Once Upon a University Campus

Promises to Keep

Annika had abandoned everything and hopped to the place where she had left behind her heart when Jhanvi sent for her. Since it was just the beginning of the day, her heart longed for a chance encounter with itself. She had reached the main door in lightning speed, her roving eyes searching for the special someone.

"Caught you, my soon to be Bhabhi" Rudy spooked her from behind.

Annika needed a moment to recover and also to slow down. "Shush Rudy"

"Well well well. .I hear some good news." Rudy walked around her as she stood there calming her thumping heart.

"I hear that my brother is already made the first move. That was quick. I was not expecting it to happen in the next ten years." Rudy grinned at Annika.

Annika shrugged, even as the possibility of Rudy having them caught in the act the previous evening started to bother her. "That he did know better" She mumbled.

"Annika didi, Saahil told me everything.." Rudy winked.

Annika heaved a sigh of relief that Rudy was only referring to Shivaay and Saahil's meeting.

Jhanvi, meantime heard Annika and hollered for her.

"My dear Annika, look what I have here." Jhanvi was standing in front of a few boxes that a staff member was carefully unpacking.

"The first consignment for my store is here. I have already signed the lease at Hauz Khas village. Interiors are being done and will be ready in two weeks. I plan to open the boutique, my own botique before Independence day, with a Khadi festival. I am so excited." Jahnvi embraced Annika, the joy and fulfillment of her hard work made her radiant.

"Mom, sometimes you should think of me too." a sullen Rudy protested.

"I should be saying that to you Rudy.." Janhvi pulled Rudy's cheeks and embraced him with her other hand. "Indeed I am so happy. My kids are happy and this boutique is ushering in a new chapter in my life. So life is good."

The staff who was opening the box had now spread a crisp white sheet on the carpet and started laying out saree after saree in a single file.

"It is a boutique for handwoven Sarees sourced from all over India. This consignment has just arrived from Banaras. It is all handwoven Banarasi brocades saris, all my designs.." Jahnvi picked up an off white sari with a purple zari border with as much love as one would pick up their own baby and ran her beautiful manicured fingers on the smooth surface of the exquisite fabric. "Hopefully they will find loving owners someday." Jhanvi picked up a peacock blue saree with big floral buttas. "This one took me the longest to design. How do you like it?" Jahnvi asked Annika abruptly.

"They are all lovely Aunty." Annika replied, trying hard to conceal her disinterest. "Each one of .."

"Ms Trivedi" A familiar voice caught her unaware again and her heart leapt out of joy, oblivious to the conversation on Saris that she was a part of, moments earlier.

Shivaay was doing a very good job of behaving normally and looked as cool as a cucumber.

"Here is the report I mentioned the other day. Please go through this and meet me post dinner." Shivaay handed over an iPad to Annika. "The password is on the note here" He pointed to a note stuck on the iPad. "Memorise it and destroy the note at once. Needless to say, the report is confidential." He spoke so formally that Annika for a moment wondered what was going on. Was he really her boyfriend at all? But then secrecy was her choice and she could only wish, but not complain. Without a choice she accepted the iPad hesitantly.

"So Badi Ma, first consignment is here?" Shivaay walked over to Jahnvi and hugged her. "Congratulations."

Jahnvi reciprocated his hug with a warm smile. "All this looks like a dream Shivaay. Here it is my newest baby."