Chapter 1

*Vani Pov*

“Why are you grinning so much today while we all are in grief regarding today’s tough paper?” I heard the question from my side making me turn away from the sun and cut my thoughts completely.

“Today was our last exam.” I said as a matter of fact staring at my friend.

“And?” she asked, raising her eyebrow.

“We finished our college.” I said and my grin got its place over my face again just thinking about the fact.

“And?” she asked showing her impatience in her tone.

“And, there is no other reason for my parents to stop her to call her son home to get me married.” I replied and sighed just thinking about having a chance to meet him finally.

“Oh God! I just can’t believe this.” We both heard a new voice and turned to see my enemy sitting behind us on the floor of our college grounds.

“What is your problem, Rupa?” I asked frowning.

“My problem is your naiveness, Vani.” She replied frowning back.

“What do you mean?” I asked even though I would turn away and just continue my happy thoughts.

“Did you forget that he is studying in the city and that too higher studies? And not only that, but also his stay in the city for many years, except for the holidays?” She asked shaking her head.

“If you forgot, we are still not writing our exam. So, you can come to the point without going in circles like our answers.” I said fuming at her.

“Fine! Do you really think he would choose a village girl over someone more perfect for him to get along with?” She asked raising her eyebrow.

“Don’t mind her!” My friend said, tugging my hand, but my whole concentration is over the girl before me.

“He will chose me over everyone. I am not a secret from him and he knows that he is going to marry me. I can even bet that I am very special for him like he is for me.” I said with a smirk to show her that her words didn’t effect me.

“Really? How many years has it been since you talked to him?” She asked, still not getting a hint that I will not fall for her words.

“I need not talk to him. I have someone who does that in a more special way. And I will talk to him soon when he comes here.” I said shrugging.

“You know in your heart that there will be problems with this marriage, Vani.” She said shaking her head.

“If there is, then I know how to solve it. Look at your own life without minding others.” I said, glaring at her before standing up and walked away ignoring the shouts from my friends.

After a few minutes, I finally got my anger in control, but saw that I am very far away from the college. I should go back and wait for my transport along with others.

However, I glanced at my watch and saw that it is past that time and I have taken a shortcut. I shook my head and continued to walk knowing well I have missed it.

I don’t know what is her problem, but she is always behind me saying he will never choose me. I will not let her words affect me again and there is no way for them to affect me as I may never see her again.

Now, I should start thinking how to control my emotions. I can’t just get up and walk away whenever I feel any kind of emotion, right?

“Aunty!” I shouted, entering the only beautiful house in the lane and continued to walk inside feeling my legs trembling with all the walking.

“Vani! What happened to you?” Aunty asked the moment I stepped inside her house.

“I… I got angry.” I replied, scratching my forehead and plopped on the floor before forwarding my legs.

“How many times will you walk from college like this? Do you always forget that your college is in another village?” She started asking in a way, scolding before walking into the kitchen and returned with a glass of water.

“You don’t know what was Rupa saying, Aunty.” I mumbled accepting the glass and drank the whole glass.

“I am glad that your college is over. Otherwise, I would have to wait near the door, unlocking it everyday thinking you may anytime walk inside with your legs hurting.” She said shaking her head.

“I didn’t do it recently.” I said, defending myself to which she stared at me with a knowing look.

“It was just last week and I wrote my exam really well that day.” I added, but sighed, knowing well I can’t say anything to change her mind as she knows everything.

“I am just thinking how will my son bear you.” She said and I frowned before looking down at my hands.

“But I know he can’t get anyone precious like you.” She immediately added making me grin at her.

“Will you call him to come here, Aunty?” I asked holding her hand.

“Yes! I will call him in a few days.” She replied nodding.

“Why after a few days?” I asked her frowning.

“I already talked to him today. Weekly once, remember?” she asked and I nodded sighing before placing my head on her shoulder.

“My legs are paining too much. Tell me any incident from his childhood, Aunty.” I said closing my eyes.

“Did you tell your parents that you will be here?” she asked glancing at the clock.

“No!” I said, moving my head near the door and took a deep breath.

“Mom! Dad! I am going to stay with Aunty for some more time.” I shouted at the top of my voice and moved my head again to her shoulder.

“I think there will hear it.” I added nodding to myself.

“I think even my son would have heard it even staying so many kilometers away, then why can’t your parents living in the house beside mine.” She said chuckling and started saying another beautiful incident from his childhood which I want to memorize with my every breath.

I just can’t wait to meet him and tell him how much I love him during all these few years and ask him whether he likes me or not and get the reply to my face instead from Aunty for a change.

I drifted off into sleep smiling with her still talking and caressing my hair. When will these few days finish?