Swarnima was dying to confess, but afraid to confess. So, she chose her favourite escape talk less... "really?" Is all she could ask.
"You have a doubt?" Abhedya questioned her back.
Swarnima took a deep breath and said, "don't make any promises, now. Not yet. There's still time and there's a lot you have to know. Just wait till your birthday.""Birthday!! I already am getting a negative feeling. You guys are celebrating it as a festival. Am I going to be slaughtered?" Abhedya raised the doubt he had since long.
"SLAUGHTERED? No!! There is no person living or dead who could even think of slaughtering you. Besides, just enjoy being pampered. I am sure you like it. Everyone does." Swarnima told him very sweetly.
"You do too?" Abhedya asked her looking in her eyes.
"A few more months... let the throne be claimed then, I shall enjoy my share of love and care. Till then let's get ready. Final day today." Swarnima got up and went towards the bathroom.
"Oh! It's the last day? Didn't realise. So, back to square one tomorrow." Abhedya was not in his best spirits thinking of returning.
The days in Dehradun were bliss. They were winning the competition. Swarnima and him did not fight much. No major arguments. No harsh words exchanged. She looked gorgeous in those Indian dresses. She was happy. He was happy. He just wanted things to remain cordial between them.
The team met at breakfast and Swarnima skipped going so as to avoid extra movement. The boys reached her room with a gift. Swarnima was surprised to see a revolving chair they got for her so that her leg doesn't have to do much movement.
"Hahaha! Where did you get this from? I can walk. I am not sitting on this." Swarnima declared.
"We borrowed it from the canteen manager for today. You better treat this as your special vehicle for the day. Else, I will have to carry you wherever we go." Abhedya informed her.
"Borrowed? You threatened him. Poor guy." Mayur couldn't stop laughing remembering the face of canteen's manger.
"Come. It's time. The bus is ready. Sit." Swarnima hopped and sat on the chair. Abhedya gave a twirl or two to Swarnima making her laugh like a little girl. The students were in awe of the bond the Swarnbhoomi team shared.
"How I wished I had a boy friend like him. He is just perfect."
"I would walk the temple on the mountain bare foot if I get him."
"I swear to not touch pizza my entire life, if this Adonis is mine.""Wow!! That is some fan following Mr.Singh." Swarnima whispered in Abhedya's ear.
"But, the one I am trying to impress is not impressed." Abhedya said sulking.
"Really? Who is the fool?" Swarnima turned to see who was the girl who could resist the charms of the charmer.
"Fool? She is more than a fool. She is silly, stupid and a tension freak." Abhedya tried to be obvious this time.
"Those were the words you said to me last night. Do I have a twin?" Swarnima was still looking at all the girls.
Abhedya gave up and hit his forehead. "You know you are actually a mood spoiler." Abhedya shifted a little more close to her and said, "you act like this guru, making people understand their feelings, their problems, offering them solutions. How can you then be so oblivious to yourself. You have a huge line of fans, too. I however, lead the line and believe me if anyone crosses the line... they won't see the morning next day."
Abhedya said with determination and honesty and Swarnima did not even know how to react.
"I thought, you... hated what I am. There weren't any qualities in me that you appreciate." Abhedya put his hand on her lips to stop her from saying anything further.
"I dislike the lack of communication in you. But, I can never hate you. Hell! That word doesn't even exist for us."
True enough.
They fight.
They patch up.
They fight.
They patch up.
The cycle continues but they never give up. They are happily stuck to each other.They reached the college and students gathered near the hall the main quiz was to take place. Swarnima arrived like a princess on her chair pushed by the walking specimen of sexiness.
The teachers enquired about Swarnima and let her sit on the chair.
The final quiz today was a five round quiz.
Round 1: each team will be asked 5 questions.
Round 2: each team will be given a programme and they have to find the error. The team which does it fastest will be the winner.
Round 3: make an already developed software by another team. Fastest team wins.
Round 4: recover the data from a crashed system in record time.
Round 5: rapid fire questions. Answer on buzzer.The team from Swarnbhoomi emerged clear winners. They ruthlessly crushed the other colleges. Especially in rapid fire question round not a single question was answered by other colleges. It was clear after the third round only that Swarnbhoomi will win. The other colleges were only fighting for the remaining spots and their reputation.
The winning team received a deafening applause. The students, teachers, rival teams could not stop praising them. A huge flex with picture of Abhedya, Swarnima, Vayu and Mayur descended from above marking them undisputed winners. Participating for first time and killing the opponents.
The team called their principal to inform them. Who was elated and congratulated the pride of his college and state."Settle down everyone. I congratulate the genius brains from Swarnbhoomi who gave a crackling performance. I have never seen such brilliance in my career of 40 years. You are the rare gems of any country. The other participants should not be disheartened. If, you have competitors like them, it is an honour to be in the competition. So, give a round of applause to yourselves.
We have organised the prize giving ceremony at 4pm sharp. Please be on time because most of you have your returns by seven.
I am glad we could hold the quiz competition without any problems and complaints from anyone.
In the end, I thank each and every teacher, organiser, volunteers, sponsors, students, participating colleges and staff without whose support this prestigious BABBAGE QUIZ would not have been possible." The principal of Dehradun college stepped down from the podium after his congratulatory and thanksgiving speech.The students started congratulating the winners, exchanging numbers, clicking photographs and making plans to stay in touch.
The winners reached the hostel and shouted in glee. Abhedya performed the sprain removal process again. This time Swarnima didn't bite her lip. She was lost in the words Abhedya told her in the morning.
He was taking steps to build their friendship strong. He didn't hate her. Yayayy! Swarnima's heart was dancing and was out of control. Her brain had over worked today with the quiz. So, basically with a non functioning heart and brain she was an insane woman with no control over her emotions.When Abhedya was done he shook Swarnima.He thought she closed her eyes because of the pain, what he didn't know was she closed her eyes so that he could not read what she felt... 'magical'.
"I am better now." Swarnima informed him.
"I know. After all, whose the doctor?!!" Abhedya remarked and laughed. "Sometimes having an ignorant friend is also a bliss. Good you don't understand things with underlined double meanings."Swarnima gave him a confused look. Then stretched her eyes brows upward and said, "I don't want you to explain also. I am happy being ignorant in 'those' none sensical things."
Abhedya laughed louder pulled her nose and announced, "someday, I will make you smart like me. Haha!!! Now let's get ready it's about time."
"Can I invite Survang?" Swarnima asked him. Why? She was not obligated to ask him. Not yet. She thought later but she had asked till then.