| Kismet |

07

Madhurima

I lay in my bed and looked at the ring resting on my ring finger. The ring was shockingly just how I wanted it. Gold with diamonds. Simple but beautiful. Not too huge but just enough for it to be noticed by people. And it was the perfect size. It fit just right.

My eyes went to the soft toy that's always on my bed. I picked it up and stared at it.

10 years ago

I was in the classroom and Akshu had gone to the washroom. I was reading a novel when someone tapped on my desk. A girl was standing there. "Yes?" I asked her.

"Here." She said and gave me folded paper. She gave me a kind smile. "Tanmay told me to give this to you." She said and ran out before I could ask her what it was.

Madhu, I really like you. Not as a friend. I mean as a friend too but not just like that. I like you like a boy likes a girl. So if you like me or if you think that you can like me, will you go on a date with me? Please say yes. If it's a yes, then wear a hoodie to school tomorrow.
P.S - If you end up saying no, please let's just forget I ever did this. Let's not ever speak of it again.

Your Tanmay.

My Tanmay?

I looked around as if he was hiding somewhere here and he would jump out from somewhere telling me that it was a prank.

***

It was 11 in the night I guess. I was studying when I head a knock sound on my balcony. I thought I was hearing things but then another knock came. I  took my steel water bottle for protection and open the door. A rock came in flying at the same time almost giving me a heart attack. My eyes went wide and I looked down to see who was doing that.

A man stood wearing what seemed like a hoodie. His face wasn't really visible because of the darkness. I held my bottle up to show that I have a weapon. He immediately ran to stand under the street light. I squinted my eyes.

It was Tanmay. I got my bottle down slowly. My eyes were saucer size wide. What the hell is he doing here? He pointed towards my balcony and I stood there confused at what he was trying to tell. Then he pointed down making me look down. It was a rock wrapped in a paper.

It will be cold tomorrow. Wear a hoodie.
                                                             - Tanmay

A small smile came to my lips and I looked back at the streets but he wasn't there. Instead I saw a car drive away. I blushed looking at the note. I closed the balcony door laid down on my bed. I giggled and walked over to my study table. I kept the note in the same box I kept the note I got in school. I put the box at the back of my wardrobe.

***
"Are you sick Madhu?" Akshu asked confused.

"Haan... Yesterday I slept with my balcony door open. It's just slight cold." I said.

"But it's so hot today na?" Akshu said.

"No. I am feeling cold. That's why I am wearing hoodie. Or else why would I wear sweater in such a hot weather?" I said and nervously.

"Achcha chill karo." She laughed looking at me weirdly. "Are you sure you are okay? You should go home maybe." She suggested. I shook my head telling I didn't want to go home. She breathed out with a smile and looked at me. "Thank god you said no. Or else I would be all alone."

"Pagal." I chuckled at her.

The teacher came in and started taking attendance.

"Ajeeb hai. Everyone is falling sick today." She said confused when Mirza told the teacher, her friend was sick so she wouldn't come today.