Hum For Tum [ON HOLD]

23| The confession

Amidst the chaotic atmosphere, a group of students stood quietly trying to accept the heartbreaking news, informed by Miss Madhu and Shukla sir.

"Sorry students, we tried our best but we have to. Though as a compensation we can arrange performances on day 1 for 9th and 10th students and on day 2 for seniors." Miss Madhu said apologetically.

"Also, for the Art club, you can team up with the Theatre club for certain activities that they have arranged such as face painting, live sketches etc." Miss Madhu added.

"Don't worry kids, you can also volunteer for the food stalls and provide a hand of help there. Also, looking at the brighter side, you can enjoy more than the others, yeah?" Shukla sir tried to make them smile but failed.

"It's okay sir, ma'am, we understand." Jahnvi said and exited the staff cabin, while the rest of the students followed her leaving Yukti alone. She was deeply hurt as they had prepared so much for their stalls and almost everything was finalized but then this happened.

Due to insufficient funds few stalls, basically 4; 2 of Dance club and 2 of Arts Club which was to be introduced this year for the first time were canceled.

"We are sorry Yukti, but please cheer up kiddo." Miss Madhu patted Yukti's shoulder, but Yukti was lost in her own trance. She stood still, though nodded after a while and exited the room with tear filled eyes. Rushing towards her classroom she let the grieving drops flow out.

Within a brief moment, a handkerchief was introduced in front of her. It was Manav's. "I don't want to talk, please leave." She said, trying to muffle her cries in between.

I noticed Yuku running out of the staff cabin. My instinct knew something was not right, so I followed her while she entered her classroom. The dreadful sight of seeing her vulnerable broke my heart into millions of pieces.

I reached out my handkerchief in front of her but she asked me to leave. "Tujhe akela chordna he hota toh yahan kyun aata!?" I mentioned. "Jaa yarr, I'm not in the mood to talk right now!" Her voice cracked, as she ducked her head and rested it on the desk. I took the seat in front of her and sat backwards, so that I was facing her.

"Yukti." I called out, caressing her hair gently. "Kya hua? Bata toh sahi." I continued on hearing no reply from her. Few minutes passed by yet the only audible sound from her was her low sobs.

I decided to let her have a moment to calm down, so I rested my head beside her, my hands still caressing her hair, wiping out the tears every now and then.

"Unhone kaha ki humara stall nahi lagega. Humari mehnat...-sniffs-" She finally informed me with tears brimming eyes, somewhat 10 minutes later. "Uski wajah?" I asked her calmly.

"They don't have sufficient funds, so they canceled a few stalls including ours and Arts Club's." She paused and sniffled to speak clearly, though it almost sounded like a whisper.