Barrister Babu

Chapter 51: End or Beginning?

"So... this is where you will stay," said Som, as they finally reached the dorm. "I hope it's up to your liking."

Chandni scanned the room, a gasp escaping her lips. It was probably she couldn't believe she was finally in Calcutta, and along with that, Anirudh had chosen the best dorm available for her.

"I love it," was all she could say.

Som nodded with a smile and kept her luggage in one corner. "Well," he sucked in a deep breath and let out, "I think, it's time for me to leave now."

At the mention of that, Chandni instantly turned to look at him. "So soon?"

He chuckled. "I don't think it's so soon, Chandni."

"But... we just arrived here after a long journey, so you should take a day rest?" she suggested. She didn't know why she didn't want him to leave. She enjoyed the journey with him; but it seemed so short.

"I already rested in the train. So it's completely fine. I can rest again on the way back home," said Som. He wanted to leave as early as possible. Otherwise, he might end up staying here forever just to look at her. He liked her a lot and he had to maintain distance now.

"Oh... fine..." Chandni mumbled softly.

"Then... bye... I guess..." he let out.

Chandni smiled — a smile that didn't reach up to her eyes. "Bye and thank you for everything, Bondita Didi's Devar. I will be forever indebted to the Roy Chawdharys."

"Study well and fulfill all your dreams, okay?" She nodded and Som smiled, feeling an ache in his heart. He had to leave now.

So mustering enough courage, he made his way to the door.

Chandni was staring at him, a part of her wishing he wouldn't go away.

Before Som stepped out of the door, a thought struck in his mind. He had one last task to complete. He instantly turned his head back, only to find her pretty dark brown eyes gazing at him. He could swear his heart skipped a beat.

"Chandni, I forgot to tell you one thing."

She arched an eyebrow, indicating him to continue speaking.

"You... that day when I heard you singing in the park, I wanted to tell you. You are a really wonderful singer. And... beautiful too," he finally managed to say, and not even sparing one last glance at her, he dashed out of the dorm.

When he was out, he heaved a sigh in relief, placing a hand over his pondering chest. Finally, he complimented her. His brain knew that was the end of his short love story. Him complimenting her was the ending. But there was a small part in his heart that said it was only the beginning.

Som was always the logical one. So he ignored what his heart was saying and followed his brain. That was the last time he would see Chandni. He completed the responsibility bestowed upon him by his Anirudh Dada. Now, it was time to go back to Tulsipur and resume his boring life.

On the other hand, Chandni watched Som leave after complimenting her. She could feel her cheeks feeling warm, hearing that compliment from his mouth. He literally called her beautiful and also appreciated her voice.

Her eyes fell on the mirror on her left side. What she saw stunned her.

Her cheeks were indeed red, like a tomato.

"Am I... blushing?" she mumbled to herself. "Oh, Durga Maa, what's happening with me? Do I like Bondita Didi's Devar?"

She further spoke to herself, "Wait a minute. Why am I calling him Bondita Didi's Devar? I should call him by his name and — wait. What's his name?"

She realized the blunder she made and slapped her forehead dramatically. "Chandni! How can you not ask him his name all this time? That's the first thing you should ask someone!"

It was the first time Chandni liked a boy and she hated the fact that she didn't even know his name. She was really a fool!

Was it really the end of their story or just the beginning? Only time will tell.