The Superstar

26

A bunch of sticky notes and a string of 'sorrys' never affected Pari. She always tore the notes given by Salem. In the beginning, it just had a simple sorry written, but then he took liberty in giving her small compliments or casual greetings saying 'have a nice day'. 

But then one day, something changed. He became the star of the college. An advertisement featuring him was released. It was an advertisement by a big brand, so everyone had seen it on the television. Their college had produced great journalist, professors, politician....but never an actor. This was a first. The professors were also impressed and so were the boys and girls. He was a celebrity at St. Fernandes. He even had a new bike to flaunt which he claimed was bought by his money. 

The few classes that he attended, after the lecture, everyone would surround him. At first, it was just the shooting experience he would speak about. But everyone was all praises for him and his 'down-to-earth' attitude. Even Ashley said, "I thought Salem would change but he came to me and talked with me."

"Arre! ek ad karne se konsa hero ho gaya? People are just making him sit on their heads." Pari said to Priya.
(He is not a hero after doing one advertisement)

"So, you do it too if it's so easy!" Priya bite back. Being on screen was a far fetched dream for commoners like them. So far that it wasn't even a dream.

"I don't want to be on a TV! If I wanted, I would be there." Pari said.

"Good lie." Priya retorted.

"Why are you against me and by his side?" Pari asked irritated by Priya's replies.

"I am not on anyone's side. What he did was not correct but what you did was wrong as well. Who throws a pen and a notebook at someone's face? And not to forget, he has so many people after him and he is after you, so your behaviour must have hurt his ego." Priya explained. She was always careful of how she made other's feel. Being the elder daughter of the house, she was more responsible and caring than Pari.

"Not my problem, Priya." She said it loudly this time and covered her face with the blanket, ending the conversation.

***

One day, after the lecture, it was Aman who came to her and tried convincing Pari on Salem's behalf. But Pari asked Aman to stir away from Salem's topic and not to talk to her about him. Aman had seen Pari threatening the goon with a rock before, so he took her warning seriously. One never knows what will Pari throw at them.

The next day, it was Salem who came to the class, asked Ashley to take another seat and sat beside Pari. This was noticed by everyone, making Pari feel awkward.

Salem casually moved his hand and put it behind the desk behind Pari.

"Sorry."

It was a simple word. But both, Pari and Salem, used this word rarely in their life. But this time, Salem kept his ego aside and said it. It was the last lecture of their second year. They will have finals from the next week and a two month long vacation thereafter. Salem wanted to resolve his issues with Pari and end it on a good note. 

"Not going to say it's fine." When Pari replied, Salem smiled a bit, as if expecting this sass from her.

"It's never easy with you, is it?" Salem muttered under his breath.

He poked her lightly with the pen and showed her the last page of his notebook where he had written a big SORRY PARI in all capital letters and she chose to ignore it.

It made Salem a bit angry and helpless but what could be done? Aman used to always say that the boys have to tolerate a girl's tantrums when they like them, so be it.