It was a study holiday for the whole college to prepare for the final exams in a months' time. Everyone were busy studying and preparing notes. Hardly there were any messages in the group. Shubh and Raj were preparing together. Shubh hardly studied at night. He followed that night is to sleep only. Studying, partying and fun should all be done during the day time.
The exams were approaching with increasing anxiety among students. After a long gap due to lockdown, studying like before wasn't an easy task. It seemed that they are forgetting everything whatever they have studied as soon as they move to next part. Tension was very high and almost everyone started to study overnight and sleep less.
A week before exam, all started sharing notes along with their 'struggle with study' stories in group. Shubh would just read and forget. Then he read that Laxmi as well was studying hard and overnight. He wanted to ask if she needed any help. That may sound as if he thinks that she can't study well on her own. Hence he dropped the thought to help her, but he can always share his notes in group without knowing that he wants to help her. He followed that path and shared his notes in group hoping that she might be pleased as well.
A week was over in no time. The tension and anxiety level was too high. The atmosphere among students was that of only fear of failure. Shubh never had feared the exams, even if he was prepared or not. He in fact loved exams because he could be free of worry sooner and go watch Marvel movies, which always released during the time of his exams.
After each paper, everyone discussed their papers. In such discussion, Shubh met Laxmi. She hadn't answered the paper well but was not sadden by it. She asked him, "They do give marks for point's right?"
Shubh asked sarcastically, "Have you kept any rupee notes in your answer sheets?"
"No." she replied seriously.
"Oh. Then you won't get marks easily." He said.
She realized the humor behind it and said laughingly, "I should have kept my earrings in there."
They both laughed at it. Shubh wanted this moment to go on forever and ever. It was as if they were old friends and could be promoted to lovers.
She asked him, "When are the repeat exams held?"
"I guess in October" he said "I have previous papers of repeat exams on my laptop. Let me check the date and Ill share them with you" another opportunity to start the conversation. They departed their way after greeting bye. He hurried home and logged into his laptop. He opened the file with question papers and found no date. It turned out to be useless. There wasn't any harm in sharing though. Thus he sent them to her and said.
No date is given. Anyway hope none require these: Shub
Lax: Yeah
Lax: Thanks
That was it. What can he type after such message? He asked himself. Whatever it was, he just need to get good marks he thought. Maybe that can bring her closer or at the least create a better image.
Next day of the exam, all were called to perform Yoga on the international Yoga day. Shubh tried to call everyone but hoped only for Laxmi. He kept texting that he is going to attend the session so shall everyone else. He kept texting till he reached the college. Laxmi's friend too had reached and messaged. At least now she should attend too. It was raining heavily. Not many were present. So wasn't Laxmi to be seen. It seemed just another wasted day for Shubh.
Yoga was only for around thirty minutes. Rest time was just enjoyment. They played Ping-pong, had a singing session, teachers joining them as well. Overall, it was fun day but now it meant a month and more separation period from Laxmi. He had no plan for his Vacation at all. Just birthday celebration of his cousin and that's it.
Vacation had begun and days were just not moving fast enough for Shubh. He missed glancing Laxmi in classes. He was getting restless day by day. He scrolled down and watched all the posts of her on social media status. His fingers would move to send a reply and press backspace as soon as typed. This was not going to work out well. He hadn't told anyone about her, not even his buddies. He needed ears to listen to his story and help him out.
One day, he planned to meet his school best friend, Jan. She was very understanding and mature. After primary school, they had united after 6 years and were good friends again. She was fair, black hair and fat nose. They met and talked about their regular days, college and work. He hesitated to tell her anything about his attraction towards Laxmi. As the conversation passed, he was blurting out everything about his encounters with Laxmi, just like any person in interrogation room.
She listened calmly and said, "Dude, don't overthink. Just go and speak."
"Yeah. Easier said than done" said Shubh.
"I know. But maybe she likes you as well."
"I don't think so. She would have shown some interest." Said Shubh "and what if she had a boyfriend. I don't want to know about it at all."
"Maybe she is in relationship. That should not stop you. Take a step and talk to her. if she rejects just move on" explained Jan "you will just be restless unless you tell and be free. I know you well"
He did agree with her. He analyzed the advice and decided, "As soon as college reopens, I am going to go and tell her my feelings."
"Good going brother" said Jan "But for now, try chatting with her"
"I make seven blunders of the world when I try to speak or chat" told Shubh.
"Don't worry. Just be yourself" advised Jan. They spoke for few more minutes before departing. It was worth a talk. While on his bike, Shubh ran through the word of advice Jan had given him.