Forget Me Not

Throbbing Heart

“What trouble in paradise?” Sammy whispered when I was graciously trying to ignore Oliver. The professor was blabbering, I stole a glance at him. Of course he was busy writing down the notes.

Sighing, I murmured, “There was never a paradise.”

“Really?! Well you are sounding disappointed.” she nodded at the professor to which I saw he was looking straight at us. 

Pointing at the blackboard behind him, he chewed “Miss Ashford, if you permit I would love to continue this.” 

“Sorry, Mr Hans.”

Again embarrassed I peeked at Oliver, who was looking at the board with utmost interest but with a scowl plastered on his face.

“So,” Sammy arched a brow looking at me as soon as the class got over.

“What?”

“What did you do this time?” She politely asked.

“What do you mean by ‘this time’? Do I always,” I was cut by a shut up immediately. 

“Cut the crap, Eve. You don't need to prove anything. I was just — Eve see, you need to understand this. I don't have any problem if you like him,” she nodded when I opened my mouth to protest, “hear me first. He is a nice bloke and even if you like him back the way he likes you then it's fine but if not then be clear to yourself and don't let him see what he wants to.”

“Sammy, why do you always keep saying this, the way he likes me — how can you be so sure?”

“Now I need a wall to bang my head on. Idiot. Look at him. Don't you get it? Look at his posture. He is all stiff trying hard not to look at you. And his expression — and the way he is scowling I am sure he is going to get wrinkles very soon. Go and talk to him and yes if you like him only as a friend then don't behave like you are already smitten.”

“I am not smitten...please.” I kept clicking the back of my pen, “He is not that good looking.”

“Evette, you like him because he is different. How he looks has nothing to do with it. And by the way girls love him and…” she stopped as the professor looked at us again, “just talk to him.” She whispered.

Whole day there was no Oliver. Yes no Oliver. He was there in front of me but ignored me like I didn't exist. I laughed inwardly, best friend, what a joke. 

Couldn't he just come and talk to me? Yes, he did ask me once, but that's it? Couldn't he ask me again? But why would he? When he had hundreds of  'friends' who were ready to mold their lives according to his! Like now he is talking to Rozina with a smile plastered on his lips. That Rozina couldn't even notice how he leaned back when she touched his arm. Wasn't he missing me? He didn't even look at me once. And Sammy said he liked me. Nonsense!

'Huh! He can go to hell.' I grabbed my books, and walked out of the room as soon as the professor ended his lecture.

***

“Where are you going now?” Sammy chided while I put my college bag on my study table and took out my purse . “You didn't even eat anything, Eve.”

“I am not hungry.”

“Really! And where are you going?” 

“I need to buy something. Bye.” hastily I closed the door of my hostel room and stormed towards the staircase. 

***

“Should I...or shouldn't I…” the tiny doorbell chimed again indicating someone was going in or coming out through that glass door.