My Guiding Star

Part Three

Niranjana was in her final grade, the crucial year for any student. She aimed to become a doctor and she very well know that she is doing enough justice on her studies for that. She is lucky to get such a family who supported her on her dreams. Her sister Sanjana was doing her final year in Engineering. A typical middle class family where the parents were dreaming of one kid as Engineer and another as Doctor. 

Niranjana excelled in all subjects except physics in which she was struggling to achieve top grade. She and her dad discussed on checking for some good coaching for her on physics alone.

How she would have been looked forward for a life as simple as such. But not all prayers are answered. She still remember that day. It was her parents' anniversary, Sanjana and Niranjana both had organized a surprise party for them. Close friends and relatives were invited. She was enjoying the pace of the party when she saw him coming into their house. She haven't seen him in their family circle before and wondering who it might be. She went to him and welcomed him with a smile.

"Hello Niranjana, How are you? Am I late for the party? I got stuck up with some work at home. How is your studies going on?" Niranjana was stunned on his casual questions. She was still raking her brain to check if she had seen him before. 

"What? Did you forgot me already? My heart is paining to see such a beautiful girl easily forgot Me." he told her as if it hurts and Niranjana felt sorry for him.

Before she tried to answer, another voice pitched in "Already started with you prank? Enough Ranjan. I love to see my sister getting confused but it's time to break the suspense." Sanjana came to them with a laugh. 

"Niru this is my close friend Ranjan. I have told to you about him na. We are project buddies. I have invited him to the party, as usual the idiot is late. And he started with his pranks as soon as he saw you"

Sanjana and Ranjan started laughing and Niranjana too joined them. "It was a good one, I should say. I really thought I forgot who you are and started going through all my relatives name. I should thank Sanju to save me on time before I made a fool of me. Welcome to our home."

"You should have come earlier to meet us. But better late than never. Come let me introduce you to my parents." Saying this Sanjana took Ranjan to their parents. And for another surprise, it turned out that Ranjan's Dad and her Dad were child hood friends. 

"It's a small world. I am very happy to hear about Bala after long time. I lost in touch with him after school. How is he? What is he doing?"

Ranjan answered "Dad works as a manager in bank and mom is a home maker. I will tell dad about you. I remember him talking about you sometimes but I never realized that both the Raghavan are same. He will be happy to see you after long time."

"Yes Ranjan. Also give your dad's number. I want to talk to Bala." Raghavan got involved with Ranjan with old talks. "Enough dad. Don't scare Ranjan on the first day itself, with all your old memories. Let Ranjan enjoy the party."

"I am surprised to see Niranjana" Ranjan said with a laugh during their dinner. "The way Sanju described you Niranjana, I imagined a girl with big glasses and always peeping above the book. But look at you. You are such a pleasant company."

Niranjana smiled shyly. She is a good looking girl, and people admire the way she carries herself. But she haven't felt attracted to anyone. And now was not able to name the feeling she felt towards Ranjan. She felt confused and suddenly felt hesitant to discuss this with her family.