chapter 44

   " Your heart knows better than your brain. If your heart believes them , then pay no heed to the logical reasoning of the brain but if your heart is afraid, if your gut feelings keep warning you about them, then never neglect it. Rest , leave it to the supreme. He knows best. "     Granny's words had put me in new set of confusion since yesterday. What am I to make of her actions? I know she loves to get on my nerves but a part of me can't deduce the look in her eyes. They were sincere but she's not that's what I keep arguing. I hadn't called her today to accompany me. I just couldn't dial the number anymore. I was walking alone , not really, my overthinking kept me a good company.      My steps slowed down as I passed her lane. Either I was scared of something I can't name or I am hopelessly looking forward to her stepping out and we going together. I must have taken almost forever to pass her gate for I heard her teasing voice as I was about 5 steps away from the very next turn. " Sprained your leg or competing a snail?", I rolled my eyes but a smile crept up my lips at that voice , which obiviously was not for display. " Kind of.", I replied not really facing her. She walked over , now genuinely concerned. " How? Does it hurt that much? You sure you can go to college? Why not skip for -" " Nothing much. I can walk, it just pains a bit. " , I went with the flow. Not like there was anything more I could do. I never thought she'd actually buy my lie. " Did you go to doctor? What if-" " I said , I am fine. ", I randomly snapped at her when I realised she was standing too close and I had never seen her flinch so bad before. She immediately backed off.    " Rude. I was just worried. ", she sulked again and walked besides me , matching my pace. As much as I wanted to just run away, now I was stuck with walking like I had actually cramp down my foot. " Do we really have to go every day?", she complained and I nodded. " Attendance matters ." She laughed at that, " It feels like you are attending for the entire college." I ignored her. I have realised there's no need to answer her every damn taunt. Reply to what you want, ignore the spam talks.     We reached the class about an entire lecture late. Thanks to my lies. We waited for the teacher to leave and then made our way in. Sneha greeted me with a warm smile she always has and rarely displays, she was on the second most bench at the front. Vibha ignored her and sat at the further back. I am sure she ain't planing on anything but sleeping. I settled besides Sneha and let that dummy be . She might as well hibernate.      " You aren't sitting with her?", Sneha asked and I looked back at her , she had an eyebrow raised questioning me. I mouthed a ' goodnight ' with a smile, her lips formed into a thin line but she anyways proceeded to nap. " I ain't sitting that far also I am sure she doesn't want any disturbance in her beauty sleep." Sneha laughed. " You two are cute. ", she complimented. For a moment, I froze, I don't really know how to take that compliment. She is herself such a pure girl, I am sure she meant it in a normal context but I just don't know what I took it as. " I am cute I know but that right there is a total annoying dummy.", I retorted making her laugh.     The lectures passed about in a jiffy till break.  Sneha is fun to be with, she makes silly comments and laughs in tiny , in between she hums a soft tune, that's what provoked me to ask, " Do you sing?". " I used to take classes." " Now?" " You know how hectic schedule has gotten, it just couldn't fit into my schedule." I agree to this, even I had given up on lot after crossing 8 th standard.      " Let's go home.", Vibha stood behind me with her bag on , ready to go.  " Sleep a few more hours , I want to stay back for CS lecture. ", I said and she shook her head. " No more sleepy?" She shook her head again.  " Then may as well study today?" She shook her head again. " Let's go home, I am bored." This time I shook my head. It has become our way of conversing now. " Then you stay. I am going back. " , she said and walked out. What is she grumpy for ? Looks like today's nap didn't do her good.       " You are going?" , Sneha asked. I would answer that as if I knew. She comes for me everyday, I can atleast go back with her when she wants , she is enough sulky already, me not going will only worsen it but won't it be like ditching Sneha and also if I ran now not like I'd catch up with her but skipping half a day doesn't seem that bad if that's going to make it upto her but -  " I guess you should go. I will send you the notes. ", Sneha spoke up and I looked at her " Your friend looks mad. You should go coax her . I will send you the notes. "       I don't know what to do next but I am taking it as a sign universe wants me to go after her. I quickly packed my things and waved at her, thanking her in advance. I have to run if I am to catch upto her, when she is angry, she speedwalks. I took the other staircase since it is shorter distance and cuts right at the main exit. Luckily my calculation worked right and she was just exiting the main gate. I ran upto her slowing down just a few steps and wrapped my hand around her arm. She looked puzzled .        " Lectures cancelled?", she asked and I shook my head. " Even Sneha left so there's no one left in the class?" . I shook my head again and she was really bewildered this time. " Then what are you here for?"     " You. "