Anurakti

27: Sweetheart

"Go!"

"Fine dude. It's not even that big of a deal. Leave my hand, then only I can go."
Samidha snapped at Rohit who was irritating her and asking her to talk to Sahaj.

Samidha couldn't understand why it was such a big deal. He was just a classmate after all.

She went back to her seat and sat beside Sahaj, who arrived not more than five minutes ago.

"Hii."

Sahaj nodded in her acknowledgement.

"Listen, we are going to throw a teacher's day party. Everyone is contributing ₹100. Would you like to contribute too?"

She asked him. As he was busy writing something in his notebook he didn't answer.

"Sahaj, I asked something."

She said and he nodded, not removing his gaze from his books. Then lifting his bum a little he took out his wallet and took out a ₹500 note from it and handed it to her.

"Wait a minute. I'll get the change."

As she was standing up Sahaj held her wrist.

"No. I don't want change."

She looked at his face for a moment and shook her head in no.

"Either contribute hundred or don't do at all."
She said politely, not really liking the thought of him trying to brag or show his wealth.

Finally he looked at her and noticed, how her lips had a deep frown and her eyes stared at him with an accusation he knew all too well.

"What's wrong with ₹500?"

"It's too much and when everyone else is contributing ₹100 it will make them feel bad."
She explained and stood up, sliding the note back to him.

Why can't he be normal and participate in class activities like everyone else and not try to show off his money?

"They want me to contribute because they know I can contribute more."

"But that doesn't mean you have to."

"Just take the damn money."

"Nobody needs your damn money."
Samidha said, trying not to get angry but visibly getting angry and Sahaj was already irritated by now.

But preventing their fight, Priya came in between.

She stood between them and smiled at Sahaj.
Samidha noticed how his gaze flickered between her and Priya for a second and fixed on Priya.

"Don't fight guys. Samidha, be polite. And Sahaj, thanks for being understanding and contributing more."
She scolded Samidha, sweetly thanked Sahaj and smoothly slid the 500₹ note in her hand and left, dragging Samidha with her.

Samidha looked back at Sahaj to find him already looking at her.

At her.

"She's so dumb. Why did you refuse when he was giving the money?"
Priya said to her friends and then turned to Samidha.

"What are we? Beggers? We could've contributed ₹50 more and would have collected a lot more money than this. Why let him rub his money on our faces?! You tell me, who asked him to give ₹500 when everyone else was giving hundred only?"
Samidha snarled angrily, not knowing if she was angry on Sahaj for showing off his money or for looking at Priya.

"Calm down lady. I talked to Sahaj yesterday. I asked him if he could contribute more."
Priya chuckled holding Samidha's hand and Samidha felt her brain slowing down.