Dedicated to:  AnonymousUser1998

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Nia's POV

"Mom i love Aaruj."I finally confessed over our phone call. She could have seen the blush spread all over my cheeks if she was present here with me.

"I am happy that my daughter finally got to experience her fair share of love."Mom said from the other end.

"Not that one's life is incomplete if he or she doesn't fall in love. To each his own. I fell for your dad the moment i first saw him."She gushed.

"Yeah i know. He had come to your house for Kande pohe."I chuckled."And dad realised what a cutie you were and bam flash wedding."

"Your dad's mother wasn't keeping well so we had to."Mom explained.

"I know i was only pulling your leg. Hey Mom do you think there is an ideal age to fall in love?"I asked.

"In my opinion a love is love and there is no such thing as falling for someone at wrong age. As long as you realise that love entirely can't be the only life goal you have. There are duties to carry out. Dreams to fulfill.

As long as you don't have to sacrifice your self respect when you are in love with someone, age isn't an issue."

I couldn't agree more.

Her words always give me clarity.

And then our conversation was interrupted by whistle of cooker.

"I have to go baccha(Kiddo). love you."She hung up before i could even say something.

I could picture her running like some marathon sprinter from the living room to the kitchen to turn the gas stove off.

I smiled to myself and got back to working on a diagram in zoology journal.

"Some people are such a show off."I heard someone's familiar voice coming closer to where i sat in the cafeteria.

I looked up and my eyes met with Kairav.

"Studying in the cafeteria. Making the rest of us feel so dumb."He further added.

"Hey!! Library was full and i had no place to go."I said in my defense.

"Yeah. Right."He smirked.

"How was your Manali trip?"I asked as he sat at my table.

"It was fun until Trishna di got fever. But overall it was a huge hit."He replied.

"How is she doing now?"I asked out of concern.

"She is back to her normal self i.e pestering and bullying me all the time.

"Brothers do the same things."I debated.

"Leave it. You will always take her side anyway. You sisters have some universal code."He said shaking his head in amusement and suddenly he changed the topic.

"You want to see her picture where she fell off the horse?"

"I shouldn't be watching this one. I know she would kill me if i ever mentioned it to her. But i still want to see it."I said giving him a mischievous smile.

"Here."with this he showed me the said picture. I bet the memers on the internet would have a field day if this picture ever went viral.

We laughed together for a good deal.

"Kevi movie?"Sasha yelled from the entrance of the cafeteria.

I also noticed Zeenat and Erjot standing beside her. They both waved at me awkwardly. I waved back while Sasha opted to look at her shoelaces.

Pranjal must have given the movie a miss since he doesn't get along well with Kairav.

"I will join you in a minute."He hollered at them. The girl gang exited cafeteria soon.

"You wanna join?"Kairav offered definitely feeling sorry for me.

"That sure didn't look like an invitation to me?"I joked trying to make the situation lighter.

"I have talked to her about resolving issues Nia. But she doesn't budge at all. Believe me I don't like it when you are sitting all by yourself and doing things alone."He sympathised.

"You must have tried your best. But i know Sasha. She won't come around that easily. Anyway thanks for your support. I really appreciate it."I said smiling.

He returned the gesture by smiling back.

"Oh! That Salamander looks handsome."He observed.

I chuckled at his words."He is okay i guess. But i bet Sasha's Salamander would be more handsome if she ever drew one. She is so amazing at this kind of stuff. She used to help me in drawing these diagrams. Her tips have made my drawing much better than it was before."

"You miss her a lot, don't you?"Kairav concluded.

"I do."I accepted feeling sad for myself. Soon our conversation was interrupted.

"Kairav i have been looking for you all over the campus."Vishakha said standing close to our table.

"Why don't you ever pick calls?"She added in frustrated voice.

I just looked between the two of them.

"Can't you see i am busy?"He was so nonchalant with her and she wasn't offended at all.

She looked calm as cucumber.

"I wanted to talk to you about tonight's gig. Be there at 7.30 okay? The time has been preponed."She informed.

I sat there quietly and continued drawing my Salamander.

"Nice drawing plain jane."She remarked after looking at my journal.

"Self portraiting, are you?"She joked and laughed out loud alone.

"She has a name and you better leave now."Kairav threatened her.

"Whatever. Please be on time. You know the opening is so crucial for my dad's business."She reminded him and then turned on her heels and walked towards food counter.

"I didn't know you guys were friends."I commented while drawing the animals claws.

"We aren't. It's just that her dad has signed my band for the opening gig in his new pub. That's why we keep in touch."He explained.

"Will you come to see us play?"He asked sounding hopeful.

"Can't. Mayank and I are doing this dance workshop he promised me long time ago. I will be so exhausted to show up for the gig."

"Dance workshop? That's lit. I heard Mayank dances so well."He commented.

"Oh he does. You should see him at his college fests. All spotlights are on him. It's me who is going to make fool of myself."I said in a self deprecating manner.

"You will do great."He assured.

"Thanks. Aren't you getting late for the movie?"I reminded him.

"Oh. There is still plenty of time. But think i should leav…."

"I thought you left college. So sad i have to tolerate your stupid face again."A familiar voice boomed in an almost empty cafeteria.

With three easy strides Aaruj reached our table and kissed me on top of my head.

Then started glaring at Kairav in full vicinity.

"I should leave."Kairav said while getting up from his seat.

"You should."Aaruj's tone had an underlying warning to it.

"Hey i almost forgot to give you this."Kairav halted in middle of leaving and handed me a tiny paper bag.

"She doesn't accept gifts from strangers."Aaruj commented before i could speak anything.

"It's not from me. It's from Trish Di."He retorted sparing a glare in Aaruj's direction.

"She could have given it to Mayank."The latter suggested sarcastically.

"She was going to but Mayank kept forgetting."Kairav said this time looking at me.

"Please thank her on my behalf."I said as politely as I could.

"You are welcome."Kairav smiled back and walked away.

"He just need excuses to be around you."Aaruj said playing with one of the pencils that were scattered on the table.

"I don't want to have this conversation right now."I told him trying to avoid the subject because i knew how it was going to end up in an argument.

"Sweetheart i have no problem with you talking to anybody. I just don't like this guy. I trust you. I don't trust him."Aaruj said.

"He is no more head over heels for me. We just struck a normal friendly conversation."I said exasperated.

"Just stay away from him."He said.

"You can't tell me what to do. I am not a kid."I retorted.

"Fine then. We shouldn't have this conversation anymore. I don't want to spend our time bickering about some jerk."He commented.

"I can't stay. I am getting late. I have signed up for an internship under Suhasini Mam. She is preparing for her bio research paper on marine life."I informed him.

His looked disheartened after he realised i couldn't stay.
 
"Sweetheart i am really sorry. The coach is going berserk with all the pressure on us before tournament final. He makes us practice even more than usual. I wanted to come early but couldn't."He justified.

"It's okay Aaruj."I assured gathering all my stuff and putting it back in my backpack.

"Are we good?"He asked meeting my eyes.

"Yes we are."I smiled.

"Aren't you forgetting something?"He reminded as i was about to leave.

"What?"I asked shooting him a confused look.

"Trishna's gift to you."He pointed at the bag on the table. When I reached for the bag he grabbed my hand and kissed my knuckles."I love you."

Then he handed me the bag.

"I love you too."with this I left the cafeteria. I felt mix of all emotions as i headed to the biology department.

Was that our almost first argument as a couple?

*****************

What is the deal with those last lectures in colleges.

Why do they seem to be dragged into eternity.

It was Chemistry lecture and our score were about to be declared.

We had been scored for rest of the subjects and i was happy that i got decent marks in all of them except math offcourse.

My chemistry paper went quite well than i expected so i was in chill mode currently.

Mogambo started announcing our scores one by one.

"Zeenat shaikh 85 out of 100.

Pranjal Sharma 99 and a half out of 100.

"Congratulations Pranjal!You have topped in chemistry."Mogambo said in a robotic voice that was void of any emotions.

Almost everyone in the class cheered for Pranjal. However he looked anything but happy.

I am sure he must be sad about that half mark.

That's so Pranjy.

When he made an eye contact with me, i gestured moving my hand over my mouth as a smile sign and i got a crooked zombie face in return. He used to make it all the time just to rile us up.

I suppressed a laugh before Professor would catch me.

"Sasha agarwal 39 out of 100."Mogambo scrutinized her with a look.

"Yay!!!! I passed."Sasha screamed on top of her voice.

""Yay!!!!!! I would say barely made it."Mogambo mimicked her. Then he glared at her. This made her shut the whole grand celebration thing.

"Dude I passed."She shared her excitement with Zeenat in a hush voice this time and started doing her happy dance.

Her happiness brought a smile on my face.

Typical Sasha.

"Nia Subhash 75 out of 100." Professor announced breaking my chain of thoughts.

Geeta patted me on the back and I smiled in response.

I was on cloud nine till I heard the next name.

"Aaruj Singh Rathore 82 out of 100."

I instanly looked in the direction where he was sitting.

Soon my phone beamed with a text message.

Don't gimme that look.*pleading emoji.
-Aaruj

"What look?*raised eyebrows emoji*
-me

The one you just gave.*pointed finger emoji*
-Aaruj

"R u mad cz i gt more marks?"*blank face emoji*
-Aaruj

I wasn't mad to be honest but it was fun to see him getting all worked up over the difference in marks.

"May b or may b nt?"*monkey emoji*
-me

M gonna pretend 2 believe d latter.*stucking out toungue emoji*
-Aaruj

"Btw gud news …🐶gt owner."
-Aaruj

"Whattttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt?"*dancing emoji*
-me

"The owner wants us to name him cz v rescued it. Any suggestions?*thinking emoji*
- Aaruj

Valentine*uncountable heart Emojis*
-me

Wow that ws fast & creative.
-Aaruj

Thanks i try.*cat wearing goggles gif*
-me.

"Class you need to submit your chemistry journals on monday."Mogambo announced after getting done with distributing the scores.

"Also get serious now. The finals are not that far. Unit test are in the next month."

We all booed.

"Shut up. Start working so that you end up being successful like me."Professor preached.

Jay suddenly got up from his place and landed at his feet. Warren followed his suit. Few more boys joined in.

"What are you doing?"Mogambo shrieked.

"Hum apke charno ki dhul hai sir. Apki tarah kaise ban payenge(We are a mere dust on your feet. We won't be able to match your greatness.)"He announced dramatically.

"Enough of this drama. Show some interest in studies before it's too late."Professor warned and stormed off.

Soon the whole class collapsed into fits of laughter.

My phone beeped with message from Aaruj. It read: Let's meet in the evening?

Can't. Going to dance workshop with Mayank.
-me

You have time for everyone but me.*sad emoji*
-Aaruj

Awe. Hw abt an afternoon date 2mro?*heart eyed emoji*
-Me

Need 2 check with my secretary.*i am busy gif*
-Aaruj

Then go on date with her only.*angry cat gif*
-me

Nooooo. I'll tell her 2 cancel all my billion dollar meetings & i'll meet you secretly instead.*dog in a disguise gif*
-Aaruj

*Dancing cat gif*
-me

Boy I am obsessed with cat gifs.I should stop this moment.

******************************

"I am home. Give me just ten minutes and i will get ready Mayank. "I yelled racing towards my room.

When i got back to the living room he was getting ready however he was dressed in casual jeans and shirt.

"Sorry Nia. I am flying to delhi. The selection committee is picking players for National team."He apologised.

I tried hiding my disappointment but he still saw through it.

"I swear the coach sprung it on me at last minute."He added feeling even more guilty.

"It's okay."I pretended to not mind but i was really looking forward to the workshop.

"Don't cancel your session though."He said pulling my cheeks.

"Why?Will you do chaiyya chaiyya(dance) from the plane while i do it from the dance class?"I asked with a dry humour.

"You know I can do that."he smirked.

"Whatever! I am changing into my pajamas and watching some cartoon."I announced.

"Don't." Mayank warned and soon the bell rang.

"Go open the door."He said suddenly blushing.

I got an inkling that something was fishy.

"Ready to rock and roll?"Trishna striked a pose standing at the door.

"What are you doing here?"I was so surprised that I didn't even let her in.

"Nia will you keep her waiting there?"Her lover boy asked while pulling up his socks.

"Sorry.Come in."I said letting her in.

"Since your brother is ditching both of us and going to that selection thing he has. I thought why don't the two of us have an amazing girly girl time."She explained.

"Sorry for that guys. You know i would never bail out on you like this. But i am helpless."Mayank justified giving both of us a puppy eyed look.

"Fine. We are gonna burn some calories at the workshop and then get all dolled up for the gig."Trishna mapped out the evening plan for both of us.

Wait. I am not supposed to go to the gig.

But I found myself at the crossroads. Trishna looked so happy with the idea of girls night.

I would tell Aaruj tomorrow in person about this.

"All the best."we both bid Mayank a farewell one by one while Veena aunty prepared for a puja thali.

"Have fun."He said.

"Oh we definitely will."Trishna  promised and we hugged each other like some best friend forever.

"Awe. My girls. I love you."Mayank gushed.

"Aai jivant ahe re(Your mom is still alive. Don't miss her out.)"Veena Aunty teased arriving with the thali.

"Did I tell you Mom?You are my favorite of them all."Mayank said kissing Aunty on the forehead.

*******************

Workshop was fun.

Trishna was totally crushing on the dance instructor but in a non creepy way.

I purposely reminded her that she is very much committed to my own brother, everytime she hit on the poor guy.

Some of the steps were so complicated that we ended up on the floor in a most unladylike manners while trying them.

Everyone else looked so serious and professional while we must have come across as two monkeys prancing around.

"They are so serious."Trishna observed while pretending to follow the instructions.

"I know right. The girl on my left gave me a stinking eye when i chuckled few moments ago.I am scared to even look at her again."I talked while deciding which was my left leg to follow the instruction.

"We need to ace our routine and show them who's the boss."I said growing frustrated as the practice got intense.

"Mayank would have a field day with our dance workshop failure. Let's pull our socks and ace our routine."She said in a no nonsense manner and I agreed.

We both gave our best while practicing the routine and when it was our turn to show off some moves let's say we didn't disappoint the instructor.

He even clapped for us.

"Dekho line de raha hai?(see he is flirting.)"Trishna whispered to me.

"Tum mat lo.(Don't respond.)"I said and then we both collapsed into fits of giggle.

It felt so good to have some girly talks after so many days. I was definitely missing some female companionship in my life i realised.

********************************

Trishna and I got ready at her place.

She tried curls on my hair and i was so excited how they would turn out to be.

"Hey I really loved the gift. Thanks."I said as i remembered it. The hand embroidered jacket was really pretty and so colorful.

"I am glad you liked it." She replied.

When she whirled my chair around making me face the vanity mirror i saw a girl who looked way different.

"I love those curls on you. You look amazing."Trishna patted my head lightly.

"Your hair look pretty too."I gushed.

She wore an off-shoulder bodycon dress in pink colour. Her hair braided in waterfall style. She accecesorised the outfit with pearl tops earrings.

I wore a teal coloured skater dress with a sweetheart neckline and golden hoops in ears.

We hired a taxi and reached the venue.

The pub building had old vintage vibe with unpainted brick walls. The sign "Le Discotheque" flashed neon lights.

We were greeted by Kairav at the entrance who looked taken a back by my presence but recovered instantly.

"Mayank looks cute in that dress."He joked pointing at me.

"Long story. But aren't you happy that Nia is here."Trishna said wrapping her hand around my shoulder.

"Offcourse. Let's go. My gig is about to start."He said and hurried inside the pub with me and Trishna in tow.

We sat on one of those tall barstools and waited for the performance to start.

Kairav's entry earned some fair share of wolf whistles from the female audience.

"Ladies man."Trishna commented shaking her head but she was really proud of him and it was so evident on her face.

Finally the performance started. It was awesome.

Everyone in the band gave their best and their dedication showed in their work.

When the band finished everyone gave a huge round of applause.

We noticed Kairav bringing two glasses of mocktails to where we sat. He handed them to us and asked how his performance was.

We couldn't stop raving about it.

"Hey! Young man that was an amazing performance."An elderly man joined us.

"Thanks Mr. Sahani."Kairav replied shaking his