By Your Side..Forever & A Day!

11. Passing the past-el

Tamanna's PoV :

''So? You missed me already? Couldn't stay away for even a day?'', bragged Tom hurrying towards us as soon as he spotted Aryamann and me entering Kaffeine.

''I don't know about her, but I missed you pal!'', exclaimed Aryamann.

''And I don't know about you, but I missed her!'', Tom winked and teased Aryamann and then engulfed him in a brotherly hug. I could only chortle in response.

Aryamann whispered something in his ear and Tom lifted his palms gesturing surrender.

''What did you say in his ear?'', I questioned Aryamann.

''That's a secret!'', he said copying my reply from yesterday and I snorted while mimicking him in response, ''Be the stubborn kid. Fine by me!''

''It's tit for tat, darling'', he sminked as we proceeded towards the same table as yesterday.

''Hazelnut cappuccino for the man and Irish coffee with extra whipped cream for the lady?'', asked Tom.

''Wow Tom! It's astonishing that you remember our choices from yesterday'', I predicted.

''We never forget our special customers'', he replied joyfully.

Aryamann and I confirmed our orders and Tom left us to fetch them.

''Why did you call Baba? How did the conversation go? Why did he agree to give you my number? Tell me! Tell me everything from the scratch! Everything..everything..everything!'', I demanded excitedly bouncing on the couch like an uncompromising child.

''Patience baby! I'll tell you everything'', said Aryamann. I crossed my arms over the table and leaned forward to listen curiously.

''Our company is sponsoring scholarships to be awarded to UEL's students. I called Dr Sen saying you were shortlisted to be awarded one, but your contact number wasn't available. So he wilfully agreed to give your cellphone number'', he narrated and I was left thunderstruck! I mean, isn't it a gutsy act to ask a girl's father for her number? In my view, it surely is!

But before I could utter some words of appreciation, Aryamann continued, ''Let me tell you, Tommy, it's true that you are shortlisted for a dance scholarship! Isn't that an amazing news?''

I was equally disappointed as elated. A dance scholarship? Baba would never agree!

''This...this is not possible, Aryamann. I am sorry, but I don't want this scholarship!'', I stammered.

''What? Buy why, Tommy?'', he enquired worriedly.

''You know I've been hiding my dancing from Baba, don't you? He'll be really upset if he finds out'', I explained.

''What's the matter, Tommy? Why doesn't he approve of it? Why have you kept him unaware? What is the reason?'' asked Aryamann. His tone suggested that he was determined to learn the truth today!

I closed my eyes for a few seconds and after letting out a silent sigh, I began.

''The reason is my mother! My mother..'', I faltered yet continued, ''..she was a trained Kathak dancer.''

''Was?'', interjected Aryamann. ''Doesn't she dance anymore?''

''Even if she wishes to, she cannot!'', I answered.

''Dr Sen doesn't permit her too?'', Aryamann questioned again.

''Baba was always supportive of her. Two years ago, she had travelled to Kolkata to deliver a performance. On the way to the venue, she met with a road accident...'', I paused.