To the Professor, with Love (Complete)

Chapter 7

Sidharth talks to a fellow colleague. He wears a black kurta with a grey Nehru jacket. They are in an auditorium with students, professors and others. His eyes go to Shehnaaz who is talking to the Head of her department.
She is looking gorgeous in a simple black-and-white white khadi saree with a high neck long sleeve blouse and hair tied into a bun. The VC arrives and he goes to meet him and is joined by Shehnaaz.

While talking to the VC, both steal glances at each other. Shehnaaz smiles softly, mentally making a note that he looks dapper in Indian attire. Actually he looks dashing in almost everything, even in the shorts that she had seen the other day. Biting her lips, she tries to stop herself from laughing, removing the picture from her mind.

"Sidharth, I am excited for the play today. I heard from Shehnaaz about the concept. She told me it was you who came up with it. I am looking forward to it now."
"Thank you sir. But I just had helped the kids with the concept, everything else is entirely their hard work. I am sure you will like everything."
"I am sure."

Their discussion goes to the curriculum for the year and then they finally settle down as a student gets on the stage to make the announcement.
"Good afternoon everyone! On behalf of the theatre group, I Arko Ghosh, welcome you all to the annual play. The name of our play is 'Two love stories and a rumour.' "

"Hip hip hurrah!"
All students scream after the play is over and the audience have left. They are still in the theatre for a success party. Sidharth had arranged for snacks and cold drinks for everyone.
One of them says,"Sir, one groupie! Everyone come over here!"

Sidharth stands in the centre while everyone comes together. Shehnaaz stands at one end. Seeing this, one of the students asks her to get to the centre beside Sidharth. She goes and stands beside him. They come closer to be in the frame and she gets pushed in the process. He puts his arms around her to hold her, preventing her from falling down. Both gaze at each other and he immediately removes his hand from her back and looks ahead at the camera.

"OK guys, you'll carry on. After you finish your party, clean the place up and call the Bipin da to lock the place. One hour max, then I want you all back on your way to your respective homes."
Sidharth orders after the photographs were taken.
"Sir, won't you stay back. The party had just started. Please Sir."
Sidharth smiles, "No, I need to go home. I have some urgent work."
"Sir, we were planning to go out for lunch tomorrow. You are coming with us."
Another student says.
Sidharth asks,"Lunch?"
"Yes, Sir. Shehnaaz mam said yes. Tomorrow is a holiday. We'll meet here and then go to the restaurant together."
Sidharth says, "Sorry, but I can't join you all tomorrow. "

The faces of the students turn down and Shehnaaz stares at him.
"Why Sir? Please Sir.."
Sidharth says, "My mother is not well. I am taking her to the doctor tomorrow. So, you people go ahead and have fun with your mam. We can always have lunch together some other time."
Another student says, "When can we discuss the next play?"

"Yes, I wanted to talk to you all about that. There's a fest in JR university. You all can participate in various categories. VC wants you all to perform this play there. So, the rehearsals start soon. And Professor Shamoli Dutta is back. You all can discuss the new play with her. It will be in Bengali, so I won't be of much help to you guys. And I will be in fact busy with my thesis and PHD students so.."
"No.. we are not leaving you. You can.. guide us in other ways. Please Sir.."
The students say in union.
"You have Shehnaaz mam for that. What will I do?"
"No, Sir. We aren't leaving you. If you leave the group then there will be no plays."

Sidharth tries to convince them but they don't leave their grounds. Finally he nods his head and the students cheer. Shehnaaz watches everything from afar.

Sidharth unlocks his car and puts his bag inside.
"You were leaving because of me. Isn't it?"
Sidharth turns to find Shehnaaz standing with her arms crossed at her chest.
"Don't give yourself that much importance, Miss Arora. I am a busy man, I have other commitments to look after too."