It was the time for our final exams... only few regular classes were left before the exams. Everyone was busy preparing for the finals. Some were completing their final assignments others were busy collecting notes... Some were practicing worksheets while others were panicking for their carelessness round the year...
Aani as usual begging me to help her in last minute preparations... She was never serious for her studies but everytime, somehow she managed to get average marks.
"Zumar... please help me with your notes... else I won't be able to get into my final year..." she requested... "Mom will throw me out from home this time... it's for sure .. please, please...."
"These are your pet dialogues every year just before the final exams... nothing new... I got bored... try something new..." I covered my ears.
"Zumar I had to leave the school if I failed... Mom will marry me off in a country side..." she became more dramatic...
"Not so catchy..." I teased.
"How can you survive without me... Zumar I can tolerate my bad luck, but how can I leave you alone... in this forest full of wild wolves... You don't have anyone to protect you.... I am really worried for you..."
"I am capable of protecting myself... "
"It's enough Zumar... don't show your attitude... I will be responsible for 1 week of your lunch... that's a deal... Now give me all your notes and help me with the practice sheets..."
"Only 1 weak... 1 whole month... You know these are my precious kids... and pulled my notes back .."
"Ok.. Ok.. you selfish b***h..."
It was the last day of our final exams. Our class teacher announced that after the exams we had to make arrangements for the farewell party of the final year students. We all were very excited to hear that. As the exam stress is over we can relax and enjoy at the same time.
From the very next day we started preparing for the function. We were divided into different groups to arrange different works. Some for stage & music, some others for decoration, while others for catering. Aani and I were responsible for the packaging of gifts, farewell notes and invitation letters.. After completing their exams senior students were not coming to school as they were preparing for their University entrance.
For the whole week, I didn't see him around. On the day of farewell I saw him in the morning coming out of his father's car... When I enquired I got to know that someone from his family was seriously ill so they all went to the other city. I got worried as this is the most crucial time for the preparation of University entrance what if he got disturbed.
"Are you ready for the farewell in the evening..." I texted him and waited for his reply. But he didn't replied back... I checked my phone again and again but there was no reply...
In school also I keep on checking my phone when Aani asked..."What happened Zumar... Why are you not focused.... See you are wrapping the gift from the wrong side... Are you waiting for someone's call... you keep on looking towards your phone... is everything fine... "
"Yes, nothing... everything is fine..." I again send one text... "Haven't you got the invitation for the farewell... aren't you coming...??"
This time my phone vibrated..."No, I won't be able to attend... "
"But why... Is everything fine...?.. You don't sound well"
"Yes everything is fine,.... I am just tired and I need to prepare for the entrance..."
"I understand... but still this is your last day in school... we all are preparing hard.... we all are waiting for your presence... "
"Are you waiting for me.... do you want me to attend...??" He asked and I don't know why this question all of a sudden. I don't understand how to reply...
Finally I texted... " You are the school hunk... all your fan girls are waiting for their prince charming... they had done a lot of preparations for you... how can you break their heart..."
"Yes, you are right, how could I forget that.... Are you also my fan... Ok I will be there to appreciate your effort Miss Zumar..."
"Hey.... I am not your fan..." I texted back but got no reply...
In the evening, after completing all the preparations we went to change our dresses, I wore a white dress with pearl work, I left my hairs open for the first time and put on a light gloss on my lips, while Aani chose a red dress...She had done a light makeup. She was looking beautiful.. I praised her...
We all came out to welcome our seniors, and the function starts officially... Tahaan also came and he was wearing a navy blue suit with white shirt and light blue tie... He was looking handsome and gave a meaningful look Aani... She blushed... I looked towards her. I was not able to guess this progress..
"Aani.... What's going on... what's with this look..." I asked
"It's nothing...." she just changed the topic
"Tahaan... where is Zayden..." She asked and shifted my focus
"I don't know.. I tried calling him but his phone was switched off... I thought he would be here so I just came here... isn't he here... it's almost the time..."
I kept on looking my watch. I tried calling but all in vain... he was nowhere... My mood turned off but we moved towards the stage. Everyone was enjoying the function except me as my mind and heart both were with Zayden... I was very disappointed...
Host was announcing, I don't know what... but it catches my attention when girls made a loud cheering noise.. I was not able to guess what actually happened...then I heard his voice...
"My dear teachers and fellow school mates.... thanks for all your love and care for making my school life a great success.... I appreciate all your efforts for making me who I am....I will work hard in future...."
He was giving his speech and I was smiling finally I was able to see him... He was looking amazing on stage in his black suit silver grey shirt and black tie... neatly trimmed beautiful hairs... adding grace to his looks. I kept on staring toward him. I was not able to hear him just kept on watching him.... All the girls were cheering for him... He finished his speech and then sang a farewell song.
After that he came towards us...
"Why are you late... we all were waiting for you..?" Tahaan asked.
"Just some family matters..." He replied.
"You look different today... Zumar... pretty.... See I am here I didn't disappoint you..." He said.
"Thanks...!!" I blushed but I could feel that
He was not looking good. I tried asking from him but he went away with Tahaan to meet his friends.. and we were called by the host to arrange the gifts and farewell notes... Finally I was happy that atleast he came for the function.
At the end, when we were giving away gifts and farewell notes... he was nowhere to be seen. Host called his name again & again but he didn't appear on the stage. I asked Tahaan but he was also not sure with his whereabouts. I looked for my phone to call him when I saw his message..
"Zumar...!! sorry I have to leave..."
I could guess he was in some problem but I don't understand what was that. I took the responsibility of delivering his gift and soon left the school.... I was worried about him.
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