'Reunions suck. They really do. Why would anyone want to meet the people they were with in college after 3 years? Why? Who cares about it anyway! I can't go. I have my office and I have a parlor appointment, and mom wanted to see me tomorrow. NO WAY' These were some of the flustered thoughts going on in Gunjan's mind.
She had come so far along from college. She had softened and become less talkative and outgoing. She was a smart and introvert girl now. Reunion wasn't something she was looking forward to. No bloody way. She had done a lot of shit in college and she was pretty sure no one wanted to see her. Why would they? She was one of the popular girls and had a history with many guys in college. Not all of them were serious, except one. She had met him in her last year. In their senior prom he had asked her to dance and they had talked and spent that's how it began. She didn't want to face him. It had ended pretty badly and it would just be embarrassing. She had spent the night with him and they were friends. Usually, college couples had so much drama and stuff but those two were so simply into each other. They had no time for any sort of drama. But then it ended and it ended in a way that they could never reunite.
Gunjan grumbled and she chose the dress she was going to wear tonight. She had decided to go there for just half an hour because Nupur, her oldest friend in college was forcing her to come. Nupur had had a perfect life. She had married her College sweetheart and her life was set. It was Gunjan who was totally messed up and had no idea what future she wanted for herself. Her dad had opened her a business and she was doing well with it, but emotionally she was a mess. Not too many friends, not many dates, no holidays. It is ironical how life changes a person.
' Relax Gunjan,' she told herself, 'everything is going to go fine. I'll go there for an hour and before I know it, it will be over. I was one of the popular girls, it's going to be just fine!' she told herself. For some reason she just couldn't stop thinking about him today. Usually she could shut it out but today his thoughts just wouldn't budge. Gunjan couldn't do one scrap of work today and went home early in the evening. She ironed her hair and picked a perfect dress for herself. She wanted to wear something that upheld her status in the society and didn't look like she was showing off. She didn't want people to talk behind her back or anything and she sure as hell was planning to stay away from him..
FlashBack
'Samrat,' she said as she sat in her usual seat next to him, 'do you have to spend most of your day with those rowdy basketball players? Why can't you just be with us. Come to the pub.' She said. 'Guns, I have fun playing basketball and anyway I want to make a career out of it. And I'm not saying I won't come' I'll just be late. You can go with Nupur!' he had said. 'Maybe I should date her too!' she said getting up and walking away. Samrat frowned but didn't go after her.
She had always taken him for granted. Probably, never tried to understand him. Whatever. Now all that is done. Chapter closed. Gunjan tried to forget everything after college. She had turned over a new leaf and didn't keep in touch with anyone but Nupur and Mayank. Gunjan thought less about people when she was in college. Everything should happen according to her. She hadn't realized what she was losing.
"Nupur, do you really want me to come? I don't think it's a very good idea." She admitted.
"Gunjan! You are just scared. Relax, he may not even remember you."
"That's what I'm scared of. I remember her. What if he doesn't? What if he's married? My fantasy will be over. I would rather just avoid him all night!" she said.
"Whatever, just come. Don't miss it. We will meet so many people who we've lost touch with!"
"You will meet them Nups. I was the 'mean' girl. I have changed. I can't be that girl for them!" Gunjan said perplexed about her decision.
"Come for me! I promise to never leave your side tonight!"
"Gaah! Fine. But just because you said it." Gunjan said giving in.
She searched her cupboard for the perfect dress. She finally found a black dress. It was elegant. Not too obsolete or too modern. It was just perfect.
Black dress. Red lipstick. Red stilettoes and a clutch. Gunjan was all set to leave. Nupur picked her up at 8:30 and they headed towards their college. All old memories came flooding back. Gunjan picking Nupur up every morning, cribbing about college, gossiping about the others, talking about guys and bitching about the brats, were some of the common memories they shared. Gunjan looked a little nervous. He had ended things with her in front of everyone. It was very embarrassing and had been very depressing because Gunjan had not only lost a boyfriend dad day' he was much more than that.
Flashback
Gunjan had been forcing Samrat to dance but he was in no mood. He looked pretty agitated about something. Gunjan sat down next to him and said, 'What's wrong babe? Why are you so exasperated? Anything wrong?' 'No. I'm fine.' 'Yeah sure. So why wouldn't you dance with me?' 'I'm not in the mood Gunjan! Can't you understand for once?' Samrat had screamed. They had got many stares. She wasn't happy. She had just stomped off. Samrat had regretted it later. It was like the relationship had broken off their friendship. They expected different things from each other. Samrat had finally told her on prom. 'Gunjan, I don't think we are meant to be. We should just finish this. Whatever it is.' Gunjan had felt very bad but she didn't say anything. She had always blamed him for the hurdles in their relationship' And just like that, it was over.
Gunjan wondered what she would say if he showed up. She walked inside the college filled with nostalgia. Till now she didn't want to be here but it just suddenly felt like she was home. Before now, she had thought of all the bad memories and all the ones she wanted to forget, and now all the fond memories gushed in. It was like she had never left. As she passed by she remembered everything.
The canteen. Sitting and sharing a coffee with Samrat, romancing him against a wall or holding hands under the table while the gang talked and laughed. the eye-locks and the kisses, everything had been so magical. The classrooms. Laughing, joking, pulling the professors leg, giving attendance and running away from class, bunking classes and just a week before exams attending all classes and not understanding the head or tail of what was going on. The garden. Taking long walks with Samrat and talking about us, and making plans for the future. Coming there in the middle of the night to meet each other, and doing all sorts of shit there. Every pillar held a memory, which she held so close to the heart. It always happened. When one thinks about a long-lost friend or a place the first memories are bad. But when one thinks about it and finally comes back, he remembers the good times. That's human nature! Gunjan's favourite place in college was the auditorium. She had always wanted to become a singer but she was too scared to ever try then. She only sang for Samrat a couple of times. She would come and practice there every evening alone while she waited for Samrat's practice to get over. Many a times she had composed her songs as well and Samrat was the only one who knew about it and he always kept it a secret.
"Hey Gunjan!" a voice called out. She was pulled out of her train of thoughts by he shrill voice. It was Jasmeet Kaur.
"Hey Jasmeet," Gunjan said sweetly. Gunjan had literally made college life miserable for Jasmeet. It was weird that she would even tell her hello.
"How have you been?" she asked.
"Very good. You tell me?"
"I've been great. I work for reliance as Ambani's assistant!" she said.
"How nice!" Gunjan said with a smile.
A shine came on her face as Gunjan complimented her. Maybe she still looked for appreciation from Gunjan. Gunjan thought of her as a suck up in college. Jasmeet had big glasses and had just started putting braces. She looked like a kid and was very fat. She had changed so much. She looked so beautiful in a short white dress with straight long hair. But she still hadn't changed. She still wanted Gunjan's okay. Gunjan wondered how she was the only one who had changed so much'
Later that night Gunjan met a lot of people and relaxed a little on not seeing Samrat anywhere. She was relieved. Maybe he doesn't stay in India anymore.
"Hey Gunjan!" Arjun called out from the other side of the room. Gunjan let out a small shriek and rushed to hug him. Arjun was a stud man! He had always been there for Gunjan, even when Samrat fought with her. He was the target of unrequited love. He had dearly loved Gunjan but she always took him as a friend and nothing more. He was a little low on self-confidence.
"How are you?" she asked.
"After college, you just vanished! And I've heard you are a scientist right?" she asked.
She was finally enjoying herself. There were so many familiar faces. So many people had returned to see their college and it was just great!
"Oh yes! It's been a long journey. I've heard about your company too. I love your magazines. They are just fabulous! I read every edition!" he complimented.
"Thank you!" she hugged him.
Moving on, she met others. Some were married and had a family full of kids and old parents. Some had become famous and popular, and others were still figuring things out. Gunjan realized how everyone was still the same somewhere inside. They tried to hide it but couldn't. But she had genuinely changed. She felt alive tonight. She hadn't laughed so much in ages. It had already been an hour since she was here and she was comfortable. She decided to go to the garden and roam around. She needed the fresh air. She headed out into the huge campus garden where she had once sat studying or reading a book. She had kissed boys under the trees, hung out with friends near the benches and had water fights near the pond. It was a dark night. She walked in the deserted garden and looked up at the stars. How times change? She wondered. It was all so incredible that she pinched herself. As she was leaving someone crashed into her.
"I am so sorry!" she said looking up.
"Yeah me too.." Samrat trailed off as he looked at Gunjan.
She stiffened up as she felt his eyes on her.
He smiled, "Hey Guns!"
She looked away at once and started to walk away. He caught her hand. She didn't want to stop but she couldn't leave. She could just hug him now. Mixed emotions gushed in as she saw him after all this time. He had just become hotter in these three years. He wore a suit and a tie. It made him look so sexy. She tried so hard to push those dirty thoughts pout of her mind but they just wouldn't go away.
"Gunjan. Wait." He said stopping her.
"Its been 3 years. You aren't still with me, are you?" he asked.
"No.." she said with a small smile, "I was just.. Umm.. feeling cold."
She covered for her inappropriate behavior.
"Oh!" he said taking off his suit.
"Oh no, please. You don't have to!" she said but it was too late.
He put his suit around her.
"Maybe we should go in'" she said trying to cut the eloquence.
"No please, let's walk a little." He said.
Gunjan nodded and followed him.
Flashback
"Yo Guns! What's up?" Samrat asked on the phone. "Nothing man! Just chilling in my room." "Let's go for a date today!" "Samrat! I get that we are best friends, but you still have to ask a girl on a date!" She had laughed. "Ok madam, will you please like to go out with me?" he said in his sexy voice. "Much better! And about that, I'll have to think!" she had said.
An hour later Samrat had barged into Gunjan's room through her window. "Oh my good lord!" Gunjan shrieked as he jumped in. "What?" he asked as if it was a regular activity. "I have a main door!" she reminded him. "But I don't get to see this expression on your face when I come through the door!" he said holding her hands in his. His hands felt warm and she felt a weird sensation every time she held his hand. "So why are you here?" she asked. "I came to get an answer for my question!" he said giving her an evil wink. "Which question?" "I asked you on a date, remember?" he asked. "Oops! Its already time for dinner, maybe some other day!" gunjan pretended to have forgotten. "Oh really..." he said pulling her closer to himself and slowly planting a kiss on her lips. "Sam, I'm tired." She said. "No you are not!" he said holding her closer. "Let me go' Sam' Please.." she begged. "I am NEVER going to leave you!" he said holding her even closer now. "Yeah yeah. I know. Now let me go for dinner!" "Exactly, get ready." "I can't go now Sam! Mom has made dinner!" "Aunty will understand, I'll speak to her. She never tells me no!"
That night was one of the best nights of Gunjan's life. She had enjoyed herself so much. Samrat had taken her on a barge into the Arabian Sea. It was just the two of them and they enjoyed their privacy in the middle of the sea. They laughed and talked and lay on the deck looking at the stars. They connected.
It was quiet and calm. The noise and music was shut within the building. The garden was still the same. They walked alongside each other but no one said anything for sometime. Samrat kept stealing glances at her and so did Gunjan.
"You look so beautiful." He finally said.
"Thanks!" Gunjan said going slightly red.
"So how have you been?" she asked.
"Ah! I've been okay. Wouldn't say great, unlike you." He said with a wink.
"Things are going great with you! You have your own company, whatever you wished for. You have everything!" he said looking away.
"What happened to basketball?" she asked.
His eyes still held the innocence it did 3 years ago. It was as if nothing had changed.
"Basketball," he murmured looking towards the basketball court, "that ended with college. It just wasn't what I was looking for." He said.
"Hmmm'" Gunjan said.
"So did you get married? To a millionaire, like you always want?" he asked with a grin. Gunjan laughed, kind of embarrassed, "No, not yet." "What about you?"
"Naah. Didn't find anyone who'd marry a slacker living on his dad's money!"
Gunjan smiled slowly. It was awkward. Apparently, his life hadn't turned out the way he wanted.
"You just vanished after college' never looked back even once!" he sad out of the blue.
"I didn't think you'd care." She answered after much silence.
As they walked back inside Gunjan returned Samrat's jacket to him.
"I've missed you." He said.
Gunjan's eyes shot up and they had a small eye lock as they headed inside. He looked at her intently. She looked away, afraid to let go. Their hands brushed against each other as they walked in. A sudden blast of music and chatter broke the awkward silence that had engulfed them. Nupur was beside her instantly shocked to see her with Samrat.
"Drink?" Samrat asked. Gunjan shook her head,
"No thank you. I'm alright."
"Gunjan, I'll show you something!" Nupur said pulling Gunjan along with her.
As Gunjan moved away, she looked back at him. He was still standing there looking at her, his hand was half extended in front and his eyes fixed on her. She gave him a weak smile and looked in front.
"What was that?" Nupur asked once they were far enough.
"I went for a stroll in garden and he met me there and asked me to walk with him'" Gunjan said.
"What? What did he say?" she asked.
"Nothing really. It was mostly awkward silence," she said, "with a tinge of comfort," she mumbled to herself.
"Thank god I pulled you out of there." Nupur said praising herself.
Then she started talking about, rather gossiping about the girls from our batch and how most of them were just married and had kids! Her mind could only process things about Samrat. His words, his eyes and his actions, it was so tough to read him.
'What did he mean when he said that he missed me? Did we actually have something special? But if we were meant to be it wouldn't have all gotten so messed up.'
"Are you even listening to me?" Nupur yelled.
"Yes! I AM!" Gunjan yelled back.
"I was talking about Rita! You know she married Ritwik? Imagine! She has three kids already!" Nupur said.
"Nupur! You did the same thing so why are you bitching about them?" Gunjan blabbed getting pissed.
Nupur stopped talking.
"I am sorry, I was just'"Thinking about Samrat?" she said cutting her off.
"I don't know. He said some things' I don't know what to believe'" "But what did he'"Gunjan.." Samrat said, interrupting their conversation, "Would you like to dance?" Gunjan seemed hesistant. She was unsure. She didn't want to open herself up and then realize that he was just being nice. "Umm, I' Its'not such'"For old times' sake?" he asked. His voice just had her enchanted. She had to agree. He was too hot to be true.
The dance floor was mainly occupied by couples or long lost lovers so it was awkward dancing among them. Gunjan could see a few eyes on her but she didn't bother. Samrat casually placed his arms around her. She held his hand as he spun her around.
"What happened to us?" Gunjan asked as they moved to the beats.
Samrat thought for a while probably remembering everything that happened and then said, "We made mistakes along the line and it just ended."
"I miss us." Gunjan mumbled.
"Me too." He spun her again and dipped.
They stared at each other as they matched each other's steps.
"I think I took you for granted." Gunjan said confessing the hidden feelings in her heart.
"It wasn't completely your fault Gunjan, maybe if we had taken it a little more seriously we would still..." He trailed off.
There was a re-ignition. He held her closer to him once again. As the music ended he planted a small kiss on her cheek and moved away. The imprint of the kiss remained for a long time. It seemed like a long kiss. 'As he drew away it was like I was losing something valuable'. Anyway, she moved back to the bar and got myself a drink.
The night wasn't a waste after all. She realized that she still had very strong feelings for Samrat that had just reignited by our small meeting. The butterflies were back in her stomach as he approached her as she left the party.
"Gunjan, let go'I ' umm' sorry'I meant to ask whether you wanted to go out for coffee someday?"
I took a moment but then nodded. We exchanged numbers and then I left.
That night was special. She sat in bed thinking about all the people she had met. They had all changed in some way or the other; she just couldn't see it. But some things never change, like her feelings for Samrat, like Nupur's habit of gossiping and Jasmeet's habit of seeking people's appreciation. College is the time where our personalities are shaped, where we meet our friends. Even if we meet them after years, it seems like it was yesterday. College is that time in our life when we just go with the flow. We make mistakes, we do stupid things, but we come out as mature and confident individuals.
'My college gave me Samrat, and who knows, maybe some day we would get married and have a family together, or not. But I will treasure the time we spent together forever, my college life. A resignation can lead to anything' it's your choice.'
______________________
I really hope you like it 😳 & If you do please PM your friends and spread the word. Weirdly, all my contacts got erased so I have to add them again. At the moment I don't remember many usernames. It would be a great favour if you could just spread the word !
And I do look forward to reading your feedback, good or bad.
Thank you !
-Manjari :)
Part 2 : http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3597802
Fan Fictions
Anupamaa
