“I’ll take your leave.” Aron gets up while Jay is still catching breathe from his hideous laugh.
“Oh, of course. See you around.” I said going for farewell handshake and he just pass by. I pulled my hand back, He noticed then turned around for handshake but I just handed him cookie box. Jay noticed and eyed ‘what is happening?’
“Here, this are for your mother. Thank her for free goods.”
“Thanks for this and visit store anytime. She doesn’t give free stuff to anyone, she likes you.” he said and waved Jay goodbye, Jay waved back. He didn’t even bother standing up. I followed Aron to door and he said, “Let’s meet again. Weekend club party?” I nodded and he smiled, “Cool then. See you around, Rashi.”
I locked door and went in, Jay was staring at me waiting with several questions but I ignored him. He followed me holding cookie plate.
“I have many questions to ask, Rashi!!!”
“Go head.” I give up.
“Those are my cookies?”
I nod in agreement.
“YES! I knew it.” He yelled.
“You have just crush on him or you just like him?” he said and I just stopped thinking for second. Oh! He is talking about ‘Aron’. Where did he get the crush-like him thing?
“He is my good friend. I didn’t expect this from you, Jay.” I eyed him.
“Sorry. I just assumed the way you behave around him. I got it wrong, I guess.”
“Okay.”
He went upstairs and I collect dishes from table, start cleaning but Jay’s question is rounding in my mind.
Do I act different around Aron? I just got used to call him Aron now, he is weird Micah guy. I would be lying if I say I didn’t find him attractive. I really can’t have crush on someone, telling someone about my life. How horrified? I haven’t told anyone about my family or past, not even Piku. I trust no one here. I am new to this place and who knows how long I am staying here.
Jay just played my damn mind, when there’s nothing to worry about. The only thing I need to worry about is why haven’t heard back from my professor.
__________________________________________________________________________________
“Rashi… hello… wake up…” I heard jay waking me up and I just don’t want to.
“I am leaving for university. I’ll be back till noon, if you decide to wander around ‘call me’. Okay?”
“Hmm… bye.” I just dozed off as he walks out. I roll around and pick up my phone. There is one mail and five texts from Piku.
PIKU
Oh my god!!! Congratulations Girl…
Call me as soon as you reach campus.
It’s 9AM! Where are you?
I just told them that you’re feeling unwell.
I am dropping by your house for Party-uh.
What in heaven’s name those texts mean? What party? Who she told I am sick? Why would I be at campus this morning?
I opened e-mail and it’s from University. I just sat up wide awake all sudden, I am afraid to read the words in e-mail.
I took a deep breath and told myself ‘whatever it is, I will handle it. If I can’t handle it, I will go back to sleep.’
Dear student,
We are glad to inform you that we have noticed your excellence. The project you have submitted have achieved great remark. We send this mail to inform you that you are selected for PhD program. We assure you full scholarship.
The documents for further enrolment process are to be submit in hand in following three days.
Thank you.
I got into scholarship program? I did it? Right? I DID IT!!!! Dear god, thank you so much. I re-read the mail again and yes, it is true. I don’t know whom to call first, Ahhhh I am trembling.
I texted Piku.
Just saw the mail and your messages. I can’t believe it’s true.
She texted back.
Open the door. I am here.
I ran downstairs and welcomed her inside. She starts to jump-yelling in excitement while I am hugging her. My ears have lost ability but I don’t care, I am excited too.
“I saw your name on pin board at campus. There were talks from Sharon and gang.”
“Really?”
“Yes! I am so proud of you. Your hard work paid off.”
“Thanks. I am still processing if this all true.” I am crying now. I can’t help but I am crying. This is real.
“They will announce on graduation day. We have to go tomorrow to enroll you.” she said while dancing shoulder to shoulder. I nod.
“Then we can enjoy the book club party later night.” I said and she just stopped dancing as she heard devil words.
“There’s party from our batch that later night. We can’t attend book club party. I begged my parents and they approved me of going.”
“NO! I never like those people.” I really want to go the book club party, I want to see Aron and tell him this great news in person. I don’t know why but I want to.
“I’ll figure something out. We will leave early from college party and attend book club party. We will get to do something. It’s not important right now. Have you decided, yet?” she claps her hands slowly, waiting for me to answer. I have no idea what decision I have to make but I just wait for her to say more details.
“You promised me that if you got the scholarship then you and I are going to travel to India for month.” She said and continue her little shoulder dance.
I completely forgot about that promise. I did promise her when we were in first semester laughing how I will never make it to final semester. I was low on self-faith. The moment I landed New-Zealand, it was chaos, every day. One week here and I was late to three days back in class, I tried talking to people but people never listened. The so-called friend of piku named ’Sharon’ always made fun of me. That’s when Piku noticed me and we became friends instantly. She was mostly homesick, she used to talk about India and how she badly wants to go back. Honestly, she was tired of Sharon too but she never knew herself.
At the end of third semester when they announced the scholarship program, I took Rajan’s advice and he told me to go for it. While at the campus I was part of Sharon’s joke at that time and I just said that in the moment to Piku.
“Umm... Piku... I just said that at…” I better confess her right now before it’s late.
“No! Rashi! We are going. I convinced my parents too. I can’t help.”
“I’ll apologize to them but I can’t go back.”
“Why? You don’t like home too?”
“It’s not that. I am sorry but…”
“Never mind, I should’ve known you have our own life too. I am sorry. I will go now.”
She just ran past me and left. I messed up. I messed up really bad.
YOU ARE READING
Bride Set off ✔
General FictionHello lovely readers, this story is a sequel of 'bride kidnapped'. The beloved Rashi is struggling with her new life at New Zealand and missing her home, family. she had promised herself not to look back but would she keep her promise? Will she wil...
