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Chapter Eleven
And history repeats itself. With a twist. It was only me falling at the feet of the beautiful girl all those years ago and now I've taken someone down with me to fall at the same feet. I look at the green eyes of Jess who lay there from the great fall, staring at me while I curse my luck for two things: one, putting myself in the same position like I did three years back as I see Geet standing just a feet away from where I lay with Geeta beside her, both the girls looking at me, and two, falling on Jess, of all people! I hurriedly get up, detesting the foolish grin on Jess' face. She's enjoying it and here I'm the laughing stock! Little Ryan who I hadn't noticed in the shock of the moment, laughs uncontrollably while Geet tries to keep him quiet and G controls her own amusement at my plight. 'Umm. I'm sorry. Uh. Hi!' I don't know what to do. Whether to help the girl making dangerously gooey eyes at me still lying on the walkway or to greet the two guests standing there. I look at Jess and try to offer my hand as courtesy but she's all too lost staring at me. Ugh! Why do I always have to cross paths with this girl?! If it wasn't for Geet and her cousin standing right there, I'd have left Jess still lying there. God forbid I have to spend even a little time in the presence of this girl who's been after me like a limpet! Hard luck for me that she's my neighbour.
I look at the two girls standing there awkwardly. 'Are you alright?' G asks me and from her voice, I can say that she's still controlling her laughter. 'Yes, thank you.' She looks at Jess still on the floor. I follow her gaze with my eyes and stop myself from smacking on my forehead. Instead, I make-do with a hard nudge on Jess' arm and she startles out of her stance, raising her hand to get me to help. I take her hand grudgingly and pull her up then look at my mother's guests. 'Why don't you come in?' I smile a little and turn around to open the door to the house to lead them in. They walk in and I follow them, ignoring the girl following me. I see my mother greeting the girls with a hug and kissing Ryan's cheek, which he wipes off just as quickly.
Jess stands beside me trying to catch my attention and that's when Mom notices me. 'Oh, you changed your mind? Huh Maan?' Her grin hints at what she is saying and I pass a glance at Geet. Her eyes catch mine and I look away immediately focusing back on my mother. 'Yes. I changed my mind. Excuse me please.' I start to walk to my room with as much dignity as is left as I feel all five pairs of eyes on me. A few steps away from the crowd and I hear Jess calling me. Shoot! I hasten my steps and almost sprint up the stairs to escape before she reaches me. I don't want to have to listen to all her nonsense chatter.
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Just like G decided earlier, we reach the Khurana residence. As we get down from our car and I hold Ryan's hand to lead him up to the door, a short fair girl jumps over the hedges from the adjoining walkway. I look at G and she shrugs so we continue. Just as the girl reaches for the door knob, the door swings open and out comes Maan in a vest and tracks, with his eyes fixed on something behind him. He seems like running before he collides with the short girl and they both fall flat on the floor, their heads almost to the point where I'm standing. It happens so fast that not only me and G, but Maan also seems startled and Ryan starts laughing. As Maan looks up to see me standing there, a strong sense of deja vu hits me. History, they say, repeats itself.
G leans in to my ear with her eyes fixed on the two people lying on the floor. 'If I weren't married, I'd wish it was me rather than that girl.' Alarmed at her words, I turn to glare at her and she winks playfully. As Maan gets up, I try to quieten Ryan's laughter, not wanting to embarrass any one of us. Maan is embarrassed nonetheless, of the girl who won't get up and of the situation he is in, but he leads us inside where we're greeted by his mother. I notice Maan's very apparent irritation towards the girl and his eyes darting towards me when his mother says something about changing plans. Just as he excuses himself, I assume, to change, the girl calls after him and his sudden take off surprises me. I wonder who this girl is and why Maan broke into a run just after she called.
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Locking the door to my room, I close my eyes and bang my head on the wooden frame. Why is it always like this? How unlucky can my first encounters with Geet get? The first time she came to college, you welcomed her by falling at her feet and the first time she has come to your house, you do the same honours! Walking over to the bed, I sit down and remember the fateful day when I first saw Geet.
***
It's been a week that the second year of our college has started. I reach the campus to find Anaya standing in the corridor staring incredulously at something she's holding. When I lean over her shoulder, I find out it's a card which a guy named Will has given her. 'Ooh! Looks like you've got an admirer.' I tease and and she looks up startled. 'That idiot guy. I'd have rather punched him in the face for giving me this stupid 'I like you' card.' She looks around for a moment and leans in closer to whisper a little secretively. 'And you're not telling Ayush about it. He'll tease the hell out of me if he gets to know of it.' She shudders dramatically and I get a wicked idea as I see Ayush standing at the other end of the corridor. A little fun will be harmless. I snatch the card from Anaya's hand and make a run for it. I hear her calling me after she gets out of the shock of the moment and then running after me. As I turn my head to look at Ayush, my eyes rest on a slim figure entering from the same end I'm heading to, her head bent over something she's reading.
For the moment that I look at her, my foot catches Ayush's, who's eyes meet mine in a split second and I see a mischievous smile on his face before falling flat on my face. Ayush is going to get a beating from me today, I think as I land on the floor. Before I can raise my face or get up to get back at him, I hear a soft voice. 'Are you alright?' The voice isn't laughing like I can hear Ayush and Anaya, and a few other witnesses. This soft voice is concerned and I raise my head to see myself lying at the feet of a beautiful girl. My eyes widen as I realise the embarrassing situation I'm in and I immediately hide my face in my arm. Damn! Why me?! ' You okay?' The voice calls again and I gather enough guts to answer in affirmative without raising my head. When I feel her walking away after a few seconds, I raise my head to see her looking at me before disappearing around the corner. I think I saw a hint of a smile on her face. I spring back to my feet and chase Ayush around the building, catching up with him and cursing him for ruining my first impression on a new comer.
***
A knock on the door pulls me back to the present and I realise I still haven't changed into something casual to go sit with the guests downstairs. I hope it isn't Jess. Some whispering catches my attention and I walk over to the door to open it. As I open the door, the little kid rushes past me into the room and Geet remains standing at the door, silent for a moment, looking at me, then calling for Ryan to come back. 'I'm sorry. Uh... Your mother's calling you downstairs.' 'I'll be there in a few minutes.' I answer her uneasily. I know she's feeling awkward too, standing here at the door of my room with me dressed in my vest and tracks. She looks at Ryan and calls him again but the kid is adamant on exploring my room, so I move out of the way to let Geet enter the room. As she walks over to the tiny devil, he jumps off the bed and runs out the room, shutting the door on his way out. I see Geet's eyes widen and I open the door immediately, letting her walk out stiffly but with fast steps. I walk into my dressing room and change into a fresh pair of jeans and shirt to go downstairs.
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The girl who crashed into Maan leaves after a few minutes. Apparently, she wanted to talk to Maan but since Mrs. Khurana says he won't come down before taking a shower, the girl leaves. After she goes away, Mrs. Khurana tells us she's a neighbour. G and Maan's mother share a laugh when G recalls the accident from a few moments earlier. Jess, as Aunty tells us, has been all impressed with Maan ever since her family moved into this neighbourhood, and Maan doesn't like her, hence the running away. G winks stealthily at me when this piece of information is revealed. After about ten minutes of chatting and Aunty setting up the evening tea for us with G insisting on helping, she asks Ryan to go call Maan from his room. I want to glare and retort when G suggests I go with Ryan on the pretext of him being too small, but I don't say anything and move towards the stairs with slow steps.
As Ryan runs ahead of me, my dream plays back in my head and I struggle to appear unfazed. Reaching at the top of the stairs, I see Ryan knocking consistently on the door which supposedly opens to Maan's room. I tell him to stop knocking just when the door opens and Maan's form appears, still in his vest and tracks. I shut up for a moment, subconsciously thanking my luck that he is wearing a vest and not a towel when I notice Ryan has rushed into his room. After giving Maan his mother's message, I call after Ryan but he seems intent on not listening to me so Maan moves a little aside to let me in. I hesitantly move towards the bed but Ryan is fast, he runs out of the room, closing the door after him. My breath stops for a moment as I look at Maan with wide eyes. But before I can let out another breath, Maan quickly opens the door, probably sensing my discomfort and I walk out of his room in a hurry.
I go downstairs and admonish Ryan for his mischief as I sit on the sofa. G and Maan's mother join me a few moments later with juices and a few fried snacks. G grins at me before composing herself and settling in a casual conversation with Aunty, occasionally including me. We talk for a few minutes when I hear Maan coming down the steps. My eyes, as a reflex, look at him as he appears in front of me in a pair of jeans and a black shirt. He looks at me and our eyes lock. For a few moments, none of us look away, a strange buzz passes between us when Maan's mother calls for his attention and the moment breaks. I mentally slap myself for losing control over my eyes and look away, trying to indulge myself making Ryan eat while G chats with Aunty.
Maan sits on the seat right opposite to mine and I shuffle a little uncomfortably when I feel he is looking at me. 'Geet,' Aunty's call distracts me and I look at her. 'You didn't take anything at all.' 'I'm fine, thank you Aunty.' I smile at her but she doesn't relent. 'No no. I'm not listening to anything. Maan, pass her the nuggets.' Maan, who's hand is on the nugget plate, stops midway and looks at her. He nods at her and then picks the plate to bring it near me. My gaze wanders from his slim hands to his enchanting eyes and I'm held captive again. He holds my gaze, his eyes saying something I'm unable to catch on to, until he clears his throat and I look at the nuggets being offered to me. I pick one from the plate with trembling fingers and thank him. He moves away to sit back in his seat and I concentrate on the nugget in my plate. As I chew on it, my eyes catch Maan's reflection on the glass table top and G's words in the mall the other day come back to me. I observe him through the reflection as his eyes return to me every so often.
Auntie and G chat and chat, occasionally bringing me and Maan into their conversation. I respond as best as I can, even looking at Maan normally. I've decided to keep a friendly level of comfort with him, whether what G says is true or not, I'm not going to show his effect on me. As the evening falls and the sky darkens, I remind G that she's to drop me at the hostel and so we get up to leave. As we walk to the door, Ryan goes and holds his mother's hand who's walking a few steps ahead of me with Maan's mother. Now it's just me and Maan walking behind them, in silence. 'So?' He asks casually and I turn to look at him with a smile. 'So what?' 'Youre coming to college tomorrow?' He tries to make his question sound as casual as possible but I still see the underlying concern, which reminds me of the three days I hadn't attended college and he'd come looking for me. I take a deep breath before answering. 'Of course. Why not?' His lips curve in that charming smile of his and before either of us say anything further, G calls me impatiently. I roll my eyes at her. 'Look who's talking of leaving!' I mutter it to myself but since Maan is standing right beside me, he hears it and let's out a silent laugh. 'Bye Maan! See you tomorrow.' He smiles again and I turn around to walk away. I only walk half a step when Maan's voice stops me. 'Geet...' I turn around to look at him, waiting for him to continue. As he says his next set of words after a pause, I feel like he's changed what he actually wanted to say. 'Good night Geet.' His simple wish brings a little flutter in my heart, though I wish him back and walk away quickly.
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I sneak a glance at Geet every now and then, wanting to make some talk with her but not knowing how. Her eyes stay downcast most of the times except for when Mom or G call her to talk or when she looks at Ryan. Only twice does she look directly at me while talking when all four of us are in conversation, but when she does, her eyes are almost confident, the same confidence I had seen during her speech all those weeks ago. As they get up to leave and the elder ladies walk ahead of us, Geet and I walk side by side in silence. I think of what to say and come up with the first thing that comes to my mind, asking her if she'll come to college in the morning. Though the question I ask is out of genuine concern rather than to make talks with her. Her answer is very casual but I know she has looked through me on this one. As G calls her, she lets out a sarcastic remark and I laugh a little. The girl does have a little of humour in her. She starts to walk away and I call after her wanting to wish her sweet dreams and tell her to take care of herself but I hold myself back, only wishing her a good night which sounds good enough. Walking back inside the house with Mom, I help her clear everything up as she talks about how much she enjoyed meeting Geet and her cousin tonight.
Amidst our talking, the front door opens and a cheerful Ranbir walks in, whistling some tune. He greets us both in a chirpy voice which is rare to witness when he comes back home from office. I assume his day went well and so I join him in the living room as he sits down to watch his favourite sport after freshening up. Mom offers him dinner. 'No Mom. I've had my dinner with a... uh... a friend.' Mom raises an eyebrow at him. 'Which friend?' Our mother has always been more of a friend to us so her question doesn't surprise either of us, as she knows all of our friends. But Ranbir's answer, stating that his friend is a new one and Mom doesn't know this friend, surprises me. Since Mom lets it go, I don't probe into this topic either and all of us just enjoy our time together discussing the game on television and laughing over random things.
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The day after the next, a basketball match is scheduled for the boys to practice before the final game which will happen some time next month, and so the girls get time to do anything they want. Anaya wishes to watch the match and secretly, I want to watch it too, so we find ourselves a bench from where we can get a view of the game. The audience to the match is minimal, a few girls sitting on the benches quite some distance away from where we sit. As we watch the game, my eyes - and no doubt, Anaya's too - are on Ayush and Maan, who're supposed to be in opposite teams. Anaya claps and cheers a little as Maan scores a basket. A few minutes later, Ayush dodges the ball away from Maan and so he tries to reach for the ball. Anaya speaks up matter-of-factly. 'You know Geet, when I first joined high school and met these two boys, it was Ayush who I became friends with first. He's still the same jerk he used to be back then.' I chuckle a little as she rolls her eyes, looking back at the two in question.
'Maan, though, has always been different for me. He's my first crush, if you know what I mean.' She grins at me while I stay silent, not knowing how to respond. 'He's the one who's worth falling head over heels for. My case wasn't different than those girls back then. Ayush introduced me to Maan or else I would have never been able to talk to him. And as we've spent more time together, Maan has become even more charming. Though I - ' Whatever she's about to say is cut off as she cringes from the drops of wetness falling on her, which turn out to be Ayush's sweat from his wet hair. 'Eww! You idiot! You stink. Stay away from me.' Her screech makes Ayush and Maan laugh. Their game has ended for the day. As Anaya runs away from Ayush, who follows her shaking his wet hair, my eyes turn to Maan, who's watching the two with a smile on his face. Does he realise Anaya likes him so much?
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'I'm worried Maan.' Mom and I are sitting in the living room after witnessing another of Ranbir's overly happy mood once again. 'You're worried that he's happy?' My tone is incredulous. 'Of course not!' She retorts. 'I'm worried about the reason of his happiness and why he wouldn't share it with us.' Her tone changes from concerned to that of a naughty one. 'I wonder if it's some good news for us.' I roll my eyes at her. I know she's attempting to hide her worry over Ranbir's changed behaviour, although it's ironic to worry because the guy in question isn't stressed or tense, he's happy. 'Come on Mom. He'll come around to telling it to you, whatever the matter is. Or if he doesn't, we can always spy on him.' I wink at her and we both laugh, knowing all too well how much of a good spy she is.
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The whole senior class has been called to the auditorium for some important announcement. Students discuss what news it will be, a good one or a bad one. As I walk to the room with Maan, Anaya and Ayush, Anaya asks what the important announcement might be. She walks backwards, facing the three of us as she asks. 'I don't know.' Maan shrugs. 'I hope the finals are delayed.' Ayush says in an animated voice and Anaya rolls her eyes at him. 'Let's see what it is.' I smile at the three of them when they look at me for what I think. 'Righto!' Exclaims Anaya before stumbling a little, and I see Maan jerking forward in my periphery, to help Anaya. But Ayush beat him to it. He steadies her and chides her for being careless while I observe the concerned expression on Maan's face. After a moment of listening to Ayush scolding Anaya with the corner of his lips upturned, Maan realises I'm looking at him and he turns to smile at me secretively. I wonder what he's thinking.
Entering the hall, Anaya holds my hand and all four of us find seats for ourselves with Ayush sitting to Anaya's left with me on her right and Maan in the seat beside me. As we wait for the announcement to be made, Ayush and Anaya indulge in talking to themselves. From the sounds of it, they're arguing over something which is completely typical of them. 'Do you think it's something about exams?' Maan asks by way of making small talk. 'I don't know. It can be anything. But I really don't want the exams to be delayed.' He laughs lightly. 'I'm sure it won't happen. Ayush was just kidding around.' I smile as I hear him laugh. Maan and I have formed a friendly bond. Something very casual, though not as much as it's between Anaya and Ayush or Anaya and Maan. As his laugh subsides and he looks at me, his gaze holds mine and I'm unable to lower my eyes.
The shrill tuning sound from the microphone pulls us out of our stance and we both turn to look at the stage to see the dean readying to speak. 'Good afternoon everyone. I'm sure you're all surprised by this meeting but I assure you that you're going to like the reason for it.' The balding man smiles like he's just distributed the best rewards, though the crowd stays silent. I hear Ayush whispering something about how the dean will give an early date for exams and jump in excitement asking if we like his surprise. His whisper is loud enough for everyone sitting in the four seat radius to hear what he says so Anaya slaps on his right hand which is on the arm rest, and tells him to shut up. The dean continues with his speech and diverts our attention. 'I would like to announce that for our senior year students, we have arranged for a four day trip to the nearest hill station where you'll be able to have some recreational time before your finals arrive. You'll be given a chance to camp, hike, shop, explore the place, anything you'd like to do. Plus, the campus buses will be arranged for your transport and three professors will be joining you as guardians. I recommend all the students to join this trip as it'll give you the much needed relaxation before the stress of finals and graduation takes the front seat. For any more information you want, feel free to contact the administration office.'
As the dean walks out through the door, excited voices fill the hall. Ayush shows his surprise and eagerness for the trip and this time Anaya joins in. I just stay quiet, not wanting to say anything when I'm not sure if I'll join them on the trip or not. When both of them turn to me and Maan in excitement and ask us about the trip, Maan casually replies that he doesn't have any issues in going but I tell them I'll have to talk to my mother before confirming anything to them. To my answer, Anaya begins telling me how I shouldn't miss this trip and how I'll enjoy it while Ayush occasionally joins her. Maan remains silent but his eyes are on me through the time that our friends talk. Walking out of the hall, Anaya and Ayush again immerse in planning about the trip and I walk a step behind them silently while Maan stays even further behind, though I see him from the corner of my eyes. As we leave the building to head home, Maan catches up with me. 'Let me drop you, Geet.' I turn to look at him to see the request in his eyes, giving me the chance to refuse yet wanting me to accept his offer. I smile and nod at him, bidding a goodbye to Anaya and Ayush. Maan tells them he'll join them in the evening for whatever plans they have as he's going to drop me to the hostel. Anaya smiles and again tells me to get my mother to agree on letting me go to the trip.
Sitting with Maan in his car is like sitting on the log of tree in that beautifully serene place, an aura of comfort surrounding me, which I know, comes from the person beside me. As we turn the corner, he speaks up. 'You don't like extra-curricular activities, do you?' I look at him. 'How do you know?' He shrugs a little. 'You don't seem like the type.' He grins widely at me and I frown at him. 'Was that meant to be taunting?' I ask, a little miffed. 'Of course... not. Just stating the facts.' The wide smile is still there on his face. 'What do you mean, 'stating the facts'? It's not like I'd refused organising the party earlier.' He looks at me challengingly. 'Talk about the trip. You don't want to go to the trip.' His assumption works me up. 'How can you say I don't want to go?' 'So that means you want to go.' It's not a question. 'Why don't you say you want me to go?' 'Of course I want you to come to the trip with me.' It's only after his impulsive retort to my unthinking question that we realise where the conversation has headed. I fall quiet while he clears his throat. 'I mean, it'll be great if you can join us.' I look down at my hands as I nod a little. 'We're here.' As I put my hand on the door handle to open it, I turn to thank him. 'Thanks Maan.' After a moment's pause, I say something which diffuses the awkward silence. 'And I'll let you know about my plans for the trip.' I grin widely and get out of his car, turning to look back at him as he watches me. I wave a little at him before heading inside.
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I call Mamma up and tell her about the trip. Being the protective mother that she is, she asks numerous questions which I answer patiently. The last thing she wants to know is that if I wish to go. 'I don't know Mamma.' I think about my almost argument with Maan earlier. 'I won't mind going but you know I'm not the type. I'll only make for a boring company for everyone so...' I can almost hear her rolling her eyes. 'Oh come on Geet! I'm not buying that. But, I think you should go with the rest of your class. That way, you won't have to stay all alone for the four days that your college will be off.' As we chat, she convinces me and asks me to keep in touch about whatever the arrangements the college is making for the trip.
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Mom has absolutely no issues with the trip and she readily consents, joking that she'll have the house to herself in the daytime while I'll be gone. I play along but I know she'll miss me. The next day in college, Geet informs us that she'll be joining us as she looks at me with a slightly raised eyebrow and a challenge in her eyes. I understand what it's about: she's proving that she can be sport when she wishes. Though I'm glad for two reasons. One, she hasn't taken offence of what I said to her yesterday and two, she's going to be there in the trip.
The trip has been scheduled for the coming weekend and there are things to be done. Anaya wants to shop, and she wants all four of us to go together. Ayush whines whereas Geet agrees and I decide to tag along. Nothing better than getting more time around her. Shopping turns out fun as we laugh and chat and eat. The girls aren't the usual shoppers too, they get done with things real quick and we get time to enjoy an evening in the bowling alley. By this time, Geet visibly becomes comfortable with our group and she plays too, after a lot of insistence from Anaya. I discover her to be a good enough player, at least better than Anaya.
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With the excitement being tangible in the air around us, it's impossible not to feel uplifted. I find myself looking forward to the trip as Anaya's thrill catches up with me. I've been to trips in the past but they were all educational trips where there's no time to bond with the classmates. But this one is different, it's going to be four days of carefree life where I'll be able to spend more time with Anaya, Ayush and ... Maan. I get a leave from the cafe too. All that needs to be done now, is to pack the bag and reach the college on the day of the trip.
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When I reach the college, all packed for the trip, I notice Geet walking a few steps ahead of me. It seems like she's on the phone as she slowly walks towards where Anaya is standing. On an impulse, I slow down myself, pulling my phone out and pretending to be immersed in it while actually eavesdropping on the conversation that the girl in front of me is having. It's bad manners, my mind tells me but my heart shushes it down. 'Yes, Mamma. I've kept everything I'll need for the trip and now I'm in the campus.' She pauses as her mother says something from the other end of the phone. 'No. I don't know if I'll get coverage on my phone over there but I'll try to keep you informed.' Another pause. 'Hmm.' I get the gist of the conversation. Her mother is worrying over her safety. 'Of course. I'll take care of myself. You don't worry too much, okay?' I smile a little. Those are the exact words I've said to my own mother before leaving the house. 'The bus will be leaving in about ten minutes Mamma. I'll talk to you later. Take care.' She puts her phone away and walks over to Anaya resuming her normal pace and I follow after a few moments.
'Hi guys! All set for the trip?' I greet them all as I join them. 'Oh yeah!' Ayush says in an enthusiastic voice. 'We're gonna have a lot of fun.' Anaya joins Ayush while Geet smiles silently listening to them both discuss what they've planned to do in these four days. As we talk, I hear someone call my name from behind me and my expressions turn from being happy to horrified. No, no, no! Not her!
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I see Maan's face become horrified in an instant and I look behind him to find the girl who he'd fallen over the other day, Jess, standing there smiling. I swallow back a chuckle after a look at Maan's face, not wanting to offend him but Anaya and Ayush don't. They laugh slightly, teasing Maan about Jess being here. As she reaches the four of us, she greets us and turns to Maan, announcing that she's going to be there in the trip with him. Maan's eyes widen more after listening to that and he retorts, saying that Jess isn't a student of this college so she isn't supposed to be here. She informs him that she has taken special permission from the authorities to join them as her college assignment consists of making a collage of the pictures of a hill station, which she has to take herself. As she excuses herself and saunters towards the office, Maan heaves an irritated sigh. 'There goes my trip.' His muttered statement elicits a hearty laugh from Anaya and Ayush and this time, I can't stop from laughing a bit too. Poor him!
Edited by mayyo13 - 12 years ago
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