Love of a mask

Valentine's day

Valentine's Day.

The day is renowned for love and Romance. On this day, one expresses their love for another person through means of flowers, chocolates, and other objects. Although I never understood the reasoning, this day is the best day when it comes to proposing to someone.

The reasoning is still very flawed though... Flowers wither away, chocolates get consumed, so what's the point?

At this point, I am just trying to be depressing on purpose.

Since the day I met Charvi, I had continued to manipulate her day by day, carefully indulging in calculated conversations through which she slowly became driven to me without realizing it.

Over the last few days, as Charvi and I grew closer it had become obvious to most in my class that she and I had something going on between us. Shubham approved of us with a smile while my other 'friends' frowned that they didn't shoot their shots instead.

It became obvious to me too that there was something going on between Charvi and I too. Although I hate to admit it, I started this thing by manipulating her, over time I have learned to let go and have genuine conversations with her as well. Learned more about her and allowed her to know a bit more about me as well.

By now we had started having conversations in class by throwing crumbled papers at each other. Shubham grew a bit jealous once he noticed this development though. Not like I care.

We grew as a person too. She grew more social (Although she only talked to me) and also a bit more easygoing. I too grew as a person, I became more expressive due to the act I had to put up in front of her, while also becoming more prideful at the thought of how easy she was to manipulate. She was now fully in my control. I had also grown more confident in my manipulation skills.

Along with us growing as a person, something else had grown in this class. Hatred.

The hatred my classmates bore for me had grown, not just grown, it had extended. The girls had started hating Charvi too now, there were instances where they would pick on her, throwing audible comments about her being a pick me and a slut in their friend groups. This led to her becoming more quiet than she already was in class.

That brings us to today, 14th February. Valentine's Day.

Because he was the reason this whole thing started and because I wanted to show off my achievements, I had let Shubham know about my plan.

What plan?

To propose to Charvi on today's occasion.

Shubham freaked out over texts when I let him know about it. A few minutes later he informed me he had placed bets with our other friends. All except Shubham placed their bet against me. Good for Shubham as he was about to be rich.

I was confident I would not get rejected. This confidence was not just me being arrogant, it was just that– pure confidence.

By now I was sure that Charvi was completely aware of my intentions for her. She knew I loved her and she probably loved me too.

Let's see how this one goes...

***

The day at school went on as it usually would. Charvi was quieter than usual during class due to the constant glares that were thrown in her direction during class. Shubham was more hyperactive because he was aware of my plan that was supposed to be executed today.

Lunch break arrived and students soon started dispersing to the cafeteria. It was sunny today so the students were allowed to roam around the campus freely.