Nia's POV

"Okay. I don't see him anywhere."I surveyed looking down as we stood on the third floor of the overly crowded mall.

"It's not 9 'o' clock yet. May be he is stuck in traffic."Sasha reasoned trying to shove through the crowd that had gathered around us.

"I told you it was rumour."Pranjal said shaking his head in annoyance.

"No. It's not. Mera Sallu ayega. Jarur ayega.(Salman is definitely coming.)"Sasha said.

"Sasha, who told you that he was going to come here today."I asked her.

"Vishwasniy sutro se khabar mili hain.(I have my resources.)"She smirked.

"Bhaad mein jaye tumhare wo vishwasniy sutra.(Do hell with your resources.) This is the second time in a week that we have bunked Mogambo's lecture.

Salman ayega ke nahi ye to nahi pata. Lekin humari shamat aane wali hain.(Don't know if Salman will come but trouble is definitely coming our way.)"

"Dude, I didn't ask you to tag along with us for the movie. You volunteered, just like you did today."She said defensivly.

"I had to. You two are prone to trouble. I need to look after you"He said genuinly.

"Ole mera pranjy(Awe!!!my Pranjy). Issi baat pe tujhe PRDP ka step karke dikhaungi mein abhi ke abhi.(It's PRDP step time.)"Sasha said batting eyelashes.

"Nooooooo."He covered his ears dramatically and shut his eyes.

Apparently, Pranjal hated the song and Sasha loved it. This gave them another reason to fight with each other. Sasha had irritated him a lot since monday. Everytime we used to meet,she would get up and start dancing on the steps and her cranky voice was like bonus. Pranjal had been literally avoiding seeing her in public.

Soon Sasha started singing and dancing on the song'Saaiya tu kamal ka'. Pranjal pulled out his hair in frustration. He shot me a pleading look. I chuckled at him.

The crowd suddenly went silent as a guy appeared on the stage, holding microphone in his hand.

"Hey guys, Salman couldn't make it for the event today. We are very sorry for the inconvinece."

The crowd booed and made unhappy noises.

"Now keep doing that stupid dance of yours.Prem Ratan dhan payo,Salman nahi ayo."Pranjal smirked.

"Pranjal don't rub it in my face. Back off right now."Sasha clenched her hands to her sides.

"Guys, let's go. We still can catch up with the remaining classes."I intervened before the two could get into an argument.

We reached college after ten minutes walk. As we made our way to the science department building, we ran into a familiar face.

"where were you guys? Do you even know what has happened?"Zeenat talked in hyper manner.

"What?"All three of us asked in unison.

"You guys are in deep trouble."Zeenat replied. Her words made us even more nervous.

"Dude Zeenat, What's the matter?"Sasha asked impatiently.

"Mogambo caught Kairav for marking proxi attendance for you three."Zeenat revealed.

"Oh freak!!" I exclaimed in horror.

"Khaya piya kuch nahi glass toda bara anna.(Getting punished for something that wasn't even done or accomplished.)"Pranjal commented,earning himself a death glare from Sasha.

************************************
As we made our way to the next class, none of us made efforts of talking. We walked in silence. Sasha parted way after saying goodbyes as she had Geology class.

Pranjal and I entered the classroom one after another. Whole class was looking at us as if we were some rare species of animals displayed in the zoo.

The next class was still about to start, so the teacher hadn't come yet.

"Warren, you know what is today?"A familiar voice echoed in the silent classroom.

"What Jay?"He replied with another question.

"Warry, It's World loser's day today."Jay announced.

"Oh!So what happens exactly on this day?"Warren enquired, as if he was talking about the most sensical issue in the world.

"On today's day, all the losers across the world get themselves in a trouble and end up getting punished."Jay enlightned and the whole class broke into laughter.

Pranjal was about to say something but I stopped him. We were already in a big trouble as is. And also, Jay wasn't worth it.

"Happy happy happy loser's day."Jay and Warren spoke in a sing-a-song voice.

They had to stop as Suhasini mam entered the classroom.

"Hello my lovely students."She greeted us with her usual contagious smile. We greeted her back.

She was the only teacher who genuinely believed in the equality between student and teachers. She would always involve us in the teaching process by asking suggestions about things unlike some professors at Royal who used to think students were always the one to learn and not vice-versa. That's why she was my favourite teacher.

"Guys, we are running behind our syllabus. We need to cover it before the unit test."Suhasini mam informed.

"Do you guys have any suggestions how we can cope up with the time we have in our hands?"She asked while writing down the topic on the board.

See I told you she treats us like we are important.

"Extra classes after college."A guy named Tanishq suggested, earning himself mumbled curses and few deathly glares from almost everyone in the class.

I was way too worried to give any reaction at the moment. And as if the torture wasn't enough soon we were being called to Principal's office.

We both took permission from our biology professor and walked to the Principal office.

"Nia, why do you think we have been called to Rao's office?"Pranjal asked though the answer was obvious.

"He must be dying to see us."I commented sarcastically. My nervousness was getting the worst of me.

"Sorry yaar, Pranjy. I am really nervous."I apologised offering him a little smile.

"Me too."He replied.

We stood outside the Principal office, not long before Sasha and Kairav joined us. Kairav just nodded at me in acknowledgement. Pranjal as usual was giving him a sore eyes look.

"What?"Kairav asked when he got tired of Pranjal's continous glare.

"Why do you try if you can't pull it off."Pranjal confronted him."It must be your shabby handwriting that gave away, you marking the attendance for us."

"Pranjal, seriously?"Sasha shot him a disbelieving look."Kevi tried to save us and that's what you say in return."

"I didn't need saving. Atleast not by him."Pranjal pointed out Kairav.

"Sorry to burst your bubble witch but I did it for Sasha. She had told me to do so."Kairav gave him a smug expressions.

Pranjal gave him a murderous look in response.

"He also called me but I didn't realise. I was way too busy in dreaming about Salman that I didn't notice my cell was ringing."Sasha then added in a sad voice to herself."Oh Sallu tum kyun nahi aye?(oh Salman why didn't you come)"

Pranjal facepalmed as the topic abruptly took a 'u' turn.

Next five minutes were spent in consoling Sasha, Offcourse by Kairav because Pranjal and I, already have had our fair share of listening to what her plans were when she would come face to face with the actor.

Soon the door opened, and an unexpected person stood in front of us.

Aaruj gave me a questioning look. I gave him a little smile in response."Why are you guys here?"He asked Pranjal stealing a glance at me.

"Don't pretend like you don't know anything."Kairav hissed before Pranjal could open his mouth.

"I know I am totally irresistable to talk to and all. But what gave you an impression that I might actually be talking to you, jerk."Aaruj spat venomously.

"Irresistable? My bottom. And wasn't it your best friend who told Mr.Gupta what I did. Though you were not present for class today, I am pretty sure he must have told you by now."Kairav shot him a full glare in response.

Soon the Peon interuppted us and informed Mr.Rao was ready to meet us.

Pranjal, Sasha and Kairav entered inside. I lingered for few seconds, Aaruj whispered in my ear hastily"Meet me near the engineering building, after college."

I nodded and hurriedly entered inside. Sasha shot me a questioning look. I just shrugged off in response. Thankfully, she didn't get to question me further as a baritoned voice grabbed our attention.

"So guys, we all know why we have gathered here today."Our principal spoke to us, sitting comfortably in his leather chair.

"Yes."we replied in unison as we stood before him,our heads hung low in embarresment.

"Why did you bunk chemistry lecture,you three?"

No answer.

"Was it for hanging out at the canteen?

No answer.

"Was it for movie?"

"No. We bunked for movie on last monday."I replied before I could stop myself.

Pranjal and Sasha facepalmed themselves. Kairav let out a faint chuckle.

"So this has been a regular trend huh?"Mr.Rao questioned.

None of us spoke in response.

"So what was reason behind today's bunk?"

No answer.

"If you don't speak up. It's going to double the trouble."Our principal threatened.

"We went to see Salman Khan at the mall."Sasha revealed meekily.

"Oh!good. Did you see him?"

"No. He couldn't make it."Sasha's disappointment was evident in her voice.

"I know how you must be feeling."Our principal sympathised, making us exchange looks with each other. As if upon reading our thoughts he started giving explanation."It happened to me once when I was your age."

"Aap bhi Salman ko dekhne gaye the?(Did you go to see Salman too)"Pranjal asked curiously.

Sasha looked offended by his question."Pranjal, Salman is not that old alright. Inka jamana toh Baba Aadam ka tha(Mr. Rao is an old school)". However she soon realised her mistake soon.

"No offense."She added, looking at our principal.

"None taken."Our principal continued"Where was I, ha..So when I was your age, I went to see the 'shehenshah' of bollywood. You know the superstar Amitabh Bacchan.
He looked so handsome,he still does. I had even got haircut like him in my college days.

I bunked lectures and went to the shooting of his film.Unfortunately I couldn't meet him. The onlookers had crowded the location and It became impossible for the film crew to carry on their work. So the shoot was cancelled. Amit ji went home directly. And then I was about to leave the place and go home but I ran into my father. Jo pitai hui thi wo aaj bhi yaad hai.(The beating I got from him still feels like yesterday.)"

"Oh!"was all we replied in unison, cause we didn't know how to exactly console our principal who looked so gloomy.

"Par kya gaane hua karte the uss jamane mein(The songs at those times were just awesome)."Mr.Rao mused."Chukar mere maan ko...kiya tune kya ishaara. Badla yeh mausam lege pyara jag sara.(The moment you signaled my heart, the seasons changed, world looks prettier to me now)"

Kairav started tapping the table as he accompanied our principal in singing the song. The rest of us three, just looked helplessly at them. The singing duo finally stopped as the song ended.
"You sing really well."Mr.Rao complimented Kairav.

"Thank you."He offered a polite smile in response.

"So what were we discussing guys?"Mr. Rao questioned looking back at all of us.

"Umm. Amitabh Bacchan."Pranjal offered trying to switch the subject but Mr.Rao was principal of the college where he studied. literally.

"No. Your attendance. So I am gonna give you a punishment. That's for sure."

We all exchanged worried look with each other now.

"We at Royal Acadamy belive in Social responsibilities. We organise a day in a year where we sent some of our teachers and students to the NGO we are assosiated with. This NGO helps underpreviliged children in their education. So there are students in the world, who don't get a basic opportunity of education. There are also some other who have to walk hundreds of miles just to reach their school and learn. And they do it, albeit the unfavourable conditions. But some of us,that also includes me, take this opportunity for granted."

We too realised the last part was pointed at us."Sorry sir."we apologised in unison, our heads once again hung low in embarresment.

"Don't apologise. Sign up for this volunteering work. It's either this or calling your parents."He said with a small smile.

"We will go to the NGO."Kairav spoke on behalf of us. The rest of us just nodded in agreement.

"Clever decision."Mr. Rao continued."You will be notified about the date and venue soon."
************************************
Aaruj's POV

"Gawd! You should have seen his face when Gupta busted him."Jay broke into fits of laughter as he retold the proxi saga to other fellow classmates for a billionth time.

After a while, those bunch of students left our table. I grabbed this opportunity to confront Jay.

"Why did you tell on him? They all could be in deep trouble."

"Does it look like I care. "He pointed his index finger at his face mockingly.

"I think you went way too far this time."

"Bhai,wo Gupta pure class ko punishment deta agar mein muh nahi kholta toh. (What do you expect huh?I should have kept mum. And let Prof. Gupta punished us all for their deed.) No way. And getting them punished was like bonus. So why not."He smirked.

I looked away ending the topic.

"Oh!Aaruj is feeling bad for his fake girlfriend. You know bro you just overdo it sometimes."His tone was mocking.

"Who is overdoing what?"Vishakha interuppted.

"Oh! I am talking about Aaruj. He wears this hoodie all the time. Like right now."Jay shot her a fake smile.

"But he looks adorb in it."She said coyly,joinning us at our table in cafeteria.

First thing that I am gonna do when I reach home. DISPOSE THE DARN HOODIE.

"You know Aaruj, Jay literally saved the whole class by speaking truth. Or that loser Kairav had almost dragged us all into trouble."

"Where are those losers anyway?Still at princi's."Jay enquired.

"I heard they will be getting expelled from college"She replied, a bit over-enthusiastically.

Though her information looked more like a chinese whisper*, the probabilty of it turning into reality looked horrid to me.

I know people don't get expelled for things like proxi but our principal is so unpredictable. You never know with him and his moody nature.

"Don't you think you are exaggerating?"I narrowed my eyes at her,trying to look unaffected by the news she had just broken.

"I heard what I heard Aaruj."She shrugged off.

"Good Riddance. If your information is true."Jay commented and diverted his attention to his phone.

"Aaruj, my cousin is throwing a party at her mansion on coming saturday. Would you come?"Vishakha gave me her trademark puppy eyed look.

"No."I answered imidiately.

"Please. It's her sweet sixteen party. Please will you come."She requested.

I was thinking about the ways to push her away when Jay intervened.
"Hume toh koi nahi bulata sweet sixteen parties ke liye apne cousin ki.(Noone ever calls me to their cousin's sweet sixteen party)" He fake pouted.

"You can tag along if you convince Aaruj to come to the party."She offered.

"Devi tum badi dayalu ho. Charan kidhar hai tumhare.(You are the epitome of kindness. Let me touch your feet to seek blessing. Where are they?)"Jay mocked her.

"Right here."She said extending her jean clad legs.

He bowed dramatically.And then added"Vishakha, Aaruj said he was missing you."

"Really?"She asked me with bug eyes.

"He is lying. I have much better things to do in my life."I replied bitterly.

In Vishakha's case, bitter works better.

"Why should I believe that Jay is lying?"She asked giving me a smirk.

Okay. Bitter is also not working anymore.

"I don't give a dang to what you believe."with this I was about to get up and leave the place but Vishakha held my hand.

"Hey, I was just fooling around. Please don't leave."She shot me a cheeky smile. I jerked my hand from hers.

"Awe. He must be embarrassed that I brought the whole 'missing you' part up. He is just shying away. Aren't you? You cute thing."Jay said feigning sweetness."

I shot him a death glare in response. And just to prove Jay wrong I sat leisurely at the chair, looking as careless as ever.

"Kya lega(What would you have?"Jay asked slaping my arm.

"My regular coffee for me and order some poison for you."I replied bitterly.

"Poison ain't gonna kill me. I am immortal."Jay announced dramatically and storm towards the counter before I could kill him.

"Aaruj, I don't have anyone to go to the party with."She pouted.

I gave her my special editioned 'I-don't-give-a-damn' look.

"Won't you solve my dilemma, Aarujy?"She asked scooting her chair closer to mine.

Aarujy?Seriously.

"Hey Mahtab, Vishakha wants a partner to attend her cousin's birthday party. You interested buddy?"I randomly yelled at one of my classmate who was sitting at the table, few feet away from us.

"Most willin....willingly."He stuttered giving Vishakha a bug eyed look.

"In your dreams you low life idiot."She replied bitterly.

"Your loss."He bit back, surprising Vishakha. I had to try hard to suppress my laughter.

"It's not funny Aaruj. What were you trying to do?"She asked trying to sound normal but I could tell she was angry.

"Duh!Solving your dilemma or whatever you quoted it."I replied.

"You don't need to bother about asking these stupid people. Why can't you come with me? "

"I am not into parties.."I trailed off as I noticed Nia entering the cafeteria along with her friends. She looked absorbed in her cellphone as she typed something on it. She was about to walk into a pillar but a pair of hands came out and stopped her from getting hurt. If it was someone else I would have been greatful but it was Kairav so I didn't bother about it.

"I see who you are into nowdays."Vishakha's voice brought me back from my train of thoughts.

"Good. You started observing things. It makes others work so easy. They don't need to waste their time in making you understand that some things are just not meant to be."I said sarcastically.

"You know If it was some other girl, I would have been stark jealous. But I know you and I know her. It's not gonna last. I see it Aaruj. Why don't you too?"

"I don't know what future holds for us. But I am sure about one thing, I am never gonna regret her. And if suppose hypothetically I would ever, I want it to be her. Not any other girl."

"You are out of your mind"She retorted.

Before I could reply Jay interuppted.

"Your strong coffee."Jay returned with a cup and a plate of sandwiches.

"Wanna take a bite?"He offered Vishakha his sandwich.

She scrunched her nose."The absence of wheat bread, the adundance of fat, that cheese and mayo are containing. And the chicken overloaded with spices makes it a non-edible thing for me."

"You opened my eyes. It's a threat to the society of diet freaks like you.I should sacrifice by finishing it."Jay joked earning himself a gentle slap on arm from her.

Soon Vishakha's cellphone rang which she answered in no time. She ended the call. And rubbed her forhead in frustration. When both Jay and I didn't make any effort of asking her what was wrong,she decided to spill it out anyway.

"Ojaswee is so dumb. We had this student coucil