The Boundless Bond

Part 27

Ashima: hey, calm down

Ashwin: calm a dhan iruken, tell what happened

**FLASHBACK – Ashima Storying to Ashwin**

Okay, so we went to the same uni. There's 6 of us in a group, we hang out regularly since we all are doing the same course. It was all going well until he made a sudden proposal. I know him for just about 2 weeks, and he made such move. I politely told him no, I'm not interested. Of course, being in a group, it's hard to just ignore him, I used to talk & meet only when we are in group. We both joined the same society and had positions in it, and we were communicating more often from then. I thought he had a change on mind, because there were no hints.

One day, we were out related to an event and came back together. Since it was just the two of us, we were talking and getting to know each other. He said many things about me which most people don't notice in a short span of time. More of my likings, preferences and sort. I was stunned, asked him how did he know all this? Felt like he's stalking me, to which, he said, I don't stalk but since I like you, I notice all these things. You may not like me but who knows, one day, you might change your mind. Now that we are in good talking terms, that gives me a little hope. That's when, I realized that he's still the same.

I tried reducing conversations with him then onwards, but it was still tough. I noticed him doing unwanted things, like coming in early for classes or meetings, getting drinks/food, always having something to ask for and planning out. I told him again that nothing's going to work, I don't want to give him any hopes and he should stop wasting his time doing all these. He behaved a lot like a creep, made me very uncomfortable to be around him. Our mutual friends knew about it as he's been telling all of them that we could be the perfect match. But that wasn't the worst of all.

He's been doing this with few other girls, at the same time or one after another. There's no change in his way of approaching. Feels like he just wants to be around girls and make him look like a Romeo, when in reality, he looks like a player for doing all these. I had to cut myself from the society and few group outings just to avoid him.

He didn't stop there though; he tried many ways to keep connected with me. Didn't see him after uni and just saw him today in flight, and guess what, he's still the same. He even wanted to go to a café together now. So, yea, that's Vinay.

***END OF FLASHBACK***

Ashwin: ohhhhh I see. He must be thinking he's too good at it, right? Do you have his pic?

Ashima: why would I have his pic (rolled her eyes)

Ashwin: no, I mean like any social medias?

Ashima: ah yea, let me check.

Ashima found his fb profile and showed it to Ashwin.

Ashwin: okay, done. We all are going to be on the same flight right, pretend that we both don't know each other, alright? If he's going to be seated next to you, then I'll come & say we know each other and sit next to you. If not, just don't worry and let us remain as strangers.

Ashima: what are you planning on?

Ashwin: naan onnum Vinay illaye to plan and execute it perfectly 😏

Ashima: 😒

Ashwin: just kidding. I'll just watch him, that's it. You don't have to worry

Ashima agreed to it and they left the café as it was nearing their boarding time. Ashima prayed hard that Vinay shouldn't be sitting next to her. She went in and saw a lady seating beside her seat, that felt like a big relief to her.

Vinay came in (hoping that he gets to sit beside Ashima, but poor boy, he couldn't). His seat was one row in front of Ashima's, he smiled at Ashima and sat on his seat.

Then, Ashwin came in, passing by Ashima, she thought to herself why he is here when he told to behave like strangers. When she saw Ashwin sitting beside Vinay, she couldn't control her laughter. She was thinking this is going to be crazy, there's no way he's going to watch what Vinay is up to because Vinay can't be doing anything. Since Ashwin saw Vinay's pic, he was all set with a masterplan. He texted Ashima.

Ashwin: Didn't I tell you, abby? God's planning is always the best. Look who's beside me, a Romeooooo

Ashima: 😂, this is so unexpected. Have fun!

Ashwin: yea yea, now you don't have to worry at all. Just get into sleeping mode

Ashima: haha, yes, I'm about to. Goodnight

Ashwin: Goodnight abby ❤️

The flight took off and Ashwin noticed Vinay turning behind every now & then, looking at Ashima and making it seem like they know each other for a very long time and as if they are close buddies. Ashwin introduced himself to Vinay.

Ashwin: Hi, are you okay? Saw you keep checking the back seat, is everything ok?

Vinay: all good bro, wanted to ask something from Ashima but looks like she's going to be sleeping throughout the journey.

Ashwin: oh bro, you know her?

Vinay: yea, why, do you know her as well?

Ashwin: No, bro but I'd like to get to know her. I've been having these crazy thoughts ever since I saw her.

Vinay: when did you see her?

Ashwin: just few hours ago, when we were all queuing up for this flight

Vinay: bro, are you serious? You just saw her, and you want to get to know her?

Ashwin: why not, bro? She's pretty, her name...Ashima..nice name la, sounds very unique and obviously there's no harm in getting to know a person.

Vinay: I don't think she likes all these, isn't it weird?

Ashwin: (M/V: adhelam nee solra pathiya, thappu thappu thappu). Weird lam ille bro, do you know if she's single or taken?

Vinay: She's single

Ashwin: brooooo, semma bro! neenga dha bro enaku help pananum, since you know her, please introduce both of us.

Vinay: are you okay!?

Ashwin: of course! You know what, thank god you know her. I was thinking of proposing her just before getting off the plane, vera level a irukum la? But now that you know her, I'll take it slowly. Please bro, help me out. Are you'll going to the same places' bro in Bali? If yes, let me know also, naan vetti a dha irupen, I'll come along, get to know her and try to win her heart. Pls bro, neenga dha en dheivam

Vinay: (M/V: ivan enna namaku mela irupan pola, adengappa, ennama acting panran, ennaye minjiduvan pola) bro bro...you need to calm down and stop over-imagining things that's not going to happen