Drafts Of Her Heartbeat

Dots And Doubts

Sitting down on my bed, I replay tonight's dinner and events that followed by. Well no doubt the dinner went down quite well, but something didn't settle with me well enough -- Arohi's behavior. I mean its not like she misbehaved or something, it is just she was just too cheery and loud for her own nature. I have know her for past two years and not once did I saw her so open to a stranger. I mean not all together a stranger, Jamie has been staying here for almost two months, but still he is not exactly the closest friend, with whom Arohi goes around talking all blues and pinks.
Now that I reminisce past two months events, Arohi has been acting strange since the inauguration night. First her shocked face, then the sudden icy cold attitude towards Khaitans, then it was like she was in another world after that night, always lost in thoughts. Then her mood turning more sour with Dhruv's arrival and then finally those parcels and letters, her mood was on a constant fluctuation mode. We could never predict how would she react. At least in the period of 24 months, I had learnt to study my friend and know her moods but now? I don't know what to say or predict anymore. It is like Arohi is there, but is accompanied by someone else, who is alot moody. Like she has two personalities now. I am sure it is something with her past, but what?
Then there is Dhruv. A weird man, and a even weirder friend. Like he is in all those cool-bro codes and all.... But there is something peculiar about him, I just can't put my finger on what it is. On inauguration night he was some arrogant businessman, then when he questioned Arohi he was rude, then he decided to join us, learn with us, he was all polite and friendly. Then again tonight he was suddenly all inquisitive, asking questions, somewhere I felt like he was trying to dig out certain answers from me, all related to me and Arohi. Was he attracted to her? I mean I have seen or more should I say caught him glancing at her from time to time, and not to mention she also steals a glance or two, when she thinks no one is watching. And then those parcels, they seemed to start coming only after Dhruv's arrival. But then again, they are signed off with the initials 'H', and Dhruv's name starts with 'D' and his surname is 'K' for Khaitan. Then who is this secret admirer 'H'? To be truthful everything is messed up right now and I need answers. Then again I don't want to pressurize Arohi to tell me anything, the girl is going through so much already. And well everybody is allowed to keep secrets in their closet. But I am sure of one thing, Dhruv has definitely some hidden interests in Arohi. I just hope it doesn't turn out to be a fling of a wealthy businessman.
"Abhimanyu" I heard Arohi's voice calling me out. Then the impatient imp started banging on my door.
"Open, open, open Abhi. Open your door and answer your little innocent, friend." She started singing nonchalant nothings.
"I am opening. Wait before you break my door, you stupid girl." I replied, getting up from my bed and going to open the door.
"What?" Opening the door I asked her, raising my one eyebrow.
"Icecream" she said. I just gave her a confused look.
"I want to eat icecream and I need an icecream partner. So I decided to give you the honours to have an icecream with me." She replied proudly.
"So that when you get caught by sir then you have someone to share the punishment with, and also to blame completely on me?" I added suppressing a laughter.
"Yaa whatever. Now come." And just like that I went to spent yet another crazy night with my friend, all worries long forgotten.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"So you know yesterday I checked the refrigerator for some icecream and guess what? Half a box was empty. Now I guess who could have emptied it?" Vidyut sir asked suddenly at the breakfast table, next morning. I and Arohi shared a secretive smile, then I looked at Vidyut sir, only to find him already staring at two of us. I knew we were caught. Shit! Damn you Arohi. I cursed in my mind but said nothing aloud, cause let's admit it everybody loves their hairs.
Maya Ma'am served the final plate for herself. I could feel the other six pairs of eyes on me and Arohi. I looked up at her only to see her smiled wickedly. The girl has something cooking in her mind and it's only going to either save our asses or get backfired. No that I don't have faith in Arohi but our opponent is Vidyut sir and let's just say you never know with these two.
"Well it's all fine that half box was missing but let's just think why were you awake in middle of the night, going and checking icecream boxes, Sir." She faked her innocence. Damn girl that was a sixer you hit. I just smiled evilly back ar her, we shared a hi-fi mentally.
Immediately Maya Ma'am's eyes were questioning Vidyut sir. And let's just say the breakfast was quite eventful and afternoon served us with another bowl of icecream and Vidyut sir sitting in a corner, glaring at us.
And then Arohi's cell beeped signifying a message. Since I was sitting beside her I peeped in her cell as she opened the message from a certain Chocolate uncle, 'How is the progress? Waiting for you to come back.' I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion.
"Who is this chocolate uncle? And what progress is he asking about?" I asked. Immediately Dhruv's head snapped towards us. Him paying attention to us.
"He is my uncle. I call hi. Chocolate uncle as he used to bring me chocolates. And he is asking about competition's progress." She replied. I was a bit unsure of her answer yet I kept shut.
"Ok team now that we know we are in the last stage of the I.C. we need to arrange a seminar sort of before the final round. Arohi decide the theme, draft a rough plan of competition and make sure it's on my table by tomorrow evening. I will ensure to get a lumpsum budget from the board. Abhimanyu coordinate with the guests teams, take the names of one who is ready to present their opinions on world platform. There will be media coverage so ensure everything is pitch perfect. Divide the responsibilities and chart the initial stages. You all are trained in it, just show the world." Vidyut sir said.
"Finally the seminar!" Arohi exclaimed happily. Of course she loves all these things, she has view to present and force some one to think over the issues and topics of her concerned presentation.
And then the door-bell range, "Parcel for Arohi".