Randhir sat in his room staring mindlessly at the TV that was running the video of a girl beating a stalker in an endless loop. While in his own mind he was replaying for the nth time what Renuka Sanyal had said before leaving. One thing he was very clear of; he had to pull through this project at any cost, if nothing else then for professionalism sake. Randhir Singh Shekhwat never compromised with his work. He resolved that nothing could deter him from giving his best to this project.
He wished he could tell his Mom that it was not him who set on a path away from Sanyukta. He had always wanted to be there for her even if not, with her. But it was Sanyukta who had insisted on or rather decided for both of them that they would part ways. He had been left devastated. As they graduated out of FITE, he had learnt to find solace in the fact that he experienced selfless friendship even though it was only for a couple of years. Though there were no hard feelings residing in his heart, nevertheless, he had learnt to live with it. Never for even a day could he make himself forget about her, and not sleep every night with dreams of a life with her that could never be.
He wondered how Sanyukta would keep their past aside and cope up with him in the same workplace, something she had decided to not do in the past. Sanyukta must be a married lady by now. Ofcourse, she must be. Her family would not have let her live in peace for such a long a time after engineering. And she being she - The Miss Bare It All For Thy Family, must have obliged.' Randhir's thoughts were keeping him away from any signs of sleep.
As memories of the years gone by, of the friendship long lost gushed through him, he felt more and more restless.
Flashback
All of you will need to pair up with a classmate of yours. For the rest of the semester you will be working with your partner for all the assignments. Please submit your names along with your chosen partner to me by today evening.', the admin made the announcement to the 2nd semester batch for mechanical engineering.
Randhir shook his head in indifference and left for the lab. He had a lot of self imposed work to finish. He was busy welding some two shafts when he heard someone walk into the lab, but did not bother to turn around and check who it was.
Hi Randhir!!!' a female voice called out. Randhir stopped his welding but did not turn around. Neither he recognized the voice, nor was he in the mood to figure that out.
What is it?' Randhir said in a cold tone, his head still bent over the table analysing some imaginary problem in the shafts that he was welding.
Randhir ! Can I talk to you for a moment.' She said in an extremely cautious tone, realising that she was absolutely not welcome. Listen, I am Sanyukta. Sanyukta Agarwal. And I was wondering if we could pair up for the project works for the next semester.' she completed in haste.
Randhir put down his welding gun on the table and turned around to see her. He had noticed Sanyukta in his class, during discussions. He also recalled reading her name at the number 2 position in the first semester result list. What he was wondering was that why would she want to pair up with him. They had never even interacted with each other in the last 6 months. But then Randhir thought that ever since he had joined FITE, he had infact not interacted with any student on the campus only exception being his roommate Jiggy.
Why? You are rank number two right? You must be having enough fan following to chose from as your partner. Why do you want to pair up with me. We have hardly ever even talked to each other. And moreover, Randhir Singh Shekhawat needs no partners. I was planning to go to the admin to allow me to work alone. So please don't waste your time and mine. Thanks but no thanks.' Randhir spoke in a very matter of fact tone and was about to turn back to his work station, when he saw a faint smile across Sanyukta's lips. There was a ting of mockery in her eyes, which caught his attention immediately.
I thought you were smart along with being intelligent. But i guess I was wrong.' her confident voice made Randhir extremely uncomfortable. Afterall he was used to having the upper hand in throwing attitude everywhere and always. But this girl was different; she held an indescribable attitude and Randhir did not like the confidence her bright face exhumed.
What do you mean?' he said advancing slightly towards her in a failed attempt to intimidate her. Sanyukta only took a small step backwards and held her head high. I guess I will have to elaborate, only if you could excuse me for a minute.' she said as she pulled out a sheet of paper from her bag. He looked at her completely confused and then turned his attention towards the piece of paper. He saw two rows of numbers written down the 6 subjects from their first semester. He figured that one row had the marks scored by him and derived that the second row must be Sanyukta's marks. He twisted his lips in ridicule and looked at Sanyukta in disbelief, and managed to say, Are you kidding me? You have no real work to do; you actually compared your marks with mine.'
Sanyukta kept her cool and said, Its just not plane comparison. It's an analysis. Look at the table carefully.' Randhir wanted to pick up the piece of paper, tear it off and throw it away, but kept looking at Sanyukta intently. Look at these marks Randhir. You will notice that your total is only 5 marks higher than mine. While you have scored highest in the first three subjects, I have managed to outperform you in the next three.' She waited for Randhir's reaction, which followed quite soon.
What are you trying to tell me? Get to the point quickly' Randhir literally hissed in irritation now.
Sanyukta continued, Look Randhir, both of us have distinct strengths. I was wondering that if we both pair up and work on our weaknesses with each other's help there will be no scope of a third person competition. And I don't mind the 2nd rank if I am losing the 1st to you.'
Are you trying to throw favors to me?' Randhir was not in the habit of people offering anything to him.
No I am only trying to eliminate 3rd person competition. And ofcourse I am also looking forward to learn from you and share with you whatever little I may be better at.' Sanyukta replied, this time in a tone that sounded really convincing.
Randhir thought for a minute. Her logic was sound, but his reservations strong. He wanted to out rightly refuse her offer, but something got the better of him and he replied very thoughtfully, Ok! But keep your interactions with me restricted to work only. I don't like anyone interfering with my space. If anytime I feel that I can't cope up with you, I'll ask you to not be paired with me. Do you get it?'
Sanyukta's lips again twisted in a smile, this time quite a warm one, Ok. As it is even I am also interested in our work only. I would rather spend some time with my books than waste any on trying to make friends with you. Ours will be an extremely reticent partnership.' Sanyukta straightened herself up and held out her right hand towards Randhir, Ok then. Deal?'
Randhir nodded his head very thoughtfully and held Sanyukta's hand in a firm grip. As he did so he was absorbed by a strange sense, which confused him immediately. Later during the evening he realised that it was the first time, he had had a physical contact of any kind, with a female (other than his so called mother). Ofcourse and obviously his mother didn't count.
Randhir! You will need to be really careful. You have never worked with anybody in a team, let alone a girl. She is gud no doubt, 2nd rank after all. But obviously not better than me; But the margin is quite low... If you are not careful, she will surpass you anytime.' Randhir experienced this inner turnmoil till very late that night until his senses were engulfed by sleep.
Randhir's trail of thoughts halted with the chirping of the birds outside his window. He realised it was dawn already and decided to put his mind to rest atleast for a couple of hours, to re-energise it and get himself ready for the burgeoning task of facing Sanyukta at office.
Lemme me know How it was 😊
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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