It was Diya's birthday. She was treating her friends on this occasion. When the treat was almost over, Arvind enters the Cafeteria.
Hey Guyz!! Wassup??? Looks like a celebration!!!
"Hey Arvind! Its a birthday celebration... Join Us", says Rishi
Yeah man... But tell me whose birthday it is?
Its Diya's birthday dude!! Hey Diya! Come here...
"Hi Arvind!", Diya waves her hand with a subtle smile though the excitement of having met Arvind's eyes was ripping her life from inside.
Hi Diya! Wish you a very happy birthday :)
No. It is not today. It was yesterday..
Oh! I am sorry. My belated wishes on your birthday..
"Rishi!! Where are you?? Come here and listen to what Adi is saying"
Rishi disappears....
The noise around could not break their silence. Realizing that Diya is not going to initiate a conversation, Arvind starts..
Diya! So tell me about you.. Where are you from? How long have you known Rishi?
Wow!! Wow!! Arvind!! This is too fast for me... Gimme some time to take my eyes off you..
With this thought running in her mind, her mouth had started spilling the response automatically..
Though the recognized seasons are 4 in number, its always been one for Diya and Arvind - Spring. Their acquaintance blossomed to friendship which eventually did blossom to love with everyone but them knowing it. It can also be thought that they did not really want to realize what was happening between them.
Nobody can escape reality and live with pretensions for long... Diya and Arvind were no exceptions to this.
During the usual long hours of telephonic conversation, Arvind says,
"Diya! Forgot to tell ya.. My family has this customary annual trip planned for 20 days. This year it is going to be Kulu and Manali. It is going to be absolutely exciting. Full 20 days away from college, out of every single connection, having nothing but fun."
"Diya! Are you there???? heloooooo"
A preoccupied Diya says, "Nice to know that dude!! Have fun"
Arvind: Are you ok? Is there anything bothering you? Do you want me to call ya after a while?
Absolute silence from Diya's end confirms that something is indeed wrong.
Arvind: Tell me whats wrong... Let me see if I can help you with it.
Diya: What are we upto? Whats happening?
A: I don't understand the context. Could you please make things more clear?
D: Don't you see what is happening? Everyday immediately after I wake up, I start messaging you; we do this all through the day; meet during break and lunch; keep messaging on the way back home; talk over the phone once we reach home; after a while, messages again start flying; till a last "Good Night. Sweet Dreams" after which we chat for close to an hour.
D: When I see from outside, I don't see just Diya anymore. All I see is "Diya with Arvind." I am not sure if this is what we both want of life or is it just happening this way.
Arvind... Are you there? Are you even listening?
A: Yes.
D: I want an answer from you. Where exactly is this heading to?
A: Diya.. I don't know what is the kind of response you expect of me. I know for a matter of fact that I like talking with you and I enjoy your company. I don't know what else you want to know.
D: How long Arvind? How long is this going to be like this? For a life time? Ten years down the line, when we both have families, do you think we would still want to be the same? I expect a very practical response to this question. Please don't play around with words now.
A: No.
D: No for what?
A: For your question. We can't be the same ten years down the line.
D: Thanks Arvind.. So where exactly are we going to draw the line? What is the name we are giving this relationship of ours?
A: Diya.. It is you who is playing around with words now. I just don't understand what you want to hear from me. I don't understand why a discussion on my trip triggers something totally out of the way. Which part of this is troubling you Diya?
D: When I say bye to all my friends everyday, it is more like "Guyz!! Thanks for the fun, Catch ya later." With you, its not the same. I beg and plead myself to spend more and more time with you. When I go out to meet my friends, I wear what I like the most. But when I come to meet you, I think about what you said you like. I have started placing your interests before mine. It is YOU that matters to me more than my own self. I don't want to do this to some guy with whom I am going to share a "Hi-Bye" relationship.
A: Do you mean to say you are in love with me?
D: Does that mean that you have never thought about it even once till this moment?
A: Well!! Diya!! I am definitely not ready for it.
D: I know that. But if I am gonna let this continue, it would take me elsewhere. I would never be able to get back from there when you actually say something different. I need a clear cut definition for this relationship.
A: You have spoken for me.. You make the decision too.. Do I even have a choice to make my point?
D: You do. Tell me what you expect of me? Only a good friend? If so, I want you to tell me right away.
A: I want you with me forever as my good friend.
D: Nothing more; nothing less; Am I right?
A: ***Silence***
D: I am taking it as a confirmation.
Diya and Arvind are only friends. Good Friends....
With this, Arvind leaves for the trip with his family...
(To be cont.d)
