Sometimes...... It's Too LATE......!!!

Chapter Six

Smiling sheepishly, Yash walked towards Kavya and perched beside her along the bench.

"So.. Seems somebody was enjoying being alone in this serene aura. Am I bothering someone... Huh...??", Yash quipped.

"Actually, yes, I was enjoying my solitary, but I won't even mind being bothered by you....!!", Kavya chuckled.

"Wow.... Your flirting with me Kavya.... And I kinda...Like it.....", Yash said in amusement.

"Really...mere itne bure din nahi aaye... That I would flirt with you....  So back off...", Kavya said mockingly. 

"Ohhhhh.... My Bad...", Yash replied, making a puppy face.

He looked cute with that expression. His messy hair totally complimenting the little stubble on his jaw line. The Yellow T-shirt with a cartoon of Sponge Bob on it, was just doing the task of elevating his cuteness meter. Kavya nudged him and said,

"God, Yash this is sheer over acting. Be natural, only then you can charm girls."

"Ohh...Hello Miss Kavya... I can beguile them with just one look. I don't have to work hard You see. I'm a killer..", Yash winked at her with self-appraising eyes.

"Huh... You guys are just so impossible. The moment someone question your charismatic qualities, it just pinches you and straight affects your male ego.", Kavya snorted.

"Hold on... You're just taking me wrong Kavya. I was just kidding. Attempting to have a laughter moment, that's it. I don't understand where the hell did this ego came into the picture...", Yash said with clearly depicting dismay.

Kavya was now feeling really awful because she didn't mean to offend him. She was simply trying to pull his leg.

"Yash, chill I wasn't serious. Pulling your leg that's it. You held it way seriously dude. I didn't mean any of my words... Sorry...!!", Kavya said.

Yash looked away from her. This made Kavya feel nervous and yet more terrible. The fright of losing the only friend seeped in Kavya. All of a sudden Yash roared with laughter. Kavya looked at him in bewilderment. 

"Gotcha.... Again...!!!!", Yash replied with laughing even harder.

"Kamine..... I'm gonna kill you...", Kavya hit Yash on his shoulder and then both came back to their tee-ha moment.

"Achha listen, where will I find my books and all the stationary things...??? Reasonable and handy...!!", Kavya asked.

"There is a shop in Churchgate, which have all publishers books and it's quite reasonable. I have all my things brought from him. Just lemme know when you have time we can go there and grab all your things.", Yash said.

"Okay... I'm free whenever you say. We can go tomorrow."

"Yeah.. Cool then. Let's go around 10 in the morning and tomorrow is weekend so there won't be much rush."

"Yeah.... Fine."

"Kavya, are you on Whatsapp..??", Yash asked.

"Hahaha.. You know this is the latest trend of boys asking girls number via Whatsapp... This is funny...", Kavya giggled.

"Yeah... Many of my friends do that and you know what it does works.. Really..!!", Yash said.

"Hmmmmm..... The thing is I'm yet to purchase my new SIM card. As soon as I get one will let you know until then you can give me your number."

"No No..... Who knows as soon as you get your number you will start harassing me with blank calls and obscene messages.... Me poor soul...", Yash joked.

"Shit... I had a full proof plan of molesting you, but you are smart... You ruined it... !!", Kavya replied with mocking disappointment.

Again, the tee-ha moment circulated around Kavya and Yash. After chitchatting for some more time both marched towards their dwelling with the plan of meeting tomorrow.

The following day went all busy and tiring as they had to travel a lot in search of books and all stationary. Yash's company helped a lot Kavya with her books and travelling as well. Yash not for a moment made her feel clumsy or uncomfortable. It has been just a few days, but Kavya could feel the security in Yash's company. As a friend both were glad to have each other and as it is truly said, sometimes it takes only a few seconds to get someone close to you and sometimes even years fall short.

Sometimes..... It's Too LATE....!!!!

Chapter Five

Kavya was still lost in her ocean of thoughts, Yash tapped her and she was back in reality.

"We have reached. Come....!!", he motioned her to come ahead of him just to protect any kind of buffeting in local trains which usually happens. She did as he said and both of them landed safely. Kavya smiled, depicting the tacit Thank you in it to which Yash understood and winked at her. 

"We just need to walk for 10 more minutes.... We'll be there... thik hai..", Yash said. 

Yash and Kavya both reached the college gate. It was a well renowned college, known for its academic and all other cultural and extra curricular activities. Students chattering and rambling on the college ground. Peons and watchman, here and now having a check on every students ID and they make sure that these students wear it on their neck which usually they don't do it, instead of letting it hang from their pants or shorts. Some girls and boys dressed best and looked really handsome and attractive.. May be rich brats, and a few were in the simplest form. Kavya started wondering, where will she fit in...?? "

"They have displayed the list in the quadrangle.... Over there...come lets check it...", Yash pointed his finger towards the quadrangle and started moving. Kavya followed him. She was all nervous, but somewhere was confident that she would be listed in the first list itself. The list has been declared and a whole bunch of students along with their parents have completely blocked their way to reach to the list. Kavya tried to have a look by jumping here and there, but all were futile.

"Gosh, how we gonna check now..?? People have blocked every possible way. lagta hai board ke andar hi ghuss jayenge...", Kavya said with vex.

"Relax... You wait here, I'll go and win the battle. Phew.....", Yash moved forward, turned back, winked at Kavya and then strolled into the crowd. Initially he was quite polite with the people, but when they were not moving an inch, he started to dodge among them. Squeezing himself, he finally reached in front of the board and waved a thumps up to Kavya. Kavya started giggling.

"Check...", she shouted. Yash nodded and spun to the board. He scrutinized every sheet. Once he was done with the scanning process, he marched towards Kavya. Kavya was all tense now because Yash had no expression on his face. He looked all blank and ambivalent.

"What... Do I have my name in the list.....??", Kavya queried.

"Ummm...No...", Yash nodded in dismay.

"Shit...!!!", Kavya exclaimed in disbelief.

"Hahahahahah... .Gotcha.... Chill you have your name on it... Yuhooo... !!", Yash chuckled.

Kavya gave him an I-Will-Kill-You look, but then joined him in their laughing encounter.

"Such a relief yaar. Thank you Yash, I don't think I would alone have traveled till here and more about to trespass this crowd.... Phew.... ", Kavya said kindly.

"Again, you're welcome... But I think now you should hand me your documents so that I can fill in the rest admission process and we can go home with no burden of worries on us...!! What say.. Shall we..", Yash said and signaled Kavya towards the admission counter were already a queue of few students with their parents was present. Kavya then handed him the documents and filled in the admission form. Yash and Kavya joined the queue and waited for their turn. It didn't take them long as Yash have already inquired of the fees and Kavya was all handy with the required documents and details. Within an hour they were all done with their admission job.

"Finally..!!!", Kavya said with sheer exhilaration and relief.

"Yup... Hey, I'm famished....let's go and eat something...", Yash asked.

"Yeah, even I'm hungry. Come-on, let's go...", Kavya replied.

Both walked across the street to grab some heavy lunch. Yash recommended a nearby hotel which was in the pocket, yet with tasty food.

"You know, here the food is cheap and it tastes yummy....!!", Yash said with excitement.

"Oh... Nice.... I think we should order something. Please you place the order for me as I'm new to this, I won't be aware of its best food."

"Ummmmm... Okay..."

Yash ordered for some fried rice and Manchurian balls with gravy and Pineapple juice for both of them towards the end. Kavya was really fond of Chinese food and she was glad that Yash ordered for the same. Again the same circle of sharing ickle smiles began, but this time Yash uttered to start a chat with Kavya.

"So... By next week you will commence your classes right... You might be excited for the new college, new friends and all that stuff...!!", Yash quizzed.

"Yes... Kind of...!!", Kavya replied woefully.

"Kind of... What does that mean...??", Yash asked.

"You know I'm all excited and thrilled to begin with my new college, but the only thing bothering me is getting along with new people. I mean making friends was easy back in my hometown, but here it's paranormal. Okay, I know paranormal is a bit exaggerated expression, but that is what I'm feeling now.", Kavya replied in dismay and looked away from Yash.

By the Yash was about to speak again, he was interrupted by their own ordered food. The waiter served them the food and went away. It smelled delicious. Both started nibbling on their Chinese cuisine.

"I understand...even I went through the same thing. But don't worry, it's just the first day you might feel awkward, but then you will get immune to this environment and if we talk about making friends... I think you already have one.. And that's Me...", Yash winked at her.
This instinctively made Kavya smile.

"Apart from me you will slowly have many friends Kavya. Just the first day will bother you, but then majja ni Life....", Yash continued.

Both of them roared with laughter. They finished their lunch and the bill was equally shared by them. Kavya really liked this gesture of Yash because he wasn't one of those guys who are just so clinging and cheesy, poking their nose in every matter and showing fake chivalry by paying the bill oneself. She had a rule that only her husband or boyfriend has a right to pay for her and Yash unknowingly followed this rule.

Yash and Kavya were back home by the evening. Bidding each other goodbye at their respective doors, both decided to meet downstairs after their dinner. Kavya after having a nap, had her dinner and went straight down as Yash and she had planned to meet once they were done with their food.

Kavya settled on a nearby bench and waited for Yash to accompany her. The chilling breeze was comforting and relaxing. Kavya closed her eyes and rested her back on the bench, savoring the blissful mild wind. Yash was now downstairs. He saw Kavya sitting on the bench and marched towards her. As he moved closer to Kavya, the blurred picture of her face was getting clearer. Her closed eyes made the face only look more adorable, with her hair moving here and there, as in sync with the blowing wind. Yash was now standing in front of her, just lost in her exquisite face when suddenly Kavya happened to open her eyes. For a moment it was all silent because no one knew how to react, it was awkward. After a tad pause, Yash and Kavya both muttered "Hi" in unison.

To Be Continued...!!!!

Sometimes...... It's Too LATE......!!!

Chapter Four

Kavya woke up with the sudden jolt, thanks to the thunderous alarm tone. With drowsy eyes, she got up from her bed and dragged the curtains open. The bright sun rays totally made her eyes wide open. As usual, she fixed her coffee and went straight to her swing zone and scooted on it with her morning companion, coffee. She never compromised with the quality time she used to spend with oneself. This always helped her to discover answers for some unspoken and tacit questions or helped her to come out of any dilemma. Introspection is what she believed in. 

Kavya, after having her own time with the morning  breeze and coffee, got ready by nine. She was almost done with her breakfast  when the knock at the door jarred her. Her mom answered the threshold. There was Yash on the other side, waiting  for Kavya.

"Namaste aunty.... Ummm... Is Kavya ready...?", Yash queried.

Kavya's mom motioned her to hurry up.

"Please, come in beta.....", Kavya's mom gestured him to get in. Yash got in and waved hi to Kavya to which she reciprocated with a grin.

"Only five minutes.... Yash, tell me what all documents  do we need..??", Kavya inquired.

"Show me...I'll have a look and let you know the needy..", Yash said.

Kavya walked towards her bag and took hold of a file full loaded with all the documents.

"Here...", Kavya said while passing that file to Yash. He slowly flipped every single paper with scrutiny.

"We possess all the documents the only thing is we need attest  them. Ummm...on our way to college...we can fix it. Now we may speed up.",
Yash said while gesturing towards the door.

Kavya nodded in concordance. She rooted in her sling bag on and waved her Mom a good bye. Yash and Kavya both didn't share a single word for a quite while, simply shared some simple smiles. And it was legit because both were total strangers to each other, one wrong move can ruin everything so both seemed conscious with every way they can. Finally, Kavya summoned  the courage to initiate a conversation .

"Where will we attest those documents..? ", she inquired with concern.

"Just few more steps. We have a family doctor over at that place. He will verify and attest our documents. Even I did it from him." Soni Don't  worry.", Yash replied assuringly.

"Hmm... Hope I hit it in the first list itself. By the way you're in the mechanical field.. Right.. ", Kavya asked excitedly.

"Definitely you will.... After all scoring 80 plus is not a gag. Yes, I'm in mechanical..... Which are you fronting for..?", Yash asked.

"Biomedical......",Kavya informed.

" Ohhh...Great... ", Yash said appraisingly.

After walking for about 10 mins, Yash and Kavya halted near Yash's family doctor's clinic.

" You wait here, I'll go in and have the papers done. Kavya nodded and perched on the bench comfortably. Yash accorded towards the doctor's cabin and strolled in. Within 5 mins he was back with all the papers attested and a broad smile of self assessment.

"Thanks a lot Yash. You have already dragged  half of my college worries burden. ", Kavya said with absolute gratitude for Yash.

"Always my pleasure...Now stop being so formal with me...Kavya... Let's move now...", Yash uttered while escorting Kavya to speed up. Yash and Kavya, got a cab and headed towards the station. Kavya was really excited as the life she has always read in the newspapers and watched in tv news channel, will be live in front of her and more of she is now a part of it. The life goes on theory and the bindaas mumbaikar wala aatitude was captivating. Yash for once looked at Kavya's face, which was all looking outside and could feel the exhilarated eyes depicting amusement and shine. Her eyes twinkled and her gleaming face was alluring. The wind was definitely playing with her hair despite her hard attempts of tucking them behind her ears. He could only grin while glancing at Kavya.

They stepped down from the cab and walked towards the station. Kavya could see the whole station was packed with commuters. With passing time only more and more people are adding to the already packed space. Everyone is preoccupied with their own worries, tensions, plans and what not. She had heard that Mumbai Local Trains are the lifeline of this city and one of the busiest city, where people are always in a continuous tunnel of life, struggling for their bread and butter. She now knew that it was definitely true.

"God...!!! I haven't seen so many people at once, except during Navratri in our Gujreat.", Kavya exclaimed.

"Haaa....That you are right, but you will get used to this crowd once you start travelling on a daily basis.", Yash smirked.

"I'm so excited...", Kavya said smiling broadly.

"Really, see I'm not saying this just to horrify you, but let me tell you the truth, As it is your first day you gonna love this, but while you travel in the evening, way back to your home, the fusion of morning perfumes and cologne is transformed to sweaty armpits and sweltering bodies all around you. There is no escape. You have to smell in that air, but still you will love that, though with 'Ewww' feeling...", Yash chuckled.

"Okay...but still I'm excited.. Actually, you just elevated my excitement...!!!", Kavya winked at him and showcased a broad smile to which Yash nodded in appreciation.

On the arrival of the train, Yash already motioned Kavya to be in front of him so that he can shield her from any kind of ramming and buffeting. Kavya was really impressed by Yash's chivalrous nature. Yash grabbed seats for both of them as it would take an hour or so to reach their college. Kavya motioned Yash towards the window seat, and he understood that. He swapped the position and gave Kavya the window seat.

"We'll never grow up. This window seat thing is with every person.. Hai na...", Yash said.

"Yes...for sure. Be childlike, but don't be childish...!!", Kavya quoted.

"Hmmm... Well said..", Yash replied in admiration.

Yash plugged in his earphones and rested his head on the back of his seat. He offered Kavya, but she nodded in denial.  Kavya lost herself in exploring the rustling and capturing the fast moving city's picturesque. She rested her head on the window grill and engrossed herself in the beauty of the new city. Where Yash was unknowingly taking a glimpse of her on unspecific intervals. Even he was bewildered about why every now and then her face dragged him. Her dancing long black hair, her almond shaped eyes, her radiating skin, her glistened face.... Everything enticed Yash towards Kavya. He tried to ignore her, but all in vain. Yash and Kavya were unaware of what their destiny held. Some for good and some for bad.

To Be Continued......!!!