A Young Love Story...

Part 15 - Final days of the Final Year

Rishi understood that Vishesh had a point after all, and decided he would at least take up the exams. He used to attend his dad at the hospital, go to the store, and also managed a few hours of study. He had missed many lectures in the last few months. Many things he read made him nervous. He had no idea how to solve some sums, how to make a few entries/ adjustments, what to answer for many a topics. He always used to clear his doubts by calling Ananya or Vishesh. They both happily helped him. 

Ananya's mother, otherwise very strict about her friends, some how liked Rishi. Maybe because she knew him, or maybe because of his mature and responsible behavior. She always handed his phone to Ananya, with a smile. Ananya was glad her mother was a little lenient. She even gave Vishesh the idea of calling her anytime, and name Rishi, as the caller. She assured him, her mom would not mind it, because they were family friends. Vishesh was happy he could talk to Anu any time of the day. 

As days progressed, and exams were nearing, Rishi's mother advised him to concentrate on studies, and assured him that she would handle the store and hospital duties. Rishi was not convinced it was right to burden his mother. He continued his duties. His father's health was neither better, nor worse. He and his mom felt sorry for the man, because he was in pain.

Ananya and Vishesh studied during the day, and called each other at night. It was Vishu's idea to keep the night conversation completely free of study-related talks. He used to talk to Anu about holding hands and walking in a park, or taking her to a beach, and many other fantasies. Ananya loved all the attention Vishesh showered on her. She used to talk naughty to him, once in a while. Vishesh used to reciprocate, and she would blush. But Vishesh was always the decent man, who would never ever take any liberties without asking Anu.

One day when they met, Anu said, "Vishu, we talk so many things in the night, over the phone. Some days, I really wish to do things in person. I want to kiss you. I want to sit on your lap, and hug you tight. I want to..." Vishesh cut her short. "There is going to be enough of this later Anu. I don not want to do anything which you may regret later. We do not know what our future holds, but if God forbid, we are not together in the future, I neither want you to regret our intimacy, nor want you to feel the pain of missing me, when you get intimate with someone else." He was being mature and responsible. 

"Oh come on. I am a girl, and I am open to go ahead. What's your problem? I was always under the impression, guys love it when a girl is ready to take that one step ahead.."she said. 

"Anu, I love you, not your body! And I will always love you with my heart, my soul. Not with my body! Today we are dating each other, tomorrow we might get married. Imagine what charm will it have, if we have done it all, and explored it all before time!! So, let us wait for the right time. I promise you, when our time comes, you will be elated beyond measure." He said promisingly. Ananya was convinced, it was best to wait. 

The exams had begun, and soon all the papers got over. Ananya and Vishesh were in different classes for their exams. Both waited for the other to come out, and then chatted away about the exam, and the upcoming exams. Rishi appeared for the exams too, but all his papers were just average. He only hoped to pass. It was the last day of exams. The previous afternoon, Anu and Vishu had decided they would lunch together after exams, and also spend time with each other till late evening. They were both aware that Anu will not be able to get out of the house easily. They would not be able to meet each other often, so they decided to make the most of it.

As soon as Anu finished her paper, she came out and waited for Vishu in the corridor. Rishi came from behind, and said, "Ananya, thanks to you and Vishesh, I wrote the exams. I wanted to ask you out for a coffee or ice-cream, if you don't mind... I don't know when I will see you next. Please, will you..." 

Ananya answered mid-way, "Sorry Rishi. I am going out with Vishu now. We already have a plan. Please don't mind." 

"Oh... yes. I should have known. No problem, Ananya.. take care. Thanks..."he was about to leave, when they heard Vishu calling out, "Hey Rishi... wait man!" He came closer, and patted Rishi. "Buddy! Good you took all exams. You will need a degree in future, dude. Anyways, how is your father?"

"He is just the same, no improvement yaar!" he said hopelessly. 

"I would like to visit him, if you don't mind." Vishesh said. 

Ananya was staring at him, while Rishi was happy with Vishesh's thoughtfulness. 

 Rishi said "of course, I'd be more than happy to take you. When do you wish to come pal?"

"Right now. I had wanted to, for a long time, but decided I will see him post exams. Can we visit now?" he asked. Rishi nodded. Vishesh looked at Ananya, "Anu, come let us go meet his father. We will go lunch, after the hospital visit." Ananya did not like the idea at all. She wanted to spend time with him, and he arranged this!! 

The three of them took an auto, and went to the hospital.