Love Me...Once Again

Chapter 4

2015

''Hey! How long are you going to sleep?'' Riya, Nirali's room mate and classmate at doon school said shaking her friend up.

''Its weekend, its meant to rest.''

''Do that when you lose your teeth. For us, it's the only time we can venture out of the school premises.''

Nirali yawned sitting up. ''We have been going to same place every weekend. I can now walk there blindfolded. Can't we just take a break?''

''No, because we will have our hot seniors visiting that mall.'' Riya replied dreamily. Nirali shook her head. ''Fine! But don't rush up. I need my time as well.''

Riya clapped, ''Okay, I will go get the pass from the warden and security.'' Nirali frowned at her friend's excitement. It was 10th standard for her this year and she wanted to give her best. For past year her only regret was not being close to Lakshay. She missed him dearly. Though they kept in touch through letters, emails; she still missed being with him. He was her best friend. Lakshay made her feel important, valuable and on the top.

Nirali smiled and made a note to write to him in the evening. She quickly dressed up as she wanted to avoid the tantrums of her friend.

The prestigious school was on the hill top with many turns down towards the city. The School Premises had all necessary and required for the inhabitants and didn't allow the students below ninth standard to venture out unless a guardian around. Riya danced with a pass in hand, ''We got permission till 4:00 PM, but we must answer our phone if someone tries to reach us.'' Nirali just rolled her eyes. Riya was only worried about her mother's call and wanted Nirali to be her alibi .

***

Nirali posed for every picture her friend requested with a smile. Riya enjoyed attention and Nirali gave her all. She had been crushing on a senior and made childish plans to bump into him at random places. In reality, she has been stalking him. ''let's go to that joint.''

''We went their last week, and a week before that. I hate the food they serve.''

''Then have a soft drink. But please, for me.'' Nirali huffed following her friend in. The small food joint was always crowded as it was surrounded by pvt colleges and state university . It was one of the most popular hang out place for students and Riya came here to see her crush. ''You see him at school daily.'' Nirali whispered.

''That's in uniform, he feels so restricted as if in chains. But here, he looks free.''

''Riya, that boy will break your heart. You don't even know his name.''

''He doesn't look the one to break the heart. He is so cute.'' Nirali gave up, love was blind but it looked deaf, dumb and utterly stupid to her in form of Riya. She sipped her drink when a guitar tone took her attention. It was familiar. Nirali looked up and found crowd huddled up in a corner, she followed the sound but couldn't see the musician. She decided to push her way in as this was him, Lakshay. 

After about 10 mins she was finally able to reach a center of the crowd but he was gone. She was sure it was Lakshay. Nirali shook her head, how can he be here? She was dreaming again. She heard Riya calling her out and she nodded; that's when someone called her. ''Nirali!''

She grinned wide. Yes, that was him Lakshay.

***

Present