The Anklet's Lost Rhythm #Wattys2017

CHAPTER 8

SIDDHARTHA

It was my last year in University. I already got a job in The Telegraph, and I hardly could attend classes now. I missed Rupsha so much. Ishaan was with me as usual. He too applied for the same field and both of us got jobs as sub editors in the English daily. Maa was elated when I told her. I had seldom seen her so happy. Rono jumped up and down as he heard. "I want a treat! Cinema!" he held my hand and pleaded. Rono was in his tenth. Maa did not want to let him go out to the theatres, but I managed to convince her.
"Just one day, Maa." I pleaded. "Please.." Rono added.
"Okay. But come home by 9. Is that done?" We agreed.
Ishaan, Rono and I planned for the movie. Ishaan and Rono were busy in their daily banter when my landline rang.

"Hello." I answered.

"Congratulations, Siddhartho."

A sweet voice, a "Congratulations" instead of a mere "Congrats", "Siddhartha" instead of Sid, that soothing tone attached to it, the de-nyakafying words, a pause after every word and clear English - I knew who it was.

"Thanks Rupsha." I grinned.

"So... No more classes?"

"I will attend on Saturdays and collect all the information and notes." I smiled.

"No more ice golas near Howrah Bridge?" she asked

My heart gave a jolt. I would hardly meet her now. I felt so upset.

"Hey? You there?" she asked.

"Ohh... Umm. Yes."

"When are you joining?"

"Next week." I said.

"I will... Miss you, Sid." she said, softly.

"I will miss you too."

"Ha! You did not have to return that!" she laughed.

I did not know how to explain that I was telling the truth. I would truly miss her.

"Rupsha."

"Yes?"

"What will you do when I pass out permanently?" I asked.

"Pass out of JU?"

"Yes."

"What will I do? I will complete my M. A!" She said, in a matter of fact tone.

I sighed. Sometimes she is a little strange. Obviously I wanted her to say that she would miss me! But obviously, I cannot directly ask her that. That is not what "men do".

Now considering what men don't do, a month back I had decided to tell Rupsha that I loved her. But again, I got some advice on what men do. Ishaan it was. "No. Let her tell you. Why should you be the one?"
He scolded me.

"But isn't it conventionally the boy who confesses?" I asked, confused on whether we are here to break the stereotype or follow one like Ishaan preached earlier about "what men do".

"Yes. But you won't." he said.

Although he did not justify why, I knew how much Ishaan loved me. I knew he was saying this so I do not get a broken heart again. I had only got out of it some time back. What if she did not love me back? I would be heartbroken. Yes, I would. Ishaan knew it. He would do anything to keep me away from any kind of grief or heart break.

But nevertheless the genius I am, I decided to try my luck. Rupsha and I went for a coffee date that day. It was late in the evening as we also visited the Princep Ghats for a walk along the Ganga. I drove into the lane of her house and stopped the car two three houses before.