The Boundaries

Its 8:15 in the morning and the bus stop is crowded with school children and the employees. Her bus is on time and luckily she found an empty seat. She sat in the empty seat and her cell phone started ringing

“Hello” “Where are you Nisha” “Am already halfway I will be there in 15mins” “Am waiting” “I don’t have a boyfriend like you Swathi to pick me up and to drop me” “Ok Nisha stop it am waiting near the parking” “Why parking?” “Raghav,Manoj and me every one are hear at the parking so you come here and no more questions” “Ok bye” “Bye”

1tst day of college is always exciting and when you have your best friends with you then it’s more exciting. Nisha got down from the bus and went inside the college. By seeing her friends in the parking lot she went towards the lot. “Hi guys’’ “Hi Nisha, again you and Swathi are in my class am bored of you’’ Raghav teased both the girls. “Even we are bored, why did you choose photography, I never thought…….” “Yeah, like you are interested in taking selfie’s and you called that a photography” “Stop it” Manoj interupted when Nisha and Raghav are arguing. “Shall we go to class” “Yes”

The 1st week of college was normal with introductions and making new friends. Next week started the labs. “Hi am Wazir” Nisha turned back when she heard a voice. He has a very attractive face with beautiful cat eyes. “Hi….Nisha” said she after staring him for few seconds. ”Am your lab partner” she just gave him a smile. As it’s a 1st day they didn’t talk much. After 3hours of lab “Who is your lab partner Swathi’’ “He is ok…..leave that, tell me about yours he looked handsome” she said excitingly. “I heard that Swathi” Manoj said with a jealous tone. “Am just asking Manoj” and she gave him a cute smile. “Oh jealous boy friend” Nisha winked. “Don’t worry Manoj he won’t look at this two and Nishu you…….” “Oh really Raghav”

Next day Nisha was late to college so she directly went into the lab. “Hi” “Hi” “Don’t worry Nisha I have set everything” Wazir said showing the setup in front of them “Oh great” she turned back and she waved to her friends who are other side of the lab. “Did the sir said anything” “No nothing” that’s it he said nothing, she said nothing and the lab continued.

The days are passing. Nisha, Swathi, Raghav , Manoj were enjoying in each other’s company. They are childhood friends so they didn’t bother to mingle with others. In class they were together, in canteen they were together, only in lab they were teamed with different people. Other than work Nisha never spoke to Wazir. They completed their 1st year but still, they are strangers.

After a month of vacation they all came back to college. Its 2nd year course so the schedule is more of practical’s then theory. Nisha and her friends are not together this year as per work assignments “Hi Nisha how are you?” “Am good Wazir how are you?” “Good how was your holidays?” “Great. What is the assignment today?” they started working with cameras. After working for 2hours and sitting silently for an hour she started talking to Wazir. Nisha didn’t had choice other than Wazir, in the absence of her friends. “What did you do in the holidays Wazir” “I went sightseeing” “Where?” “Charminar, Golconda……” “What…. do you call this sightseeing?” “Yeah this……” “Where are you from” she asked immediately by seeing his face “Am from Punjab P……” “Oh k…….so how is Hyderabad?” “It’s good” “Obviously it’s my city” Nisha said proudly “You have a dimple smile” he said looking at her “Huh……” “I mean you have dimples and your smile is very cute” “Thanks Wazir” she said with a blush pink cheeks.

Its lunch time Nisha went to canteen to meet her friends “Hey did you know Wazir said that my smile is cute” with the same blushy pink face she said. “Offooo Nishu………” “What…? Did he loose his eye sight in a vacation” Raghav started teasing her “Raghav……” “Her smile is cute Raghav” “But Swathi……..” “Yeah Raghav even I go with both the girls Nisha has a cute smile” “Did u got it I have a cute smile, now go and check your eyesight”

Next week, evening after the college Swathi called Nisha “Hello” “Nishu” Yeah Swathi” “Am not coming tomorrow” “Why……is anything wrong?” “Am not feeling well” “what happened? Are you ok?.….Are you……” “Nishu stop asking questions, now you listen to me” “ok ok….what happened?” “Nothing just body pains” “Ok take rest” “Ok don’t forget the proxy” “I won’t Swathi bye” “Bye”

Next day she gave her attendance and waiting for Swathis turn. When professor called Swathi, Nisha gave a proxy. “Nisha get up and get out” “Sir but…..” “I know Swathi is on leave today so you get out’ “Sir” “No arguments Nisha” she felt so bad when she looked at Raghav and Manoj, both were laughing at her. She was so angry and went out of the class. She went to library and she was so upset and angry not because of her professor but because of her friends who laughed.

“Nishu……you were here. We were searching for you in the whole college” “Shut up both of you don’t make me angrier” “What did we do w…..” “Come on Manoj don’t act so innocently” “Nishu you should know that he is the same professor from the lab, he will know right he noticed there” “Then why didn’t you say Raghav” “I thought you won’t give proxy……” “And we didn’t even know that you were this intelligent” Raghav teased while Manoj explaining her “Shut up” she got up “Where are you going?” “Don’t care now Manoj” “Nishu……” “Bye Raghav” she said so furiously and went to meet the professor. When she went there Wazir was waiting at the professor’s cabin. “Hey where……” “Get lost” she didn’t even look into his face and went inside the cabin. After 5mins when she came out of the cabin the drizzling started and she was about to go out of the building the drizzling turned in to a heavy down pour. She waited for 45 minutess and it’s still raining. She couldn’t wait anymore so she headed towards the bus stop and she was fully drenched in rain. She was waiting for the bus and the phone rang “Hello” “Where are you Nishu?” “Waiting for the bus mom” “Did you try for the cab?” “Yeah but they are all booked” “Shall I try…..” “Mom I will come” “Ok be careful call me once you get into the bus” “Ok bye”.

After waiting for an hour Nisha realized that it’s getting dark. She was cold, sad, hungry and all alone, with all this mixture of feelings she looked at her watch and she was about to cry then she heard the bus horn, without waiting for a second she ran into the bus. Its only 20min drive from the college to her home, but that’s not going to happen today because of rain and traffic. “Water” she turned back and saw Wazir with a water bottle. “Thanks” she took the bottle “Am sorry Wazir” “Why?” he was surprised. “In the college that was rude…….” “Oh that’s ok Nisha” “My mood is not at all good” “Happens that’s ok” “Today it’s really bad, that stupid professor thrown me out of the class, this rain, am cold, am hungry” “This face doesn’t suite you at all come on cheer up now you will be home soon” he tried to cheer her by looking at her sad face. “Hmmm…….by the way what are you doing here” “Going home” “Where do you stay Wazir?” “Koti” “Oh I stay at Nampally” “I know Nisha we both travel in the same bus daily” “Really I never noticed Wazir” “I know” he gave a small smile. Finally she reached her stop. “Do you want me to come with you” he asked while Nisha is getting up from the seat “ut you have to go home its late and it’s raining” Iit’s only 10mins from here I think you know you city” “Yes” she smiled. “That suits you come on lets go”. It’s just a 5min walk and he walked with her.

“We thought you left Nisha even Raghav checked” “I went to meet professor Manoj” “Can’t you call Nishu” “Raghav leave it by the way I called Wazir for lunch” “Lunch……?.” “Manoj and Raghav both gave a surprised, shocked expression. “Yeah she called, he helped her so she should call” Swathi supported Nisha. “Stop supporting her” “Then you stop arguing with her Raghav” “Guys are we going for lunch or not” Nisha said while Raghav and Swathi are arguing.

Lunch time in the canteen “Hi” “Hi Wazir” Swathi smiled “Thanks.……yesterday you really…..” “That’s ok Raghav she is my friend” “But thank you” “Welcome Manoj and shall we eat”. From that day Wazir started to have lunch with them. He is trying to fit in the group everyone accepted him except Raghav. Raghav didn’t say anything as Nisha and others accepted him but he was always uncomfortable with the Wazir presence.

‘’Hey come on lets go’’ Nisha said “Where?” Wazir asked with a question mark face. “To the parking lot everyone are waiting there” “Why?” “India - Pakistan match started already” Nisha said with so much enthusiasm. “So” “So……you are saying so” “Yeah it’s just a match and you said like…….” “I don’t want to waste my time by arguing with you am going” she ran like a missile. He followed her to the parking lot.

Half of the college was there already everyone watching the game in their cell phones. Both of them joined with their friends “Where are you Nisha you just missed a fantastic 6” “Really…..it’s just because of him” Nisha pointed to Wazir when Raghav asked her. “This time it’s going to be tough fight even Pakistani’s have new players” Manoj said “So what we are going to win” Nisha replied. “Did you see the last match Nisha the bowlers are really good” “oh really Wazir” she said sarcastically and continued “Pakistan never won against India in any world cup, that’s history and history is going to repeat” Nisha announced proudly and everybody followed her by saying “Yes…yeah true”. Match is going on everybody are watching so seriously “287 that’s a good score we are going to win” Swathi said “We will win, that stupid country never wins” “Hey why are you going against the country” Wazir interrupted “Because its enemy country that’s why” “It’s a game Nisha you have to be fair you should……” “I won’t be fair when its Pakistan because they are never fair and remember Wazir it’s not a game it’s a WAR.” She stressed the word “Why are you supporting Pakistan” Swathi asked Wazir. “Yeah even I don’t understand why are you supporting the other team” “Because it is a game and they are playing good but Nisha you are going against the country” “Come on Nisha concentrate on match its going to start” Raghav changed the topic

After 50overs India won the match. Everyone are celebrating by dancing, shouting. “Hey what’s wrong with you” Nisha asked Wazir by seeing his not so happy face. “Nothing” he replied normally. “We won the match let’s celebrate” “You are already celebrating” “Yeah….” “Bye I have work…..” “Nisha” Raghav took her aside “What Raghav?” “Are you crazy why are you talking to him so much? Didn’t you notice his face, he is sad because of the match” “I don’t think so” she gave a sec pause and He is Muslim that’s why you are thinking……..” “Shut up Nishu who is my best friend?’’ “Afzal” she answered him “It’s not the Muslim thing but he is not happy” she saw him with a confusing face. “Nishu am saying you again keep distance I don’t trust that cat eyes” while this two are talking Wazir waved his hand bye and went off.

Wazir was looking for Nisha and others. He couldn’t find anyone. After searching for half hour he found Swathi in the parking lot. “Hi Swathi” “Hi Wazir” “am looking for you guys where’s Nisha, Manoj……..” “Nisha is over there” Swathi pointed to her where she is talking to some of the class mates. “Raghav and Manoj are checking their bikes” “You are close to each other right” “Yeah Wazir very close me, Nisha, Raghav we are friends from ages, we met Manoj in college” “That’s great.”

It’s August and the festival season started. The very next day of vinayaka chavthi festival Nisha and Swathi bought sweets to college. “Manoj this is for you” Swathi gave a box full of sweets to him. “Thanks Swathi and say thanks to aunty” Nisha also gave him a box of sweets. “Where are my sweets you both are giving to him” Raghav complained. “That’s the benefit of staying in hostel Raghav” Manoj said with a wink. “I bought other dabba Raghav” “then open it Nishu” she opened the box and gave sweets to him and Wazir. “Take one more Wazir” “They are very tasty” “These are my mom’s special sweets, want some more” “No enough” “That’s k take it” and she gave all the sweets to Wazir. “Nishu am here” Raghav gave a serious look. “Come on Raghav take from Swathi even she bought” “Really Nishu” the look is still the same on his face. “I will bring some more tomorrow, only for you” “You better bring them Nishu” “Nisha that’s ok you give him” “No problem Wazir I will bring tomorrow” “No its……” “Don’t act now shut up and take the sweets” “Ok” “By the way are we going to Khairtabad tomorrow” “Yes Swathi we are going” “Will you come with us Wazir?” When Nisha asked him Raghav pulled her aside by holding her hand. “Why are you calling him?” “No Raghav it’s…….” “Guys” Swathi sighed by pointing to Wazir with her eyes. Raghav left her hand. “No Nisha you guys carry on I have work’’ Wazir said by seeing all this.

‘’Wazir….Wazir” Nisha called him while he was leaving the class. “Yeah Nisha” “Don’t mine, actually Raghav is in bad mood so…….” “That’s ok” “You can come I will talk to him” “No tomorrow is Friday I need to go to maszid” “Oh ok then bye but don’t mine about Raghav he is…..” “I won’t ok” “Ok bye” “

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Bye”. That’s the thing about Nisha she always cares about her friends.

After some days “guy’s news yesterday……” “I saw, 3 soldiers were killed in Kashmir right” Swathi completed Nisha’s sentence. “I felt really sad” “Yeah soldiers job is really tough” when Wazir is saying Nisha stood up “Why always our soldiers should die why can’t that Pakistan’s soldiers die” “Even Pakistan soldiers die Nisha” “Am not asking you Wazir and I don’t understand our government, we have such a military power why can’t we drop a huge bomb on that country” “It’s not that easy Nisha there are some rules set for the country” “What rules Manoj if am the prime minister I will definitely drop an atom bomb on that country” when Nisha said Wazir looked at her seriously and said “Mashallah such a pretty face and so much hatred” “Yeah I hate it everyone hates Pakistan… Swathi” Nisha pointed her “Of course I hate it” the normal talk became a serious conversation “Not 1 I will drop 3 to 4 atom bombs” “Diwali atom bombs” by observing the situation Raghav said with a teasing smile. Everyone laughed and the hot serious atmosphere became normal again. “What?” “You are such a coward Nishu, you don’t even lit a cracker on diwali and you want to drop atom bomb” “That’s because am against air pollution” Nisha looked at Raghav and said “and that day Manoj you remember? She was scared by a little puppy” “Yeah I remember” “she wanted to become a prime minister” “That’s a street dog you idiot” “You know what she will do if she become a prime minister?” “She will declare holiday on her birthday” Swathi said with a big smile when Raghav asked. “Ha laugh everybody I hate you all”.

It was lunch break and everyone were in canteen. “Do you know annual day is on 23rd of this month” Manoj said. “Really who said?” Nisha asked “It was on notice board didn’t you see” “Shit this 23rd I can’t come” Swathi interrupted Raghav. “What’s with you, you were waiting for this annual day from past month” “Yeah Nishu my cousins are coming that day and you know my dad” “I don’t know Swathi I have already planned for us” “You don’t worry Manoj she will come” Nisha winked.

Everyone started preparing for the college day from a week before. There were dances, skits, dramas.

On the day of party “Dad said to come home by 8” “It’s only 6 Swathi stop nagging from now” Manoj complained. “And you be with us stop going here and there” “What do you mean by that Raghav” Nisha asked seriously. ”Don’t go to Wazir” “Raghav why now…..” “Because he is here Swathi and this girl will definitely call him” everyone looked at the door and there is Wazir. Both Nisha and Swathi waved too him and then he came to them. Raghav became so furious and gave a serious look to both the girls. “Hi Wazid” “Hi everyone you both look beautiful” he said looking at both the girls. “Dude she is my girl” Manoj said by putting a hand on Swathi’s shoulder. “No I mean…..I just……” everyone laughed

The programs were going on. Some are dancing, some are having food everyone are enjoying. “How many selfies do you take” Raghav asked both the girls as they were clicking selfies from past half hour. “Last one Raghav by the way what’s the time” “It’s 8:15” “Oh my god I need to leave my dad will kill me” Swathi hurried “Wait eat something and go” “No Nishu I should go now, Manoj come on drop me” “Ok madam lets go see you on Monday, bye” “Bye” “Even I will leave now” “Why Raghav” “I have to meet Afzal I need to go I said you Nishu” “Yeah” “Come on lets go” “Why me? I will stay for sometime” “Yeah she will stay” Wazir interupted “No what she will do here ‘alone’”. “Yeah I will go” Nisha said when Raghav stressed the word alone by looking into her eyes. “Ok then I will drop you” “No Raghav I will book cab” “It’s 8:30 Nishu” “That’s why am booking a cab, you should meet Afzal go” “Are you sure” “100% sure I will call you after going home” “Ok did you book the cab” “Yeah look” Nisha showed her phone. “Ok bye don’t forget to call” “Bye bye” Raghav went and Nisha said bye to Wazir and started walking

“Wait I will come with you till the gate” “Ok Wazir” “Raghav hates me right especially when am with you” “No it’s not like that Wazir he is very protective about me and Swathi. Did you see anytime, Raghav talking with me properly he always teases me but he cares me more than Swathi” “Whatever may be the reason Nisha he doesn’t like me” “He talks harshly Wazir but he is very good at heart” “He is your friend you will support him” “Of course I will, can we change the topic” “Ok you are looking beautiful” “Thank you” “Did you eat?” “Yeah I had snacks and the juice is still sticking on my hands” “Do you need a hanky?” “Yes” she said with a smile. When he is taking hanky from the pocket his wallet dropped. Immediately Nisha took the wallet from the ground and she stood like a statue for a second by looking at the wallet. “Nisha…..hello Nisha” “Why is it in your wallet?” she asked him by pointing to the Pakistani’s flag. “Because am Pakistani” when she heard him everything around her went blur. She couldn’t see anything and couldn’t hear anything. There was a sudden shiver through out her body an she dropped the wallet. Wazir took the wallet from ground “Nisha what happened” when he tried to touch her she moved back. “Do….don’t ki…..” she stammered. “What?” “Don’t kill me” and she ran towards the entrance. She was so scared that she didn’t even cared what’s happening around her. Her heartbeat raised like a 1000 horse power. Wazir was calling her but she didn’t care. All the words she said and all the conversations they had are flashing in front of her. Luckily cab was waiting for her and she got into the cab. Whole ride she only thought about Wazir and she was so scared.

After going home Nisha called Raghav. “Hello Raghav” “You reached home” “I want to talk to you” “ I will you after 10mins” “No I want to talk to you now” “What happened?” he asked Nisha after listening to her tensed voice. “Wazir is Pakistani” “What are you….k…where are you” now the tension is in his voice. “Home” “How did you know?” “I saw a Pakistani flag in his wallet and asked him he said……” “Are you ok did he do anything t……” “No am fine” after listening the word fine he was a bit relaxed. “I said you Nishu I said you like 1000 times that to keep distance from him but you never listen to me you……..” he started shouting on her in the phone. This time she didn’t say anything she quietly listened to Raghav. “From now you are not talking to him Nishu” “Hmmm……” “You ask the professor to change the lab partner” “Ok Raghav” “Now go to sleep goodnight” “Goodnight”. She also said to Manoj and Swathi and they were as shocked as her.

Monday they went early to college to talk to professor about the change in Nisha’s lab partner. They couldn’t say he is a Pakistani so they made many excuses. But the professor didn’t listen to any of their excuse. “Guys its waste of time let her be with him” “Are you crazy Swathi” “ Raghav am” “You are crazy” “Listen Manoj” “What Swathi?” “We will be around her so we will monitor her and this is college, if we behave like this and ask about the lab partner change one more time it will be a big rumour” “So……” “Manoj you are saying so……guys think of it and when did you guys started hating Pakistan so much?” “It’s not about the country Swathi I don’t like him and that cat eyes” “Oh come on Raghav don’t be……” “Swathi even I don’t like you talking about him” “Oh fine do whatever you want” Swathi answered when Manoj said. “Does he look like a terrorist?” everyone looked at her when Nisha said suddenly. “What?” “I don’t know Swathi all this days……” she looked tense. Raghav came to her and sat beside her “Don’t be scared Nishu, am here he can’t hurt you” “Yeah Nishu he is not a terrorist don’t worry we all are here ok, now cheer up” “Ok Swathi”

Wazir started searching for Nisha from the entrance of the college itself. When he entered the lab he was surprised to see her in their regular place as he knows her hatred towards his country. “hi” she didn’t respond and she stood with a huge gap between them like 2 to 3 people can fill the gap. Then he understood that she is giving him a silent punishment. He is trying to talk to her but she is not giving him a chance. The only communication is a stare with different kind of emotions in it. It’s been a week and he is tired with her behavior

“Today at any cost am going to talk to her” Wazir said to himself. When Nisha was going to the library alone he noticed that and followed her. “Nisha” when she was about to go he blocked her way with his hands. She was between him and the books rack. She was so scared and her eyes filled with tears. He removed his hands. “Nisha please don’t cry Nisha don’t” “Let me go” “I came here to talk that’s it, don’t me scared please” she didn’t stop crying. The tears were rolling down on her cheeks. “Fine fine go but don’t cry” she wiped her tears and ran out of the library. She thought of telling her friends but again thought of Raghav and Manoj and decided to stay calm.

Wazir couldn’t bare the treatment Nisha is giving him. He couldn’t bear that hatred feeling in her look. Nisha and her friends were the only friends he had in the whole college. They ignored him but he tried to be nice to them. Specially Nisha, she was the first person who cared him and who talked to him first in the college. He knows that she is a kind hearted person so he didn’t stop trying to talk to her.

After 2days “ Nisha I need to talk….Nisha” she didn’t listen to him. “Please Nisha just 5mins” he almost begged her. She looked at him “5mins Wazir” he was so happy. “Thanks am…..” “Not here evening in the bus” she cut him in the middle. “Ok”

Evening in the bus stop Nisha said that she will talk to him but she was scared. She sat in the bus. “Hi” Nisha didn’t reply him back. “Why are u scared?” Wazir asked by looking at her. The nervousness is clearly on her face. “Nisha…?” “Because you are Pakistani” “All Pakistani’s are not bad” “Yes they are it’s a terrorist country” “Am not… you can’t judge Nisha” “I can, I know” “What do you know only because of few people you can’t say the whole country is bad. All the people are normal like you, like India here……” “Don’t compare my country with yours” she said with a very harsh tone. “Am not comparing Nisha every country has pros and cons. Are all the people in your country are good? There is crime everywhere in this whole world” Nisha sat silently. “Does nothing happen here like murders, bomb blasts……” “Yeah Wazir happens that too because of you people. How can anyone forget the Bonbay attack?” she again raised her voice. “Calm down Nisha 95% people are innocent like you only 5% are criminals if…….” “Don’t bluff me with this math Wazir, 70% are criminals only 30% are normal people who are killed by this criminals. So no innocent people left.” Nisha explained her theory. “Ok Wazir if you country is good why did you come here for studies.” “Even your country is good Nisha why you people are going to USA and other western countries” she became pause for a second. Nisha didn’t expect this question from him. After a minute “because we are greedy my country provides us 100% but we need 101%, so we go thinking that the other country provides us 101% but it doesn’t and it’s not like your country which doesn’t provide you the 50% basic needs.” “You just filled your mind with hatred Nisha, ok fine you know nothing about my country so I will stop it, but you know about me since 2years we are friends.” “I don’t know may be you lied to me all this time” Wazir was so calm and explained her very patiently, but now he lost all his patience. “Mashallah I always thought you are beautiful even now I say you are the most beautiful person I have ever seen but you are so stubborn Nisha and stop being so ridiculous, it’s really waste of time explaining all this…..you…..” “Then don’t” she said and got out of the bus.

“You said all this to him” Manoj asked after Nisha explained the conversation between her and Wazir. “I think he loves you” “Stop it Swathi” Raghav said seriously “Sorry but he didn’t say anything” “Because we are in bus and there are people all around” “Don’t you think he is good Nisha” “Are you supporting him Manoj” “No never just saying” “I don’t know whether he is good or not but this girls are maintaining their distance that’s all matters for me” Raghav said happily.

Next day in the college Wazir didn’t try to talk to Nisha and she didn’t try to talk to Wazir. 2days passed in a silent atmosphere. “Hi Nisha” Wazir couldn’t resist him talking to her. Nisha looked at him and ignored him.

Nisha is thinking about him. Every day she tries to avoid him but he talks to her with a great smile. After the discussion between them in the bus the opinion on him has changed a bit. She said him so much, she didn’t trust him but he always treated her with a great respect. Her heart said that he is a good person but her hatred towards his country is not letting her to believe in him.

Like everyday he saw her and said “Hi Nisha” with the same smile. As usually she turned to him but today she gave him a cute bright big smile. She extended her hand for a hand shake and “Hi Nisha, Indian” “Hi Wazir, Pakistani”

This time she crossed the boundary of her hatred and humanity in her heart won.