Reborn For You

Tragic love stories

"Come here our new friend", Ragini pulled Sejal inside the indoor games room.

 Some programme was going on in the auditorium. I think school is also one of the major causes of noise pollution. Their voice has reached upto the third floor. Gosh can't they be quiet?

Aryan and Vedant were busy playing table tennis while I sat on the carrom board sucking my lollipop.

"We were too bad last day, right?", I emphasized.

"No no", she stammered.

"So you have no problem to be our friend right?", Ragini asked.

"No", that girl replied immediately.

Walking upto her, I patted her head and appreciated, "See how smart you have become."

 Sugar-coated tongue and adjustability are more important than air and water for the powerless. Now see how much I have transformed this foolish girl. One more achievement on my list!!

"You have just one task today. Copy the notes the teachers dictate and complete our assignments. Simple. Can you go it?", I asked smoothly.

"Yes", she replied immediately. Day sorted. Thats a relief.

Suddenly a ball flies across me and hits her forehead.

"Ough", she moaned.

Looking across, I see the great player chuckling. Its Aryan. Nothing unexpected actually.

"Even if a single word is missing, I am going to bathe your books and copies with this coffee shake", Vedant raised his mug and warned her.

She nods her head and leaves quietly.

"Such a pussy", Ragini laughed seeing Sejal's retreating figure.

"Thats what their level is", I smirked, climbing up the carrom board to see the table tennis match.

==============

The 'whatever' assembly has ended and we are back to class. Same boring teachers and their  lesson that makes us sleepy rather than getting us interested. Ragini and Vedant are on the last bench, busy pleasuring each other while I am beside Aryan, checking out few comics and sneaking snacks on the second last bench. 

The bell finally rings and its time to run to the library. Buzzes about the fight in the morning is on everyone's lips.

"There sits Sejal completing the assignments", Aryan, who has followed me out, says while pointing out to one corner of the table.

"I know that", I answer casually.

"Aren't you here to check on her?", he asks confused.

"No", I smile and walk away to my new target.

Vansh's POV-

Rudra had got the bandages but did not dare to tell any of the authorities my name. Afterall  our fathers were business partners and him taking my name would mess up things more. The teachers tried to enquire the matter but as usual, everyone has kept their lips tight.

I was sitting at one of the corners of the library, peacefully reading the new book. I have a wierd preference for  tragic love stories. I find them unbelievably relatable. Someone who hasn't fallen in love yet finds angst stories relatable- does that even make sense?

Suddenly I heard Ridhima's voice and looked up. I saw her coming towards me, It was unlike her to be in the library. Was I dreaming?

She snatches the book from my hand and sat beside me, leaving me shocked.

"From when did you start reading books?", I asked her on seeing her turning to the protologue.

"Well, I don't usually read. I am more into dramas and series", she smiled as she confessed.

"But you know what--", the excitement in her tone was increasing with every word.

"I saw a movie where lovers die but they promised to meet again. Then they were reborn to complete their love story. Do you believe in such things?", she asked, her eyes were blooming with wonder.

It was the first time she had initiated a conversation with me after so long. I doubt the last time she was so cheerful was when she was in class 5 or even before that. Her smile was reaching her eyes, and this time when she has hurt neither others nor herself.

Everyone sees her torturing others but only I have seen her hitting herself. I remember that evening still now. I had gone with my mother to her house. Our mothers were happily gossiping so I thought to play with her. I was in class 8 back then. I still remember that sight. She was in her room slapping herself like a mad and then she suddenly hit her head on the wall with such a force that she passed out. I was standing outside her room in shock. Completely terrified, I shouted for my mother and aunt. Aunt seemed clueless. A doctor came and did some check-up. There was no internal injury thankfully. And since then, I sneak into her house to check on her. 

"Do you believe that human beings are reborn?", she asked once again.

"Maybe", I replied blankly. How am I supposed to know? I haven't died yet.

"Are you in love", she asked, taking me by shock.

"Huh. No. Maybe. I mean-", I did not know what to say.

Seeing me stammer, she gave a big smile and walked away.