Under The Clear Summer Sky

25 | the result of the plan

In the end, Anu didn't really have any time to watch or see around the fest. She was constantly chasing kids, who were up to sneaky stuff.

"You! What are you doing?" She chased after two students, who seemed to be holding something like a cigarette.

The kids ran, clutching their bags. Anu ran behind them, yelling at them to stop. As they turned around a corner, they ran into a man, who grabbed onto the back of their collars. 

"Where are you two running?"

The kids gulped. 

Anu caught up with them. "Thanks for catching them, Vineet. Can you check their bags? I think they have cigarettes on them."

A variety of lighters and cigarettes were found on them.

After handing, the two kids to the coordinator. Vineet and Anu stepped out of the office, walking back to the grounds.

The sky was a deep shade of pink and purple. Tinges of black at the end of the horizon seemed to make the 6 o' clock hour magical. On the podium, the host announced a round of silent fireworks. 

Vineet said, "Let's take a break and go up to the rooftop." Anu followed him, nodding. She felt tired, as if her limbs would detach from her body and drop down anytime soon.

They climbed up to the rooftop, via the staircase and pushed the door open. From a height, the sky seemed more mesmerizing. The light breeze floating through, brushing their clothes and hair, added to the ambience.

"They're going to have fireworks." Anu stated. "Do you think the ashes will fall on my eyes? Because it happened one time when I was in 4th grade and ever since then, I've been afraid to look into the sky when there's fireworks-"

Vineet clasped his fingers and gripped it tightly.

"I like you."

Time seemed to stop still. Anu's head jerked to him. He what?

"I like you." He repeated, steadfast.

Anu blinked. Everything he had been doing yesterday suddenly made sense. Everything he had been doing in the past three months made sense.

"Don't you think a man who cooks is a catch?"

"I like making dinners for you every evening."

All those little statements he would say from time to time...This sneaky man. Anu returned her gaze towards the front. 

"No wonder you were acting suspicious yesterday."

Vineet stepped behind her, leaning his palms on the railing, effectively caging her in his arms. He remembered Maya's instructions well.

"Since when do you like me, though? I thought you always thought of me as a good friend and that's why I had even decided to remain-"

He turned her around and looked into her eyes for a moment. Then, he pressed his lips on hers. Above them, fireworks exploded into the sky making no sound. It was a colorful scene.

When they pulled apart, Anu was a flustered mess. Her palms rested on Vineet's shoulder blade. He coughed, a little embarrassed too. 

"I apologize for not asking your permission first."

"No, that's, um..." Anu felt painfully awkward. "I liked it."

"You did?"

"Yup."

Silence.

"So...Should give you some time to think about what I said-"

"No!" Anu blurted. She had been waiting for this moment for a long time. "I like you too!"

Vineet had a soft smile on his face. "I'm glad." 

His hands left the railings and held on to her hands. 

"Be my girlfriend?"

"Yeah."

A pause.

"But, we need some rules." Anu declared.

"Rules?" 

"Yes. The rule is,  we must keep this between us. After all, we're colleagues in the school and although there's no dating policy or such, it would be more professional to keep it a secret."

"Okay."

"That's all."

"Alright. Can we kiss again?" Vineet leaned in. Anu closed her eyes, preparing herself. Suddenly they heard a voice from behind them, "Who is there? You're not allowed- Oh, Vineet sir."

The two scrambled apart, coughing. It was the security guard.

"Anuradha ma'am."

He blinked. "You were here to watch the fireworks?"

They nodded, awkwardly. 

"Okay, okay. Continue." He left.

They glanced at each other. Then, they burst out laughing.

✿

word count: 692 words