Chapter 20: chapter 20

SHIVA’S PAST IN HIS OWN WORDS:(only relevant incidents to his current way of living) “Shiva, I think a beard would look good on you,” Riya commented.“Why do you think so?” “Because I like it,” she told with a grin.“Does that mean I have to have a beard for the rest of my life?”She nodded with a shy smile. Ah! I would do anything for that smile. ✏️✏️✏️✏️“What are your future plans?” Aravind asked. We were in the canteen.Riya shrugged her shoulders like that was the last mind on her mind.“Get a job. Tell my mom about Riya. Get married. Have a happy family,” I replied.Riya was sitting next to me and her hand found mine under the table and she squeezed it with a smile.“What is yours?” I asked Aravind. He smiled and replied, “Same as yours but instead of Riya, it is Dharshana.”I narrowed my eyes at him. Dharshana was our junior and I am not well acquitted with her but from what Aravind told I assumed she was the kind of girl apt for him.“Wait, did you confess your feelings to her?”He smiled at me. It was a smile that stretched from one ear to another.“Damn, when did that happen?” I asked wondering why he didn't inform me earlier.“Yesterday night,” he told as he waved to someone. I turned my head to see Dharshana make her way toward us.“I see. It went well,” I tell with a grin. My friend was totally into her. “But why didn't you inform me yesterday?” “I tried to but you were busy speaking with Riya on the phone and then fell asleep.”Oh yeah. I forget that. It was Riya's idea that we call each other before going to sleep so that the last thought before falling asleep would be the other person. This idea is great but sometimes I miss out on late night chats or things like these with my friend. But I am willing to compromise for Riya. ✏️✏️✏️✏️“So, you told your mother about us?” Riya asked on the phone.“Not yet. First I need to get a job only then I can tell her about you,” I told.“Will she accept me?” “She will because you are really a good girl. She will definitely like you,” I assured her.“What if she doesn’t accept me? Will you leave me and marry the girl she says?”“Riya, my mother will accept you as her daughter-in-law. My mother doesn’t see caste or religion. She wants her children to be happy. So, if marrying you will make me happy then she will definitely accept you. You don’t think about it too much. We have exams coming. Just focus on those.”“Shiva but what will you do if she doesn’t accept it. My parents are totally okay with me marrying anyone I like if he has a good job and comes home with his family and asks my hand in marriage properly. So, our marriage depends on your mother’s decision.”“Alright, Riya, if my mother doesn’t consent to the marriage, we will convince her. I will not leave you. This is a promise.” “Thank you, Shiva. Love you lots. Good night,” she told in a relieved tone.“Hmm, love you too. Sweet dreams,” I told and cut the call. “Is it your girlfriend?” asked Nithya from behind. I was caught red-handed.“You know it is a bad habit to eavesdrop on someone’s conversation?” I ask.“I wasn’t eavesdropping. Your words fell in my ears as I passed. So, it is your girlfriend.”"Yes, please don’t tell Amma about this. After I get a job I will tell her. Until then, swear that you will keep this a secret.”“Ok, bro, I will swear secrecy on one condition.”“Tell me what you want?”✏️✏️✏️✏️“Shiva, you remember what day is today?”Our second anniversary!“Yeah, today is Friday,” I told much to Riya’s annoyance.  “So, you don’t remember?” she asked ready to wage a war.“How do you expect me to forget our anniversary?”Her annoyed face turned into a smiling one. “Happy Anniversary,” she told giving me a gift. “Where is my gift?” “Wait for me in the canteen after college. We are going for a movie and then to the restaurant.”“Oh! You spoiled the surprise by telling it aloud,” she told grinning.“No secrets between us. So, I had to tell you the plan. In case you backed out at the last minute.”“Why should I?” she asked.“Remember the last two times.”“It was an unavoidable situation. Fine, open the gift,” she told diverting the topic.I didn’t argue back. “Shiva, tear the gift wrapper open quickly,” she told getting impatient. Waiting was not her cup of tea.“Patience,” I said. I paused my opening as I received a text message. “Who is texting you?” she asked trying to look at my phone. There was one thing that I dislike about Riya. She doesn't trust me. Or to tell in her own words she is possessive of me.Sighing I handed over my phone to her. She checked it feverously.“Just a message from the network company about new offers,” she told handing over my phone. I resumed my task of opening the gift but this time I tore it open as Riya suggested. A cardboard box had the message ‘Handle with care.I opened the cardboard box and took the thing out. It was a wall hanging fishbowl in the shape of a heart. I had brought a pair of Molly fish and had been wanting to buy a fishbowl for them. I didn’t think that Riya would be so thoughtful. I was flabbergasted by the gift. Placing it the box again safely and I took Riya in my arms. “You like the gift?” she asked in a whisper.“Love it,” I replied. We both stood like that for a few seconds. Some magic was happening and I had a sudden urge to kiss her. This was the first time I was getting an urge like that. Though it’s been two years since we were in the relationship, I have never crossed my line with her. But today I wanted to. I looked into her eyes. I moved closer. She too came forward. Just as I was about to kiss, the damn college bell rung bringing us back to reality. We both moved away laughing like little kids. “Meet you in the evening,” she told and walked away.✏️✏️✏️✏️