Anurakti

31: Maybe a start

Samidha knew Sahaj would come, still she was surprised when he actually showed up, wearing their institute t-shirt, which he deeply hated. It was the dress code they had decided for the photos.

When he arrived, many people were already there, so naturally, he approached Samidha.

Excusing herself from her classmates she made her way to him.

"I'm glad you came."
She smiled and Sahaj rubbed his neck, more hesitant than she's ever seen him.

"Yeah......But......are you sure I should stay? I-I mean.....no body likes me an-"

"Bullshit! Give me your bag........... Come onnnnnn."
Sahaj handed her his bag which she kept down beside Priya's.

"All you need to do for people to like you is, replace that frown with the awkward smile you give me and do as I say, okay?"
She said poking her finger in his cheek, to which he swatted her hand away.

"And not being angry. People are annoying, I accept, but they have qualities that overpower their stupidity. Try to give them time, and I assure you'll find many people good. I'll be back in a minute, you drink water till then."

He nodded and Samidha went to the circle her friends had formed. As he drank water, he watched as she said something to them to which some gasped and some cheered.

He sighed. He knew she told them something related to him. The day prior, Shubham gave him an hour long lecture as to how he needed more people in his life and how Samidha wouldn't be there every time. He said that Sahaj desperately needed to improve his communication skills otherwise he won't be able to fulfill his dream of starting his own company. Shubham gave him many reasons as to why what Samidha was saying was right.

It felt stupid to admit it, but Sahaj actually liked how free Samidha was compared to him. She never attached any strings with anyone, neither of hate nor of love. Neither did she get angry at anyone nor did she get sad that anyone got angry at her.

He admired that trait and it took a lot of beer and a whole night of thinking for him to realise that he desperately wanted to be like that.

Soon Samidha was pulling him to the giant circle.

"Now now my friends. Here's a new competitor."
She announced pushing him down to sit in front of Arnold, the bulkiest and tallest guy in their class. He was a Malyali and he did a really great job to enhance his already powerfull genes.

Honestly, he looked so big and dangerous that people wouldn't accept that he was just 17.

"I bet ₹50 in Sahaj!"
She yelled and slapped a ₹50 note on table.

"No way he can beat Arnold. I bet ₹20 on Arnold."

"15 on Arnold too!"

"Loosers. Sahaj will win! Here's my 20!"
Priya snarled slapping her note down.

"And my thirty too!"
Rohit cheered keeping his money on the table.

"I thought you were on Arnold's side!"
A guy spoke and Rohit shrugged.

"Get yourself punched by Sahaj, you'll know how much strength he has. You better make me win Sahaj! We have put the most money on you!"
He said and slapped Sahaj's shoulder encouragingly, who looked at everyone confused.

"Wa-wait. What is happening? W-what do I have to do?"

"Arm wrestling. Simple."
Samidha shrugged and horror set in Sahaj's heart. Arnold was way bigger than him and he used to hit the gym too. How the hell would he win against a guy who was twice his size?!