There.... lit up a weird sense of connection between these two unfamiliar, truly unknown souls.
From a hesitating, timid "Hi" to a usual catch up call every evening, became a part of Mayank's life. Now he would be desperately waiting for hours, to hear a word from the girl.
Yeah.. Mayank, who used to be a lover boy for many kind-hearted souls and who would make any girl go bananas over him within a fraction of seconds.... was in a different world...
Was it infatuation or was it love??
Least aware of how the things were flowing and in what direction, Mayank was sailing through seamlessly, disconnecting himself from the so called "Childhood friendship gang!!"
Now he had just one thing to cling onto.... Prishaa.... All time, every moment the feel for this new gal... grew.. grew as a Tide... that would never Fall back to disappear in the so called "ocean" of Mayank's thoughts.
As the frequency of exchanging messages grew and they began to know each other time on time, bit by bit....and...soon the day arrived Eventually!!!... On this day of the extra-ordinary College Fest "Utsav"....
As he surveyed the group, his eyes suddenly lit upon a stunningly attractive girl wearing a black dress. She was a real beauty. She radiated an extraordinary sensuousness; of such a degree that Mayank was not able to take his eyes off her. He felt as if his eyes had locked on to her face. He feasted his eyes on her lovely face. She looked pristine - so fresh, so pure. She was Prisha, one for which Mayank has taken all the pain. Mayank was in a haze of delight. For the first time since Rema left, Mayank felt completely relaxed; once again, he was in harmony with himself.
Tearing apart the crowd, hurriedly arranging for the props, managing the final touch-up in the green room for the contestants.
She now heard a call out for the college representative, from the anchor.
"May I please request the representative of Anand College, to have the contestants ready at the backstage for their performance.. Next"
Lending all ears to the announcement and with all her pre-preparation, Prisha managed to get things all set at the back stage within a fraction of seconds.
Now! was their turn of performing On-Stage!!!
Keeping her fingers crossed and praying to God for their victory... she was looking innocent as a kid, wishing and bribing God to pass her exam with a good grade.
She could hear the crowd applaud for the absolutely mesmerizing dance presented by her team, a few moments later. She rejuvenated!!!
Mayank was completely absorbed by her radiant sensuousness, almost in a enchantment. As the curtains came down, she turned and looked at him. Their eyes met. Mayank hoped that his genuine adoration had not gone unnoticed. She gave him a glance that could have meant anything. No response. He was disappointed. Millions of thoughts went in and out of him. No response; does that mean she is not interested; if that is the case then why did she used to have a conversation on phone. Is that she is afraid? But why and fro whom? A set of questions hit him in a flash. But he was not going to give up so easily.
He was afraid. He was nervous. He collected himself and started staring at her. he caught her eyes again, looking steadily and directly; passionate admiration and yearning radiating from his eyes. She held his gaze in a kind of challenge, there was a lengthy pause and then she smiled. He felt relieved, and elated. The frank admiration in his eyes had won him a smile. Her large youthful eyes were now fastened on him. There was a language in her eyes, which Mayank could not fully fathom. Happy and gay, her eyes conveyed a certain ingenuousness tinged with curiosity, possibly approval. For Mayank, it was a moment of supreme satisfaction. He felt renewed and refreshed.
Just the moment, when she was about to join her group after their performance and acknowledge the accolades for the lovely dance recital.... Mayank approached her.
After exchanging the formal greetings of the day and congratulating her for the absolute hard work that was paying off.
(Seeing the crowd shouting in Chorus...Once More!.. Once More!)...
He randomly changed the topic of conversation, finally gathering up the courage to do what he was there for.... to propose Prisha for a casual talk/chit chat over coffee at CCD.
Prisha nodded her head, showing an acceptance of his offer. Mayank was on cloud 9!!!
Though it was just a casual meet for Prisha...For Mayank, it was 'THE TIME'... 'THE DAY'... his first serious DATE :)
Prisha was as naive as a new born to her freshly growing relationship. It was all "friendship" for her, least aware about, what poor Mayank was undergoing, she appeared before him as "JUST Friends over Coffee, ammm.. a li'l special friend though" (winks).