Chương 2: Episode 2: First meeting

Sid was moving around in the corridor, trying to find his classroom. With some efforts he does find the board in with B.E. (CSE) -1st. He instantly got relieved and heads inside the classroom.

He finds an empty bench, stores his belongings on his desk drawer and have a look around. He would need some friends in his class otherwise his college years will be wasted alone. This is the only time in life to have fun as one's heart desires and make some life long buddies. The memories of college can never be remade as you grow old.

He notices a gorgeous girl in pink Salwar kameez sitting alone on the last bench. She is lost in thoughts, while she plays with the strap of her bag. She was a delicious sight. Sid wanted to go and chat with her. But he did not do so in the end. He was anxious what if she mistakes him for a pervert. It's better if he befriends her with time.

He looks at the other people in the class who were also excited about the first day of their college. But this particular excitement was missing on the pink clothed girl's face.

Sid wondered why? Well he will get to know after he befriends her. He will make sure to fill her life with laughter and sunshine.

As The bell rings, a tall man enters the classroom. He greets everyone and talks about the college and importance of their course. He gives advice to the students on how to handle the pressure and manage time.

Well as the man was giving advice, Shruti was in search of the classroom, after a while she managed to find it.

Shruti: oh God! Save me… First day itself, and I am going to be late… what will happen to my first impression on professor.

She practically race towards the classroom and stops on gate. Then she looks toward the professor while panting heavily from the exercise.

Shruti: May I come in sir?

On seeing her, Sid was bewildered. He widens his eyes. He cannot believe it. He was seeing her again. The girl he met in morning. He rubs his eyes for confirmation if he is seeing a mirage. Yet she was there.

Professor: Are you a student of this class?

Shruti: Yes sir. I went to the office room to submit some paperwork, hence I am late.

Professor: Oh! Get in. Take your seat.

Shruti: Thank you sir.

She sits on an empty bench And turns look around for her classmates. When she looks at back, she noticed Sid who was staring at her blatantly. He mouths "Hi" and waves his hand for her to notice. She was surprised. She widens her big beautiful eyes and turns around.

The professor asks everyone to introduce themselves. Everyone starts their introduction accordingly the rows from front towards back. With time, it was Shruti's turn.

Shruti: Hi everyone. I am Shruti Srinivasan. I live with my parents and grandparents. I have a brother who works in Mumbai. I hope to make new friends and memories with you all.

Sid was thrilled after her introduction, the smile on his face widens in a beautiful curve. He has found her. He had confirmed that she is none other than his long-lost childhood bestie Shruti.

"Your guess is right man!" he praised himself. But he didn't get more time to bask in happiness to find his childhood best friend. Soon he was disturbed by the intro of pink clothed girl. It was very short and cold.

Girl: I am Swadeenta Ramakrishna. I live with my mom.

Sid repeats her name in his mind and thinks, "Nice name". It is now his turn to introduce himself, So he stands up on his seat.

Siddharth: Hello! I am Siddharth Subramaniam. I lived in Coimbatore for the past 4 years and came to Chennai last week only. Before last 4 years, I used to live here only. I live with my parents and I have a sister who got married.

On finishing his introduction he looks towards Shruti with a smirk. The said girl was also looking at him but with gaped mouth. He was pleasantly happy to surprise her in such way.

Shruti was on cloud nine after Sid's introduction. Her best friend is back. She was angry with him as he didn't contact her when he came back or while he was leaving. And yet she wanted to jump upon him and hug him for his miserable life. She teared up, it was happy tears. She controls herself and decided to drill him in free time. He has a lot to answer.

Bell rung after some time, indicating the end of particular period. Sid did not miss a second as the professor vacates the classroom. He runs towards Shruti and hugs her in a death grip. In answer for his hug, she cried and beats him for his dear life.

Shruti: you duffer! Idiot. Moron. How dare you? You ran away from me without even telling me? Huh! Not even a message within these four years. Get lost you stupid! You didn't even contact me when you returned. I won't talk to you. I am mad at you.

Sid: Oye drama queen! I am also angry at you. You saw me in the morning, yet you can't even recognize me. Am I right? Have you got peas for your brains?

Shruti: Oh! ok. So tell me, you recognized me? Right? You stupid. You too must have forgotten me.

Sid: Actually I recognized you on seeing your chubby cheeks. But before I could say anything, you flew off on your scooter. What could I, a mere mortal do? That is not my mistake. Since I knew it was you when you entered the class, I desperately waved at you for hint. But you never remembered.

Shruti: Oye… I am not chubby. That was 4 years back. Now I am slim and fit. See I have got such a nice figure, curves in right places. Hey, you have diverted me from the topic. It won't work. Remember, I won't forgive you easily, you have to earn it.

Sid: Now what Shruti? Starting again? See… My dad's business was down. We suffered a heavy loss, so, we sold our house and went away to regain our footing. All these happened in just a couple of days and I could not inform you as you were out of town. It was mere fact of bad timing.

Shruti: So what? I was your neighbour. Can't you write a note on a chit and place it in my letter box. Or better you could have called me. Even a message would have worked you Moron.

Sid: Don't you know about my dad? He asked from us not to call anyone in Chennai. I was helpless, drama queen.

Shruti: Wah! Lame excuse! I won't forgive you anyway (she fakes anger).

To seek her forgiveness, Sid sings 'kabhi kabhi aditi' song from movie 'jaane tu na jaane na' with slight modification. He used Shruti's name instead of Aditi from the original song. "Oh Shruti! Haste haste haste haste haste tu zara… Nahi toh bas thoda thoda thoda thoda thoda muskura"(hindi). He does some childish acts with his chorus, which do makes her laugh in the end.

Sid: Ah! Finally! You laughed. Thank God. I know how to cool your anger, my drama queen. Come, I will get you something from canteen. You glutton!

Shruti: Don't call me glutton. If you must call me something, call me foodie…

Sid: Whatever… (They move towards the canteen)

While Shruti and Sid are heading to canteen, in the class of final year CSE, Arnav is writing something. Vicky is famished yet Arnav has no intention to finish anytime soon.

Vicky: Shall we go to the canteen?

Arnav: I am not coming…

Vicky: What yaar? Don't be like this. Angry young man with no feelings. Please come, for my sake.

On his repeated coaxing Arnav agrees to accompany him to the canteen.

Canteen:

Sid: Give me two ice creams and a juice. The man on the counter fetch the order.

Shruti takes one tube of ice cream and open it on spot. The ice cream was molten.

Shruti: Hey, What is this? We asked for ice cream, not milkshake. It has melted away. And look at this juice, It is not juice. It's water.

Sid: Adjust with it Shruti.

Shruti: I can't Sid. We are paying for it? We are not taking it for free. Bro, Give us good ones. Or else I'll complain to the management.

Arnav and Vicky watch this whole conversation from a distance. On seeing her argue with the canteen personal, some montage of images flashed into Arnav's mind, and he feels dizzy as result. Vicky makes him sit on a chair.

Arnav: Get me something sweet. Seems I have low sugar.

Vicky hastens and get some candies for him. He gives one to Arnav. When he consumed it, he instantly was relieved.

Vicky: I know it. That girl's attitude reminded you of her.

Arnav: Hmm... It triggered some memories, that's why I felt dizzy all of a sudden.

Both group of friends rest there for sometime, after that they returned to their respective classrooms.

This time Sid and Shruti chooses to sit together.

Sid: Shruti! Look at her..(points to swadeenta) She has been sitting alone since morning. Shall we go and talk to her?

Shruti: Oh yes. Why not. What is her name?

Sid: It's Swadeenta. Swadeenta Ramakrishnan.

Shruti: Oh… Look at you (in a teasing tone).

They both go to Swadeenta. Shruti sits next to her, while Sid sits across her.

Shruti: Hi! I am Shruti.

Swa: Hi….Swadeenta.

Shruti: Nice name… It means independence right? Shall we be friends? (she forwards her hand)

Swa: Friends (she shakes her hand).

Shruti:why are you sitting alone? Come and sit with us.

Swa: It's OK…

Shruti: I am not asking you, but telling you that you have to sit with us. I won't take denials and excuses.

Thanks

Swadeenta agrees to change her sitting arrangement as per Shruti's wish.

Shruti: And he is Siddharth. We are childhood friends.

Swa: Nice to meet you Siddharth.

Shruti: Even though we are childhood friends, we have met after 4 long years… There are many stories to share. Join us.

They keep on chatting for the rest of the day. Most of the time, Swadeenta was silent. Within no time it was end of the day. With the last bell they started to pack their belongings.

Shruti: Swadeenta. How will you commute?

Swa: By bus.

Shruti: Shall I drop you to the bus stop?

Swa: It's OK. I can walk.

Shruti: Wait. Don't be prissy. I'll drop you.

Sid: I have some work in the office room, I'll head there. You drop her to bus stand, then wait for me at bike stand. I will be there soon.

Shruti: Okay…

She drops her to the bus stop, and then returns to the bike stand. While she was waiting for Sid, Varun reached the parking with his friends. Upon seeing her alone he starts ragging Shruti. She refused to do what they had asked her to. She didn't heed them any attention even after their threats. They got angry and started to become more violent in their approach.

One of his friends was about to hit her, when they noticed Arnav's arrival. Arnav raises his eyebrows upon witnessing the situation. All of them got scared by Arnav's provocation, so, they decided to flee in rush. Everyone ran away as if their tails were on fire. It seems Varun has guts to tease Arnav when Sanjay is around otherwise he is a coward.

Shruti: Thank you so much. I don't know who these idiots are exactly… They were not looking like students to me. They were like rowdies. Street dogs.

Arnav: They are my classmates.

Shruti: what? I can't believe this. How sweet you are and how rude they were…Btw I am Shruti. (She forwards her hand)

He did not respond..

Shruti: May I know what you name is, at least?

Arnav: (angrily)Look… I saved you and you thanked me. That's it. End of the story. You don't have to know my name. Just move from here asap. I am getting late.

He strode with some haughtiness after relaying those mean words to her.

Shruti wonder's while waiting for Sid. "What is wrong with him? Is asking a guy's name a crime? I don't understand He is ruder than those street rats. Khadoos!"