Feelings

CHAPTER 1: THE BEGINNING

Karthik was 20 years old when he bought his first laptop. A great amount of joy, pride about using the laptop. Movies, games, reading, surfing, chatting, it became a vital part of his life. He got a dongle to access the internet and made the best use of it, not academically but a better usage for the payment he made. February 5, 2012 when Karthik just logged on to his Facebook account in the middle of the night he found a friend request. On checking, it was from a girl named Kavya S. He clicked her name to check her profile. A very pretty girl in western outfit, Pink top and long black skirt, black glares and hairs left open. She looked nothing much lesser than a co-star in Bollywood. Karthik was very happy that such a pretty girl sent him a request. Without much ado, he accepted the request and continued surfing the rest of her profile, and suddenly

*pop*

“Hey did you recognize me?” Kavya sent him a message.

“The truth is I don’t. I just saw that you studied in the same college as I, so I accepted your request.” Karthik replied.

“Oh never mind. Who would see a girl like me? :-( ” Kavya sent.

Karthik didn’t know what to tell. He felt a little bad for replying so frankly. He thought he should lie now saying that he was just kidding and tell her that he knew her.

Kavya: Oh I think you were busy with something, I shouldn’t have disturbed u.

Karthik: Hey nothing like that. I was seeing your pics. By the way, you are really pretty ;-). And what is disturbance if it is not done by the right person.

Kavya: I know I’m pretty, haha. I just wanted to hear it from you.

Karthik: So which college and branch?

Kavya: I am in Dharmapur Engineering College. Hav taken CS. Wbu?

Karthik: I am in Brigadier’s Institute of Technology in Fakirgaon.

Kavya: Oh pretty good college. Hey don mind I am feeling sleepy. I will catch up later. Good night.

Karthik: Oh no problem. Good night, sweet dreams, take care.

Kavya: :-)

Karthik was so happy about chatting with Kavya that he almost skipped his sleep the following night. He purposefully logged on to Facebook the next evening to check if he could find Kavya online. Once again that night he found her online. Casually they started chatting and Kavya even introduced Karthik to her roommate as her best friend.

Karthik was really excited about all that was going on with him. He also became friends with her roommate and talked with her whenever Kavya wasn’t online. He kept talking about Kavya all the time he was chatting with her roommate Shilpa. Shilpa even started telling him that if he wants to talk about Kavya why he doesn’t contact her directly.

As days passed on he didn’t find Kavya much online. He was really very depressed. One day as he casually logged on to Facebook, he found Kavya online. He started sending her a number of messages asking where she was so many days, why wasn’t she replying, he was so depressed that he didn’t find her online etc etc. But yet again he didn’t get any reply and Kavya was offline. He immediately sent a message to Shilpa asking for Kavya’s phone number. He also mentioned not to tell Kavya that he has taken her number as he wanted to give her a surprise on her birthday, which was on the 23rd day of February.

23rd FEBRUARY

Karthik called Kavya but his call wasn’t answered. He tried again but in vain. He thought he should have upset her in some way or the other and that was the reason she was not speaking with Karthik. At 10:30am Karthik received a text message from Kavya’s number, “May I know who’s dis?”

Karthik felt as though some invisible butterflies fluttered in his stomach. He immediately called her back. After 3-4 rings she picked up his call.

“Hello” Kavya said.

“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Kavya, Happy birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuu” Karthik ended the song.

“Heyyy thank you so muchhh!!. But I still can’t get who you are.” Kavya answered.

“Guessworks are a great deal to exercise your brain. And such a wild guess can surprise you to a great extent.” Karthik couldn’t believe himself how he spoke those words but he was sure that they were quite impressive.

“Please yar, at least don’t give me so much work on my birthday”

“Well identify na, I’m a very recent friend of you. You have seen me years ago, but never heard my voice.”

“OH MY GOD!! Karthikkkkkk. How did you get my number? Seriously this is the best gift I have ever received. I am so so sooooo happy you know”

Karthik was overwhelmed. He thought he impressed her completely. “I was planning for this for a long time. I can’t come there to wish you, yet I thought I could somehow make it special.”

“Oh! So sweet of you.”

“How were the celebrations yesterday night?”

“Nice. My friends came to my room and we all had a blast. Party, dance and were awake till 3:00am. Now we’re planning to go out for a party. May be

McDonald's.”

“And no party for me?”

“Anytime dear. Come to Dharmapur, I will treat you specially.”

“Oh how lucky of me. Well then have a great time with your friends. It was really nice talking with you. Feeling so happy.”

“Same here yar. You made my day. Of all the wishes and celebrations I received, this was the best. I mean it. Thanks a lot yar”

“It was all my pleasure.”

After disconnecting the call, Karthik smiled for a while. He thought to call her again and then walked away to the ground.

CHAPTER 2 - NIGHT CALLS

They messaged each other for a few days regularly. They became attached to each other. One day Karthik’s cell displayed KAVYA CALLING. He was so happy to see that she called. He picked her call immediately.

“Hi. How are you Kavya? I was just thinking of sending you a message.” “Haha, don’t lie. I know you are bored of talking to me.”

“Hey seriously, how can I forget you ha?”

“Hmm. So how was your day?”

“Nowadays they are awesome. Having a friend like you has made my life so special.”

“ooohhh. Flattering me ha!”

“Oh come on, you know that I am always straight forward.”

“You are. It was a long time na so I thought I will talk with you.” “Ah ha, missing me !!?”

“Hmmm whatever. So what’re you doing?”

“Playing games on my lappy. You?”

“Just came from dinner. Did you have your food?”

“Oh yes! Long back.”

“Listen, all my friends are asking me to join them for trip. I’m not getting whether to accept it or not, so I thought I’ll take your suggestion.”

“Do you want to go?”

“Yes. But I’m just scared. You know I haven’t been to long trips and all. Never stayed out in trips.”

“Well I believe in you. Go and enjoy!”

“You sure na?”

“100%. But one thing!”

“Yes?”

“Don’t miss me too much”

“Haha. Idiot!!”

“And I want a blow-by-blow analysis of your enjoyment. I don’t want to miss even a single moment of your happiness.”

“Ya sure. I am so happy da, that you sorted this out for me.” “Ah this was nothing.”

“And listen!” “Haan??”

“I did miss you all these days”

“Heyy, tell me exactly what you want to say. I am really excited.” “Nothing!. Go and sleep”

“Kavyaaaa pleaseeeee.” “Good night, tata”

“Kavya!!!” But the call was already disconnected. Karthik felt a mixed emotions of joy and excitement.

Karthik sent her a message immediately, “Do you mean to say you love me? I mean like I think I too love you but can I take it a yes from you?”

“I don’t know. Karthik, you are more than a friend for me, a very special person, but I don’t know love or not.” Kavya replied after 10 minutes.

“Come on Kavya, it’s a simple Yes or No.”

“Please Karthik let us change the topic. I don’t want to hurt anybody here.”

“Hmm alright, it is your wish”

“Good night Karthik”

“Good night dear. Happy journey for tomorrow. And I miss you too :-)”

It was the best day for Karthik in his life. He was in love. He couldn’t believe himself that he was in love. But yes his feelings responded to another feeling. A bond was in the budding stage. Karthik and Kavya, both were excited about this feeling but Karthik was not yet sure whether Kavya also thought the same about him. He was sure that she liked him, but still was afraid to be turned down.

CHAPTER 3 - EMOTIONS

Karthik: Please Kavya, you know how much I miss you and how badly I want to meet you. Why don’t you understand?

Kavya: Listen, seriously even I want to meet you but my friends are forcing me to come with them. They don’t want anyone of them to miss this bike ride. And you didn’t have any problem when I went with them to that 3-day trip.

Karthik: It’s because I didn’t have any plans of meeting you that time. Now we are having holidays and we can meet up na? I’m not telling you to cancel the plan with your friends, just postpone it. I’ll meet you one day and I will come back to my place, later you can hang out with your friends the rest of the days.

Kavya: No Karthik, Saturday and Sunday I’m going with Preeti and her friends to the water park. They are like, they won’t go if I drop out.

Karthik: You can turn down my plan but you can’t do it to their plan ha?

Kavya: They are my friends and how can I hurt them?

Karthik: Oh, so you feel bad to hurt them. Did you ever think how much it’d hurt me when I will be turned down?

Kavya: Listen please, we can meet some other time yar, I’m not running away anywhere.

Karthik: If we can meet some other time, why isn’t that time now?

Kavya: Karthik!!

Karthik: Hmmm??

Kavya: Please try to understand me da.

This struck Karthik too much. His mind suddenly split into two. The war of mind and heart begun within Karthik.

Kavya: Karthik, are you online?

Karthik: Do as you wish. All I want is that you should be happy.

Kavya: I’m so sorry yar. And thank you so much. Every time I end up in such situations, you cope up so well. That’s why I always say, you are more than a friend for me.

Karthik: The same old ambiguous statement. Why can’t you be specific yar?

Kavya: Not again Karthik. Our relation is precious and I don’t want to spoil it.

Karthik: You think love will spoil the relation?

Kavya: I don’t know, but for the time being let’s not discuss it. When will you sleep?

Karthik: After I put you to sleep.

Kavya: You won’t change!!

Karthik: I will. But not for the girl who’s more than life for me.

Kavya: I don’t know what to say. I’m feeling sleepy. Good Night Sweet Dreams

Take Care Miss Youuuuu.

Karthik: Good night, miss you too.

(10 seconds later)

Kavya: Comeon yar disconnect the call.

Karthik: I can’t. You do.

Kavya: Neither can I. Let’s disconnect on the count of three.

Karthik: As you wish.

Kavya: Three… Two… One…

Beep beep beep.

Finally the one hour call ended. Karthik got a feeling of mixed emotions. He was depressed that yet again his plan of meeting Kavya was dropped by her, but he was happy that she considered him special above all.

“Take good care of yourself in the trip. Enjoy well but don’t forget, you are more

important to me than anybody. I won’t mind making enemies with the ones who are taking you if something happens to you. Good night. Sweet dreams. Miss you”. Karthik sent her a message before he went to bed. He looked for a long time for a flash on his mobile screen but fell asleep with disappointment.

CHAPTER 4 - WORRIES AND FEAR

Karthik called Kavya for the fifth time but found her cell to be switched off. He logged on to Facebook to find either Kavya or Shilpa online but in vain. His worst fear nowadays was not speaking with Kavya. For the past 4 days neither did he receive a message from her nor a call. He was totally distracted from his normal life. A thought to visit her suddenly popped in his mind, but he didn’t have her address. He went out of ideas. He hadn’t spoken about Kavya to anyone and now he was blank as to whom he can contact or take advice from. The fifth day he saw his cell flash “1 message received”.

He expected the message from none other than Kavya and his expectations came true.

“Hey! Sorry my battery was dead and I forgot my cell in my friend’s car. He returned it today and even now I’m having very little charge”

Seeing the message Karthik was so relieved and also his anger overcame all his emotions. He called Kavya the very moment.

“Call disconnected”

He tried again, but the same result.

“Plzzzz don’t call now. Battery is very low and v can’t e1 talk for 10mins. Keep texting” Kavya sent him a message.

“Kavya pick up my call. I don’t care how I long ur battery life will b, I wanna talk to you now” he replied.

“Alright, but promise me that you won’t scold me”

Karthik called her. After 4-5 rings, she picked up the call.

Karthik: Hmmm tell me.

Kavya: Sorry da. I am extremely sorry <sneeze>, excuse me.

His anger rose to such an extent that now it was out of his control. But also he felt pity that she was ill. He interrogated in a very controlled manner.

Karthik: Answer-me-about-the-cold!!

Kavya: It was raining heavily when we went for a ride and got completely drenched in rain. Also had played in water park na, so a little….

Karthik: And-what-about-your-unavailability-for-5-days?

Kavya: I messaged you about that na?

Karthik: DON’T YOU EVER UNDERSTAND WHEN I TELL YOU HOW IMPORTANT

YOU ARE TO ME? IF I MEET ANY OF THOSE FRIENDS OF YOURS THEY ARE

GOING TO BE DEAD MEAT.

Kavya: Heyy, it’s not their fault. I went with them. Why are you getting so angry? I am fine and moreover…. Beep beep beep….

Karthik: Hello, hellooo, HELLOOOOOOOO….

He called again, switched off. Five times, ten times-switched off. He sent a message. “I am sorry my dear, but not speaking with you for a single day will increase my worries. Text me as soon as ur cell will be charged. Take care of urself. Take proper medicines and get well soon. I’m missing you so much da(”

The next day Kavya messaged Karthik apologizing for the previous day’s call. She told him that she felt guilty after thinking about how much Karthik was worried about her.

Karthik was in such a situation that he didn’t know how to react. Before this he hadn’t trusted even a single person to this extent. Every single moment he was in a fear of where his life would take him.

CHAPTER 5 - THE MEETING

Karthik registered himself for a case study in Industrial Robotics in Dharmapur Industries. Case study was just a reason but his main intention was to meet Kavya. Two days after registration he got a confirmation call from the industry that his request was approved. He called Kavya immediately.

Kavya: Heyy, how you choco pie?

Karthik was overwhelmed when he heard it.

Karthik: Say it again.

Kavya: What? Choco pie?

Karthik: Yeah. Seems so special to hear it from you.

Kavya: Oh come on what’s so special in that?

Karthik: You know whatever you tell me is special in one way or the other.

Kavya: You are so crazy. <giggles>

Karthik: Hmmm. Guess what, I have a surprise for you.

Kavya: Surprise!! Did you get a new girlfriend?

Karthik: Shut up, I just have one girlfriend and I don’t need anyone else.

Kavya: What you already have one? And you didn’t tell me? And still you are trying me ha?

Karthik: Idiot!! That girlfriend is none but you. You were, are and will always be my girlfriend.

Kavya: Karthik, I still haven’t agreed. Which means I still am not your girlfriend. Leave that, tell me what is that surprise?

Karthik: I am coming to Dharmapur. To meet you.

Kavya: Nooooooo. You are kidding!!

Karthik: Seriously, I am coming to Dharmapur in November for an industrial visit and I am so excited.

Kavya: Oh. So it's your industrial visit, not to meet me.

Karthik: Huh?? Sultangad is 50kms from Fakirgaon and it has the best equipment for Industrial Robotics, yet I choose Dharmapur which is 400kms away only because of some stupid case study?

Kavya: I don’t know.

Karthik: Industry is just a reason, the main reason is to meet you. Meet you for the first time in my life.

Kavya: Oh, so on what day are you coming?

Karthik: November 12 and 13.

Kavya: But…

Karthik: Cancel whatever plans you have, cos I won’t listen to you this time. We are meeting and this is final.

Kavya: Karthik I can’t promise you about it, but I will try to be available on that day.

Karthik: No way, we are meeting and that is it.

Kavya: Alright alright, I can’t miss college on those days and I am telling it beforehand.

Karthik: Don’t worry darling, your college is at 11:00am and I will meet you at 8:00am itself. You be prepared to go to college cos we’ll roam around till 10:30 in ADP Mall and from there I will drop you to your college and I’ll go to the factory.

Kavya: Drop me? Are you coming on bike or what?

Karthik: No da, the company provides cab. And the industry is very close to your college too.

Kavya: Alright then, what else can I say? We’ll meet up that day.

Karthik: That’s like my sweet girl.

Kavya: So what are you doing?

Karthik: Should go for dinner. What about you?

Kavya: I should prepare dinner now.

Karthik: Aren’t you happy about meeting me?

Kavya: Of course I am. But feeling bit nervous.

Karthik: Nervous? Why?

Kavya: Don’t know. The thing is I was speaking about you with my friend yesterday.

Karthik: About me? Oh. And what did you say?

Kavya: That you like me, you want to get committed and all. I also told her how much you care for me and how much you feel when you won’t speak with me and all.

Karthik: And what did she say?

Kavya: She has a great experience of love and all. She said, in the beginning, everyone will care for their lover in the same way, but as days pass everything will be boring and they split up.

Karthik: But I am not like everyone. I swear I will be with you forever. I will never hurt you and….

Kavya: I know. But still I don’t know whether I should decide it so soon. I am always in constant fear of getting hurt.

Karthik: Listen, we haven’t met even once. And moreover, every guy won’t be the same. We’ll talk and meet as the best of friends. You can judge me based on that.

Kavya: Still….

Karthik: Let me finish. And you can take your own time to decide whether you should accept me or not. I am ready to wait no matter how long it takes.

Kavya: Hmmm. As you wish. But promise me that whatever will be the outcome you will be my best friend forever.

Karthik: Sure. You can have my word.

Kavya: I am going to prepare dinner. I will talk with you some other time.

Karthik: Yeah sure. Take care. Miss you.

Kavya: Miss you too.

And the call was ended. Karthik started packing to start his journey, the following night. He was so excited to meet Kavya that it was impossible to take off the smile from his face. He was in a virtual dance in his mind and the music of love was continuously being played in his music system as well as his mind.

CHAPTER 6 - DHARMAPUR

Karthik: I have already reached Sampath Nagar. How long will it take for you to come?

Kavya: I am leaving home now. 10 minutes I will be there. Where exactly are you?

Karthik: In front of Activity Café. Exactly in front of it.

Kavya: 10 minutes I’ll be there.

Karthik kept on checking both ends of the road to get the first glimpse of his first love. A feeling of excitement, joy, whooping sensation. He was in the seventh heaven and he was ready to express all his feelings for Kavya. He was well prepared to talk and

made up a virtual conversation in his mind. He was just waiting for her arrival. 15 minutes passed, yet there was no sign of Kavya. Karthik started getting a second thought. ‘What if she is just making me wait and then give me some stupid reasons and doesn’t come at all. Should I call her? No I must trust her, trust her blindly. I know she loves me too. I know she will come. Any moment she will be here. Yes she will, she will’.’

After 25 minutes, Karthik saw a girl coming towards him from the second left corner from where he stood. A girl with her hairs tied in the form of a pony tail, frameless spectacles shining in the morning sun, a black sleeveless top and jeans. Her arrival made his mind reach mars. He quite forgot the place where he was and just kept his eyes still on the oncoming girl. He was seeing his love, his life for the first time and he felt like an angel walking towards him. The moment she waved at him and smiled, he totally lost control of himself.

“Hi!! What are you looking at?” Kavya said.

“Huh. Yes. Oh I mean. I am, Hi… ahhh what am I saying!!” Karthik forgot everything he wanted to tell Kavya.

“What has happened to you? Sorry yar I didn’t get time to get ready well. I know

I am looking funny”. Said Kavya.

‘Didn’t get time to get ready? What are you thinking huh? I am almost half-dead, if you still aren’t ready then I think that moment I will die for sure’ he thought.

“No, you are looking, you know. Errr AWESOME!!!” Karthik replied.

Kavya started laughing. She thought Karthik had gone completely crazy.

“Karthik relax. So how was your travel? Did you eat something?”

“No, I came here directly. We will have breakfast later. So what time you wake up?”

“I got up at 6. Had to get ready and all. Shall we walk in the park for some time?”

“Yeah sure. And tell me you are Kavya na?”

“Why? I don’t look like her?”

“You are more beautiful than the Kavya in the photos”

“Hahaha. Thanks. By the way, where are you staying today? Arrangements have been done or shall I ask my friend? He stays nearby.”

“No thanks. The company has done arrangements for stay and food. How’s your studies going on? Planned anything for the end of year project?”

“Nopes. I will do everything in the end. Anyway you will be there to help me na”

“Always. When have I said NO to you.”

“So sweet of you da. We’ll sit here. You know I come here with Shilpa very often. We talk about our secrets and all non-sense things on this bench.”

“What kinds of things?”

“I can’t tell you. It's G-talk.”

“What’s this G-talk?”

“It's all what girls talk and boys shouldn’t know. <giggles>”

“Oh my god! So how’s Shilpa?”

“You have come here to meet me or ask about Shilpa?”

“I just asked casually yar. So possessive ha?”

“Hehe. Just kidding. She’s fine. She went to office early in the morning.”

“Close your eyes”. Karthik said.

“What? But why?”

“I have something for you!”

“What did you get? It was not at all required Karthik.”

“Just close your eyes dear.”

He took a Dairy Milk Silk chocolate from his bag and handed it to Kavya.

“Ooooh. How did you know this was my favorite chocolate?”

“I know almost everything about you da.” Said Karthik. ‘That’s why I love you cos I just want to be with you. I love you more than anything, more than everything. You are my life Kavya’ he wanted to say, but not a single word came from him.

“So sweet of you, really. And I won’t share my chocolate with anyone, you know that?”

“It’s just for you and I don’t want you to share it with anyone. Even the wrapper has something for you if you search it well.” he smiled.

She turned the cover, searched it and to a strip of the wrapper was pinned a pendant in the shape of a heart. It was tiny but glittered in the morning sun.

“Wow. But you shouldn’t have gifted this Karthik. Chocolate was fine but why….”

“It looks good when you wear it.”

“Really very sweet yar. Take a bite.”

“But you said you won’t share your chocolate with anyone!”

“Take a bite before I change my mind.”

She fed him with the chocolate he had given her and smiled at him. This time she had that shyness on her face just as a bride when she sees her husband.

“What do you think?” Karthik asked.

“About?”

“Am I as bad as your friend explained about guys?” “You can’t judge a person in the first meeting Karthik!” “But you know me from a long time na?”

“Shall we go for breakfast? Or I will be late for college!” “Always you find an excuse.”

“Shut up and come. We’ll go to Shiva’s in ADP. What say?”

“Your place, your choice.”

It was almost 10:00am when they reached the restaurant. They ordered breakfast and talked for some time. It was time for both of them to depart. Karthik told her he’d drop her to college and then go to the factory. But Kavya rejected his request immediately. He didn’t force her. He was fighting his tears to a great extent. He didn’t want to leave but he didn’t have a choice too. He wanted to tell her how much he loves her, yet he remained silent. Kavya didn’t look happy either. She didn’t look up and kept fidgeting with the spoon. There was a moment’s silence which was finally broken by

Kavya.

“I am sorry yar. I know how you are feeling and even I am feeling the same.

Wish we spent some more time. Please don’t think too much about this. Be happy da.”

“How is it possible to be happy without thinking about you dear?”

“Karthik!!”

“I must leave. Shall we move?”

Kavya got up. They walked as slow as possible but maintained the silence. It was very hard for both of them but none of them were expressing it. Karthik looked at Kavya but she was looking the other way. He tried to hold her hand but she withdrew it and folded her arms. Finally they reached the car which was waiting for Karthik.

Karthik spoke, “It was such a great time and this will last with me forever. One of the happiest moment of my life Kavya. Thank you for coming. I don’t know when we’ll meet again.”

Kavya didn’t reply. She just kept looking at the ground and all of a sudden she hugged Karthik. Karthik was lost on spot. He didn’t realize what happened. He hugged her back, he brushed her hairs. Finally she withdrew herself after 10seconds.

“I will come back very soon. I am going to miss you badly dear. Never did I miss a person like this before. Do take good care of yourself.” Karthik said.

“I will miss you too. Take care and as I said don’t think too much, I will be fine.”

“Hmmm.”

Karthik entered the car and left. He looked back and saw Kavya walking in the opposite way. He kept looking back until she was out of sight. Finally a drop of tear rolled down his cheek. He picked up his cell and sent her a message “Didn’t know it’d be so hard to depart. Plz don’t cry sweetu.”

“:-)” Kavya replied.

CHAPTER 7 - THE FIRST CONDITION

The talk between Karthik and Kavya went on very smoothly after the first meet. But as usual Kavya changed the topic of love whenever Karthik brought it up. He also asked her to tell him whether she will think about it in future or is she just playing with him.

This question always followed with “Don’t know yar” or “Hey I will talk to you later da”. Karthik reached a higher level of love in the meantime. He started keeping Kavya’s photographs stored in his cell phone and even sometimes spoke with the photos. Meanwhile Kavya started sharing all her secrets, she even told him about the guy whom she rejected few years ago and now he was her best friend. She called him whenever she felt low and their calls sometimes ended in the early mornings. The hostel terrace had become the favorite place for Karthik where he didn’t have any disturbance to talk with Kavya. Most of Karthik’s friends grew suspicious about his new behavior. But he said nothing to anyone.

One night, or rather can be called morning, Kavya called Karthik. It was 1:00am. Karthik saw the caller’s name and rushed out of his room with his phone. Ramesh, Karthik’s best friend and room-mate, followed Karthik. He took the other route and reached the terrace first. He hid himself behind the water tank, where it was very easy for him to eavesdrop on the conversation. Finally Karthik arrived few minutes later.

Karthik: “…. your call at this time.”

Kavya: “I wanted to talk with you. Are you busy?”

Karthik: “How can I be busy for you dear? Tell me what made you call me this middle of the night?”

Kavya: “I fought with Shrijit today. Feeling bad about it, and with whom can I share this other than you!”

Karthik: “Why? What’s the reason?”

Kavya: “You remember that day when you came to meet me?”

Karthik: “How can I forget it yar. It is one of the most memorable moments of my life.”

Kavya: “Shrijit saw me with you that day. And he questioned me who you were and all. I said you are my special friend. So he started scolding me that are you just a friend or is there something else and all. I really felt very bad about it.

That’s why I was avoiding to meet you.”

Karthik: “I am so sorry bebo. And anyhow you have rejected him. So what’s his problem?”

Kavya: “It’s not like that Karthik.”

Karthik: “Kavya that’s why I am telling you, let’s get into relationship so that you won’t face this situation again. You know everything about me and so do I about you, what’s the problem?”

Kavya: “Well think practically Karthik. Even if I agree your proposal, you don’t have a job yet. How will you ask my parents? First get a job and then I will think about it.”

Karthik: “I will get a job I am sure about it. I am not going to ask your parents immediately, I will work for 2years and then approach your parents. I can take very good care of you da. Please…”

Kavya: “Listen, get a job and then let’s talk about it. I am feeling sleepy. I will talk with you tomorrow.”

Karthik: “Alright. I am sorry if I have hurt you. I just can’t be without you da.”

Kavya: “Hmmm. Good night dear. Sweet dreams. Take care. Miss you.”

Karthik: “Good night bebo. Miss you tooooooo.”

Karthik was disappointed. Yet again his proposal was pushed away by Kavya. He thought of the condition she put forth. ‘Can I get a job? An average grader, but still I have good knowledge. I should make up myself and get a job. The day I get it, I will also get my love. How happy it will be to achieve two successes on a single day.’ He thought and he smiled.

“Such a sweet scent of love in the cool night.” Ramesh said.

“Who’s there?” Karthik cried.

“Oh!! Our lover boy couldn’t recognize his best friend’s voice eh?”

“Ramesh!! You followed me? And you were listening to the conversation all the while?”

“How could I miss it ha? And my so-called best friend, who isn’t anymore, was out of bed every night, it happened to be my duty to see what you were upto. I had a doubt and now its clear.”

“Listen! You are my best friend and you will always be!!”

“Shut up you bastard! I don’t think you need me anymore. The little baby’s got a gal in his life now. He doesn’t need anyone anymore.”

“NO!!”

“Don’t tell me you don’t have any girlfriend”

“Ramesh it’s true I love her. I’ve told her but she still hasn’t answered. It’s a long story.”

“Ahh. The night is cool and I love losing my sleep.”

“Alright, let’s go to room and talk about it.”

“The open sky serves better my friend. And let’s keep this story of yours a secret. Why include the young man who’s in his dreamworld?”

“You are a….”

“Killer brilliant person would suit better” Ramesh laughed.

Karthik explained everything to Ramesh; from the friend request to the condition including her rejection of the proposal of Shrijit and his meeting with her. Ramesh didn’t lose his patience after listening to it. They both sat almost till 4:00am discussing about what happened and what is to be done.

“Well would you mind if I help you getting a job? My brother works in a robotics firm. But!!”

“But, what?”

“The company isn’t in Dharmapur. Hahaha.”

“A job is what I need man, I don’t care about the place. Which place by the way?”

“Sultangad. I will talk to him tomorrow. Keep your resume prepared. And prepare it tomorrow cos I want you to sleep now.”

“Ok buddy. Sorry that I didn’t tell you all this. And thank you for helping me out bro!”

“What did you say?”

“What??”

“Oh so your girlfriend is teaching you manners ha!!” Ramesh said and patted Karthik’s cheek. He put an arm around his shoulder and both went down.

Days passed on smoothly for Karthik. He even told Kavya about Ramesh eavesdropping and his support. But whenever he brought up the topic of love, the same old story continued. It was mid-January, Karthik got a call from an unknown number.

“Hello, may I speak to Karthik Kumar?”

“Yes this is Karthik. May I know who’s this?”

“We are calling from Universal Robotics. We received you job application and have arranged an interview on 21st January. The details of the interview venue, the documents you need to carry have been mailed to you. If you are attending this interview please mail us the confirmation letter which is attached with the mail we have sent you.”

“Oh sure. What is the last date for sending the confirmation letter?”

“It would be fine if you mail it to us by the end of the week.”

“Oh thank you ma’am.”

Karthik’s heart was pounding faster. He had a mixed feeling of excitement, happiness and nervousness.

“Go through all the videos in this CD. Read Albert Winkenfield’s ‘You can Robotize’ completely. Their questions come mostly from these sources itself.”

Ramesh said.

“How did you know it was the job offer call?”

“I think you are forgetting that I have a great role in setting up this interview. And mind you, my brother will be taking the interview and I have asked him NOT to be liberal.”

“So kind of you!!” Karthik mocked.

“Well give your best shot buddy. I want to see robots working in your marriage not friends. Hahaha.”

“I will gift you the first robot I design bro.”

Karthik started preparing very hard. He cut down his leisure time, he stopped playing games in his laptop, he reduced the usage of Facebook, but his talks with Kavya continued as they used to be before. Kavya became a very vital part of his life. He could skip his food but never his talks with Kavya. Whenever she didn’t talk with him, he felt too bad, bad is a small word, he felt as though his life ended. Many a times even Ramesh told him not to be attached with some person too much as it’d hurt a lot when we lose them.

Finally the day came when Karthik was all set for the interview. He called Kavya before going to the interview. He had a slight feeling of nervousness and her wishes charged him up. He reached Sultangad at 10:30, finished the initial process of the interview which started with document verification followed by a medical checkup and a written test. His bag, mobile and all other accessories had been locked up at the security room. It was almost around 6:00pm when he was called for the final round of the interview. He had done pretty well in the written test and his confidence level was much high. He was just a step away from winning his first job and his first love.

The interview went on for more than an hour. The resources provided by Ramesh was very helpful and most of the questions were from them. He was even given a piece of circuit which was to be debugged and Karthik was successful in doing it too. The interviewers were pretty well impressed with his performance and told him that they will be announcing the result in a few days. He came out with a victorious smile on his face. He was surprised to see Ramesh at the security counter.

“Oh ho, smiling so widely! Got the result too?”

“No. They told they will be informing very shortly.”

“How did it go? Did you answer well or went into a dream of proposing Kavya.”

“I did it AWESOME!!!!! Thanks to you, without your help I wouldn’t have done so well buddy”

“Save some of the talks for your gal too. These lines will impress her much. I will meet you at the café outside, let me go and meet my brother.”

“Yo. I will talk with Kavya meanwhile.”

Karthik collected all his belongings from the security counter. The first thing he did was check his phone.

“13 Missed Calls”

“3 New Messages”

‘Oh shit. I hope everything is fine’ he thought.

“You have 10 missed calls from Kavya” read one message, “You have 2 missed calls from [phone]” read another. The third message was from Kavya which read “I knew you wouldn’t be available when I needed you the most. All you guys are the same. Please don’t message me or call me again. Good Bye.”

Karthik’s heart beat faster. He was shocked to see such a message. He immediately called Kavya. The call wasn’t picked. He tried again but in vain. All his happiness flushed out in a moment. He was out of his mind. Tears trickled down his cheek but he wiped them and tried calling her again. Many times she disconnected it. He called again and again, and finally after almost 20-25 tries he thought of dropping her a message.

“Sorry da, I was having my job interview and I had told you that my cell wouldn’t be with me. What’s the matter? I finished my interview jus now and saw all your missed calls and msgs. I am really sorry da, but what is d matter? Plz pick up my call bebo plzzzzz.” Karthik sent.

“Leave me alone Karthik, I am not in a mood to talk now.” She replied.

He called her again. After 5 times she switched off her cell phone. He left her a message after that,

“I don’t know why you doing like this but plz tell me the reason. If I have done any mistake plz let me know, I don’t think I have done anything wrong. Plz txt as soon as you see this message. I miss you my baby.”

CHAPTER 8 - THE DIFFERENCES

“Romantic hero still on call with his love of life?” Ramesh called out.

“Nah, I am done. Shall we head back?”

“Whatsa matter buddy, didn’t she pick up your call? She might be busy and you can also talk later.”

“Yeah. Maybe. But how do you know we didn’t talk?”

“How did my bro see such an idiot as brilliant? Your happiness which I saw moments ago has vanished completely from you face. And I can easily add up 2 and 2 as 4.”

“Oh!!”

“Come let’s eat up”

They had their snacks and moved back to Fakirgaon. Karthik skipped his dinner that night saying that he was nervous and not hungry. He started thinking about Kavya, what happened, why she wanted to talk to him so badly and why did she message him like that. He picked up his phone and dialed her number again. She didn’t pick the call. He tried again, after three rings his call was answered and a guy spoke out,

“Hello”

“Hello, who’s this?” Karthik said nervously. He thought it might be Kavya’s dad and didn’t know what reason he’d give for calling her at 11:30 in the night.

“I am Kav’s friend. She’s in the kitchen. Who’s this?”

“It’s Karthik. Can you please give her the phone? I need to talk to her urgently.”

“You can leave a message, I will convey it to her.”

“Could-you-please-give-her-the-phone?” Karthik spoke in controlled anger. “Kav, call for you. He says its urgent.”

Kavya spoke, “Hello”

“Kavya you called me so many times when I was in the interview, what happened? Are you fine? And what was that message?” Karthik spoke with fear and fastly.

“Shall we talk tomorrow? My friends have come home.”

“Who all?”

“Does it matter now?”

“IT-DOES”

“You are doubting on me?”

“Bebo pleaseeeeeee. You called me 10 times in the morning. I am so worried. Please try to understand”

“Arrey it is nothing. It was just that my friend’s boyfriend ditched her and she was crying so much. I was scared and so wanted to talk with you. She was like she won’t live, she’ll commit suicide and all. And since you too didn’t answer I was so scared.”

“I won’t leave you da. No matter what”

“I am sorry for troubling you da.”

“That’s nothing, I was just having interview when you called and….”

“Hey Shrijit is calling ya, we are all partying and if I be on phone they will feel bad.”

“Kavyaaaa….”

“Please Karthiiiiiiiii”

“Alright, enjoy!! Good night. Sweet dreams. Take care. Miss you.”

She disconnected the call without even wishing Karthik. He was so disappointed that she didn’t even ask him about his interview. ‘What is Shrijit doing in her house this late of the night? And why didn’t she tell who all came for the party. Something’s fishy. No I must trust her. How can I even think like this?’ With all the thoughts swirling in his mind Karthik fell asleep.

The next two days were very gloomy for Karthik. He didn’t have much talks with Kavya.

He got his result from Universal Robotics and he was selected as the junior engineer. He called Kavya several times to inform this. But most of his calls went unanswered. He finally got fed up and sent her a message,

“Hey bebo, good news. I gt selected as Jr Engineer in Universal Robotics. I want 2 talk, can you plz pick my call?”

“Congrats :-)” She replied.

He called her immediately and this time she spoke, “Heyy congratulations!! I am so happy. Where’s the party ha?”

“Thanks dear. Ya sure we’ll party. Before that, you remember na what you told?”

“Mmmm about?”

“If I get a job you will think of our love?”

“Did I?”

“Bebo, please don’t joke on this. I am really serious.”

“But I don’t remember seriously.”

“You fought the other day with Shrijit and you called me in the middle of the night. When I told you about making a decision, didn’t you tell me that you will think about it when I get a job?”

“Oh, maybe Karthik. I was too sleepy and I seriously don’t know what I spoke with you”

“Please don’t make me lose my temper Kavya. I have been very patient with you till now and please I beg you don’t break my heart.”

“Excuse me!! I have always told you that you are nothing but a friend. And all my friends are equal for me.”

“But you said I was a special friend, rather more than a friend.”

“Shut up Karthik, don’t make up all these. I never said it ok!!”

“WHAT?? YOU NEVER SAID IT? DON’T LIE KAVYA.” Karthik lost his temper. He shouted at Kavya.

“Listen Karthik, you can’t shout at me like that. You are just one among my friends and nothing other than that. If you agree to this I will continue talking with you, otherwise let’s end our friendship here itself”

“Kavya please don’t do this to me. You know I can’t live without you. You were everything and you are everything for me yar.” Karthik started crying. He was pleading, begging Kavya. But Kavya didn’t pay heed to his cries.

“Look I won’t change my mind even if you cry. Never speak with me again.”

“ATLEAST TELL ME WHAT’S MY MISTAKE YOU STUPID GIRL” he shouted.

“You were just my friend and now you are even blaming me that I had promised you which I never did.”

“Tell me you are just kidding, pleaseeeee tell me”

“Why should I?”

“I trusted you so much. I trusted you blindly and you proved me blind Kavya.

GO TO HELL AND NEVER SHOW ME YOUR DIRTY FACE!!”

“How dare you speak to me like that?”

“How dare you play with my feelings?”

“Anything else you wanna say?” she asked in a very sarcastic manner.

“Yes two things before you hang up. I will keep waiting for you till the end of my life. And never do this to anybody else.”

“Thank you and good bye”

The call ended and so did all the hopes, happiness, excitement, confidence and all the positive energy from Karthik. He sat on the terrace for the rest of the night. He was devastated and slept on the terrace itself.

EPILOGUE

“Did you hide anything in this story?” I asked Karthik placing my hands on the table.

“No I have told everything” Karthik said sipping his tea.

“I still think there is something missing when Kavya messaged you on the interview day”

“No it was all that happened.”

“And why did you tell me this story?”

“Once I hid everything from my best friend and I suffered so much. Now I am learning from my old mistakes.”

“And what happened to you after that night?”

“Ramesh found me there early morning. He knew that I had to be on the terrace when I was missing from the room. He brought me down. I was having a high fever. I was hospitalized for a week. Ramesh stayed with me till the end. He taught me again to laugh, to overcome grief, to become successful. He was a fatherly person for me when I lost all hopes on myself. Today you know me only because Ramesh saved me.”

“Did you think of killing yourself?”

“This thought never occurred to me. And Ramesh was a cleverer person, not academically, but in the case of life. He caught up this point and boosted me. Now I am the Senior Manager in Universal Robotics. 6years passed by and still….” Karthik broke down. He couldn’t control his emotions.

“Please control yourself Karthik. I can understand how you feel. Can I ask you something?”

“Mahantesh, when I told you you are my best friend, you have all the rights to know anything about me.”

“What happened to Kavya later?”

Karthik picked up his phone, made a call, put the loudspeaker on and showed me the screen. It said

Kavya S

Calling…

But I heard the operator say “You have been blocked by the user to make calls to the number”

I felt very bad for Karthik. He took his phone and showed me a contact in whatsapp

“KAVYA S”

There was no status, no last seen and no profile picture. He browsed his gallery and showed me a pic of a girl wearing a pink saree leaning to the wall with hairs left open. She looked very traditional and very beautiful too. Any guy would fall in love with such a girl and I couldn’t blame Karthik. I stood up from my chair, moved towards him, sat beside him and put my arms around and said,

“You are the bravest person I have ever met Karthik. I feel proud to have such a great friend like you. Well we should move now or the owner will kick us out.”

I stood up and tried to make him get up. He held my hand and spoke up, “What was my mistake? Why do you think she rejected me? Is loving someone truly the biggest crime?”