Chapter 16

CHAPTER 15

                   

 

                       Arriving at the college, the siblings parted their ways, Niyati had to go meet VP sir u promised she would wait for Swayam in the Lobby, while he dashed off to his first class. Meeting with VP sir was as expected. After welcoming her to the college, he told that he expected her to follow her siblings' footsteps. Swayam had proven his mettle at dancing and Taani had done wonders as the GS while she was at St. Louis. He did not hide his surprise when Niyati chose to deviate from her siblings' choice and take up Science instead of Commerce. Winding up the meeting, VP sir explained the rules and regulations and wishing her the very best, escorted her out with instructions to see the administrative department and get her timetable and other paperwork.

 

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                              Meanwhile, as soon as Swayam made an appearance in the class, the whole gang looked at him, around him and behind him in hopes of finding Niyati. Completely baffled at this behavior Swayam asked everyone, "Guys? Kya hua hai? Tum log kuch dhoond rahe ho?"

 

"Arre yaar! Ye hamesha galat sawaal kyun poochta hai?" Vicky asked irritated.

"Kuch nahin mat pooch..ye pooch kise dhoond rahe hain?" Bharat replied.

"Okay. Kise dhoond rahe ho?"  Swayam obeyed, completely bewildered.

"Teli behen to!"

"Huh? Neeti ko kyun? Aur milti chahiye thi kya?" Swayam teased.

"Woh college aayi nahin kya aaj?"  Rini enquired.

"Waah bhai waah!"  Swayam faked being hurt when he was actually pleased within to find out his sister was off to a good start with his friends "Kal ki aayi huyi meri behen ke saamne saalon ke is dost ki koi value nahin?! Kya yahi din dekhna reh gaya tha!"

"Abbe nautanki ki dukaan! Kitni overacting karta hai! Maana ACS hai who kam hai kya, jo aur atyachaar kar raha hai?" Rey teased back

"Tu batayega te nahin  te woh kahan hai?"

"Acha baba! VP sir se milne gayi hai. First day na! waise, tum logon ka concern dekh kar aankh bhar aayi meri!", Swayam rubbed an imaginary tear away.

"Neha! Beware haan? Lagta hai Swayam ne poori tayyari karli hai tumhe Drama Queen ke post se replace karne ki!" Simi joked. She didn't realize Vicky was within earshot and hearing Neha's name, a pang of sadness coursed through him. Ever since Neha came back after wrapping up her movie, Vicky found the chasm between them had yawned into a never-ending abyss. He didn't deny that it was his decision to break up with her that set the balls rolling and he definitely didn't envy her success. Neha was a talented girl, this much he knew from the moment she won the Freestyle event at Dance Camp. But sometimes, when sleep escaped him, he wondered what life would be with Neha by his side.

"Right you telling. Jab se Niyati coming, Swayam doing more and more drama!"Neha replied back excitedly.

 

Vicky regained his bearings and all kept chatting amongst themselves when a peon came in informing them that VP sir wanted to see them immediately. Wondering what it was about this time, they moved out of the class. On their way, they met Niyati, who apparently was coming back from the administration section.

 "Yaar Niyati, aisa kya panga kardiya tumne aate hi? Jo tumse milte hi VP sir ne hum sabki attendance lagwa di?" Nil asked jokingly

Swayam had just opened his mouth to defend his little sister when Niyati replied "Pange lena toh aap sabki speciality hai. Is mein aapko meri zaroorat nahin hai. You all are quite efficient on your own."

 

The entire gang began their Ooos and Aaahhhs. But the one person who was shocked most of all, was Swayam. He actually didn't expect her to reply back. And what a reply that was. Nil was still red with embarrassment. Sliding over to his sister's side, he said, "Neeti, tu canteen jakar hamara wait kar. Hum bas abhi sir se milkar aate hain. Right se corridor ko follow kar, end mein canteen mil jayega. Okay?"

Niyati nodded in affirmative. Swayam followed the gang, remembered something and called her out. She turned and raised her eyebrows questioningly. "Tera phone hai na paas mein?" Niyati sighed in exasperation, fished out her phone from her bag and waved it at him. Swayam gave a thumbs up and jogged after the team.

 

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                              "Well, first of all, let me congratulate you all!" VP Sir said. "You all have reached the final leg of your academic journey. Aaj se 1 saal baad you all will graduate from this college and step into the real world. I am very proud of each and everyone of you."

"Thank you sir", they all said in unison.

 

"Personally, is batch ko goodbye kehte huye mujhe sabse zyada dukh hoga. But we will cross the bridge when we get there. Right now, aap jaante hai ke naya academic year shuru ho chuka hai and your juniors have arrived. Swayam, I just met your sister. Very charming and brilliant."

Swayam puffed up a bit on hearing that. "Thank you sir"

Vicky whispered in Nil's ear "iska matlab Niyati ne kuch nahin kiya.phir bulaya kyun?" Nil who was already bruised from Niyati's reply gave him a look and told him to shut up.

"Toh as senior most students of this college, aapki duty banti hai ke aap naye students ko welcome kare," VP sir continued. "Basically, I want you all to organize a Freshers' event while showcasing different clubs and activities we have in our college. I will take care of Academic courses. If you all are up for it, you can have a couple of dances too."

A big smile lit up all their faces, exactly the reaction VP sir had expected. "Good, so now that you all are pumped up, kuch serious instructions bhi aapko de doon. I want a strict Anti-Ragging Committee formed, jo har tarah ki ragging ko prevent kare. Sharon", she straightened up, "as GS, by default aap is committee ki head hai and you will report to me any untoward activities." His gaze rested for a few seconds on Rey and Rey could swear that VP sir was recalling the food fight' almost a year ago.

 

                    Strange thought Rey, since Niyati's arrival, the universe has been conspiring to bring up Taani at every possible turn. Either he keeps thinking about her or someone mentions her or something reminds him of her, but she has been on his mind...constantly.

 

Precap: Rey gives Niyati a tour of college

 [NOCOPY]

[MEMBERSONLY]