The big auditorium was beautifully decorated CK college seemed to be busy rejoicing, merry making and reliving memories as it was the farewell party of the final year students. But while other students seemed to groove to the music and enjoy among the crowd of friends---two others were all away from the humdrum.
"Anant why did you bring me in the backyard?? You know na Appy Ritz and ranbir would be looking for us. "
"Naah! They probably wont even realize we are not there. They are busy having fun." replied Anant and then fell silent.
"hmmm.. But why did you bring me here Anant??" asked Navya.
Anant tried to say something but then somehow couldn't. As he looked at Navya he saw that she was looking at him with a questioning expression. Anant turned away from Navya aware that she was still looking at him waiting for his reply.
"Na-Navya actually, you know.. I mean.. I.. you.. I mean.. we have been friends for quite some time now right??" he spoke hesitantly.
"Yes Anant we have." said Navya with a confused look..
"and also that today is the last day that we meet each other this way... I mean as class mates.. From tomorrow we will not be able to meet regularly.. we wont be... wont be.. class mates any more. " said Anant as if he gulped down some other word and said class mate instead..
"Yes you are right Anant but so what.. we are friends forever.. so no worries.." Navya said with a smile as if to comfort him.
"Yes but i will miss all this, the masti we do together, the bunking of lectures, the adda in canteen--- everything where will we find all this again??"
Hearing Anant speak these words Navya's expression changed she herself had been thinking about this, she too would miss everything but in her mind she had decided that she would not show it, not today as she wanted everybody to be happy in the college campus on the last day.. she said, "Anant I know it feels bad.I have been thinking about this too and every time i have ended up crying.I will also miss everything as much as you will..."
Anant kept listening to her intently without uttering a word. He kept looking at her as she spoke about how much she would miss everything and finally when she was done with her missing list she turned towards Anant and said, "so you see Anant I too will miss everything, I love this place, I love the canteen, the class rooms, the bunking of lectures and to tell you one secret I love the professors too!" as she said this she had a naughty expression on her face which made Anant smile..
"I love the corridors, the trees even the air in this place and ofcourse of all things I love my friends the most-- Appy, Ritz.. I will miss it all.. But let us enjoy today Anant, lets relive our college days today and not be sad." as she said this she looked at her watch and then looked at Anant, "Its getting late Anant, lets get back to the party. They must be looking for us." saying this she started moving towards the auditorium when she heard Anant speak who had so long been quiet.
"And me??" asked Anant.
Navya stopped and turned back facing Anant and said, "what?"
"And me Navya? you said you love everything and everyone and will miss it all. What about me?? wont you miss me??"
Navya didn't know what to say.. she couldn't utter a word and just kept looking at Anant.
"Say Navya what about me?? wont you miss me??"
After a few seconds Navya found her voice and stammered, "of..ofcourse I will mi.. miss you." saying this she fell silent she looked away from Anant.. she was very conscious now.. she knew Anant was looking at her and also that he could read her expressions. she was scared that he would come to know.. come to know what she felt for him... something that she herself had been scared to realize.. she herself had shunned away the thought that Anant had a special place in her life whenever it had crept up in her mind.
There was silence between them which was broken by Navya.. "We should go back to the party Anant." saying this she again started towards the auditorium.
"Navya!!"
Anant calling her name was enough to stop her.. she stood where she was while Anant slowly moved towards her..