Chapter 36: Chapter 36

When I reached home my head was a giddy stomach full of butterflies. He said a quick goodbye and I was left wondering did he mean it? Being a man of few words much less romantic. His parting words to me were a very curt "I miss you". I wanted him to elaborate but unfortunately, it was already sunrise. I breathlessly said to call me later. He wasn't interested in calling considering he only got a phone to connect with me. We never chatted long on phone calls; he would simply ask me to come.

I was also surprised that he has quit his night job since he planned to take me out every night. I know how much Raja needed that job. I should feel guilty that I'm forcing him to quit. Instead, I feel elated that he gives me more priority than anything. The level of commitment from his side also kind of threw me off the balancing. Now I don't feel guilty all day daydreaming about him during classes.

The only bane of my life was Rocky who continued to take me to college. He was dancing around me by this time I got to know his never-ending crush towards me. I usually ignore it. I'm forced to acknowledge it only when Leila is around as a payback. I only cut it down when I see Raja then I would take a u-turn and go back to ignoring Rocky. I don't know what he makes out of my behaviour but he is very satisfied with me. Since there was a time I almost killed him with my bare hands.

Times have changed so have I no more waiting around for others fuck around instead I beat them at their own game. I know it sometimes hurts Raja to see me with Rocky but I had no choice but to do it. I know it would be two more years in college which means I would just have to stretch this game far. My chances were not so bright but that didn't dissuade me from taking them. Overall I was in love happier than ever before that even Rocky noticed it.

" You look happy today", he said. "Do I?", I asked in return. I gave him a fake smile and began to gobble the food. I didn't want to make Rocky suspicious with my frequent visits to the canteen. " As Rocky told me food there is shit", I would eat it happily if it meant I get to see Raja. "Aren't your exams over?" he asked me.  yes, it was a week ago I hardly studied anything due to the usual dramas of my life. But this time it concerned Raja so I had to deal with it. So I may not make good grades but I was confident to not have terrible ones.

When I reached college Rita was already there we discussed the weather and her boys. It appeared that she had kept her crush for Rocky's friend Aryan aside to go on a date with another guy. She wasn't excited, maybe it was because of his dentures which was the result of an accident. I wish she was interested in going instead of dating for the sake of it. He was a decent guy much more than I can say about Rocky's friend. Though they are nice to me I fear it was because of some kind of bro code. They think that I was a low life and didn't deserve his friend.

I wish I could tell them how disinterested I'm in their friend. Though they received me well on our first meeting the rest of our meetings were very much awkward. Even though I tried To be friendly. The class started and I started getting my grades. I was very hopeful. How can I explain my feelings if we ever take a lottery you already knew it wouldn't be you but the exact time of announcement you will feel that it was sure going to be you.

Something similar happened. Mine started with a nice b then it shifted to c and eventually I had a d. I was on scholarship not to mention the embarrassment I would cause to Rocky and his father, they may pull me out of college. I had fought with them to be here now. My foolishness caused me to go back where I belong. How I hated the world and everyone in it? Maybe not everyone I met except Raja.

I marched past the college doors to the canteen and looked for him. He was on a break so I went to the backside of the building which was a smoking area. I saw Raja standing with a book and I smiled between my tears. He saw me and sensed something wrong. He came and asked me about the matter.

He only smiled at this and said,"that's why you are crying because you had some bad grades". "Tell me any better reasons ", I asked him adamantly. " Well hunger for one is a reason you can cry for", he said. "Is it my fault that I'm not hungry "?I shot back at him. " Go and sit in the class", he cajoled me.

"No, I want you to take me out now", I said stubbornly. " I thought you had grown out of your brattiness", he said annoyingly. This made me really angry," Don't patronize me, I'm your girlfriend, not a 12 year old. I told him.

"But you do, you sound like one", he said with a small smile. " So you won't take a half day leave for me?", I asked him. "I will take many days off  ,for you. But only when you really need me. Go home and sleep it out brat. My break's over", that he sashayed past me. I got a phone call immediately. I looked at the screen and saw Rocky's face. It only added to my fury.

" What is it?'' I barked. "Hey, Rita informed me about the grades. I'm sorry", he said. " You don't have to, I'm fine",  I said. "Where are you"! he asked me. " I'm in front of the college gate,'' I said. The phone was cut before I could say anything. I sighed and checked for Uber. That's when I saw Rocky with his car. I was flabbergasted to see him outside at this hour. "Get inside", he commanded. '` What about your class and practice?", I asked him. "I don't care about both, in fact I'm thankful for you to save me from them", he said.

" You are wasting time", he said, paying for the seat beside him. I slowly opened the door and got inside and we sped away. I was thankful for the friend who I was missing all this time, unexpectedly he was back.