High School Romance Revisited

Chapter 9 - The Spring

Here comes the chapter where you will find a brief description of the Basanta Utsav or Holi celebration that happens in Santiniketan, Birbhum. 

The reason I included this part because it is the most important part of Deepa and Mahen's love and they have the most beautiful memories here. 

Now whats a high school romance without some school trips and walk down the memory lane. 

Also I didn't make the backdrop of the story as Goa because hey its cliche. I hope you enjoy this different background.

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Mahen's question had almost frozen the blood flow in my body. I can't blame him. That sly bastard was Mahen's cousin brother afterall. But if he comes here...

I gulped. Was Mahen thinking of inviting him for the rest of the trip? Seriously? No this can't happen! I was about to protest when Koushik spoke, "No! Absolutely not. This is a trip for us. It's better not to include a third person!"

I was stunned. Koushik too was a very good friend of Shekhar then why did he refused. He was the first one to agree when Shekhar wanted to join us for the farewell party. Clearly Mahen was confused hearing Koushik's decision but when the three of us didn't say anything he just dropped the topic.

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There was a happy feeling floating all over Santiniketan. I inhaled the fresh morning air as I took a long sip of my coffee standing in the balcony. I couldn't wait to get drenched in colours. Here people played with colours expressing love and affection. It wasn't just a tradition or ritual. It was a must-have feeling for people here. Maybe that's why there were large groups visiting Santiniketan to witness the Basanta Utsav every year.

Elora was already playing Rabindrasangeets on her iPad and we too kept on humming the tunes getting ready for the festival. I could see the foreigners too dressed in Indian attires and taking pictures in the garden.

Finishing my coffee I put down the cup on the table and suddenly I heard a scream. Rushing inside the room I saw Rai's hand on her mouth and happy tears on her eyes. "Rai what happened?" I asked.

Chitra came out of the bathroom fixing the batik dupatta on her waist. Elora and Sanjana had gathered around Rai. "What happened here? Are you all okay?" we heard Subir knocking. Elora opened the door and the boys came in all worried and confused having heard Rai's scream.

"Remembered Himesh gave me Mohona mam's letter when we were boarding the bus?" Rai asked. We all nodded and she continued, "I had forgotten to open it. Today when I was taking out my dance accessories from the bag I got the letter."

"What's written there that made you scream?" Dhrubo asked.

Raising her hand Rai showed us what Mohona mam had sent along with the letter. Elora almost cried while the boys smiled. I heard Debdyut hiding a sniff. I looked up not to let my tears fall.

"After all these years, she remembered?" Mahen said.

"That's Mohona mam. She never forgets!" Himesh spoke from behind.

"Come on Rai, read the letter. You are our best narrator," I sat beside Rai on the bed and urged her.

Rai took a deep breath and started reading:

To My beloved Cultural gang,

What would I have done without you all? Today the school has a proper drama club, music club, a cultural board and the authorities dedicate a huge budget for the cultural activities every year alongside sports and studies. But back then I only had you all.