  Divya was standing in line at 5th position and he was in the front of the line at the counter ordering his coffee and he said “Can I get black coffee”. Hearing those 5 words, Divya’s heartbeat increased and she could hardly breathe. She started looking around to see who ordered that but couldn’t see the face of that person. She left the line and rushed outside. Seeing Divya run outside, Nisha rushed to see what happened to Divya suddenly.  Nisha asked her “Divya what happened, are you ok?” Divya couldn’t speak a single word. She was hardly breathing, Nisha tried to calm her down and by the time, Divya came to her senses, the person who ordered black coffee was gone.  Wanna know who this person was???

Chapter 3: Present meets Past

The mystery person was none other than Divya’s ex-bf; Ishaan.  Nisha and Divya left from the coffee shop and came back home that evening. 

Weekend passed by and Divya was ready to move to her new apt. Nisha and Divya forgot about the coffee shop incident in packing and moving to Divya’s new apt.  Weeks passed by and Divya enjoyed her Art classes and finished her first semester with amazing grades. She was all set to go back to India for her vacations and meet her parents. Her flight was in next 2 days and while she was shopping, she stopped by the same coffee shop where she heard Ishaan voice for the first time.  Divya ordered her coffee, turned back and boom... bumped into Ishaan. Their eyes met and, in an instance, all her past memories came to life in front of her eyes.  Ishaan and Divya stood there for 5 minutes looking into each other’s eyes. Divya suddenly comes back to reality and runs out of the shop. Ishaan was all confused, shocked and stumped with what just happened. He couldn’t believe his eyes and what they had seen. It then hit him that he just stood there and didn’t do or say anything, not even a “Hi”.   What would happen now??? I am sure you all are thinking that this story will have happy ending and they will live happily ever after. Hmm...  You will have to read ahead to know what happens next.

Chapter 4: First meeting after breakup 

Ishan was standing with his coffee outside the shop staring at the road. He was feeling a rush of mixed emotions, anger, sadness, shock and strongest was love. Ishan was in denial that he still loved Divya.

Divya went to India for her 2-week vacation and while she was in India meeting friends and family, all she could think of was Ishan. She had questions. “Does Ishan live in London, was he just visiting? Did he remember everything? Why didn’t he speak to me?” and so on.

2-weeks passed by in a flash and it was time for her to go back to London for her next semester. She was happy and sad at the same time. But she couldn’t wait to meet Nisha and tell her all about Ishan and how she met him in that coffee shop.

The moment Divya landed in London, she called Nisha and asked her to meet her at the apt. Hearing the desperation and worry in Divya’s voice, Nisha rushed to Divya’s apt as soon as possible. She rang the doorbell and without any delay Divya opened the door and hugged Nisha so tightly that she could hardly breathe. Nisha said “Divya, I can’t breathe”. Divya realized that she was almost choking Nisha and quickly left her. Nisha worriedly asked “Divya, what’s wrong? What happened. Did something happen in India or someone did something? I am very scared please tell me what’s wrong and why are you crying”. Divya said “Nishu, I saw him. He is here”. Nisha was confused and didn’t know whom Divya was talking about. Divya continued and said “Ishan is here in London”. Nisha was speechless. Nisha stood up and held Divya by both her hands and said “WTF. How do you know? Did you talk to him or meet him?” Nisha’s voice had anger and concern for her best friend and she wouldn’t let go off Divya’s hands. Divya told her the entire incident and said “I just ran away. I didn’t know what else to do”. Nisha consoled her and said “Divya, I am sure that he was just visiting and doesn’t live here. He won’t hurt you again. I am here and will not let you get hurt again”. Both of them hugged each other and Nisha wiped Divya’s tears and said “Let’s do our most favorite thing. Watch a nice movie with popcorns”.

For a moment, Divya forgot about Ishan and enjoyed the movie but Nisha was scared in her heart and was determined to protect her best friend this time. She had some friends doing computer engineering and who were good at finding people. She spoke to them and started looking for Ishan to conform if he is living in London.

Meanwhile, Divya and Nisha started their second semester and Divya was getting back to her normal routine. But Nisha never stopped looking for Ishan and finally after a month’s search, Nisha’s friends came back with all the information on Ishan.

Chapter 5: Who is Ishan?

Ishan was indeed living in London with his family. He and his mom with his grandmom were living in Chelsea. He was studying International Law from King’s College, Cambridge.

Nisha wanted to tell Divya but she didn’t know how to break this news to her.  She couldn’t keep this information from her and hence decided to tell all about Ishan in her favorite restaurant and over her favorite food. Nisha and Divya met at “Lucky da dhabha” in city and ordered spicy Indian paneer curry with daal and garlic naan.  Divya had always been a big foodie and she was so happy smelling and seeing all that Indian food. Divya said “Nishu, I am not waiting for you, I am eating”. Nisha thought this is the best opportunity to tell Divya about Ishan.  Nisha hesitantly started “Divya, I need to tell you something”. Divya was so happy eating the food that she didn’t notice Nisha’s facial emotions and slight fear of the conversation that was about to begin. Nisha continued “I want to tell you about Ishan”. Hearing his name, Divya dropped her bite and screamed “what”. Nisha knew this would be her reaction but food has always been the calming remedy for Divya. She didn’t run away or freak out on the dinner table, but she was perplexed that Nisha brought the topic again.  

Nisha said “Divya, just hear me without panicking and freaking out. After you told me about Ishan being in London and your encounter with him in coffee shop, I snooped around and found something that you should know”. Divya’s heart was sinking with suspense and fear about what was coming next. Nisha said “Unfortunately, you were right Divya, he is here. He lives with his mom and grand mom in Chelsea and he is doing International Law from King’s college in Cambridge”. Divya couldn’t believe that her worst nightmare was turning into reality. She asked Nisha “Are you 100% sure? Maybe you have mistaken and its someone else”. Nisha held Divya’s hand and said “I am sorry Divya, it is true. I confirmed multiple times and I even went to his home and saw him there. I am sorry Divya but I wanted to be sure and protect you this time. Please don’t be mad at me.” Divya stood up feeling devastated and helpless and walked out of the restaurant quietly and slowly. Nisha had tears in her eyes and guilty feeling in heart that she betrayed her friend. She paid the bill and ran after Divya. Nisha knew that she can’t handle this situation alone and she needed someone else to handle Divya with her.

Here comes the entry of their super woman friend, Ashima. Ashima was their neighbor in India but she was elder to Divya and Nisha by 6 years. Ashima had a big influence on Divya and she was the one who helped Divya first time when Ishan came to her life. Ashima was married and moved to Belgium with her husband. Nisha had recently connected with Ashima through facebook and thought she is the best person to handle Divya at this time. While Ashima’s thoughts were going on in Nisha’s head, her heart was crying for Divya because she had not spoken for over an hour to Nisha. “Divya was never quiet; she couldn’t sit quietly even for 5 min and today she hadn’t spoken a single word for past hour.” Nisha was even more terrified. To break the silence, Nisha stopped Divya and pulled her towards her and said “Divya, please say something to me else I will die of fear”. Divya couldn’t snap out of her mental state and looking at her miserable state. Nisha had to do something. Nisha said “I am sorry Divya”, and slapped her. Tears rolled Divya’s eyes and she screamed “why me God, why did you bring me here”? Listening those words, Nisha panicked and she said “Divya, nothing has happened, everything will be fine. This is a big city, the chances of him finding you or hurting you are very low”. Divya said “Nishu I can’t live here anymore. I need to go back to India”. Divya couldn’t let her leave and run away from her career and life. Nisha took Divya to her home and forced her to stay the night at her place. Divya couldn’t stop crying. Divya kept her head in Nisha’s lap and said “Nishu, I am not mad at you, you were thinking best for me and therefore you looked for him but I can’t do this again. History cannot repeat itself”.  Nisha said while brushing Divya’s hair “I am sorry Divya but you have to get over it. You can’t live in your past. You have to face it and be brave.” Nisha knew bits and pieces of Divya’s past but she never knew the whole story. She thought, she should ask her about it to help Divya get over Ishan. Nisha said “Divya, what happened in the past, would you share with me”.

Chapter 6: Down the memory lane

Divya wipes her tears and goes back 5 years when it all started. “Nishu, it all started in my first year when I met Ishan on the first day of my undergrad. Even today I remember what he was wearing. He was wearing a dark blue jeans and white t-shit with a denim jacket. All the girls in the college were staring at him when he entered the college gates. He was one of the most handsome guy in the college. But I never paid attention to him because for me excelling in undergrad and getting into best art school was more important. Ishan and I were like opposite poles in studies. I was always focused on performing best in academics and he focused on girls and performing best in extracurricular activities. We never spoke and met each other for almost a year. But who knew our paths will cross and merge on the day of love -“Feb 14”. He was flirting and going around with almost all the girls in the class and had brought red roses for all of them. I never liked the idea of Valentine’s day and hence I took off that day. My friends kept calling me to college but I kept saying no and then one of my friends came home, spoke to dad about taking me out for lunch to celebrate Valentine’s day. Dad, gave permission and I had to go with her. I didn’t like all the fuss about Valentine’s day and what boys did for girls on that day. I always thought that love is not about roses and teddy bears and chocolates. Love is the soul of all relationships and it can never be expressed in materialistic things. It can only be shown in love, care and unspoken understanding. But everyone is so in love with love and romance that no one really cared about the real and true love. My friends thought I always behaved like a 90-year-old lady. They always teased and taunted me for my old – fashioned thoughts. My friend took me to a very cute café that served best coffee and pastries. You know how much I love pastries, so I was excited about the café and the pastry. I ordered my favorite black forest pastry for myself and couple others for my friends. I took my first bite and there he was in that café with my friend. He gave her a rose and wished her Happy Valentine’s day. The smile on friend’s face was from one end of her cheeks to other. I have never seen her smile and blush so much. This was all Ishan’s so-called charm and magic. I could never fall for such crap. I continued with my pastry and he walked slowly towards me and said, Happy Valentine’s day with a red rose. I smiled and said “No thank you. You can keep you rose and wishes”. He looked around and saw people were staring at him and thinking him as a loser that a girl said No thank you to his charming and cute Valentine’s day wish. He said to me, “are you serious? Did you even hear what I said?” I said, yes, I heard what you said and I have replied appropriately. I don’t believe in V-day, and I am sorry, but I don’t need this rose from you.

His eyes were wide open in surprise and anger because someone actually rejected his flirting. I left from the café and went back home. I felt bad for him but it didn’t really matter or mean anything to me. Finally, the valentine’s day madness was over and classes were back on. Ishan made all efforts to talk to me during or in-between classes but I tried to avoid him. I knew that talking to him and being friendly with him will just distract me and I couldn’t afford that. He kept trying day after day and I tried my best to keep my distance by either hiding out in library or leaving for home immediately after my classes. And one day, right before our final semester exams, he came up to me and said “All the best Divya”. I was shocked and speechless. He was staring at me and waiting for me to say something and I was just staring at him and his eyes. Immediately realized that we have an exam and I wished him same and rushed in the exam hall. He wished me every exam day and I wished him back without any additional word. Finally, it was the last day of exam and while everyone was celebrating and planning for parties and how they will spend the semester break, I was biting my nails in stress and tension for the exam. I hated history and I knew that I might not excel in this course and that feeling was killing me. As usual, he came to me and today he said “Don’t worry you will do great in history too, good luck Divya”. Trust me Nishu, those words had some magical effect, I felt so nice and confident that all of my stress just vanished. You won’t believe, I scored highest in history. I didn’t even realize but I had started feeling something for Ishan. I was so stupid that I thought that butterflies in stomach was some kind of sickness and ignored them. Semester break also helped in ignoring the actual feelings. Time passed and finally it was time to get back for 2nd year.

Chapter 7: I love you

First day of 2nd year started with welcome back celebration and new batch of 1st year students. It was a regular day with everyone trying to find their classes and schedule, when Ishan entered the college. He had a small beard with white shirt and jeans. This time I did notice him and admired him. He saw me with my friends and stopped by and said “Hi Divya”. I replied with a smile “Hi Ishan”. I thought he would ask about my vacation and how I have been but he didn’t ask anything and left. I didn’t like it. As basic courtesy he could have asked about my vacation, but he didn’t. I was upset but knew all this is nonsense and I need to focus on my studies. Our classes were now separate as he took law and I went into Arts. We would only meet either in library or in college canteen. He and I never had any interaction more than Hi or Hello. And one day, on my birthday, I was in library and he texted me “Happy birthday, can we meet today?” I didn’t know who it was and how to meet. I just ignored the text and continued with my studies. I didn’t realize that he was hiding behind a bookshelf and was looking at me. He texted me again but this time it had “Divya, I really want to meet you today at 6pm in front of college gate – Ishan”. I didn’t know what to say and how to react. I couldn’t stay in college after 5pm but somewhere down the heart I wanted to stay and meet him. I called papa and said “I have to stay late for art practice with my classmates”. Didn’t feel right for lying to papa but then somehow, I was happy doing so. I gathered courage in woman’s restroom and then met him at the gate at 6pm. He didn’t come. I waited for 10 min but he didn’t come. Then suddenly, a girl came by with a yellow rose and gave me a note that said “come inside the library”. I smiled at the yellow rose and I went to the library. He was standing at the entrance with a big bouquet of yellow and pink roses. His eyes were shinning and had a big smile on his face. I came up to him and was blushing like anything. I was so freaked out that I just stood there without saying anything. He knew what I was feeling and to make me feel comfortable, he started the conversation by giving the bouquet to me and said “happy birthday, Divya”. I took the bouquet, gave him a smile and said “thank you”. He lifted my hand gently and walked me inside the library. I went with him without any hesitation. He had a room decorated for me with balloons, rose petals and cake. He wrote a love letter too. Nishu jumped and said “What? A love letter? He wrote for you? Yes Nishu, he wrote a very interesting love letter, just that it wasn’t meant as love letter at that time. I smiled and said “Ishan, what’s all this?” He said “Divya, I wanted to surprise you on your birthday. You didn’t like my valentine’s day wish and rose so thought will wait for your birthday”. I was having butterflies and may be birds flying in my stomach. He said that so innocently that even today I can feel that moment. I said “Thanks Ishan but you didn’t have to do all this. You could get in trouble for doing all this in college and in library”. I asked him why he was laughing so loudly and he said “That’s probably the most I have ever said to him and that is also about not breaking rules”. I also laughed with him and he softly pulled me towards the table and said “please make a wish and cut the cake”. I wished this moment never ended and then slowly cut the cake. Guess what cake it was. Nishu, it was my favorite black forest cake with caramel cream icing. He took the sliced piece into his hands and then brought closer to my lips. He said “Would you mind eating from my hands”. I couldn’t say anything but opened my mouth and took the bite. It was the most delicious cake I have ever had.  Till today not sure if the cake was that good or it was him feeding me with his hands. I offered him a piece of cake but didn’t have courage to feed him with my hands. I said “Ishan, the cake is really good and my favorite. How did you know I love black forest”? He smiled and said “I know everything that you love and hate”. I was happy but little scared to know that he knew everything about me even though we never interacted before. I was curious to know how did he knew about me so much. So, I asked him “Ishan, how do you know all this about me, my birthday, my favorite cake, my favorite shade of rose?”. He said, I asked your friends about all this. At that moment, this answer was good enough for me and instead of probing him more, I asked him “why did you take so much pain to find out all this about me and doing so much for me?”. He took both my hands in his hands and said “Divya, I really like you and I want you to be my girlfriend”. Hearing those words, my heartbeat probably skipped a beat and my eyes were left wide open. I just didn’t know what to say, so I just ran away from there. He came running behind me but I didn’t stop and went home. I just couldn’t go to college next day and face him. I stayed back and gave an excuse of headache. He waited for me that day and when I didn’t come to college, he texted me in the evening asking what had happened. I didn’t respond because I knew this was not right. I couldn’t take any distractions. Mom never supported me for picking up Arts as my career and I wanted to prove her that I can make a name for myself in Art. And Ishan would definitely cause problem in proving myself. Therefore, I decided that I will stay away from him and focus on my studies. I went to college next day. He ran towards me the moment I entered the college gates, took my hand and pulled me to a corner and said “Why didn’t you come to college yesterday? And why did you run away that day?”. I pulled off my hand from his grip and said “Ishan, I am not here to be your girlfriend but I am here to study and excel in my class. I don’t have time for all this. I am sorry but hope you understand and find someone else to be your girlfriend”. I walked my class and he just stood their speechless and heart broken. I was upset too because somewhere down my heart, I liked him and had feelings for him. But this was the practical choice and I knew he would be fine and find someone new in a day or two.

Days went by and my eyes kept searching for Ishan in the college but I couldn’t find him anywhere. Every day I came to college in hope of seeing him and making sure he is alright. Finally, after a month of searching him and failing, I decided to break the silence and inquire about him. I went to his best friend and asked “Rohit, is Ishan alright? I have not seen him in college for a month now. What’s wrong?”. Rohit’s face turned almost red with anger and he took my hand, held tightly and dragged me out of the college and to a hospital where Ishan was admitted. Rohit said “See for yourself, what’s wrong”. I couldn’t believe my eyes and my heart sunk. I felt a gush of pain and fear at the same time. Filled with emotions and pain, I asked Rohit in a heavy voice “what happened? I didn’t know he was in hospital. How is he?”. Rohit said “you are responsible for this”. Without a second’s delay, I said “what the hell? How am I responsible for his condition”? With a bitter and furious tone, he said “After you ran away that day, he was so upset that he drank for the very first time and slipped from the stairs in the restaurant. Since I was with him, I brought him immediately to hospital and doctor said that he broke his right leg”. I felt a big, sharp knife in my heart. I couldn’t move or say anything. I slowly walked inside the room where he was sleeping with plaster on his leg and bandages on his head. I didn’t want to wake him up so I turned around and he help my hand. I was so happy and excited that I hugged him tightly and said “I will be your girlfriend. I am so sorry Ishan. I never meant for all this”. Nishu, you should have seen his smile. It was the most innocent, cute and childish smile. Seeing him happy, I couldn’t stop my tears of happiness and joy. He wiped my tears and said “I knew. I knew you liked me but Divya, I love you and I can’t live without you”. Those three words filled me with immense happiness, joy and content. I didn’t need anything else in life and nothing was important than that moment for me. Eagerly waiting to hear my reply, Ishan asked “Divya, do you also love me?”. I decided to punish him by not responding him. I said “I need time to think about it. Because of your foolishness, I will not reply immediately. You will have to be punished for your carelessness.” I left from the room and before leaving, kissed his forehead and said “get well soon”.

All the way to back to home, I kept thinking why did I stay away from him. Why did I ever ignore or avoid him? I felt so light in my heart for accepting his proposal.

Chapter 8: Beginning of a fairy tale romance

After a week of playing hard-to-catch, I met Ishan in a park and heavy breathing and trembling voice I said “Yes, I love you too”. He was ecstatic and hearing those words, he lifted me up in his arms and kissed me on my cheeks. That kiss was my first kiss of any sorts. I know Nishu, what you are going to say, Divya that’s not called kiss, it’s a peck. Nishu laughed and said “you know me so well girrrrrrrrrrl”. Anyhow, Divya continued “I was trilled and felt a tsunami of love and togetherness. I couldn’t get over Ishan but I promised myself to keep up the grades and prove myself”.