Hearts Entwined (I)

Unknown Territory

Anirudh's POV

The reshuffling exam ended last day, and this week, the sections will be announced. I really really hope that I have gotten into the top batches. After all, the good faculty is what I am here for.

Like everyday, I went to the bus stop, and pulled out my phone to check for texts from Rahi ; since she always texts me in the morning if she is coming or not. I texted her early in the morning asking, but she left me on seen. Probably she has woken up late, she is a late riser. Never mind.

Rahi is the most non-toxic friend I have till now. Besides, I find it really helpful to discuss the classworks and homeworks with her, and this way I am progressing good in the course. Now all it is left for me to get the best grades and improve my chances.

What the hell, I am standing for fifteen minutes, still no sign of Rahi. She has not replied or texted me back, even. Leave it, I can't be late for today, it is a crucial day. Should I wait for her? Or should I leave? I think I should leave...she might not come or anything, it does not matter to me.

I took the bus and went to Institution, and drifting my thoughts away from Rahi.

At the institution, I scanned for my name in the sections. Anirudh Ghoshal...yes!! I knew it...I got in B section. Still better, and...I just felt like whooping in excitement. All thoughts forgotten, I rushed to my new classroom.

The first two periods were physics and chemistry. After that, there was a short break. Today, I did not go to library, but I went to the canteen to treat myself. I put on my air pods and continued to watch a part of the show I was watching last night. I got myself a sandwich and a coffee...ah, this is called happiness. I need to tell Didi this good news, after reaching home. I opened Whatsapp. Strange! Still no message from Rahi. Well, she could have just told me that she will not be coming, why did she put my message on seen? Forget it, her wish, why do I care.

Two times I felt like texting her to get to know it, but then I thought why bother. It is not like there is any requirement to pester her, it's her life, and it is not like we are some soul friends that she will need to tell me everything. In fact, I should stop thinking about her too.

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That week, Rahi was even absent at English tuition which surprised me. I really wish to know now what's the matter, but I don't feel like showing too much curiosity about her life. She might mistake it for any kind of wrong intentions or she might overthink it into any bigger matter. That girl thinks a lot. I still remember how she almost got crashed into a bike last week while walking in a lost trance on the road. It is almost like - as if she is always in her own head.

I had an idea. Our sir has an helper, who generally is more friendly with us students. He might know something about Rahi's absence, since he manages students' attendance. So, as class finished, I went to him.

"Uncle? Uncle, do you know why Rahi Sanyal is absent?" I asked without beating around the bush.

He looked up at me from a stack of papers, and after a pause, he said. "Rahi Sanyal's guardian told that she is sick, she got senseless a few days back and sent along the doctor's prescription."

My eyes widened in shock, as I felt frozen on my place. I did not even notice my friends calling me, or calling me, as I felt like a stupid fool. Rahi was sick, she got senseless! And...   my feet staggered back as I rushed away from there, getting into an autorickshaw to go home.

Suddenly, I looked on my phone and Didi was calling. "Hello." I said, my voice shaking.

"Hello? What happened, Ani? You sound a bit off."