WHAT IF?

4.

MIA

I reach my college earlier than the usual time. It's my second week. As Sarah said, the main journey will start from this week and I cannot afford to be distracted from anything or, anyone now. But my mind keeps reeling back to that incident and I have not been able to come to any conclusion who that person could be. It could have been a prank by some doltish kids but what if it wasn't? And I can't shake that feeling away. As if it has decided to become a permanent resident in my gut and would trouble me all my life.

I reach my class as I take a seat that is not too close to the board but isn't very far away from it either. That is the best place, the most comfortable of all. I take my books and other stationary out as professor Snarnel, teaching us human anatomy, enters the hall. Students scramble to their respective seats and the class begins. Today was good. I enjoyed the lectures. I was in a happy mood since I really understood things and had an actual interactive class. The rest days were like sitting in a room full of statues, listening to ghosts and talking to the walls. Ugh! I hate that.

I have to go to the campus library and revise all the lectures since attending to these topics only once is not enough. We need to go through the same things again and again so it is drilled into our brains.

After a study session of two hours, at around one in the afternoon, I have built a routine of going to the cafeteria and grab something since that is the only time when other children also grace me with their presence and proper lunch is served. That does not imply I stalk anyone! No. I just like to observe how the nature plays with them playfully. The swaying of trees, cloudy weather, a light breeze, beautiful view that the location offered as children play games and spend their time. A chaos so harmonious that it would look as if they were living a dream. So much to look for, while having a medium sized cold coffee, a sandwich or a burger, whenever the mood screamed for it. After this, I returned to my abode of peace – the library where I spent the rest of my day.

My seat was fixed. The corner table with a ceiling to floor window that looked out into the musings of our college with no disturbance.

But that was not the case today. I saw him. Sarah's friend, in the cafeteria, studying. I didn't have a chance to properly see him that day, everyone was busy. I was so freaked out!

His gaze shifts from his book and roams around and I quickly grab the menu from my table. I could definitely feel his gaze lingering on me for few seconds. He stands up from his chair and walks up to me but changes his direction soon. A wave of embarrassment flare through my body and I look down at the menu.

'Excuse me...' a voice spoke.

I looked at the source, him. But that didn't matter to me now that I couldn't help myself observing the figure in front of me. His sharp features highlighting his light, toned face and the dark brown unkempt hair only emphasizing his beauty. His muscular body only draws my attention more. The shoulder muscles, taut at the sleeves and daring to tear the fabric any time makes him even more ethereal. But the most beautiful part of him are his honey-coloured eyes no one could miss. They are so bright I am sure they will shine under light. His voice. So deep, so pure, I could drown in it anytime.

I swear it is a sin to create such beautiful things. First Sarah, some other students I couldn't stop admiring, then him.

'Hey.' I reply after a moment, with an uncertainty as to what could someone want from me. That too in a cafeteria.

He gave a small, friendly smile. 'I know this may sound a bit strange or random, but I couldn't help but notice you. Is this seat taken?'

I can tell he chose his words very carefully, trying not to scare me away. Though I do blink a few times and helplessly look at the chair I front of me. I don't know what shifts in me that I find it difficult to form words, but manage to at least confirm, 'Why, uh, no. How may I help you?'

He nods. He pulls out the chair and takes the seat. 'Well, I wanted to ask you a question, if that's okay.'

'Yes, sure.' Is the only reply as I shift in my chair. My mind races to think of the possible purpose of his visit.

'Great!' He replied, folding his arms on the table top. 'How are your lectures going? Sarah told me you had trouble the first day.'

'Uh, I managed it, thanks. I have attended all after that.'

'That's good. I am a second year myself, which means you are a year below me, correct?'

My face twists slightly at his question. 'I think that is pretty straightforward.' 

He chuckles a bit. 'yes, it is. If I am not mistaken, you have been attending Mr. Snarnel's lectures a lot?'

Now that caught my interest. So much so, I didn't bother to hide my surprise anymore. 

'How do you know that? Following me or something?'

He shook his head, slightly chuckling again. I can't comprehend how does he find this amusing.

'No, no. Nothing like that. I just so happen to know the whereabouts of almost everything that happens around here. Besides, you have quite a reputation in front of him. He can't really stop appreciating about one of his freshman student. And, it is easy to recognize who I have met before. Trust me, I don't do things like that.'

I huff at his remark. How dumb does he think I am? A few seconds' pause, 'I don't think we have met, you know,in the way that would help me understand what you are trying to say. Now, if you'll excuse me. I have a lecture to attend.'

I don't. But he doesn't have to know that. Besides, one of my professors have asked me to meet him along with other few students he 'selected' so that we could discuss the summer assignments later today. So, technically, I am not lying to him. I pick up my things and stand up to flee from here.