There wasn't much time left when students would arrive for the much awaited Holi celebration at SIAC and Anokhi was exhausted working in the canteen preparing snacks with the owner, Pummy Aunty.
'Anokhi. Jaldi kar. Sab table set karna baaki hai.'
Sighing, 'Haan, bas aa rahi hu..'
Taking the trays one by one, they soon arranged the tables.
'Ho gaya, Pummy Aunty', Anokhi gave a proud smile.
'Haan, ab ja aur Holi ke maze kar.'
'Sorry, abhi rang nahi hai mere paas...lekin Happy Holi.'
She hugged Pummy Aunty who wished her too before heading back to her work while Anokhi took her bag and headed towards the girl's common room.
Not too late, she could hear the loud music and cheer and realised students had arrived. Keeping the apron, she picked up her phone. Her eyes hopeful of a text or a call back but in vain. There was none.
'Chal, Nikki. Kitna wait karegi..'
Tucking her bag on shoulder, she walked to the ground floor, a bit disappointed. Her eyes moved to the left of the corridor and she swallowed. Memories of the last year's Holi flashed. She quickly checked around; no one was to be seen. Luckily the door was open and she entered the Library.
Keeping the bag on the table, she sat on the corner chair.
'Pichhli..2nd year ki Holi, SIAC mein pehli holi thi.. Kitna kuch badal gaya.. Nikki..'
And she went on to reminisce that day.
-*-
'Anokhi..'
'Shaurya Sir, aap yahaan Library mein?'
'Haan. Woh bas..'
She frowned. It was unusual of him to not be sarcastic with her. It was unusual that he had come to the Institution after the Holi party had ended.
'Meine dekh.. I mean, suna tum Holi party mein nahi aayi?'
His words shrugged her off her thoughts.
'Bas aisehi, Sir.'
'Oh. Hmm.', he nodded.
After giving a faint smile, she was going away when his words surprised her.
'SIAC chhod rahi ho na.. Usse pehle main chahta hoon is jagah ko tum ek pleasant memory ki tarah yaad rakho..'
Turning her face to him, she saw his pale expressions.
Shaurya went near her, 'Mujhe ek achhe insaan. Oh achha bhi nahi lekin atleast ek insaan ki tarah yaad rakho..'
His eyes oozed pleading to her.
'Aap ye sab..'
He sighed, 'Anokhi please. Main bol loon? Ab aur guilt mein nahi reh sakta.'
Her silence was the permission.
