His Chaste Bird

8.💛

In evening Aarohi , Maahira and Maithili went to the football ground, after making excuse that they want to see football practice. They went there and sat on the bench waiting for Neil. After a while Neil approached them , Aarohi walked with him near a tree which was hidden from everyone's eyes. Neil took a breath and apologised , "Aarohi...I am really sorry. I know that I don't deserve your forgiveness but still if possible then please forgive me. Whatever I said , it was result of my anger. I don't have any grudge against you and I don't think so low of you. I was all slipped out of my tongue. My rue is killing me. Please forgive me." He said joining his hands in front of her. Aarohi immediately forwarded her hand to stop him from folding his hands but she stopped in middle. All the social boundaries, stopped her from doing so and secondly she was concerned about his comfort too.

She retrieved her hand back and spoke sweetly , "I know Neil that you don't have any grudge against me and whatever you said in anger I don't mind it. I know you dislike me , you don't want me to have feelings for you but trust me Neil after your rejection I tried to move on but I couldn't. How could I ? When it is more than an attraction but I never convey them because I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable. I don't have any Force on my Heart , I am helpless. I never forced you to be with me then why are behaving in this way ? Well , it is your life , it's your choice. I forgave you. It's okay." He could clearly see her trying hard to mask up her emotions but was failing miserably. He never disliked her , he never hated her , he never felt uncomfortable around her. He wanted to scream all this out loud but he couldn't. Why ?

A lump formed in his throat but he gulped it down and said , "I don't know what to say Aarohi. I just.. can't" She interrupted him , saying "I think we should go.. everyone must be waiting." She walked from there leaving him confused there. He took a deep breath and walked after her. Here when Aarohi reached there , Raghav and Armaan were talking to Maahira and Maithili. She gave a knowing smile to Raghav and walked towards them. They all talked for few minutes and then the girls left for hostel. The boys were sitting there in the ground only. Trio were upset because of their own reasons. They shared upset looks to eachother and sighed.

"I am upset because now there will be no preparations for rounds and I will not get alone time to spend with Maithili." Raghav said thinking about Maithili.

"I am upset because again I am confused about Aarohi's feelings towards me. She is ruining her life behind me." Neil said with a hint if remorse in his tone.

"I am upset because in morning , I was met Maahira near the telephone booth and then..." Armaan explained them how she became upset ok then mention of mother.

"This seems more serious." Neil said observing his expression and Raghav nodded. He continued , "Yes, Neil it seems very serious , as something has triggered her..." Raghav quickly interrupted him , "No...we are talking about you. If something is triggering her then why it is bothering you ?" He stiffened at his place. He was too wondering that why it is bothering him this much ? Neil asked suspiciously , "Kahi tujhe pasand toh nahi aa gayi woh ?"

("Do you like her ?")

Once again he stiffened and quickly refused , "Ofcourse No....not at all...I mean I am just curious and now she is like our friend so I was just concern and you leave my linking and focus on him. He have to impress Maithili." He shifted the topic and Raghav and their focus went on the strategy to impress Maithili.

Next morning...

In the boring lecture of chemistry , Maithili was almost slept. This was the only subject she never understood. During 10th Boards , she literally cried out of frustration while trying to understand chemistry and atlast she learned everything like a parrot. She thought to go out of the class for fresh air otherwise she will sleep right there only. Her eyelids were being heavy now. She asked the teacher tk go out for washroom and he agreed. Perks of being a girl , teachers usually never refuses a girl to use washroom. She walked out of the class , leaving a sulking Raghav. An idea came up to his mind and he checked the time in his watch. The period was about to over. He drank all the water of his water bottle in one gulp and asked the teacher to go for filling his water bottle. Having a good image in front of every teachers , he was permitted. He walked towards the water cooler near the girl's washroom. He filled his bottle and was waiting for Maithili, who came out of the washroom.