A Young Love Story...

Part 5 - The Proposal

After the hug, Vishesh slowly pulled back, and asked Ananya, "Are you okay now?" and she nodded saying yes. "Great, then.. Let us go back to class then..." he said and started walking towards their class. 

"Vishu...wait... You may be wondering.. Just few minutes ago, I told you I am not comfortable with hugging and touching... But now I want to say what was on my mind exactly. Actually when we were chatting yesterday and you said XX and then XOXO, I really got worried thinking you are like other boys, who are eager to touch a girl, and then hug and kiss and everything is on a fast-track. And I kept thinking of you in the same length. Only after what you said this morning, I realized you are indeed fond of me and our friendship, because you said even a unreal on-paper hug would be fine for you. So, the trust multiplied tenfold. Now, I know you are a really good guy. And I regret we became friends this late... Still, thank you very much.. You have brought a lovely change in my life.." she said and hugged him again. 

Vishesh was now really happy. He was confused earlier, but after winning Anu's trust, he was simply delighted. He smiled and ruffled Anu's hair with his fingers. They both then went back to class, and attended the rest of their lectures. After class, Anu left for home as usual. Both parted on a happy note. Vishesh called out for her and asked her to share her phone number. She shared and said..."Don't call anytime... I will call you when the time is right.. At my house, all this is not allowed.. Though my parents do not stop me, I don't want to disappoint them in anyway." They waved their byes.

The next day was the fifth day of celebrations. Rose Day.. It was more of a lovers' day. Vishesh was not sure what to do, but definitely he wanted to try. He had already fallen in love with Anu, but he wasn't sure if the time was right for him to say it. It was all going fast, but then he knew he would have to be quick, because their college days were almost coming to an end. 

The next morning, he picked a pretty bouquet full of red roses, and went to college. As soon as Anu entered the campus, he wanted to rush to her and give her the bouquet. He was waiting for her. Anu entered. He was walking towards her, and she was walking towards their class. Just then, suddenly, Rishi, a classmate of theirs, appeared out of nowhere and went and approached Ananya. 

"Hi Ananya... Happy Rose Day", he said. Ananya smiled, she had spoken to Rishi in the past. He was a decent fellow, quite silent, obedient, and very intelligent. They had spoken about studies and books in the past. But today Rishi was wishing her Happy Rose Day... she was surprised. Vishesh kept looking at them for a distance. 

"Thank you, Same to you, Rishi." she said. 

He pulled 3 roses out of his pocket. "I was unwell and could not come to college all these days... But today I was fine and made most of this Rose Day event. This yellow rose, to make you my friend. This red one, to confess my love for you, which has been there for almost 3 years now. And this white rose, to plead you for peace. Even if you don't wish to accept my friendship or love, this white rose will remind you to keep peace with me, and never ignore me... So, do you accept them?"he asked eagerly waiting for an answer. 

She was blank for a moment. She then took the white rose, and slowly picked the yellow one too. "I am not angry...But I am not accepting the red rose. I don't want to get involved in love and relationships... But let us be friends.. Well, we already are right?" she asked. 

"Ok great. I am happy you at least chose me as a friend. But you know what, we are already headed towards the end of our college... I want to spend some good time and make memories with you.. Will you please allow me to take you for lunch today? Or tomorrow? Please?"he requested. 

She was hesitant. She then said, "Don't know about lunch.. Let's have coffee, tomorrow? Okay?"she asked. 

He nodded, he was happy. He said a quick bye, and said, he had some work, and that he would eagerly wait for tomorrow. She just smiled and waved him off. 

She started walking towards her class, and suddenly she heard Vishesh's voice... "Ahem ahem.. Someone is sooo very lost in Rishi's words, that they did not even look around and search for me.." She turned and looked at him. "Ohhh... no! Nothing like that.. I was lost in my own world.. I .. Anyways, you know what, Rishi brought 3 roses..." 

"I saw it..." he said even before she completed her sentence. 

"Ohhh... why are you so upset Vishu? Are you kind of jealous? Or possessive?" she teased him. 

"Both! I am jealous you were talking to him so sweetly, and I am possessive about you.. Someone else coming and giving you roses... no way.. I just did  not like it.."he said. 

"Ohhh... beat that...! Dude, I am not your girlfriend okay?" she said, and continued, "anyways, are these lovely red roses for me?" 

"Yeah... I have no one else I can give it to. This entire week, all events, are dedicated to you, at least for me. That day too I had a balloon for you, but you walked away. But here, take it. keep it safe, as a memory. And these red roses too.." he said. 

She accepted the bouquet and smiled looking at it. "Wow... Thank you Vishu... I love roses.. I love this bouquet. Thank you...I love it."

"And, I love you, Anu" said Vishesh in a breath. 

Ananya was stunned. Minutes before Rishi had confessed his love, but she clearly refused him. But now, when Vishesh was proposing, she was not sure what happened to her. May be she had not yet graduated from friendship to love. 

"Vishu... I am.. No ya! We cannot fall in love. We have only started off as friends... Love... I am not sure... It is not right to just take it all easy, and moce this quick, Vishu. It is not sensible... Plus, a relationship is something I will never be able to get into, my parents will never accept it. So, please don't make it uncomfortable for you and me... We are friends, let that stay! That's all..."she concluded.

She then said, "Vishu, please take this bouquet back... I don't want to give you any false hopes. Even Rishi came with a red rose, along with these two roses. I accepted these, but gave him the red rose back. One should never hang on a MAY-BE if it is clear NO. So, let's leave it at this!" she said. She went towards the class, stopped midway, turned and looked at Vishesh, and said, " I am not attending classes today, I am a little uncomfortable. I will see you tomorrow... ". Vishesh could not say anything. He just kept looking at Anu, who walked away too quickly, without looking behind even once. 

He walked towards the exit, and saw a dustbin there. He simply threw the bouquet of red roses into the dustbin and kicked it. He was mighty disappointed. He feared he would now lose  Ananya's friendship too!