chapter 32

Part 32: That morning, that momentThe next morning.  Riya had reached school early as usual. She was sitting alone in the classroom doing her pending homework. The class had not even started yet.Just then her heart felt a slight sound – without seeing, without hearing. Her heart said, “Dheerav has come.”Without looking back, Riya said:Riya: “Oye Bestu, you have come?”A voice came from behind – a little soft, a little hairy:Dheerav: “Yaar, how do you recognize me without seeing me?”Riya: “I can tell… you look different from everyone.”Dheerav put down his bag. He sat on the bench behind Riya. He remained silent for a few seconds… then spoke softly:Dheerav: “Sounds like nothing… sorry.”There was a little compassion in his voice… and pain hidden in his eyes.Riya saw tears in his eyes. She immediately held his hands.Riya: “Hey, what happened… I am not angry.” Dhirav: “But I lied… and I think… I don’t want to lose you.”Riya: “You are not going to eat me up. I am not going anywhere leaving you. And you told me… honestly, so I felt more respected.”Dhirav: “You are sure… you are not angry, right?”Riya: “Not at all. And you look so cute when you are serious.”Dhirav: (smiling a little) “You are crazy…”Riya: “Yes, I am crazy just being with you.”The connection was visible again in the eyes of both of them – the one that is felt not through words, but only through emotions.Riya: “Come on, now make your mood better. My bestie, smile again… I want that one.”Dhirav: “I am yours…”There were still only the two of them in the classroom – and each other’s company, the whole world in each other’s eyes.