AneStory

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.