It's All In The Memory

Chapter 2: Shrey Gupta

The campus is spread across fifty acres and has varieties of trees and flower decoration. There are ten buildings each for different majors, I guess. A football, cricket and hockey field are beside each other on the opposite side of the parking.

The multiple activities happening around the college makes the atmosphere colourful and vibrant. People are moving from one class to the other. Some are sitting on the benches, some are jamming to the music, and some are busy playing basketball where, some are busy preparing the charts for the fresher's party, there some are chilling with their girlfriends and boyfriends.

Sometimes watching couples spending time together makes me wonder what traits I lack that in these eighteen years I have never been any relationships. If I could recall my high school life I was not that kind of girl who could sit silently in a corner with her books and would not be interested in hanging out. Neither was a girl who goes around hitting boys whenever they may feel like. I don't know what the reason is? But sometimes, it really feels lonely to have no one. There is a kind of emptiness which can never be fulfilled by the family or friends.

Interrupting my thoughts was the realization of the time and that still I have not checked my schedule. I look around but I was not able to find the notice board.

"Excuse me. Where can I find the notice board?" I asked a tall boy with sleek, dark hair passing by.

"Sorry. Did you asked something?" the boy stopped and replied.

"Yes. Actually, I wanted to know my schedule for today and I am unable to find the notice board. Could you tell me the direction to the board?" I asked him again with an innocent eye in hopes of him helping me.

"Yea! Sure. I also wanted to check on my routine. If it's fine with you, we can together" he replied with a medium pitched voice.

"That'll be great," I answered without hesitation and we head towards the library.

It was a silent walk and to avoid the awkward silence I decided to talk. But not knowing whether he might feel uncomfortable I do against it and look around the campus. This college is built really well, I must say. I don't know much about architecture or interior but I can say sufficient space is provided to every building and every play area.

We walk past the swimming pool area and I want to dive in, the badminton, lawn tennis, squash court are beside each other, twenty steps away from the swimming pool area. As we walk past the court there is a huge building standing in front of us that says 'Library'. Never have I seen this big library. There are sofas, chairs, laptops, cabins and even café inside it. The notice board is right beside the librarian desk and we both go through the time table.

"Oh! You too are in business management?" I asked surprisingly.

"Yes," he replied coldly, still facing the board.

I checked and only have three classes today. The first one, of business studies, starts at 11:30 followed by the drama and theatre club and the last class, volleyball is 3'o clock. I was relieved and decided to explore the campus.

"Thank you for your help," I said and decided to leave as I found the guy a little hesitant.

"No problem" he replied.

I gave back him a smile and turned to leave when I heard a voice from behind, "by the way I am Shrey Gupta".

I turned to look at the guy whose hand is in front of him for a handshake. Shrey has a sharp nose which balances her frameless spectacles quiet well. His decent fashion sense; a fitted t-shirt and jeans shows off his slim and well-built body.

"I am Aisha Sharma" I shook and his hand and replied with a smile.

"Looks like we both going to share a class together" He tries to break the silence between the two of us.

"Yes". For the first time in my life, I don't have a conversation to continue. But still, I try my best to have one.

"You look like one doing business management" I casually start a conversation in hopes of not making anything weird.

"And you look like one taking modelling and acting degree" he smiles as he speaks and I have a sudden blush on my face.

"I must say, you are 50% correct" I smile and continue to finish. "Actually I have joined the drama and theatre club. So...o..o.. you are correct there" I smiled as I finish.

"Aaa...business and drama together. What for?" he asked curiously.

"Drama and theatre is something to do with my hobby and business management is more of a career line. Before you question why not choosing acting as my career I must clarify your doubt. My mother wished to be a businesswoman but due to my studies and future, she was not able to fulfil her dream. So she gave her dream to me and if I am getting a chance to return back something to her then why not?" I answered him in a serious tone.

He looks a bit shocked but coming back to his senses he looks quite proud of what I just said. "Oh! That's great."

Suddenly his face drops and he speaks in a very low voice. "You are lucky to get to know their dream unlike me who has already lost them a few years back".

"I am sorry. Sorry to hear that. I shouldn't have taken out this topic in the first place" I am stunned to hear that about him.

"No...No...No problem" he replied, still having a dejected face.

There is silence again and this is not a good one so, I tried to break it by asking him for a walk around the campus and fortunately, he agreed.

We are out of the library. The surrounding of the campus is refreshing. Looking at Shrey I feel he is still lost in his thoughts from earlier.

"You have asked me a lot of questions. Allow me to ask one?" I interrupt his thoughts.

"Yeah...yeah. Sure...sure." He responded even before I could finish my sentence.

"So what are your hobbies?" I asked him a general question for him to distract his mind from our earlier conversation.

"I like to write poetry and play the guitar" I answered with a small smile.

"That's a great combo man! Writing poetry is quite tough. There is some hidden talent behind this tall guy" I tried to lighten up the situation.

"Thank you. Till what time you are free?" he asked me.

"Till 11:30 and you," I asked in return.

"Oh Shoot!! I have a class now. Could you mind catching up in lunch?" his response was unexpected but I will buy that.

"Absolutely" I replied with an excited tone and a wide smile. Looking at me Shrey too smiled which satisfy me a bit as his thoughts about his parent's death are no longer troubling him.

"Ok then. Bye," He bid me a goodbye and leave for his class and I am again left alone in this campus.