ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏʟʟᴇɢᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ [ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴇᴛᴇᴅ]

• Part 37 •

Nikita POV:

"This is the place." Raunak said as we stopped for the 9th time today.

It had been a tiring day. We had been out for the  entire day and we explored most of Udaipur. I managed to keep myself away from Mayukh. I made sure to even sit in another car for the rest of the ride - I don't want to be around him.

We had now reached back to the hotel. It was late, 9pm, and tomorrow was the wedding. We had to be up early and get to the functions. We got down the car and made our way inside.

"Niki! That was insane. Are you fine?" Aisha asked as we entered our room, "Did he talk?"
"I don't know. I just kept myself away, and then I came to you guys. I don't know." I said.
"I know this is difficult for you. It's just a matter of 2 days now, we're flying in 2 days."
"Yeah. It has to be. You guys go ahead. I need to meet my parents once."

I excused myself and went towards my parents room. On the way to their room, I decided to first meet Dada so I got onto the other route and made my way to him, but I as entered the lift, I froze.
She stood in front of me. Riya.

I cautiously entered, trying to act strong.
I stood quietly while she eyed me up and down, then suddenly spoke, "I don't bite."
I looked up at her.
"I told you. You give me what I want, I give you what you want."
She turned to me fully, and so did I.
"What are you saying?" I asked her.
"Here." She said, handing me her phone to see something, "I had been meaning to find you."
I took her phone and read what she wanted me to. I felt surreal.
"W...what is this?" I asked.
"I stick to my words Nikita. You did your part. I do mine. It's yours."
I didn't know whether to be happy or not. I read the email again.

Dear Ms Nikita,
You've been invited to work in the global CSDS [Computer Science Dada Science] internship. It is a very rewarding achievement. Details of your offer are as follows:

- Dates: 05 January - 05 February
- Venue: London, New York, Singapore.
- Stipend: £10,000 + living costs.

Due to your merit, all expenses will be paid and a scholarship will be available to you for your future applications. In this workshop, you get to work alongside big companies such as: FAANG, and others. You'd also be given a LOR and personalized CV sessions and prospective job offers based on your performance.

To accept our offer, please reply to this email within the next 15 days, so we may provide you your letter for visa.

Thank you.

"Is this... real?" I stuttered.
"Google it, I've emailed it to you as well, and there's a number you can call and verify it. If you still don't trust me, wait for the Dean's email by the end of the week." She said, causally.
"You did this?"
"I just pushed your name forward, like I said I would. Plus this helps everyone."
"How?"
"Well, you get your experience and this will definitely boost your hiring prospects, and not be a load on your family. The university gets a better name and of course, you're out of my way."
"Yeah." I said, my heart breaking, "Thanks for this.
"You're welcome."
I didn't reply.
"You don't need to be afraid of me. It's true I don't like you, because you seem to have caught the attention of my man. If it were any other man, maybe we'd be friends."
"But... you guys are together now."
"Hmm. Yeah." She said. Why did she hesitate?
"So, are we...."
"We can't be friends. It's too late for that"
"Right."
"But, we can be civil." She took her hand out for me to shake, "I can be civil to you."
This is the only way.
There's no future with me and Mayukh.
Why lose relatively civil relationship with Riya? 
I took my hand and shook it, "Me too."
"Just remember, I can take back whatever I give you. It's easy to pitch things for you because you're very smart, but I have something which you don't: connections and power - in today's world, ironically, that's worth more."
I nodded. She's right. I'm in debt to her.
"I know. Don't worry about it."
"Excellent." She said, "Goodnight." She left.

I stood in shock. What just happened?

After meeting Dada and Aai Baba, I left to my room, in thought. I had no reason to reject this offer, then why am I not able to accept it?
He can't be the reason.
He shouldn't be the reason.

"Where were you?" Aisha asked.
"I went to meet Dada as well." I said, not letting her about the offer.
"Acha! Come sleep! It's been a long day."
"It really has."

~•~•~•~

We stood ready in our outfits. Today was the main wedding. I wore a simple pastel pink saree and had my hair tied in a styled messy bun with a few strands flowing down my face. I didn't take much effort, just tried to look decent.
We stood beside the alter as I watched the bride and groom take their pheres and adorn each other in garlands and the marriage process.
It was beautiful.

I looked at Mayukh and Riya on the side. They weren't talking but they were standing together.
Don't Nikita, don't look.
That chapter closed.
I turned my eyes away and moved to a side from where they weren't visible.

After the wedding, we made our way to the area to eat.
"Niki! You've been so quiet today. What's up?"
"Raunak, Hi." I said, hearing his voice, "I'm good, just tired from yesterday."
"You sure?"
"Yeah."
"She's been silent since yesterday." Aisha said.
"I think the heat got to her." Kru added, "I feel a bit off as well."
"We'll be fine soon. Once we head back."
"We?" I said, looking at Raunak.
"I'm coming with you! I'll stay in Indore at Mama's house for a bit then head back for uni."
"Oh! Yay!"
"Where do you study Raunak?" Aisha asked.
"I'm in Kings college London."
"Wow! Big man!" Krutika said.
"That's nothing. I've been asking Nikita to come there too. She even got in, but she declined."
I had to. I didn't want to be a financial burden. Now was the time to break the news.
"Well, maybe I'll join you soon." I said.
I noticed everyone look at me, "What?"
"I... I got an internship offer from CSDS, there's an office in London where I can work."
"WHAT?!" Aisha yelled, "WHEN?"
"Last night." I said, slowly.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Krutika asked.
"I wasn't sure about it. Today when he brought it up, I felt like it's a sign." I lied.
"Show me." Aisha asked. I showed her the email and waited for her reply.
"If you let this go, you're an idiot." Aisha said.
"I agree." Raunak said, reading the email.
"You're getting an amazing experience plus £10,000 and more. Your living is also taken care off." Krutika said, "you have to go."
Aisha asked, "Have you told uncle aunty?"
I shook my head, "Not yet. After we get home."
She nodded.
"Tell me if you accept it okay." Raunak said.
"When are you flying back?" I asked him.
"On the 1st."
"I can come with you."
"You can. Whenever your contract starts."
"I'll talk to Aai Baba."
"The wedding is over. You can go tell them now."
"Should I?"
"Yes. Don't delay it, you only have 15 days to sort everything out."
"Okay."

I got up and walked towards them. However, as I walked, I saw something that made me run in fear.

His parents and him were sitting and talking to my parents and brother.
Our families were talking.
Suddenly, all eyes went on me.
"Nikita... come, we want to talk to you."

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