AneStory

Some frames are just awesome, you see a scene and it stays in your mind, makes your day and a memory to cherish. On his rakhi, Kaveri did not come alone, but brought along Monsoon, and she carried the plate. It was like home for Hera, where Mom carried the plate and his cousin sisters and his father's sister tied the rakhi on their hands. It was like being back with family again.

As Kaveri started the procedure, she took gold ring from Monsoon, and moved it round around Hera's face and Hera's eyes followed it, and then the fire on diya's wick. And then the thread was tied on Hera's hand, and bond was formalized.

It was only a brief moment, but Hera was not looking at Monsoon, and it was very difficult to keep his eyes of her, she was looking stunning and all Hera wanted was to go out with her. Albeit, it was not going to be that way. Soon Monsoon asked Kaveri and Hera for their leave.

Hera: "Why?"

Monsoon: "My brother is coming; I need to go tie rakhi to him."

Hera: "Oh! Why cannot he come here?"

Monsoon: "Cause of you, I do not want any drama here, he has seen you last time and this time you are not able to look away, and he had too many questions about you."

Hera: "Okay!" Feeling guilty about staring at her.

As she left with the Puja plate and rest of the sweets, Kaveri asked Hera.

Kaveri: "Why do you love her? I mean do you really love her?"

Hera: "Yes I do!" Embarrassed at the question.

Kaveri: "Ok! What do you like in her?"

Hera: "I have no idea, no reason, I just like her."

Kaveri: "Hmmm...But she is nothing like you!"

Hera: "I do not understand all that, all I know is I like her, even she has said that she is not good enough for me and on sometimes I am not what she wants, but then those are just my feelings for her, they cannot change by what she feels for me."

Kaveri: "That's true!"

After that they had some coffee and left for studies.

All said and done, Hera was hope full, and hope is all it takes for a man to live on, and in Hera's case keep loving Monsoon, after all she had a smile on her face, at the end of day. Hera only wondered when would his love story get on the track, that it should be on. It was very disturbing for him to know that she likes him but does not love him, a difference of one color that they were not sharing, color of love, Red.

Monsoon spent her day in an up mood even though her hostel warden tried to spoil it as much as she wanted to, it did not make a dent on her smile and happy thoughts. After her assignments, which took much longer to finish, she started reading a novel: Love Story by Erich Segal. 

Monsoon's roommates were surprised at her behavior, she seemed to be lot like in love with Hera, but when asked she denied it completely, but something was giving. Hera's character interested one of the roommate of Monsoon. She felt he was very close to what her brother is kind off, looks and behavior. She wanted to meet Hera, to know more about him. 

She took the chance and persuaded Monsoon to ask him for meeting her roommates. Hera had seen them, helped them in past, but that was just because they were related to Monsoon, or just to show his soft side, was what everyone thought, but Hera's friends knew it was just Hera doing what he could. Kaveri was older, more mature and quite good at understanding people's feelings. 

However, the first meeting did not happen to be the planed one, but because Monsoon was t where she should have been, searching for her, he approached her roommates and the only one to reply to him was Kaveri. So Hera already had some respect for her, and when Monsoon said that Kaveri wants to tie a rakhi to Hera, he agreed without any second thought.

But! Hera did have a second thought about Rakhi! hat if instead of Kaveri, Monsoon comes and ties one to me? what if this is all set up to lure me in, and squash my heart for once ad all, but something in his heart said Kaveri wont do this to him. However, Monc was not sure about it, he had to do something.

And all he did was call up Monsoon.

Hera: "Hi!"

Monsoon: "Hi! You know what, Kaveri bought Rakhi for you!"

Hera: "Yes! About that Rakhi! Hmmm"

Monsoon: "Are you cancelling now?"

Hera: "No! Not that, I am ready to have a Rakhi from Kaveri, but!"

Monsoon: "But What?"

Hera: "You see! You know my feelings about you, so!"

Monsoon: "What about them?" Running out of patience!

Hera: "Please! Do not tie one to me!"

Monsoon: "Oh! That! Don't worry, I would not. I do not like to break hearts."

Hence, all was set to meet Kaveri again, and this time with Rakhi, and she and Hera were all set to go ahead with plan. This is one relation that Hera would never forget, and would have never realized it's significance until something would g wrong one day.

Dreams are easy to see, the real incarnation of our deepest desires in front of our eyes, albeit subconscious. For us to keep going sometimes, some kind of screening is necessary to keep us sane, and civilize our desires, for this very reasons most people do not remember their dreams when they wake up. Hera was no exception, he barely remembered anything about his dreams, and this day was no exception.

Hera, after the exhausting conversation with Sam and weeklong sleep deprivation, was tired and sleep was deep, comfortable solace, coming out of those 7 nights and 6 days. Sandy & Deep saw Hera sleep and wanted to wake him up, it seemed Monc's sleep was becoming shallow and he might wake up any time. However, they changed their mind, after what they saw.

Hera's expression were changing quickly, from nothing to anxious, contempt, contentment, anxious,  relief, happiness, romantic, surprise, intimacy, ecstasy, satisfaction...........in a sequence, that was not changing much. Hera was watching same dream again and again, and enjoying each time.

Triiiiinnnnnnnng...........There went the alarm, waking Hera up under watchful eyes of Sandy and Deep, bent over closely looking at his face, Hera shrieked and moved back.

Sandy: "You were dreaming!"

Deep: "What were you dreaming? Tell us!"

Hera: "What!" Thinking, what weirdos!

Sandy: "You had an animated face! Quick changing expressions!"

Hera: "Hmmmm...May be about Monsoon, I am going to meet her today!"

Sandy & Deep had the weirdest grin on their face and Hera a bewildered face.

Hera got on with the day and first thing out of room, filled up the tank, and went to flower vendor, going through all the flowers Hera decided to make a bouquet of his own choice. He chose all colors, all flowers available made it into it. Red rose in center, a ring of leaves, a ring of other color roses, a ring of paper flowers, a ring of Jarbera's, and the purple orchid, and........It was big, to be carried on bike, but he did.

Outside Monsoon's hostel, Hera stood, embarrassed, and of being too obvious for passerby's to notice of him being in love, and everyone knew who he was in love with. And there, one of the passerbies was hostel warden of Monsoon, who did not waste any time, and shouted at her as she came out.

And tears were galore! Hera had nowhere to hide. Monsoon blamed him for all of it, and she was not wrong, if Hera had remained in STD after calling her, warden would have never seen Hera, and shouted at Monsoon.  This is not what Hera had dreamed about, and feared she would cancel the date.

No, she did not cancel it; instead she asked to be taken to some place, quickly. And Hera without thinking took her to the hill top near college, she liked it, she calmed down, and for first time took a look at the bouquet, which Hera asked her again to take from him.

She declined!

Hera: "Why? Is it not international flowers day?"

Monsoon: "Not that!"

Hera: "Then?"

Monsoon: "It is beautiful, with that red rose in middle I cannot take it."

Hera: "Hmmmm...So it is not red rose flower's day!" Disappointed, he looked at her once and then removed it and kept it close to his heart. And then Monsoon accepted it.

Monsoon: "So! This was your plan for the Valentine?"

Hera: Thought for a moment and then decided to tell her the truth."No! I had lot more planned for that day!"

Monsoon: "Oh! Really! Do not bluff!"

Hera: "No, no bluffing, I was planning to give you a ring, and may be you would have never spoken with me again, live alone coming with me here."

Monsoon: "Well put, I am glad you did not do that." Hera missed it, but there was anger in her voice with disappointment.

Hera wanted to say many things but he kept everything to himself.

Monsoon: "What do you find wrong in our relation, what is it you want it from it?"

Hera: "Now, you are just a friend who happens to be girl, on other hand, if you were girlfriend of mine, I would have certain say in your matters, and you in mine, we would be a couple."

Monsoon: "What?"

Hera: "In simple words, you would not flinch at taking my hand for help, even when you do not need it, and I would not be embarrassed to hold your hand to help you, even when you do not need it."

Monsoon: "So, you want to hold my hand, only?" Teasing him.

Hera: "Yes!" In matter of fact way.

Monsoon: "You are so........" Thinking innocent!

Hera: "What?"

Monsoon: "Nothing!" Giggling!

After that they went on a long drive, all around the city, made plans of visiting her hometown. No! Hera was not going to visit her home, but his uncle lived there too, wanted to visit him, so asked Monsoon to go together, and she agreed. And then it was time to go home again, for Monsoon had some assignments and so did Hera.

As Hera was stopping the bike near Monsoon's hostel, a black pulsar passed them, and Monsoon looked disturbed, surprised, and asked Hera to follow it, but it was gone.

Hera: "Who was it?"

Monsoon: "No one." A little too sharp than what she would have liked.

Hera: "Okay!'

And then Monsoon saw someone again!

Monsoon: "Is that Monc?"

Hera looked in the direction she was suggesting.

Monsoon: "And that is Sam?"

Hera: "It looks like that, but how come." Even though he could see them, Hera called up Monc on mobile and it was him.

Monc: "Hello!"

Hera: "So, you are finally up! How does it feel like to sleep for a week?"

Monc: "My head is still spinning, but good news is Sam accepted my proposal!"

Hera: Surprised! "WoW! Congratulations! Tell her too!"

Hera instantly told Monsoon, who looked little, lost, but said was happy for Monc and she went to room, Hera went to his room and unlike Monsoon, who did her assignment, and he slept to dream of her, again.

Hera just decided to freshen up, keep it simple, enter from back side of college, pick her up and go, and interrogate her along while still driving. Nice, simple and short plan, which was planned in a very short sighted way.

Hera took the back gate road, and last night's unexpected rain had made it extremely muddy. Hera nearly, slipped twice and already had mud on soles of his shoes; he vowed not to go back by this road. And right behind the gate, there was Sam waiting, and right in front of gate, the road was dug up. It was not possible for her to cross over. So it was turning back time for Hera, and Sam walked towards front gate.

Hera, turns around, and falls. No other option now, next step was to go to Smoky's place, get cleaned up, answer a lot of questions, get late and then join Sam, who hated to wait for anyone.

As soon as Hera came, Sam blasted him for being late, Hera had lost the authoritative position to question her, and slipped into yes Ma'am mode, and there she was, the Ma'am who was going to announce test result walked by! 

Hera: "Shits!"  

Sam: "What!"

Hera: "Not to you, have a seat, and lets go from here." On second thought, she looks nervous, thought Hera, and look like a nervous wreck looking into bike mirror.

Sam sat quietly, for a change, but it was not good, for this once, Hera wanted her to answer his questions. And she wanted to be in control.

Sam: "I cannot discuss this with your back to me, stop bike somewhere and we will talk." Ultimatum was served.

Hera had to take that, and he decided to go to one place where they can walk and talk but still not be seen by any of the college people, one place where he had planned to go out with Monsoon, tomorrow. They were there.

Hera parked the bike, and suddenly Sam was cheerful, it must be the place, hill top, forest like cover, a view of college, so close but so far away, nice cool wind and flowers everywhere. And they just hit a trail. After walking for about 5 minutes, Hera could not just waste any more time.

Hera: "See Sam; please tell me, what went wrong between you and Monk?"

Sam: "He proposed me!"

Hera: "So?"

Sam: "Is that not enough?"

Hera: Rolling his eyes! "I mean what did you say to him, in reply?"

Sam: "Said No!" Rather innocently. 

Hera: "Just that? You did not give him any reason?"

Sam: "So what's going on between you and Monsoon?"

Hera could not believe his ears, what she had asked? But he did not want her to have a win in this talk, fast turning into a verbal duel.

Hera: "There is nothing going on between us, yes I do love her, but she does not, and she is mature enough to be friends with me and tell me to my face that she does not love me back."

Sam: "Why not? You are good!"

Hera: "You do not know me, however, that is a personal question, and still, we are still trying to know each other better."

Sam: "Oh!"

Hera: "So what did you tell Monk?"

Sam: "I did not give a reason, I could not think of one, but now I do not want to meet him ever again."

Hera: "Why would you do so? That has sent him in depression, suicidal; he has been sleeping since that day."

Sam was visibly shocked. Looking at her, Hera felt something was wrong here and he did it.

Hera: "What's your age?" Hera broke one of the taboos! 

Sam: "I am 16!"

Hera was 5 years older and Monc; 4 and half years older. And Hera knew she was just a kid, she bailed out from being serious with an older guy!

Hera: "Let's go!"

And they started walking, and as they neared bike, Sam started slowing down and in matter of moments she was all tears. people around them started suspecting foul play, and Hera as culprit. Two strong mighty guys stopped near them and threatened Hera as she stepped in saying

Sam: "Oh! Get lost you bozzos, I am not crying because of him. I am crying because....because...oh! You get lost!"

Hera was dumb struck! Hope she is not falling in love with me, the messenger, I hate her, she is just not someone I could walk with.

Sam: "I love him! I love Monc!"

Hera: Heavy Sigh!

Sam: "I love him, but I should not, my sister also fell in love but Dad did not allow her to chose, and it will be same story at my wedding. I do not want to lose him then! It would be like living with someone else for rest of my life."

Hera: "You could have said no to Love, and yes to friendship, you could have just said yes and take a chance with your future."

Sam: "Is he okay?"

Hera: "Yes!"

Hera dropped her home, and came to Monc's side and wondered whether Monsoon would ever choose him? And on that note he fell asleep.

With Friday morning came morning chores, which one has to do to start a day in right way. And Hera had this amazing understanding with life, so a visit to college like all unpleasant tasks; was part of morning chores, and he had to go. On other hand it was Sandy's turn to appear for a test. Hence, Monc was left in capable hands of Deep, which worried both Hera and Sandy. 

However, there was something more important, more significant agenda on his mind, and so he took of earlier than normal, and went straight to wait for Monsoon to show up, in her path to college, rather in a heroic style. He parked his bike, in people's path, on main stand, then lay on it, back to seat, and covered his eyes with cap, except one difference, he looked in direction of path from which Monsoon would be coming; through corner of his eye. 

Hera was feeling cool in that pose, the classic Hero pose as he called it, and then he saw her coming. Monsoon looked at him once and, the look she gave only meant, "I never knew this guy, and please god do not make him call my name." And he does what she fears most at that moment 

Hera: "Monsoon!" 

As two Girls on other side say

Girls: "What a dumbo! I am happy we do not have a boyfriend like that."

Monsoon: "Don't you have to go to college?"

Hera: "Yes, I have to, but I want to tell you something before I go."

Monsoon: "What is it? And why is it so important?"

Hera: "Well, I told you about Monc and Sam."

Monsoon: "Yes, we better get on your bike, you can tell me while you drive."

Hera: "Okay!" and they started for college.

Monsoon: "So, yes, you told me about them, now what?"

Hera: "Something's wrong there, in that rejection. Everyone who I have had a chance meeting has said Sam looks so much in love with Monc, and not other way round."

Monsoon: "Actually, when I heard from you, I was surprised that Monc proposed and she refused, I had imagined a reverse scenario."

Hera: "What! Even though; I told you about them?"

Monsoon: "Let it be, I would talk about that latter, now tell me why you have come in morning."

Hera: "Well, because what most people said, and what I have heard, I want to ask Sam for an explanation."

Monsoon: "And how are you planning to do it?"

Hera: "By meeting her face to face, and asking straight, but not here anywhere near college."

Monsoon: "For once, you are doing a good job, so why did you feel like telling me all this."

Hera: "Even though I thought of all this, I was not sure whether what I have planned is right, and second and more important part, I do not want you to think I am trying to date her, as most idiots are going to say, after they see us go on my bike."

Monsoon: "You have my permission" little disappointed "So you will be going with Sam on Sunday?"

Hera: "No, tomorrow, not for more than an hour, I am hoping we could go somewhere on Sunday? Could we?"

Monsoon: "We will see about it tomorrow then, if no assignment comes my way, we could go." Thinking how hard should i play to get.

Hera: "Done then!" Thinking that is an improvement.

And they had come to the place where she had to get down, and he had to park, but they were little early. 

Monsoon: "Okay I will go now."

Hera: "Why? There is still some time; we can talk for some time."

Monsoon: "We could have, but you see, you have forgotten your bag, so go and get it, you live near so, you will be back in time for 1st lecture, and I will go, I have to walk little longer to my college, compared to you."

Hera: "Oh! Yeah! Okay!" And he smiled and looked on as she started walking away, and looked on till she turned around and made hand movements to go and get his bag. And he went. 

The rest of the day passed uneventful, and Hera was back to Monc's side by night. He confirmed meeting with Sam, and it was going to be Saturday Morning. Hera was thinking of some way of making Monc eat something today, he had already started with juice, so some solid was not going to be that difficult, may be some Dal-Rice or Khichedi. 

However, Monc had something else in mind, he woke up, rather semi conscious, got up and 

Monc: "Hera I want to eat Chinese, I was not able to eat properly with Sam today at dinner, let's go out and have something."

Hera tried explaining, that it was nearly 120 hours since that day, but he did not get through to Monc. Sandy and Deep had some work so they had already gone out. So it was either leaving Monc alone or taking him along, so it was walking to nearest Chinese cart. Logical decision, but did not work. On reaching ground floor, after making numerous sleep breaks, Monc adamantly did not want to walk and was ready to drive bike. 

Hera: "Monc your bike is not here, Sandy has taken it, you gave him."

Monc: "So I will drive yours!"

Hera: "Mine is not here too, Deep has taken it."

Monc: "I dont want to walk!"

Hera: "I have Sandy's Scooty!"

Monc: "Okay!"

And Hera got Monc to sit on his bike, and drove to nearest restaurant, while Monc thought, he was seating on a Scooty. Somehow Monc managed to hold on, while sleeping too!

On reaching hotel, Monc ordered some non-veg and some cigarettes, lite 1 and did not smoke any. Next time he opened his eyes, he had Manchurian in front of him, he had some and then he unhad them. He ate something, and he threw up within minutes, on other side of table Hera had same food and no trouble enjoying delicacy. 

Monc: "You have developed a good taste for junk."

Hera did not say anything, and they paid for the bill and went home. Monc slept again. And with in 5 hrs it was Saturday, and now Hera was sleep deprived, but no time for closing eyes just now, meeting was minutes away, Sam was waiting. And after having those words with Monsoon, Hera was ready for it.

Hera just about made it to class to give that test, and as was expected it did not go so well, on other hand Monc too had an assignment to submit and in his current state, that was not going to be possible in person, however he had completed it before hand with due help from his senior & roommate Sandy. And though Hera had left Sandy in-charge, Sandy decided to come to college attain few lectures and submit that assignment for Monc, as far as he was concerned, it was a masterpiece! 

All Hera thought of those internal tests importance was to make not so important teachers to feel important and give a chance for teacher's pet species to thrive in college life. How else one could explain the phenomenon where two student getting same marks in theory and one becoming university topper while other not even getting a first class. Distasteful it was, and like that thought, were Hera's answer for those tests.

While Monc slept, Deep was left in-charge of the situation, the last person on earth who should have been in-charge, but then he was the last free person available. And Sandy while at college contemplated on hand delivering the project, but once he learned whom it was to be delivered too, he changed his mind, and started looking for a suitable person to hand over the file. At that very moment Sandy witnessed something very important, and never realized its importance. He saw Duds, Vee and Pee argue over something, which certainly saddened the Pee and as the teacher whom Sandy was avoiding to see made an appearance, he hid.

Next, Duds, Vee and teacher were inside the class, and Pee was making her way in, she was the best person whom Monc would trust among his class mate, and so Sandy decided to give it to her and 

               Sandy: "Please, give this to ma'am from behalf of Monc, and tell her, Hera passed it on."

               Pee: "Why me? And why use Hera's name and not yours?"

           Sandy: "Because Monc trusts you most among his classmates, and that madam hates me the most, besides Monc's assignment is too good to be submitted late, as you know someone's health conditions to get  any consideration in this college."

                Pee: "Ok! I will give it to Ma'am" 

                Sandy: "Thanks' a lot; I will now run to my class."

And before Pee could ask anything else, Sandy was gone.                 

Once in class, Pee did not knew what was in store for her, as she got up to submit her assignment, she also submitted Monc's assignment to Ma'am, and there began her interrogation

                Ma'am: "Where is Monc?"

                Pee: "I do not know Ma'am, Hera asked me to submit this to you."  

                Ma'am: "Why cannot Monc be here in person?"

           Pee: "By what Hera was saying, all I could make out is, Monc is terribly ill, and it is difficult to understand what Hera says." 

One thing everyone knew, any sane faculty would not like to ask questions to Hera, for they were certain to get crazy answers, hence a total time waste at that, plus in this case he did not even belong to this department, so how can she get this verified.

                Ma'am: "Duds, you know Hera, right, so you must know why Monc is not here."

Before Duds could speak anything and ruin any chance of Monc's assignment being accepted, Pee butt in.

              Pee: "Actually, he was here to give it to Duds but she was already inside class, so he handed it to me."   

               Duds: "That is quite possible Madam; we have not seen each other and Monc since Sunday! Hera had some tests today."

Teacher wondered to herself, why Monc had to be friend with that guy! He is such an idiot! And Pee thinking, it might have been better if I had taken Sandy's name instead. 

That evening, Hera and Sandy reached room to find the main door open and both Deep and Monc missing, they looked here and there and then Deep came in.

                 Sandy: "Where is Monc?"  

                 Deep: "Oh! He is in bathroom!"

                 Hera: "What! Are you crazy! He is alone in there!"

                Deep: "Relax guys, he is sleeping, puking in bathroom, I moved his bed in there so that I could go down and get something to eat, and now we can move him out again."

He was okay! Monc had slept through that time; he had been doing nothing else, almost nothing else. After moving him out again

                 Sandy: "That was wrong on my part to leave Deep in-charge."

                 Hera: "Where is his phone?"

                 Deep: "Here it is." handing over the handset.

Hera took the phone, searched one particular number and called Sam up, and it was decided they would meet on Saturday. After that Hera spent time speaking with Monsoon, sitting next to Monc. And with that Thursday had come to an end, and it was Friday morning, 108 hours of turmoil, or 108 hours of sound sleep for Monc! 

Monc had had few setbacks before, and Hera too had some of them, but this one was unlike any other. It hurt, Sam declining was too much to take in, not because she said no, but she had aid him on. Any Tom Dick and Harry or any person walking down the road glancing up at them would have said that girl is taken, she has fallen for that guy for sure, but now it did not seem to be so.

That night when Monc went to a chemist and to a Pan shop and got some tablets for headache and 2 packets of cigarette and of to smoke and sleep, but Hera never imagined the sleep to stretch beyond 1 night 1 day, and it went on for 6 Days and 7 Nights! 

First day Hera did not miss Monc, he had all the stuff, submissions and all to complete and thought Monc must be sleeping, after all it was not for the first time, 24 hours of sleep, pure bliss. And as most things that seem good, you learn they are not so, the hard way. Second day into Monc's sleep, his roommates got worried, he had not eaten for 36 hours now, and there were no signs of him doing so, he had not moved from his bed, no not even for bathroom. They tried bells, kicking, punching, water and many ways which their friends told them to try.

At end of 48 hours they were really scared, they checked Monc's pulse, his breath, and got even more scared. Monc's pulse was weak, and his breath was shallow. They freaked out, and sat in corner facing death as a possibility. After about 6 more hours they got a friend who was going to be a doctor in future, and he found the wrapper for tablet.  

                    Doc: "Did Monc take his tablet?"

                 

                    Sandy: "Yes, it was for headache!" 

                Doc: "Headache my foot! It is a sleeping pill, and strong one at that, and he has taken 2! And strong ones at that!"

                    Deep: "What! Holy Shit!"

                    Doc: "Those are prescribed drugs, how did he get hold of them?" 

                    Sandy: Looking at Deep "We do not know!"

                Doc: "Hmmmm...If he dies you are going to be in trouble. How was his mood that night? Any chance of suicide?"

                    Deep: "Oh! God! Oh! Crap!" 

                    Sandy: "We do not know!"

                    Doc: "You will be grilled by police if you answer in that manner!"

It is already about 60 hours now.

                    Sandy: "We better call Hera here."                    

                    Deep:  "That idiot, what help is he going to be? Do you think he would help in throwing the body off, if you want an extra hand, he is quite week."

                    Sandy: "Can you be serious for a moment, only he can answer such questions."

                    Deep: "I was serious, but you are right."

Hence, they tried calling Hera, and they failed, for he was already in class room, giving class test, it was a tough week for Hera, he wanted to make it dead sure that no assignment, no work, no rock remains to be turned for Sunday, the promised date with Monsoon by Monsoon. However, Monc's where abouts were troubling him too, so he decided to pay him a visit after college, even more so cause Monc's cellphone was off.

                    Sandy: "One last try to call-up Hera else we will call police."

                    Deep: "May be Hera has done something, that's why he is not reachable, already on run."

                    Sandy: "Okay! Give me your phone!" and he started to dial 100.

And Hera walked into the room.

                  Hera:  "How come you people leave all the doors open for anyone to walk in, and even leave your wallets out in leaving room?"

Sandy and Deep sighed of a relief, and were glad to see Hera there.

                    Hera:  Looking at them and perplexed at their reaction "For once you people are happy to see, what caused this change."

And Hera was soon sorry that he asked, for he did not want to hear what he did. It had been 72 hours now, since the pill had gone in. Hera checked Monc's breath, and started searching.

                    Sandy: "What are you looking for?"

                    Deep: "We already found wrapper for the pills!"

                    Hera: Ignoring their tones. "Where is Monc's cell phone?"

                    Deep: "Oh! Have no idea." Giving weird looks to Hera!

                    Hera: "Then start searching."

                    

They searched for an hour or so, and found it switched off under Monc's pillow. Next Hera switched it on, placed it next to Monc, and started calling. Monc in his sleep heard the ring and answered the call.

                    Monc: "Hello?" 

                    Hera: "Glad to here you are alive!"

                    Monc: "That headache tablet is so strong!" Still, in his sleep.

                    Hera: "Sandy, get some glucose and water." 

                    Hera: "Monc, your throat is sounding dry, you must have smoked too many, have some water."

                    Sandy: "Take this Sir Hera!" Sarcasm clearly making a point!

                    Hera: "Give him! Not me!" Looking at Sandy with suppressed anger and utmost frustration!

                    Monc: "What are you saying?"

                    Hera: "Drink what Sandy is giving you."

And Monc drank the glucose water, and slept again, and Hera followed same policy till Monc had not taken about 3 litters of liquid. They had shifted to plain water after 2nd glass, and now it was matter of time and few more glasses before Monc would vomit and decrease the effect of pills. They watched Monc's health and made him drink water at regular interval throughout the night.

And it worked, but pill were going to take some more time to wear off, now 84 hours were gone. Glucose and water would not give back Monc's energy, he needed to eat, but when would be right time. So next task was set to make Monc eat something, just soup, and second task, more important than anything else, have a talk with Sam. It was Thursday morning now, and now it was time to head to college and take care of those class tests.              

The calm and contentment with one hour to go, brought Hera some much needed sleep, and one thing was sure he was going to be late. And Hera had already moved on to dream land, and was having sweet dreams, living today's evening again and again, but somehow dream seemed to stop over and over again at same moment. The part where 

"    Monsoon: "Why did you wave to me?"

Hera: "I did not know he was your brother!"

Monsoon: "Good that we have NCC cadets, told him you are one of them." 

Hera: "Narrow escape."

Monsoon: "Yes, narrow escape." "

And was refusing to progress ahead, somehow this was the important part that Hera was not getting.

Monc was nervous wreck and did not want to go alone, and hence instead of going to pick up Sam, he came to pick up Hera instead, waking Hera up from his dreams and

Monc: "Hera, what do you think? Will she say yes?" 

Hera: "Have no idea; she should say yes, have not put a single foot wrong."

Monc: "That is true, still, I have no idea how these girls think and we may never know what may offend them."

Hera: "That is true, someone has rightly said, "Each woman is a different Enigma!" I have to believe in me and my love!"  

Monc: "Yes! I should believe in me! And she will be mine, positive thinking results in positive outcomes."

Hera: "Whatever time it may take, I will not give up, how much ever pursuing it may require,  I would not give up."

Monc: "Yes! I would never give up, even if I have to fight with whomsoever it may be!"

Hera: "Yes! Whomsoever it may be!"

And then rang the phone, and both fumbled to check their own, it was for Monc.

Monc: "Hello?"

Sam: "Where are you? You are late."

Monc: "Come down, on my way!"  Monc cut the line, both jumped out of bed and ran down to kick start the bike an off they went.

Hera went straight to hotel arranged a good secluded table and decided a menu which Monc had already told and candle light, and they walked in, before Hera had a chance to hide, resultant the seating for two was converted into a table for three, Monc made glances to Hera, half way through dinner to walk away for few minutes, and so Hera gave a miss call to Monsoon, under the table, after all some under the table activities are sweet, like footsie. 

And surprisingly, monsoon called, and Hera thought she would only give a miss call back, as she generally did. Hera asked her to cut the call and called back, after all girls bills were more closely scrutinized, specially the detailed phone bills. 

Hera was back on phone in no time, with Monsoon, and was chatting away, giving details of what was happening and how romantic is setting, and how much he wanted her to be here with him. 

Hera: "Moon is full today, and skyline from here is just beautiful, with this cool breeze, we should come here some time, if you say yes, that is."

Monsoon: "Ah! You make me sound as a villain; do I not come with you?"

Hera: "Yes, you do, but still, such scenery is only possible a little late in night, like this time, that is 21:00 hours."

                        

Monsoon: "Hmmmm...Okay! Someday I would come!"

Hera: "Okay!" Little disheartened, he was wishing that someday would be the international flower day / in other terms the next Sunday.

Monsoon: Laughing a bit "Why do you still say yes to everything I say?"

Hera: "Well, that is something for me to think about and find an answer to, and will let you know once I know/when time is right."

Monsoon: "Alright!"

And the chat continued into night until from corner of an eye, Hera saw Sam go somewhere, so he told Monsoon that he would call her after sometime, and joined Monc at the table, looked into his eyes and knew instantly, he was heartbroken, Sam had said no! And had vowed too; never meet again.

That night, Monc dropped off Sam to her hostel, and Hera and Monc went over to Deep's place and Monc decided to smoke out the heart broken feeling and sleep through next day. Hera narrated all of this to Monsoon, she too felt sorry for him, but was outright against the way he was behaving. 

Hera decided to have some coffee to cool his nerves, after the roller coaster day of feelings he had had, and so went to aunty's STD for a cup of machine made instant hot coffee and some time alone. Also he had run out of balance, so wanted to be last one to speak with Monsoon tonight. Just before the day came to an end, at 23:55, Hera just got ready to call from the booth, she picked up and asked him to turn around and she was there. 

Surprised Hera looked on at her, until she waved her hand to break the spell. They got a cup of coffee, and talked for next 5 minutes, when she had to go back, and was as she was half way back, she turned around and ran back towards Hera and called out to Aunty, took a bag of milk and went, and was finally gone for the day. Hera had a perfect end to Valentine, all he wanted was to hear her voice, the last thing that he did today and he got to talk with her face to face! Perfecto!

The Valentine's Day was here and Hera had little idea of how he was going to pass the time, meeting Monsoon was out of question. So Hera had no option but to pretend that today was just like any other day and go out in the world with a brave face, and that's what he did, picked up a novel and Walkman and started reading and listening music, under the shade of his favorite tree in college garden. Hera thought none would show up, at least anyone from his group wont, some would stay at home, and others would be courting their fantasies. 

However, this assumption was the most mistaken one that Hera had ever made. The whole group shows up, and Hera somehow avoids answering all he questions except one asked by Smoky.

               Smoky: "So, where is Monsoon?"

               Hera: "She is with her brother."

               Smoky: "But today is Valentine's Day!"

               Hera: "That's why he is here"

               Smoky: "What?"

               Hera: "He is here to check on her, and making sure every suitor's of her stays away from her." Hera was telling lies trough his skin, keeping the last night’s conversation to self.

               Smoky: "Okay! Hera is she your girlfriend?" 

               Hera: "Why are you asking?"

             Smoky: Checking out Rack's reaction and approval to ask next question or answer Hera's . "Just like that" 

              Hera: "Yes, She is!" Getting an hint, that Rack is interested, Hera decided to say another lie, to keep competition minimum.

And Monc cut in. Monc took Hera away from group and explained his plan for the night, how he is going to propose Sam to night and how Hera is supposed to help, and Hera agreed, as he really did not have any plan that night, besides it would be a good experience to learn from.

Hera had seen them together, Monc and Sam, so had others and unlike Monsoon and Hera, people did not have any questions about them being a couple, but they were not, at least not officially, as far as Hera knew, and Hera knew well, as they both had said so to him, at separate times, but still felt the spark between them.

Hera decided to go and have some sleep in order to be ready for Monc-Sam event, and Monsoon walks in, and Hera gives a huge smile and an even bigger wave of hand, but she is not alone. And he is handsome, and Hera's heart sinks, he seems to be older too, with a baritone! A la Amitabh Bachchan material is walking towards Hera along with Monsoon. Crushed!

Next he sees a Nyaneshwar's sculpture and comments: "This child studied twice as hard as any scholar today, completed all his submissions for life at the tender age of 17 and took samadhi (being buried alive, to die) and you people crib about one semester's lousy submission." 

And he is intelligent too!

I have never seen him before, who the hell is this guy. And as if reading Hera's mind, Monsoon introduce the new guy as her brother, Hera instantly likes this brother of Monsoon and they chit chat till evening and as he leaves says bye to all.

After he leaves,

                   Monsoon: "Why did you wave to me?"

                   Hera: "I did not know he was your brother!"

                   Monsoon: "Good that we have NCC cadets, told him you are one of them." 

                   Hera: "Narrow escape."

                   Monsoon: "Yes, narrow escape."

                   

Hera did not speak for few minutes, but just looked on at Monsoon. For Hera dream had come true.

                  Monsoon: "Hey! You know, next Sunday, there is an international flower day."

                  Hera: "Really!"

                  Monsoon: "Don't you believe me?" 

                  Hera: "I believe you, but just have never heard about that."

Hera resolved to present her flowers! And they walked together she to her hostel and Hera to his room, in one hour it was going to be Monc-Sam event, meanwhile Hera had easy and calm smile of contentment. 

              Being Practical was not going to be easy, certainly not for Hera. For being practical, one has to value head above heart, and a person like Hera, who lived life as it came and as he felt, and was in his dreams most of the times, the move meant 180 degree change in behavior / philosophy of his own life. Being practical meant he need not please everyone, need not be liked by everyone he knows, but most importantly it mean not being oneself, not pursuing dreams, giving up on Monsoon!

              Monsoon was a friend now, a good one for that, but Hera loved her and she did not, being practical meant not seeing her, not pursuing her, not wooing her, not trying to be with her! All these questions and scenarios sunk Hera's heart and he decided to try his best.

              After dabbling over the issue for few days, Hera let go and returned to his way of life, but something had changed. Hera seemed to be lot softer towards Duds, he started giving her as much time as he gave it to Monsoon. None noticed, except Duds and Monsoon, but Monsoon did not object to it nor made a point.

              Hera started pickup and drop service for Duds, and not because he felt guilty or was missing her, but he enjoyed that route, loved to drive on that patch of road, that's what he told everyone, and believed too! But then he started enjoying the company of Duds, he enjoyed that ride when she was there, but not when he tried it out alone. And then again with Monsoon, he was addicted to that route, it became a daily habit, morning with Duds, afternoon with Duds and then late evening long drive with Monsoon, and Hera tried to keep these long drives as long as possible.

              One day on one of such drops, Duds had to ask.....

              Duds: "Why do you come to pick me and drop me?"

              Hera: "I like to drive on this Highway. The cool breeze, smooth road, no traffic, it is like biker's dream road." 

              Duds: "Really! But then you could go alone too, or with your girlfriend Monsoon! Why me?"

           Hera: "I do go with Monsoon, in evening, besides it gives me much needed diversion while studying." And he added in lower voice." And Monsoon is just a good friend, just like you, she is not my girlfriend."

               Duds: "What did you say?"

               Hera: "It is a good relaxation to drive in between, a break while studying!"   

               Duds: "Not that! After that!"

               Hera: "Oh! I said she is not my girlfriend. But why are you asking?"

               Duds: "Did you not propose to her?"

               

               Hera: "Yes, I did, but she did not accept! Said; she has not thought of me as her boyfriend as such, but a good friend."

               Duds: "Wow! But she so much behaves like your girlfriend! She is playing with you! How frustrating!"  

                Hera: "She might have some reason!"

                Duds: "Okay! Well, Hera do you feel she is the one for you, I mean it has been a long time now, that you know her, is she the one for you, like long-long term relationship?"

                Hera: "Are you hinting that will I be marrying her?"

                Duds: "No, I mean, is she really your soul mate, are you really in love or is it just an infatuation and now you do not want to say so, because she is my friend."

                Hera did not reply.

                Duds: As Hera was not saying anything, she thought she must be crossing some boundaries. "Sorry! It is too personal, I should not have asked." 

                Hera: "No, its not that, I am not sure, I actually do not know where infatuation ends and love begins! Can you explain?"

                Duds could not say anything, when she thought of Hera's question; it seemed difficult for her to explain it to him! She decided to explain it to him though some other day!

                 Duds: "Hmmmm....Though question, will give you an answer in few days!"

                 Hera: "Sure! I am ready to wait, on other hand if someone explains it to me; I will let you know too."

                  And Duds home was there, she got down said bye and Hera returned to room; full of thoughts.

                     After that day, Monsoon always reminded Hera about breakfast, lunch and dinner, and each of these times Hera tried to meet her, sometimes he was lucky, sometimes not. Hera used to go alone for food now, on most times, as Monc was giving more time to Sam. Monc and Sam had become good friends, but still Monc had not made his intentions clear.

                     And after dinner it was the only time, when Monc and Hera would sit together, study & discuss life, love, friends and "What should we do next?" It was becoming difficult for them to maintain good relations with all, when not together. Hera & Monc together had formed a team, and unknowingly had started relying on each other, and now when they were not able to be together, things started to go wrong. 

                  Monc used to speak, complement and make promises, and forget. Hera used to remember, repeat and make Monc carry out promises, but alone Monc forgot his promises, and Hera never made any or complement people. Suddenly everyone was feeling as if Monc and Hera have changed, they had because of love interest, but not as much as it felt.

                     This led to frequent heated discussions with Vin, Vee, and Duds, and on some occasions with others too! Sometimes, Hera felt the two, Vee and Duds were just jealous, or just felt it should have been them with Monc and Hera. Monc tried maintaining a diary, but forgot to make entries, Hera tried same but never took an initiative that needed an entry, on other hand there was need of diary for Hera. In end Monc and Hera decided to never meet common friends alone.

                      And as stupid the decision sounds, it did not work, but things cooled down on its own. It was habit of seeing both Monc and Hera all the time, always being there for fun with them, slowly broke away as Duds put it "Be Practical" to herself, and to Vee and all others, a sense of practicality in friendship set in, and things settled down.

                      This was an important lesson for Hera in his life, he remembered it well, but was never able to implement it.  

 

                            Hera came to bed after dropping Monsoon at her room, and it was instant sleep after the day long picnic, and same happened to Monsoon, but before dozing off, Hera called her up and wished good night, but still did not answer that question of "Why?"

                            Next day was study day, for 24 hrs. of missing study was way too much! Too much! As Monc and Duds were rubbing it in! While all Hera wanted to do was talk about yesterday to start with, but Monc and Duds decided to arose that perfect student in Hera for the exam period, but he was nowhere there! Hera was not in mood, not at all, and would never have, unless she would have said those words.

                        Hera was trying to talk about picnic with Monc when he saw Rags walk towards him, a roommate of Monsoon and say;

                              Rags: "Hi! Hera!" 

                              Hera: "Hi Rags! Where is Monsoon?"

                              Rags: "Oh! That is why I am here, actually she is not coming."

                          

                              Hera: "Why?"

                        Rags: "For some reason she is feeling guilty, I think for missing studies and more for your studies, so she has been studying in room and said she would not come to study to college and you should study too!" 

                              Hera: Oh! Crap! "That's alright then; I will study here, and call her latter."

                              And that seed of guilt was planted in Hera's head, and study began! So much so! That he totally forgot of calling Monsoon till she called him!

                             Hera: "Oh! Hi!" 

                             Monsoon: "Where are you?"

                             Hera: "College, studying!"

                             Monsoon: "Do you know what time it is?"

                             Hera: Am I missing some important anniversary here? "No, what is it?"

                            Monsoon: "Hera! You missed the lunch, I waited for you at mess but you did not show up, are you not feeling hungry?"

                         Hera: Getting a hunger pang from stomach! "Oh! Now that you say it, yes I am! Oh! Shit! It is already 3:30! I am not going to get anything now!" 

                           Monsoon: "Okay! How much have you studied since morning? 2 chapters?"

                         Hera: "Two pages and I would have completed 3rd! But now, not till I have something in my stomach. Where can I get something to eat?"

                          In Hera's head a though emerged, maybe Monsoon missed her lunch waiting for me, and now would like me to pick her up for.........

                          Monsoon: Cutting in to Hera's thought process, brutally! "I am sure, Monc must have missed his lunch too, go with him, he might know a place! And Hera take care of your health!" 

                          Hera: "What about you?"

                          Monsoon: "Well, I have completed 2 chapters and my lunch! So we are pretty balanced!"

                          Hera: "Well! Good, you have, and take care!" 

                          She was happy that he had studied, but was not happy that he had forgotten about lunch; call her and most importantly her.

                        The next morning, it was a perfect day for a picnic, thought Hera and Monsoon agreed that discussion with Duds could wait for another day. So Picnic it was. After lot of discussions with all present members over venue and it was decided that none would go, except for Monsoon and Hera, everyone else wanted to study.

                       After little though, Monsoon decided on a nearby fort and Hera and she took off. As they were riding their way to fort on highway, Monsoon started singing some songs and Hera started humming. After a while, Monsoon realized that Hera was humming and stopped singing, Hera continued for a minute or so and then felt lost so asked her to start singing again.

                           Monsoon: "Why do you only hum the song and not sing it along?"

                           Hera: "Because I do not know the lyrics, and I tend to invent my own!"

                           Monsoon: "You might know at least one song!"  

                           Hera: "Actually, only 2 songs."

                           Monsoon: "Then sing anyone!"

                           Hera: "My voice is also not good, and certainly I do not understand rhythm!"

                           Monsoon: "Stop making excuses and sing!"

                     And eventually Hera gave in and choose the most romantic of the two songs he knew, and started singing. The song that he did not chose was song from Dus movie (the shelved Salman starrer), the patriotic one, and good choice!

                           And Hera in wayward way sang......... 

Lakdi ki Kathi

kathi pe ghoda

ghode ke dhum pe jo mara

dora godha dhum uthake dhoda...........

                                                                            ...............and he sang whole song! This one is from old Masoom!

                          And they went on, Monsoon laughing her way up the winding road, listening to Hera! Monsoon knew one thing; with Hera it was going to be fun, to be friends with him. Singing childhood songs to girl whom he has already proposed love, this guy needs some serious training in department of heart.

                                   Once on the top of fort, Monsoon got engrossed in looking at scenery and Hera in her than anything else! They took pictures, here and there, walked all around, feeling cool breeze through the hair. Monsoon chose the cosiest place to have lunch at, surrounded by bushes, such that wind would not tease them while eating, and they were almost alone among other tourists at the spot. The local restaurant laid out a carpet for them at requested spot and in another 30 minutes lunch was served!

                                  For the first time in his life, Hera did not care "What was the menu?" and did not even curse, that there was no non-veg! And it was local delicacy, "Zhunka Bhakar and Onion pakoras along with chaas!" And he had full meal, as Monsoon feed him with her lovely hands. Hera momentarily played with the idea of biting her finger, but then avoided it, for she would stop!

                                   After lunch it was some lazing around under the mild sun and some more sightseeing, in all a day long date had gone to perfection, only she was not Hera's girlfriend. The only thing that Hera was wondering about, when it was time to go back in evening, as they were getting back onto bike, for ride home, but Monsoon had other ideas.

                                   On way down, she proposed to make a stop near the lake, and Hera agreed happily. The lake was lively market now, a la Mumbai Juhu chopati, vendors selling all sorts of snaks, Indian- chats, corns, pakoras, to western- chips, biscuits, cakes and off-course drinks- tea, coffee, cold drinks, chaas and Ice-Cream.

                                   Monsoon chose corn and so did Hera, and then both sat looking at sunset, on the bank of manmade lake, till late in evening, till it really became cold. And it was time to return, Monsoon was feeling really cold and so Hera gave her his jacket, a foresight for which he had taken it from room at last minute, and still she sat hunched, hiding behind Hera's body! Hera felt the chill too, but was warmth in his heart for her warm hands were on is back, first time in day, he felt her touch! To longer the time with her, Hera drove as slowly as possible.

                                          Still, they were going to reach the destination, and Monsoon was happy that he drove slowly for her, as she was feeling cold, and as she said her byes she asked "Why do you care so much?" and Hera kept quiet.