"So .. it's our last day here in this school .. as students .. " Ronn took a deep breath and said.Das was all lost in thoughts. "What's wrong Das?" Ronn enquired ."Nothing much bro. Today is the last day I can spend with Gauri like this.I should have told her about my feelings. Now as she doesn't know, I don't think there's a hope .It's all over .I wish I get a little more time with her , maybe just to hear her talks a little bit more" Das fixed his eyes somewhere outside and said in calm but sad voice.Thats when Ronn thought it like that. Tara.. That's the first name came to his mind.But he didn't spoke anything about that with Das.His mind was all racing to see her ,last time in that same uniform. 'I need to talk to her today' Ronn said Vaguely.Das didn't even hear what he said. He was all lost in thoughts. Both of them just wanted that bus to move faster and reach the school as fast as possible.
**********
"Tara can you spend little time with me after exam?" Ronn unexpectedly asked Tara, who was gazing aimlessly through her book.Tara surprisingly nodded. Now Tara just wanted the exam to get over and listen to what Ronn had to say. It's for the first time Tara met someone like him .Smart , Strong and little Flirting type but sincere .He was all Frank and trustworthy.She had never trusted someone so blindly with such short span of time . Nearly 4 years they studied in same school but it's during final exams of last year they met each other. What fate! oh dear..
**********
Ronn and Tara sat next to each other in the auditorium park . They saw students discussing answers , Colouring each other's face, writing autographs and all giggles .. all tears.. It felt a deep void in both of their hearts."So .. Tara Manoj ... It's our last day." Finally Ronn spoke out tearing that awkward silence. Tara sighed and slightly nodded.
"What's your plan now ? " Ronn asked.
"We'll be moving to Banglore . Well my father opened up a store there. So I will have to get adapted there soon". Tara said with a deep sigh. Ronn didn't spoke for a moment.
"What about you Ronn? "
"You know my condition.. I can't come to Banglore and all . My mom will be alone then. I'm all she have and she's all I have. "
"Hmm.. I know that. So , which school will you be opting? " Tara looked into his eyes and asked.
"Maybe Sarangas.Its popular. Das will be with me . I didn't expect you'll move that far .I don't have any option so that I can come with you." Ronn looked her eyes too and said .She suddenly withdrew her eyes and fixed it on her toes. " I thought we could study together " he added and sighed. She was deeply sad inside then. "I will surely call you " Tara said .
"I'll surely attend then " He said trying to laugh. but he couldn't. Neither could Tara . They both were very sad to get separated. but said nothing about that. For just getting a relief Ronn changed the topic and asked
"You're rich , then why don't you act like one?"
"What you mean by 'act like one'?"
"Well , Atleast wear some makeup on your face or just change your pale ornaments to some expensive jwellery . you know , boys fall easier then"
"Who cares for boys !! Well , I don't have a fashion sense at all . Don't you think I'm pretty without makeup? "
"You're an Angel. "
"I don't wanna 'Act like Rich' "
"Hmm .. Complicated."
Then they both laughed for nothing. Then they spoke for a little time about nothing and something and tried to refuse that lonely feeling gripping their hearts . .....
"I should leave now. " Tara said .
"Okay . But before going .. " before completing the sentence Ronn just applied Red colour on her face and she just stood there surprised.
"I love you " Ronn said . Tara looked puzzled then he added "As a friend " . Then they both giggled. She just took her bag which laid beside Ronn's on the green grass below the stone bench and was about to leave and then Ronn extended his hands for a shake-hand and they both shook hands . She felt his warm hands and she smiled.
"Bye" She said .
**"Kabhi alvida Na kehna " He said .
She laughed and waved bye and left .
He felt like something from his heart was moving far along with her . So that last day was also over . He turned around and saw only few students .Majority had left . So he slowly took his bag from the grass and sauntered lonely . Das had already left along with Gauri and Geeta. Ronn asked himself ..
"Is Tara just my friend? or something as Das said? "Ronn's heart whispered to him.
"No way ..You don't like Angel girls .. Devil is your type .. You wanted girl who do bike stunts , girl who is full of attitudes , girl who is fair and beautiful."Someone inside brain argued with his heart .
"Tara is beautiful and her presence gives me happiness . For the first time I found myself smiling . I found myself less tensed and more energetic." heart said .
"Someone better is on your way Ronn. don't spoil that opportunity with this girl . " Brain said . He couldn't hear mean things about Tara so he just stopped arguing . Brain thought it won . but actually .. his heart won.
His heart repeated her name and each moments with her and he found himself telling 'Tara' .. and suddenly he gained consciousness and slapped his face and corrected himself "She's your friend . Nothing more . Understand?" ..
( .... to be continued ... ❤️ )
*never say goodbye