Anurakti

3: Solution

Samidha was studying, sitting in an empty room of her coaching when the door was opened.
Her eyes shot up at the voice and her lips curved into a smile when she saw Shubham coming towards her, showing off his white pearl like teeth.

Her smile widened even more when there was no sign of Sahaj.

"He's not here."
Shubham spoke sitting on the bench behind her. She turned herself and sighed.

"Thank God he's not here."

Shubham chuckled at Samidha's dramatic expressions. Then slowly his expressions faltered. His smile was no longer there and his eyes were staring down at the desk very intensely.

Was he making the right decision? Should he tell her? Is she trustworthy?
His chain of thoughts was interrupted by Samidha.

"You know, you don't really look good worrying."

Shubham looked up at her to find her smiling softly at him. Her eyes made him want to say everything. He wanted to share everything with someone.

"I can share?"

"Well, I don't go around talking about things someone has told me. My classmates used to say I gave the best advice. And one of my friends also said that I was a great listener. So I think you can."
She said, giving him a mischievous smile.

Shubham had to trust someone. He could not ruin his future. It was just a very big risk.

"I don't want to study maths."
He said and Samidha's heart suddenly started beating fast. She started praying to God, that Shubham's parents should not be forcing him.

"Why? You don't seem lacking behind. You're quite intelligent too."
She asked, gulping down her sudden panick.

"I know. But I just......I just don't have interest in it. I want to take arts. I want to study history. I like history. Maths is good, but not as good as history."
He said looking here and there, finally letting out his inner turmoil.

Samidha sighed.
In India, Maths/Science were the only respected streams. Commerce, in recent years had also gained some respect as a decent option. But arts, it was still seen as an easy option. One made for those with very weak minds.

"Then why did you join here? Did your parents force you?"
She asked and Shubham shook his head.

"No. My mother is a history professor Samidha. She is the reason why I have interest in History. They will support me no matter what subject I choose."
He said and Samidha's expressions changed to that of a confused child.

"Then, what is the problem? Fees?"
She asked, referring to the already payed amount.

"My father is a rich buisnessman Samidha. Money is not the problem."
He said and Samidha felt like someone was stretching her brain like a rubber band.

"Then what is the problem?"
She asked not making her irritation visible.

"Sahaj is! He can not go anywhere without me. He needs me attached to his arm, otherwise he ends up breaking bones. I'm not complaining, he's my friend and I like his company. But I cannot ruin my future because of that right?"
He said, making all his frustration and misery visible to her.

Samidha nodded.

"Have you tried talking to him? Maybe he'll understand."
She asked and Shubham snorted.

"Samidha, he'll never understand. He's......he's dumb. He will think I'm leaving him because I don't like him and all. But that's not the case. I just want to do what I like. And it's not like I'm never going to talk to him. I'm just not gonna be with him for the hours he's here in this institute."
Shubham said agressively scratching the bench with Samidha's brand new pen.
The pain she felt looking at the new nib getting destroyed was unimaginable.