C15 No time for Romance

Tension engulfs Aastha when she looks at the form in the hand.

"Stop chewing my head, Harlyn. Let me fill up this form. I need to finish it before noon," angered Aastha.

"Di, should I help you with the form?"

"No, just complete your work. We will leave for Mukherjee Nagar in an hour".

"I have to submit my form at a bookshop, visit Aim Law Institute for some work and then call up Parth".

"Oh...Parth...your love interest...just be careful about your heart, Sis. It is precious to all of us also," laughed Harlyn.

"Yeah right, as if you care. Anyways, you attend college after meeting up with Sebastian Sir. He wanted to meet up with you".

"I will meet him sometime later. I just wanted some time with you. I will come with you to Mukherjee Nagar only to spend some time with you and take my salary, which is pending payment by the Institute".

"Okay. Now let us proceed". Saying so, they leave for Mukherjee Nagar. Revisiting the old lanes of Mukherjee Nagar, Aastha feels overwhelmed with strong emotions. She submits the form only to find many other students doing the same. The students shared the same concerns about the exam that every one of us did. All were worried about the conduct of the exams by the authorities and the resultant delay in the final results.

At the Aim Law Institute, the people greet the Sidhwani sisters with jubilation as they meet them after a long time.

"How are both of doing?" exclaimed Akash Sir.

"Sir..I need my.." said Harlyn

Before Harlyn could speak further, Aastha interrupted her and replied-

"Sir, we are doing fine? Any work that we could do for you?"

He laughed and said, "Harlyn, your salary will be given to you. Care to have some tea before that?"

"Are, Chotu, he shouted. Please bring some tea for the madam? Saying so, Akash Sir handed over a piece of paper to Aastha. "Here Aastha, this is your schedule for the classes at our institute. Is this fine with you? Will you be able to cover the whole syllabus?"

"Yes, Sir. I will do the needful".

"I will take classes from tomorrow. Now shall I take your leave?"

"Won't you have tea with us?", he was courteous.

"Sir, I will go down and have the famous "Chandu’s Chai" and speak to him as well. There are many known faces over there who must be having some more news about the pending litigation of the results of the Delhi Mains".

"You look worried, Aastha. Everything will be fine. Give this another attempt. I am sure you will clear the exam. This Institute has faith in students like you. Hope you have filled out the form.

"Yes Sir. I have just submitted the form. Now I shall take your leave".

"Come Harlyn, let us leave, shouted Aastha. Both the sisters leave for their respective places.

Months passed struggling in Delhi, but Aastha didn't spend a day without missing Parth. Her struggle took most of her time. Her earnings were sufficient for both the sisters.

"Should I call him now? He must be very busy at this time of the hour". Aastha thought about calling Parth and asking him out for lunch or dinner.

"Hello, Is this Parth? Aastha asked nervously.

"Yes. I am Parth speaking. May I know who is this?"

"Oh. I am Aastha. Remember, we had met at the Learner Coaching Institute. We were working on a project together.

"Oh yes. I remember. And how are you doing, Aastha?"

"I am fine. How are you doing? asked Aastha. As she spoke, she felt a tingling experience throughout her body.

"Hello...Are you there on the line? He continued after a pause of silence.

"Yes. I am there".

"So, tell me Aastha, where are you these days?" he spoke suddenly.

"Sir, I am in Delhi".

"That's good".

"Sir, Can I make a request to you?"

"Sure. Why not?"

"Sir, can we meet over lunch or dinner?"

"Aastha, I am keeping very busy these days. Hence, lunch will not be possible. We can have dinner together. Message me the time and venue and I will be there".

"Sir, can we meet tomorrow at 7 pm at QD's, the restaurant that has recently been inaugurated on the main road at GTB Nagar".

"Okay. Sure. I will come". Saying so, he cut the call leaving a smile on Aastha's face.

In the evening, preparations were in full swing for the most special meeting she would have with Parth. Aastha adorned herself with nice dangles, a bracelet and wore light makeup. She wore a nice red-colored bandhani printed Kurta atop a light pink-colored pajama.

"Here, put this lip balm, Sis. This will enhance your beauty" spoke Harlyn

"Come on, Harlyn". Aastha blushed and her blushes added a natural glow to her face.

"What Sis? You cannot hide your excitement from me. I can hear your heartbeats even from a distance, " she laughed.

"Okay. Tell me. How am I looking? Are the dangles matching my dress? Or should I change my jewelry? Please, tell me. What should I do to look better?"

"Nothing Sis. You are looking absolutely fabulous. A serene beauty. Now please care to take the rest of the compliments from your love interest".

"Hmm.. Are you sure you won't come with me? I mean you can join us in our meeting".

"No. Sis. You are meeting him after a long time. Go ahead and have a nice time with him. I will wait for you at the PG (Home)".

QD's at 7:05 pm - Aastha reached the restaurant ten minutes ago. She was all ready and waiting for him.

After fifteen minutes, she finds a motorbike Honda CB Shine closing in on to her. It was Parth. She was feeling thrilled and a sense of numbness followed her all over her body.

"Hi", said Parth, looking directly into her eyes.

"Hello", replied Aastha. She looked mesmerized.

Both looked at each other for some time. He interrupted and began -

"You are looking very different"

"Thank you, Sir"

"Come, let us go inside," he said. "So, what will you have for dinner?"

"Sir, whatever you wish to order?" replied Aastha

"I have heard you get good Chinese food here. What else would you like to have?"

She gave a bashful smile and said, "Sir, I would go with a lemonade"

He ordered some Chilli chicken, Momos, and Lemonade.

Till the time dinner was served, they shared some thoughts on their project work. She apologized for leaving the project midway.

"It is ok, Aastha. It happens with everyone. This is life, " Parth added.

"Here, try this dish, momos. It is pure vegetarian. Saying so, he served food to her when his hands touched hers. She felt electrified, as if time stopped for her. She did not want this time to pass. However, it was late over 9 pm and they had to leave for their respective places. Before leaving she gave him a gift, a small idol of Lord Ganesha, that would bring good luck to him. They parted their ways after this meeting. However, she was left wanting an answer - Does he want my friendship?

During her stay in Delhi, she would want only a glimpse of Parth while at others, she would yearn for his companionship or even friendship. All of it had to end that soon. She didn't know. Times changed soon.