Thank you for all your comments. And for the new readers, I am thankful you are liking my FF. I love you all.😛

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PART 23

He stormed to his cabin. He started pacing to and fro in his cabin in a fury, thinking about the recent handshake that he had just witnessed. He picked up a paper weight.

Vardaan: (Thinking) "How can she? How dare he...touch her? His two friends popped up..."

Angel: "Hey, what happened?"

Demon: "Since when have you become blind? Didn't you see Sanyukta and that guy shaking hands?"

Angel: "So? So what? Since when has your thinking become so regressive? Doesn't Vardaan talk to his female colleagues? And that guy is her new classmate...sooner or later, she had to talk to him."

Demon: "Talking is different and laughing, chit chatting and hitting hi-fives and having a good time is different. Did you see how that hot new guy was leaving no chance to touch her? Did you see his biceps? According to me, he's handsome. I think you should do something about it, Vardaan."

He threw the paper weight in rage. It was time for his lecture. He proceeded towards the first semester class. On the way, he passed by Sanyukta's class. He saw that the new guy was sitting next to Sanyukta. They were constantly giggling and he was saying some sweet nothings to her, which she was enjoying. His blood boiled at this. He just ignored thinking that whoever she spends time with, is none of his business.

Days passed by. Sanyukta and Randhir got along with each other very well. Their way of thinking was the same. Randhir had made friends in the class with Sanyukta's help of course. They used to have fun during all their experiments and yes, they went to the coffee shop also. They used to have lunch together. And Ranhir was a good cook. He used to specially make different dishes for Sanyukta in the canteen mess and personally give it to her. Their exams were approaching and as usual students used to be in the library all the time. Sanyukta and Randhir were amongst them.

Once, Vardaan was in the library searching for a particular book in the huge book shelves. Sanyukta was also sitting in the library. They had not observed each other. Vardaan finally found the book he was searching for. He was going through the contents of the book when he saw Sanyukta engrossed in studying. She wore the same baby pink color dress that she had worn, when she was in Vardaan's house. Her red lips were reading the notes in front of her eyes. Her eyes were focussed on the book. Her hair was constantly falling on her face. She was putting it behind ears. Next, she had now put a pen in her mouth and was pouting her lips while turning of the pages of the book, as if saying that she has got a lot to study. Her hair again fell on her face. She got irritated now. She took a hair clip from her bag and tied her hair in a pony. Her flicks did not fall now. A small sign of victory was seen on her face. She began studying again, when some flicks of hair again fell on her face. She raised her eyes and in anger, tucked it behind her ears for the nth time. Vardaan laughed looking at her antics. He took 2 to 3 steps towards her, when he saw Ranhir coming from the door towards her. He patted her shoulder and said "hi". She smiled back. He sat exactly in front of her. They were talking about something which Vardaan couldn't hear. Next, what Randhir did boiled Vardaan's blood to the core. Randhir animatedly raised a finger to Sanyukta and said, "You are looking beautiful today." Vardaan read his lips. He felt like punching Randhir. Sanyukta smiled back and replied, "thank you." Vardaan felt like just dragging her from there and confronting her. About what? He had no clue about that. Vardaan disgustingly left from there. Sanyukta from the corner of her eye saw a person like Vardaan walking in a hurry. She turned back, but Vardaan was gone. She was thinking, whether Vardaan was in the library. She hadn't seen him since so many days. She missed him. He had no subject for her class this time. At times, she just felt like entering his cabin and wishing him good morning, at least. She was getting more and more impatient to get at least one glimpse of him. Randhir shook her, thereby bringing her out of her thoughts.

The bell rang and the last examination got over. The invigilator left the exam hall with the answer sheets in his hands. Everyone was getting up from their sheets, when Vidhushi came at the centre of the class and announced.

Vidhushi: "Class, just a few minutes. I have something to discuss with you all."

The students sat back on their seats.

Vidhushi: "OK. I was just thinking that our college life has become very boring. Every day we just come to the classes, library, lectures, study, and after the exams, go home. So just for a change, I was thinking of taking permission for an annual function this year. How does that sound?"

Sannyukta immediately recollected Vardaan's introduction lecture, where he had blasted her saying that, this college doesn't conduct an annual function. She responded,

Sanyukta: "Idea accha hai. But permission toh milne se raha. Bhool gayi, Vardaan Sir ne mujhe kaise daata tha?"

Vidhushi:"I know, it's very difficult. But, we..I mean our class, our juniors and our seniors, if we all pitch in, I think Dean Sir will agree. OK, I'll write an email to all the students of all the classes, and ask them to put their names in the email. And after we get all the names, we can send the mail to Dean. Also, we can personally go and talk to him. First, we will have to form an organizing committee for this. Who's in for it?"

For the first time Sanyukta liked Vidhushi's idea. She immediately raised her hand. There were some other 10 to 15 students who happily raised their hands. They had a lot of work to do. Getting approvals of all the students across all the years was not easy. At the end, a majority chuck of students agreed. Next, was the task of taking to the Dean. Everyone pushed Sanyuta ahead saying she has a good reputation in front of him. She took a deep breath and knocked the Dean's cabin. He signalled her to come inside. She saw Vardaan Sir sitting on the chair opposite the Dean. Her mind happily danced looking at him after so many days. Realizing where she was standing, she smiled at the Dean and at happily smiled at Vardaan also. Vardaan did not smile back. The students were outside the cabin trying to listen to the conversation. Sanyukta put forward her proposal and Dean started laughing. Her face fell. Vardaan looked angrily at Dean.

Dean: "All this sounds OK, Sanyukta. But, I hope you know, we never keep annual functions in this college. And moreover there is a lot of work involved. Generally, students prefer to go home after exams and..."

Sanyukta: "Don't you worry about the students, Sir. See, this is the application letter which we all have circulated it across all the classes. Just look at the number of students who have signed. And, about the cost involved - It would be really economical. We've spoken to the sponsors. See, these are the sponsors who are ready to sponsor our annual function. After all, FITE is a brand name. And the events and all the arrangements, we all will work on it."

Sanyukta said many things in one breath while showing some papers to the Dean. He looked at them carefully, and yes he was impressed with the work done.

Dean: "Are you alone? Or you have formed some committee?"

Sanyukta: "Sir, we are a group of 15 people. They are all standing outside."

He called them inside. He asked a few more questions about the event. And after a lot of coaxing by the students, he finally agreed. All the students cheered. Vardaan smiled looking at Sanyukta. But, she did not see that. The arrangements started. They divided themselves into groups, each group undertaking a particular set of activities. Sanyukta was getting tired soon than the rest of the people, because of the increased stress. Moreover, she was also participating in 2 to 3 dances as well. It was just a few days remaining for the function. He was walking on the corridor when he heard sounds coming from the auditorium. He headed towards it. He saw a group of students rehearsing their dance on the stage. He was about to leave from there, when he saw Sanyukta and Randhir as partners dancing on the stage. He pressed his lips in anger looking at them and the various places where Randhir's hands were moving, on Sanyukta. They were performing Salsa and their bodies were damn sticking to each other. Randhir was lifting and keeping Sanyukta down according to the music. He fisted his palms thinking he has to stop this. He screamed at all the dancers. They stopped dancing abruptly.

Vardaan: "What the hell are you guys doing here? Who gave you the permission?"

Sanyukta got scared looking at him and immediately left Randhir's shoulder.

Randhir: "Sir, we are rehearsing for the annual function. We took the Dean's permission for this."

Vardaan was tongue tied. He screamed at them to at least keep the volume down and stormed out.

Randhir: (Laughing) "Whoa, who was that? Some brooding boring professor?"

Sanyukta: (Angrily) "Just shut up Randhir."

After a few days, the annual function got over. It was a huge hit and a talk of the town. Vardaan did not attend it as he just could not see Sanyukta dancing with that Randhir.

It was Randhir's birthday the next day. Sanyukta decided of making it special for him since he's away from his family. She had planned a party for him. It was a surprise for him. She invited the entire class. The venue was decided, the terrace. She had taken prior permission from the admin department for it. The only rule - no liquor. She agreed. She arranged everything; right from the food to the music. She was tired from arranging all the stuff and she slept like a sloth that night. Next morning, her classmates did not wish Randhir at all. Randhir did not even tell anybody that today was his birthday.

In the evening, she and Kaustuki went to the terrace to decorate the place a little and arrange everything. One by one everybody gathered on the terrace. The lights were put off. Kaustuki called up Jiggy to tell him to secretly bring Randihr on the terrace. Randhir and Jiggy entered the terrace and they heard a huge scream. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY RANDHIR!!" The lights were put on. Everybody was clapping. Randhir was elated to the core. Jiggy wished him and they hugged each other. Sanyukta lighted the candles on the cake. Randhir walked towards her.

Randhir: (Smiling) "Yeh sab tumne kiya hai na?"

Sanyukta: (Smiling) "Umm...haa. Par sabne meri bohot help ki."

Sanyukta was surprised with what Randhir did next. He hugger her. She didn't understand what to do. She smiled and patted on his shoulders. He broke the hug and said, "Thank you, thank you so much Sanyuta. Tum nahi jaanti, main subeh se kitna lonely feel kar raha tha."

Vardaan was on the other side of the terrace, standing alone and smoking. He heard the students scream, "Happy birthday, Randhir". He threw his cigarette and walked towards the source of the sound. He was on fire seeing Sanyukta and Randhir hug. He also, listened to the conversation.

Vardaan: (Thinking) "How dare she? She knew this is our special place. And she has arranged this loser's birthday party here, in this place? And how dare he hug her. That was supposed to be only my right."

He was not in his senses now. He moved towards Randhir. Everyone became quiet and nervous as well. Vardaan stood in front of Randhir. Sanyukta was standing at the back of the cake.

Randhir: (Scared) "Sir, today is my birthday. Apparently, my first birthday in India."

Vardaan felt like breaking his bones, peeling his skin off and kicking him back to where he's come from. But, he was a professor. He put his hand forward for a handshake. Randhir shook it. With a fake smile, Vardaan said, "Wish you many happy returns of the day". While shaking hands with him, Vardaan purposely, pressed Randhir's hand. Randhir could not understand why. It pained him. Vardaan left his hand was proceeding towards the entrance to go. The music started and the students were busy dancing or talking. Sanyukta immediately cut a piece of the cake, put it on plate and ran towards Vardaan. She blocked the entrance.

Sanyukta: (Smiling and forwarding him the plate) "Sir, please have it."

Vardaan looked angrily at her. He again saw those eyes which had a twinkle in them. He thought that she looked really happy to be hugged by Randhir. He angrily raised a finger at her to say something, but then shrugged himself. He held her arm and pressed it with enough intensity. Sanyukta was confused to the core. She had no clue what was going on his mind. It hurt her, when he pressed her arm. She twitched her eyes and twisted her lips and slowly said,

Sanyukta: "Ouuch...(pause...)Sir...(pause)...It's...(pause)...It's hurting!"

He pushed Sanyukta to one side, thereby clearing his way. Sanyukta was going to fall, when she balanced herself. She turned to look at Vardaan, but he was gone. Tears were up to the brim of her eyes, thinking about the recent incident. She composed herself and joined the party again. She didn't want anybody to notice the marks on her arm. So, she covered it with her dupatta. She was in the party but her mind was thinking about Vardaan. Everybody was dancing except Sanyukta. She excused herself saying that she was not feeling well. She went to her room and rested on the bed. Tears fell from her eyes to the pillow thereby making it wet. She silently cried for some more time, when sleep just took her away with it. She woke up the next morning. She wanted to talk to Vardaan at all costs. She switched on the shower. Water fell on her arm and she hissed in pain. The marks on her arm had become blue. She went to the college to Vardaan's cabin. But, it was locked. She asked a peon who was passing by. He replied that Vardaan had taken a 2 week leave. Sanyukta was disappointed hearing this. Vardaan has never taken a leave from his work. In fact, he was a person who used to spend over time in college.

5 to 6 days passed by. She was getting restless. She was sitting gloomily in her room by the window.

Kaustuki: "Hey, tumne suna. 2 din baad Diwali party hai college mein. Dean khud organzise kar rahe hai. Students and teachers ke liye. Kitna mazaa aaega na. I am going shopping. Mere paad toh pehne ke liye dhang ke kapde bhi nahi hai. Tum aa rahi ho."

Sanyukta thought that this is a good idea. Vardaan would also be present and then she would ask him what's wrong. She happily jumped listening to the news.

Sanyukta: "Yes. Even I am coming with you."

Both the girls happily went to shopping. Kaustuki selected a saree for herself. Sanyukta was taking extra time to select and trying out everything. At last, she selected a lehenga choli for herself. Sanyukta was happy seeing herself in the mirror. They bought the dresses and went for jewellery shopping. After about some 3 to 4 hours, they finally returned to the campus. She was excited thinking not about the party, but about Vardaan Sir's presence in the party. She wasn't able to sleep that night. Next day, there was a hustle and bustle in the hostel; with the grooming sessions of the girls going on in every room. Sanyukta was enjoying them. After all, she wanted to look the best. It was evening. She went to the venue. The arrangements were superb. Few of the ladies were drawing a huge rangoli at the entrance. She started helping them. She remembered how at home, she used to get up early in the morning and start drawing the rangoli. After an hour, they finished drawing it. Sanyukta requested the ladies to lend her the remaining colors to her, as she had to draw it outside the hostel as well. They gave it to her. She rushed to her hostel and drew the rangoli. The warden thanked her for this.

It was Diwali. She got up early and the first thing she did was to wish her family. Next, she hugged Kaustuki wishing her as well. She was feeling feverish today. After having lunch and gossiping for some more time, they took a small afternoon nap. It was evening and Sanyukta took a long time to dress. She looked like a princess with the elegant jewellery that she wore. All the students proceeded to the party. The professors had also arrived with their respective families. She was constantly looking at the entrance and was waiting for him. She was getting impatient. Her throat was getting dry. She went to drink some water. There she heard Dean talking to somebody, "Arey Vardaan ke baare mein na pucho ko toh behtar hai. Woh toh kabhi Diwali manaata hi nahi hai. Woh yaha kabhi nahi aaeaga." She was disheartened to the core. She was out of the party at that instant. But, she was not ready to back off so soon. She ran to her room, collected all the stuff, she required and rushed out of the campus. She stopped a cab, and told the driver the address. She was heading to Vardaan's house. She reached his place. She stood in front of the gate and took a deep breath. She slowly opened the gate and went inside without making any noise. She looked at the verandah, which was pitch dark. With the help of her mobile phone, she drew a small but beautiful rangoli outside his house. She had got rangoli colors with her as well. Next, she removed some diyas from her bag. Slowly and carefully she lit each of them and started placing them on the boundary wall. Vardaan was in the living room, when Vardaan saw some orange light coming in through the window panes. He slowly opened the door and was shocked to see Sanyukta. Her hand smeared in colors. He saw the rangoli drawn by her and then at the veranda. His veranda was lit up completely. It looked beautiful. He was happy seeing all this. He then looked at Sanyukta who was looking equally stunning and hot in the orange lehenga that she wore. She smiled at Vardaan and wished him, "Happy Diwali, Sir". He folded his hands and smiled back and responded, "Wish you the same Ms Agarwal." She was disappointed hearing Ms Agarwal from him and not Sanyukta.

Sanyukta: "Can I come inside?"

Vardaan: "Yaa sure. Come in."

She picked her bags and went inside. First, she washed her hands. Then, she went to the dining table and removed some box from her bag. It was a sweet box. She took it in her hands and went to Vardaan who was just standing looking at her.

Sanyukta: "Sir, Diwali ki mithai."

Vardaan smiled and put his hand in the box.

Sanyukta: "Ya, please take it. These are very nice. Randhir ne specially Diwali ke liye banaaya hai. I just loved them."

Vardaan was about to eat it. He heard Sanyukta blabbering about Randhir. He threw the sweet that he took, hearing his name. Sanyukta moved back in fear. She kept the sweet box on the small table in front of the couch.

Sanyukta: (Hesitantly) "Sir, what happened? Maine kuch galat keh diya kya?"

Vardaan: "You, just leave. Get out."

Sanyukta was clueless. She asked back, "Why? I won't go until and unless you tell me what has happened to you. Why all of a sudden are you behaving so weird? And that day on the terrace, why did you hurt me? I want answers Mr. Till that time, I won't go."

Vardaan fisted his palm in anger. He pulled Sanyukta towards him, holding her arms with an intensity that could kill her.

Vardaan: "Sunna chaahthi ho, toh suno. You think I am blind. Main dekh nahi sakta ke tumhare aur uss Randhir ke beech kya chal raha hai. You enjoy spending time with him. You dance with him sticking your body to his. You organize his birthday party and he hugs you. Huhh...aur kya kya ho chukka hai? Did you kiss him? Did you sleep with him? So come on..tell me how is he in bed?"

That was enough for Sanyukta. She freed herself from his grip and slapped him. She held his collar in a rage.

Sanyukta: "How dare you? How dare you raise a finger on my character? Who gave you the damn right? Nobody has ever spoken to me like that..."

For the first time, he was scared of her. He had never seen her this way. She was like a furious lioness today ready for murder. He started taking backward steps. He hit the couch and fell on it taking Sanyukta along with him. She was over him. She hit his shoulder and let out a small scream. Her hair fell on her face and some on Vardaan's face as well. It irritated her nose and she sneezed. He carefully tucked her hair behind her ear as they were obstructing his view. They looked in each other's eyes and were lost. Sanyukta's anger calmed down and she was admiring his handsome face. He looked at her angelic face and his hands automatically went towards her face. He slowly held her face below her jaw, while his thumb was lovingly caressing her cheeks. She felt ticklish and was liking it. They were in that position for a few minutes. Sanyukta was confused. She left his collar and twisted her fingers in front of his eyes as if asking, "What?"

Sanyukta: "What? Are you waiting for the President's approval? Kiss me!"

Vardaan smiled. He pulled her closer to him and kissed her.