2015
''Hey! How long are you going to sleep?'' Riya, Nirali's room mate and classmate at doon school said shaking her friend up.
''Its weekend, its meant to rest.''
''Do that when you lose your teeth. For us, it's the only time we can venture out of the school premises.''
Nirali yawned sitting up. ''We have been going to same place every weekend. I can now walk there blindfolded. Can't we just take a break?''
''No, because we will have our hot seniors visiting that mall.'' Riya replied dreamily. Nirali shook her head. ''Fine! But don't rush up. I need my time as well.''
Riya clapped, ''Okay, I will go get the pass from the warden and security.'' Nirali frowned at her friend's excitement. It was 10th standard for her this year and she wanted to give her best. For past year her only regret was not being close to Lakshay. She missed him dearly. Though they kept in touch through letters, emails; she still missed being with him. He was her best friend. Lakshay made her feel important, valuable and on the top.
Nirali smiled and made a note to write to him in the evening. She quickly dressed up as she wanted to avoid the tantrums of her friend.
The prestigious school was on the hill top with many turns down towards the city. The School Premises had all necessary and required for the inhabitants and didn't allow the students below ninth standard to venture out unless a guardian around. Riya danced with a pass in hand, ''We got permission till 4:00 PM, but we must answer our phone if someone tries to reach us.'' Nirali just rolled her eyes. Riya was only worried about her mother's call and wanted Nirali to be her alibi .
***
Nirali posed for every picture her friend requested with a smile. Riya enjoyed attention and Nirali gave her all. She had been crushing on a senior and made childish plans to bump into him at random places. In reality, she has been stalking him. ''let's go to that joint.''
''We went their last week, and a week before that. I hate the food they serve.''
''Then have a soft drink. But please, for me.'' Nirali huffed following her friend in. The small food joint was always crowded as it was surrounded by pvt colleges and state university . It was one of the most popular hang out place for students and Riya came here to see her crush. ''You see him at school daily.'' Nirali whispered.
''That's in uniform, he feels so restricted as if in chains. But here, he looks free.''
''Riya, that boy will break your heart. You don't even know his name.''
''He doesn't look the one to break the heart. He is so cute.'' Nirali gave up, love was blind but it looked deaf, dumb and utterly stupid to her in form of Riya. She sipped her drink when a guitar tone took her attention. It was familiar. Nirali looked up and found crowd huddled up in a corner, she followed the sound but couldn't see the musician. She decided to push her way in as this was him, Lakshay.
After about 10 mins she was finally able to reach a center of the crowd but he was gone. She was sure it was Lakshay. Nirali shook her head, how can he be here? She was dreaming again. She heard Riya calling her out and she nodded; that's when someone called her. ''Nirali!''
She grinned wide. Yes, that was him Lakshay.
***
Present
Nirali jolted out of the fond memory as her office cheered, she quickly molded in stretching her lips. ''What are we celebrating?''
''We won a big project, the miser boss of ours has agreed to treat us in best pub cum restaurant SPIN. ''
''Wow! That would cost a bomb.''
''There are conditions, we can only have one drink on her money.'' The girls made a face but it was fine as long as they got a chance to spend the miser boss lady's money.
''We need to look hot. Come with me. '' And Nirali was dragged away by Amisha to the washroom.
***
Lakshay stared at the passing road, it had been 2 hrs since he landed in India and now he along with his group was being driven to their hotel. ''we are staying her for 2 months!'' Lakhshay exclaimed
''Yes, we are performing at few award ceremonies , concerts and more.'' Naman said with a smile.
''You are aware!''
''We all are. I thought so, as we all signed it together.'' Naman replied looking at the other 2 for their support. They decided to ignore. Lakshay looked miffed, ''I should have read it.'' Varun peeked at Lakshay's miffed face, he knew the reason. Nirali was in the same town and not being able to see her being so close was killing him.
'Only if you two realized how stupid you guys have been.' Varun thought going back to his phone. He got a message, he smiled. ''I have a plan to relax in the evening.'' Varun added, Naman and Arun reacted with curiosity but Lakshay stayed mum. He looked agitated, nervous. His eyes scanned the road, Varun knew that wasn't out of nervousness, Lakshay's was in her city and his heart was hoping to have a glimpse of his Nirali.
***
The evening bought lot of fun for Nirali and Amisha. They took the opportunity of spending boss' money seriously. ''She said one drink per person, not dish.'' Amisha whispered
''We can't eat that much.''
''We will pack and take home, no cooking over the weekend.'' The girls hi-fied going back to their newly invented dance move.
Lakshay followed the manger as he was being guided to the VIP area on the first floor. He shook his head watching his friends grooving dramatically as they were being led to their cabin. ''No one will be able to see you. Let me know when you guys are ready to order.'' The manger left as the friends got busy in chatting. The loud cheer caught Lakshay's attention and he moved to over look the the dance floor. He leaned on the railing watching people enjoying the weekend. He knew , he could see them but none to see him due to the placements of lights. He gave glance to step back and froze. He quickly gripped the metal of support, there she was, dancing as if there was no tomorrow. His lips stretched into a smile. Nirali wore a floral pattern top with a buttoned down skirt. There was another girl who matched her goofy steps. Lakshay rubbed his chest, it suddenly felt light. He couldn't frame in words what he felt having a glance at her.
It took him back to the time when he had decided to follow Nirali to Dehradun. He was an above average student and getting in that school was difficult for his kind . BUt Lakshay's determination had been on another level. He worked hard and cracked the exam. Since it was 11th grade, his entrance was tougher . Yet, he did it; just to be with Nirali.
2015
''Nirali!'' He had spotted her in the crowd. He wanted to surprise her in school but couldn't hold back when his eyes fell on his her face. Her lips stretched into a smile the moment their eyes met. ''I knew it was you, I know your music.''
''You have to, you are my music.'' And she blushed
''Are you visiting here.'' But she got answer from Riya. ''Nirali, he is our senior. You know the hostel rule, junior girls cannot have friendship with senior boys. Our seniors will punish us.'' Riya looked scared
''And what were you doing few moments back.'' Nirali asked
''I just admire him from distance.'' Lakshay just smiled. ''I will handle, you don't worry.'' Nirali requested Riya a moment. Once Riya stepped out, Nirali went on her toes and gave Lakshay a hug. ''If words could define what I feel now, I would just sing it. But You know.'' She left a soft peck on cheek before retreating. They had been friends for years but this was their first hug. Lakshay caressed his cheek, and the rubbed his chest. The world seemed beautiful in a single moment
***
Lakshay came back to present hearing the loud cheer from the crowd. He leaned further watching her with his thirsty eyes. His friends shared a look before going back to their drinks. ''We are splitting the detective cost.'' Naman concluded. They all had decided to set Lakshay's life straight and had been doing lot of homework.
''What next?''
''Enjoy the evening.'' Varun replied.
Nirali felt a known presence around her. She felt being watched, she looked around but found no one she knew. The crowd were lost in their own world, she shook her head. She must be imagining. But her heart was beating s different rhythm . She looked around again and then looked up. All she could see silhouette leaning the balcony. She tried hard, but there was no way she could find who he was.
Lakshay felt his heart skip a beat the moment she looked up. She was same, his Nirali. He suddenly felt like the 16 year old again.
''Nirali, are you looking for pole star.''
Nirali made a face. ''Amisha, I feel I am being watched.''
''Yes, god is watching all of us. This is why we should watch our actions.''
''Are you drunk?'' Nirali knew the answer when her friend giggled. ''I got all the food packed. No cooking this weekend.'' Amisha whispered. Nirali huffed, she grabbed Amisha arm walking her out of the crowd. She gave one final glance towards the dark figure before stepping out.
''What did you guys order?'' Lakshay was suddenly happy.
''I thought you were full.''
''Well I am hungry now. Let's celebrate.'' Neither of the 3 asked the reason of sudden change, they were happy that their friend looked himself , finally!
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This book is the first of the 4 different love stories. First, Nirali-Lakshay. Second will be Vraun
Hope you like it