My Guiding Star

Part Four

Ranjan turned out to be her savior for her physics problems. He was a good teacher and helped her to understand the concepts. He became like one in their family. And he started spending most of the time in their house either for his and Sanju's project, or her physics classes, or on her parent's invite.

He was a good companion. Niranjana felt a comfortable warmth spread across her whenever she was near him. And she could not avoid the flutter of heart while hearing his voice in phone. But she was also aware that he never crossed his limit whenever he talked to her. Days flew and her exams came nearby. She knew she was ready but was tensed at the same time. She became more restless to cope up with her preparation. She burst out crying to her family just a day before exams.

"That's it Niranjana. You are coming out with me now." Ranjan ordered her in a stern voice.

"I cannot... I have so much to study. I... I... forgot the entire book." She hiccuped between her sobs.

"Either you come on your own or I am going to pick you up. Your choice..." he answered and added "No, Uncle and Aunt will not come for your help. They will side with me on this." He added, as she looked at her parents pleadingly.

"Where are we going?" She asked while seated in his car.

"You will see yourself when we go there." He answered imitating a mysterious voice. She laughed weakly at his attempt.

"Hey, I generally get a good appreciation in voice modulation. Am I that bad??" he asked in a hurt voice and Niranjana laughed at that.

"That's a good girl."

He never took anywhere new but only to his house.

"Come in Niru, Your dad just called and let us know that you are having dinner with us." Bala uncle and Saraswathi aunty welcomed her affectionately. Since Ranjan is their only son, aunty always longed for a daughter. So Saraswathi regards Sanjana and Niranjana as her own.

All three of them never left her for a minute and never allowed her to talk a bit about the exams. Whenever she looked stressed or worried, they immediately pitch in some topic for discussion to divert her. Saraswathi aunty prepared her favourite dishes which are nothing but crispy Pooris. She know that aunty is an expert in making crispy pooris and she lost her count while eating dinner.

"Enough aunty, one more mouth and I will explode" Niranjana laughed at Saraswathi.

"Nonsense dear. Look at you, so thin and you should eat well."

"Niranjana, come I want to show you my special place." Ranjan took her to his room in terrace. And what a sight it was. It is full of pencil sketches. It is Ranjan's new side she found on that day.

"I didn't knew you could draw. And look at these. You are so good in this. But why haven't told about this to us?" she asked in wonder.

Ranjan smiled "This is my hobby. But I didn't want to pursue this as my career. And normally I won't draw everything I see. I usually get a feel about a subject that I want to draw. It should affect me in a way for me sketch it. This is my sanctuary. Whenever I feel extremely happy or sad, I will lock myself here till I get hold of things. I thought you may feel relaxed if I bring you here to my home. And I don't know, I felt like showing this room to you."

Niranjana felt happiness filling her. Ranjan is showing her something which he haven't shared much to others. She felt special and something blossomed inside her on that night.

"Do you mind if I tell about your talent to mom, dad and Sanjana? Does Dad knew that you are taking me to your home?"

Ranjan shrugged and answered "I don't mind you telling your parents and Sanju. I neither thought of hiding the pictures, nor sharing with others. I am doing this for my personal satisfaction. And did you think your parents will allow anyone to take your alone without knowing the details, even their family friend? I have got uncle's permission before bringing you here and he understood."

He smiled at her and suddenly she felt the world became brighter in that smile.