"But I'll try to adjust it if date for picnic is confirmed" said Laxmi. Shubh was just stuck for a moment in his place. He couldn't lift up his head and face anyone. He wished that the girl shouldn't have urged Laxmi to answer such question. Now that he knew she has a boyfriend, it just crushed his heart. He could never express his feelings to her after knowing everything.
He said, "Don't worry, we won't organize the picnic this week. Let's check another weekend available for all." Was he being big hearted or just foolish? That he didn't know at all. Being said that, all dispersed to their respective ways.
Laxmi asked Shubh, "Are you going to Margao?"
"Yes" he said "why do you ask?"
And she offered him something that he could have spent some time with her. "I was dropping Vani on bus stop, so I thought I could drop you there as well". He would have accepted the offer at any cost but he chose to be a mindless person and said, "Oh! No. I have travelled with Raj today so I'll go with him now as well".
"Very well then. Bye" she said and walked towards the car, there he lost another chance to be with her.
When he reached home, he kept thinking about his bad luck. He was again losing hopes of having a girl he loved in his life. But she already was in relationship. Then something struck him. These days, date doesn't have to mean only with boyfriend or girlfriend, a simple hangout with friends is also considered as date. He just jumped up to this thought and prayed in air that this thought be the truth.
The picnic was planned to be held after the farewell and all joined in to organize the Final Year student send off. Shubh was given responsibility for making a send-off video and looking after the music during the party. He worked on the video with Raj and gave out an amazing video. On the other hand, Laxmi was given duty for snacks and juice.
The farewell program was running very smoothly. Everything was well planned. Official event of Prize ceremony and speeches was over and it was finally the time for fun and party. Shubh was ready with all the music and playlists. The organizing team had prepared for some funny awards for the seniors like, Crush of the Year, Fittest person, most attendance, etc. Shubh would play the most suitable song for the award. All were impressed with such skill. He himself was impressed that he remembered the exact suitable songs at right time. Laxmi walked up to the group in front of Shubh and said, "You are really doing good job. I like you ha".
Normally Shubh would have just fallen unconscious. But he knew whatever she said wasn't meant in the way he wanted it to hear. If she had some feelings for him, she would have said that in a nice and proposing manner. That was not the case when she said I like you.
At time you listen
Some saying exactly what you feel
Unfortunately not in the same sense
Still takes you to top of the hill.
He remembered the poem from his friend's blog. This in fact saddened him even more but didn't make him any less enthusiastic. He continued with the program and enjoyed at the same time. Laxmi too was nearby him constantly. Her mere presence was enough for Shubh. He could keep looking at her as long as possible. God had taken his own time to make her, but maybe not for him, he thought.
When everyone were engaged in games and fun, Laxmi came up and sat in front of Shubhs working area. "Do we have water nearby?" she asked "I am thirsty and we forgot to arrange for water." Shubh said, "Yes I have it. But it's in my bag and my bags over there. You can take it from there." His motive was to show his trust and belongingness towards her.
"But I don't know your bag" said Laxmi "it's fine. We will get it later." So she wasn't interested in him at all or else she would have known his bag at the least, thought Shubh. So when he got a chance he went and grabbed his bag, took out his bottle and called out, "Miss Shinde, got my bottle here. Have a drink." She was thankful to have a sip of water. All this should have pleased Shubh, but it didn't. Maybe due to casual way of asking and not showing any signs of interest.
They were nearby each other for the whole party, yet hardly had any words exchanged. It did seem like she was interested in him as well. Shubh's mind, however, prevented from accepting it. He constantly rejected the feeling that she might be interested in him.
By the end of the party, everyone had departed out of the hall. The organizing committee waited to clear out few things and clean. It was almost four in the evening and none had their lunch for they were just in the mood to dance and have fun. After clearing up, Laxmi said in a dominating manner, "You come with me and fill your bottle from the water purifier"
Shubh was only happy to help and agreed without any second thought. He walked down with her, still without exchanging any words. It totally seemed like he was running away from her to avoid the conversation. They reached the purifier and Shubh immediately started filling up his bottle. To his obligation, another of their friend had filled up her bottle. He diverted his attention to her. This could have been a complete and best moment for Shubh to take a step towards friendship at least. Out of habit, he blew it up as well. Laxmi silently drank the water, thanked him and left. Shubh stood there just cursing himself till he ran out of all the words available.