Love In Progress

It was her well-planned yet a sudden decision. One day, Smriti consumed in her thoughts, inspected and introspected herself; her past actions, her present responsibilities and her future endeavors. She had already completed her higher studies and was now looking for a job, most probably a private job, working nine hours a day and earning a little bit! But she decided not to go for it. On the advice of others and through her self-discovery, she has found one more gateway and thus she decided to try once her luck, to study more and why not join some coaching for jobs that are government. The plan thus made, search began and in no time, she was at her destination.

Sitting among the class of three-hundred, a studious and an innocent girl, Smriti was occupied with herself on the very first day. Aloof and alone, she very sincerely devoted herself to her work. The atmosphere though was really different, a little bit of cranky people, along with some really intelligent slot, Smriti found it really strange but she has to adjust no matter what. So, the days kept on passing and she too found some friends. Since, at a place where you know none, any person sitting beside you becomes “known” and a little chatter too is required in too long a class. Day by day hence, her situation really prospered but alas! She could only find like-minded people, but friends still we can say.

Until one fortunate day, she met a girl named Jyoti and along with her it was a group of five more people. Smriti was amazed, completely in wonder, for a girl like her had never ever sat on the last benches of her school room even. The sincere and the most disciplined girl, has thus found a slot completely opposite- these people were really cool, no tension, used to crack jokes in between but also when it came to study, nobody could beat them. Jyoti thus actually brought light into Smriti’s life, for she was only living in a monotonous and a fixed style. The fun has just begun then! Her excitement now knows no bounds, for now she is elated when she enters the classroom and also leaves smilingly, without any stress and any worries.

Now after spending almost a month with these people, Smriti thought she knew each one of them, she thought that they all were really good friends, which they were no doubt, but….

But within that group, there was a boy who secretly admired and liked her and even without thinking once, he had already revealed his feelings to not to Smriti but to all others. How strange does it sound? No? but it is true, for he claimed that he has an “eagle’s” eye and thus could clearly visualize what other’s want to hide. And thus, Smriti was in a trap which she has not yet realized.

Like two friends, both of them talked for hours until one day Smriti fell ill. And now the story takes a different twist- it was at this time that she felt something, she felt some strange and some unknown kind of feeling, she felt a new kind of emotion which she had never experienced before, but still ignorant of his feelings, Smriti thought it as just a friend’s concern. For, Alankrit (the boy) couldn’t resist himself, unable to see her deteriorating condition, he was in more pain than her. It was more than friendship of course, since he not only scolded her for not taking any medicines but simultaneously cared for her a lot! Well, it may sound childish but that what Love makes one!

And finally, that night arrived, when he confessed his feelings to her and in no time, Smriti too, not hesitated even once, and even she disclosed her feelings to him. For, it was a relationship from both sides from the very first day, only difference being one openly accepted it, the other in secret, to herself only! And now what, neither of them could stop themselves from talking to each other- texting from Good morning to bidding Goodnights, both of them shared their feelings, their experiences, their perspectives and their thoughts to each other.

For Smriti it was a completely different experience, she without even realizing what was happening, just went with the flow. Alankrit, on the other hand was smart indeed, his past experiences and mistakes had taught him much and thus it is now that he claims he truly likes her. Theirs was a beautiful relation indeed, both now knew each other well and also understood each other. And now was the time to take this relationship even forward.

One day, the whole group decided to bunk the classes, as they all wanted to explore and travel, but the most elated were whom? Of course, Alankrit and Smriti. This was the one liking similar to both- both couldn’t rest at home and love to travel and learn and research. The group thus went for an outing- travelling from ‘Bangla sahib’, to ‘Agrasen ki baoli’ and ending up in a café, that was really a very memorable day.

Day by day, as the time was passing, new kinds of emotions and feelings were sweeping through. The classroom was becoming more of a kind of a comfort zone, wherein if not studying, she had someone to look to. For one glance, just one glance was enough to melt her heart down. He too was no less, intentionally teasing her at times, he too always ensure to sit by her side. The whole group still in doubt, well the truth known only to them. The situation thus was taking an interesting leap.

And now, the essential meeting took place, Smriti took him to her favourite place. The memories exchanged, along with few notorious glances, the imagination too was running alongside. What if, he held her hand that day? What if even she wanted to do the same? But since it was the first such date, both remained quiet and failed to initiate! But,f indeed it was a very beautiful day for both of them.

But this was just the start, for the life wanted to give them many more chances and well it did give them too. Another such date was fixed soon but this time with the whole group. Yes, they all decided to go for a movie but you might have guessed the coming overview. True, they both sat together and the imagination too turned to reality, for the two different hands were finally together, touching each other, feeling each other’s senses and nerves. Ahhhh! That was a wonderful experience for both. Smriti couldn’t stop smiling, kept on blushing and Alankrit kept on looking and admiring her. 

Sometimes, they do fight and like a very serious one but no one can argue for a longer time, for this little bit of tit-bit is also necessary for a healthy and blossoming lifestyle. The classroom thus became much more bearable now – the fun missing in Smriti’s life, now came with the coming of Alankrit. Everything seemed so beautiful and nice; happiness was all around!

Well, no, not still! The story needs a further ear, for one more meeting was fixed- the first official date! He brought food, made from his own hand for her and both travelled together for long. The toast was amazing, really yummy, for more than the ingredients, they were rather filled with immense love and care. Then they went for a drink in a nearby café. And herein comes the best part- the beautiful ambience, along with her favourite person, Smriti was on the cloud nine. Hand-in-hand along with a little more closeness, the two hours they spent were priceless. Both clueless from where to start, still they had numerous stories and things to whisper. Herein, finally happened their first kiss along with a needed hug indeed! Preserving these small moments, both of them were collecting memories which they surely will cherish for lifetime. 

The meeting thus ended really soon but not their talks, for even at nights the two didn’t leave their phones. From messaging, to calling and even trying video calling, both were madly in love. The emotions were running really wild from both the sides and none was able to hide. Smriti has completely fallen for him- his thoughts, his perspective, each and everything about him made her love him even more each day. Alankrit on the other hand too was consumed in her sway- her smile was his favourite, loved ethnic dresses on her and sometimes when she comes decked up (which happens rarely), he just couldn’t let his eyes off her! The way he looks completely melts Smriti, she just keeps on blushing and shies away.

Well, there were some moments of sorrow too- for it was the day of Smriti’s birthday and she came to know that he will not be able to be with her. Deep down she really felt hurt, really very sad but Alankrit too was not at all happy; he too wanted to be with her but responsibilities are more important and necessary to perform and she has to let him go. These moments of separation really makes one strong and makes one understand the value of people in their lives and thus both could experience that angst and the pain which they very soon might be to endure for ever. But as one famous line goes: “You are on the path of amazing journeys, don’t settle for destinations”- both of them thus just went with the flow, hence not ruining their present by unnecessarily overthinking about the future.

Well, the story cannot be ended, it can have no end still, for none have found their destinations yet. The journey together is still going on, and may be who knows what is in store in future for them? May be some of their wishes and dreams might come true and may be some might just be left, locked up in their hearts forever. Who knows where lies their destiny? But the only certain thing between them was their love for each other- Smriti being shy sometimes is unable to disclose her real feelings but through her passion of writing revealed her each and every emotions to him and Alankrit needed no such tool, for he is an open-minded person and claims to carry the whole “saar” of the world within him!