My Guiding Star

Part Five

"Finally!!!", Niranjana thought happily coming out of exam hall on the last day. She had done well and looking for the break. She was confident enough on the scores. She wished to join the medial school inside the city so she can be with her parents.

Sanjana's college also got finished and she got placed in a company in Bangalore. She was waiting for her joining letter from the company. Ranjan had applied for his MBA and will be joining his course soon. But as of now, all three are free and are spending time as together as possible. 

Nowadays Niranjana felt Ranjan was becoming more and more distant. She was not able to stop worrying, but felt hesitant to ask him about it. What if he discard her concern? She was afraid, as what if he did not bother her or worse, laughed at her. She don't know what Ranjan was thinking about her and didn't want to tread on that dangerous path.

Sanjana got her joining letter and shifted to Bangalore. One day, Ranjan asked Niranjana to come with him somewhere out. He took her to nearby ice-cream shop. She was happy and surprised. She ordered a black currant for her with gems on it. 

"Interesting choice.." Ranjan smiled surprised seeing her cup. 

"I always love this combination. Dad used to get me gems almost everyday when we were kids. And me and Sanju used to fight on the colors. So this is always my favorite combination. So don't you dare comment this. " Niranjana glared playfully at Ranjan. 

They were talking for almost an hour and left. She had a nagging feel about their meeting, but was not able to pin point at that time. But how it came as a shock later.

The ice cream shop or the cafe nearby became their regular outing point. They also started roaming around the streets without any reason. She floated in happiness whenever she was spending her time alone with him. The small seed sprouted in her heart grew in a full tree of love and happiness. 

But she cant help feeling that Ranjan was only half listening to her conversations and his concentration seemed half on the roads. He was always looking outside the street whenever they are seated in the shop or cafe. She asked if he was having any troubles, but he denied them with a smile. She should be doubting him unnecessarily. Why should he spend time with her exclusively if he did not like her? Probably he was worried about his MBA admission? She wished to find his problem and console him.

Days flew fast and her results were expected any time this week. Her dad asked if she had decided on the college. But she want to be sure on the marks before taking a decision. 

That evening Ranjan called Niranjana and asked if she can meet him on the nearby park. His voice was filled with excitement. She was also equally excited to meet him and dressed her best and reached the park. He was waiting there already. And he looked very different. As if he attempted to look calm, cool and collected.

He spotted Niranjana approaching him and waved at her. As she neared him, her steps faltered slightly realizing he was not alone and saw a cute looking girl next to him. She felt something wrong. 

Ranjan greeted her and asked to sit with them. And once she is settled, his words had dropped like a bolt of thunder on her head. 

"Niranjana, meet Swathi my girlfriend."