The Notebook
Raavi smiled as she tip toed into the library. She glanced side to side to make sure no one close to her. Standing up on her toes, she reached for the small blue bound book on the top shelf. Her fingers grazed the book as she stumbled to catch it.
A small note slipped out of the notebook as Raavi leaned down to reach the note.
I'm so proud of you.
A small smile spread across Raavi's lips as her fingers clenched the small note even tighter.
I know this wasn't the highest grade you've received. But, let's work together this time, alright? Anytime you don't understand my notes, highlight the topic, and I'll prepare a new set of notes for you.
Raavi frowned as she glanced towards the notebook. Every time they covered a new unit, her mystery savior created a set of notes for her. They were clear, simple, and covered all the important points. After reading the notes, she gained a true appreciation for the material, and her grades improved as well... going from low 50s to solid 70s. Her last exam dipped again with her getting a 65... but still, she passed!
Whoever was doing this was just such a sweetheart! She didn't want that person to be troubled even more than necessary.
And no... this is not troubling in the least. Just focus on studying.
Raavi smiled as she lowered to the ground, opening up the notebook where all the points were highlighted and written clearly. There were small sticky notes where her savior related points from previous lessons to highlight the importance of the material she was learning.
In the three hours she studied, she gained so much more than all the hours she spent in lecture. She highlighted the points that were still a little confusing for her, and she completed the questions at the end of the notebook that tested her on all the things she'd reviewed just before. In the beginning, she hated doing the questions, but after seeing similar questions on her exams, she became much more dedicated with the questions.
Before she closed her the notebook, she wrote a small message at the corner of the page. She had a strong inkling as to who was writing all these notes for her. Especially since there was only one person in all of Somnath who was this intelligent.
She glanced up and pushed a few of the books on the shelves, getting a clear view of a handsome man hunched over, reading his book and jotting down notes... the topper of the school...
Dev Pandya.
She'd seen the notebook at the store once, when Dev and Shiva were working, and ever since then, she just knew.
I love you, Mr. Pandya.
She wrote with a smile. Glancing up at Dev once again, she bit her lip, deciding she would be brave and write out some of her feelings.
I wanted Actually, if I get an 85 on my next exam... can I say, "I love you" to you in person?
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Raavi's heart burst with happiness when she saw the note her savior wrote.
No. Don't you girls like grand romantic gestures? If you get a 90, I will say, "I love you," to you. Is that motivational enough?
She picked up her pen and quickly wrote the next note, not even waiting until she finished her reviews for the day.
Only if you make it grand and romantic ❤
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The next note was short and simple. It made her giddy with happiness and charged her with motivation all at once.
Paagal... fine... score a 90 and I will make a grand, romantic gesture.
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Raavi frowned as she saw her test paper. For the first time, she put her blood, sweat, and tears into studying for the test. Doing review after review, question after question. And though she did her personal best this time, scoring an 89, she was one point short from "officially" meeting her savior, and one point away from having her savior say, 'I love you' to her.
Again, I am proud of you! You did your personal best, and an 89 is something you should feel very, very happy about! Though we won't meet, I wanted to give you this.
Her eyes moved over to the small pocket watch which had been wrapped securely by a soft, plushy material. Her thumb brushed the smooth metal which had her name engraved on top of it.
I've made many things in the past, but this is the first time I made a pocket watch. You inspired it actually. Every time I noticed you studying, I saw how you would look across the room for the time. Somehow, despite being the prettiest girl of Somnath, you have the most ancient phone. Since I don't know how to make a phone, I thought of making you a pocket watch. That way, you can always keep track of how long you studied for.
She pressed on the top part of the pocket watch and smiled as it opened, revealing a small ballerina. Her arms made up the minute and hour hands.
And in a way, you can use it as a countdown to the moment we finally meet.
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A few years later...
After completing her tenth, she never saw another notebook ever again, and she knew why. Dev became fully invested in his own studies, so she knew he wouldn't have any time to waste on her. But, when she saw the notebook make a reappearance on her desk, she was shocked and confused. Dev was married now and had no obligation to help her...
But as she attended classes, she learned tidbits from the assistant professors who knew Shiva. She learned that he was one of the smartest students in his school. She learned about his dreams of becoming an engineer. She learned of how he participated in multiple engineering competitions, building little machines and trinkets, winning at least one prize in every event.
Despite the notes being not as superior as from before, they were still decent study tools. After using the notebook, her study partners from school, and receiving support from every member in the Pandya family, she managed to pull a 92 on the first exam of the block... a 92.
Since she knew it wasn't Dev, she became extremely nervous... especially when she was near Shiva... wondering whether the the words in the note he'd written before would still apply now...
If you get a 90, I will say, "I love you," to you.
She wasn't entirely sure of whether she was ready.... actually, she was ready. It's just, she was also not ready at the same time. There were days when she wanted to take everything slowly... where she wanted to wait for Shiva to do grand, romantic gestures where everyone would realize just how sweet he was. And then there were other days when she just wanted to slam Shiva into the wall and kiss him senseless.
Tomorrow... I'll think about Shiva, tomorrow. Until then... go to sleep Raavi.
She closed her eyes, expecting to fall asleep. But, when she felt the Shiva's fingers gently graze her forehead, her fingers slightly clenched. He must've leaned in close because she was enveloped in him. His scent, his warmth breath, his energy... there were all so close by, and instead of feeling suffocated, she felt a strange sense of peace.
The pad of his thumb brushed along her eyebrow, "A few years ago I promised you that I would say, 'I love you' to you," his voice was deep and slightly sultry. "Back then, I wasn't ready, but now," his hand left her face as she felt a strange sense of disappointment. However, before she knew it, he placed his hand on her arm. Using her body as slight leverage, he leaned closer to her, "You aren't ready," though she wanted to swallow in nervousness... she knew she needed to stay perfectly still.
"No matter," he leaned down, his lips brushing just next to her lips, right on her mole. "I love you, Raavi," he kissed her again on the other mole of her cheek. "And if I have to wait for you a little bit longer, then so be it," his fingers brushed her hand, almost as if he was going to hold it. "Just..." his voice was a little scratchy and desperate. "Don't take too long.... otherwise... I will kiss you."
He stood up from her and left. The bed dipped on the opposite side as the lights dimmed. Now that he definitely could not see her, she smiled without any inhibitions. Waiting a moment to hear his rhythmic breathing, she turned around, reaching for his hand and interlocking their fingers. Kissing his hand, she whispered, "And I love you, too!"
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
