Arjun

I know her. How?? Yeah, she's from my school. But I never saw her often. After schooling, we shifted to city we are residing now. So I might haven't seen her later.

I tried to look at her once again and we gain an eye contact. Then, I felt a cling in my heart. She subtly avoided us & turned towards the window. I was surprised with her act. She too recognized us.

Rumi said her friend was not good with strangers, but I know she knew me for sure but don't want to interact.

The journey began. 15 youngsters in a vehicle. You can imagine the noise of fun. Someone suggested the game, guess the movie. Then another game. Then the mood shifted to singing.

Anu is participating here and there but quite mostly. Later she
plugged in her earphones and slept. I wondered of her behavior. If she want to be like this, why coming for a joy camp?

My brother was trying to cheer me up since I am upset with the interview. But he is not being himself though. I can see his discomfort. I don't want him to be bothered with myself so I let it go.

We all have a wonderful time, forgetting suffering from our daily routine from so many days. Last year is a tough year for me. I'm trying to settle down and wanted to advance in my career. But there is no sign of luck anywhere near.

I am tired and slept while thinking of that girl, Anu. She intrigued me. It never happened to me with any other girl.

Next day Morning

The bus stopped at our destiny. We all went to the nearby lodge which was already booked for our one week stay here. Three members per a room, since it's a rural area and this is the only lodge available. Surya and I had taken a room. Tomarrow, Kittu , best friend of Surya will also join us the third person. We went to our room after taking keys. I slept after hitting the bed, it's just around 4 O'clock.

I woke up to the sound of water in the bathroom. Surya is taking shower. I tossed on my bed and found Surya's wallet. I opened. He kept a old pic of him in his school uniform. Out of all, why this? There are some cards, money and a folded rules paper. It seems to be too fragile, with the edges crinkled. Is it okay to open it? Of course, he is my brother, my blood.

The koel will sing when it's spring
The peacock dances when it rains.

I love you when my heart feels it.

Eternally loving
Nishi

Wow!! You wonder who is Nishi, she's is my brother's first love. I don't know much about her, least I haven't seen her. My brother never told me. The more I tried to probe, the more he tries to hide. If not I haven't found notes like these earlier in his room, I would never know. I heard the shower stopped, I quickly put the note inside and kept the wallet as it was.

At 9 O' clock, the campaign started. The campaign today is about the bank schemes available to the farmers. We were already given the information.

Everyone reached the corresponding areas of our stalls. Today is the first day so there is an assembly for all of us for our formal introductions, experiences about the previous camps and achievements.

I was surprised by Anu's intro, she had already attended for so many camps earlier, she was an NCC cadet, she was certified in first aid, while most of others are first to this type of camps. A feeling of respect towards her started in my heart. Why I'm paying more attention to her, is she really interesting or am I interested in her?

My brother cleared his throat, I realized I am staring at her for too long. I shifted my gaze in a breath and immersed myself in my work for today, i. e., registration.

I got an idea that if she is my schoolmate, she must be known to Surya. We went to the same school. I wanted to ask him about Anu. But , there was a lot of work so, I delayed this topic.

I met a lot of rural people and they all have their own problems to be solved. From what I heard, I realized that these people are not much aware about the schemes. They mostly belong to the below poverty line, so they are eligible. I got an idea how about we spread the information printed in pamphlets.

I moved to my next desk, told my idea to Kedar. He smiled and nodded his head horizontally as if he knew something I don't know. It makes me feel stupid.

He shoved a few leaflets in my hand, and said while writing something,

"Anu already made and brought them. You are new right! Dude, first get to know about our people in the camp. That will help you to be more creative next time."

A little girl came and is looking quizzed. I smiled at her and asked

"What are you doing here."

She started crying. Why not? My personality is like that. I'm not that gentle looking person with 6.2" ft height, my facial hair and my voice comes out authoratative though I didn't mean it.

I tried to stop her crying but the more I tried, the more she's wailing. I'm afraid what if anyone thought I did something. I made faces and promised to buy chocolates. But it's all in vain.

I searched for people if anyone might help. I called out Raghu who is running with some cables in his hand.

"I'm in hurry, I will call someone for you." he assured.

Anu came with Rumi.

Rami screamed,

"Why is she crying?"

That increased the volume of crying.

"Slow down Rumi. Hey baby what happened?"

Anu took the girl's hand and walked to her stall. She made her drink water and asked about her parents. Until after contacting the parents and handing over the girl to them, I'm restless.

"Hey! Thank you, for helping. If not for you, I don't know what I have done. You are good with that child, are you always like that? "

She avoided my question and left. What's wrong with my question?

I returned to my stall. Surya is there and asked me what happened. I told him everything, even about how Anu ran away when he asked a question.

Surya looked him from top to bottom and said,

"Don't be stupid, bro."

Evening

I went to terrace for some fresh air and I felt upset both on my project and of course because of the behaviour of that avoiding girl. Surya also joined me and asked something that I was unable to hear as I was completely drawn in my thoughts.

He poked me,

"What's the problem bro? Where are you lost?"

I replied,

"It was just about my career" and remained silent.

I didn't mentioned about that girl since he had given me a weird look when I asked him in the morning. I wanted to ask about her but I thought it was not the right time so I kept it aside.

At dinner

We all joined for the dinner. As usual Rumi is with Any and I was with Surya. Rumi asked us to join with them then I looked at that mysterious girl who is pinching Rumi to stop her. I understood her inconvenience and Surya also not interested to join them. Surya always stays away from girls. I can't understand him, may be because of his past experience, his first crush, her name I forgot, ha Nishi, which means darkness right! What a strange name! Whatever he even don't know that I know about his crush. He wanted to hide so I never asked. I'm waiting when will he reveal about her.
Whatever, we had our dinner on another table. This food was of village type & I liked it.

After dinner, we all gathered in a hall and have talked what to do the next day. I kept an eye on Anu. I don't know why but my thoughts are revolving around her. She was talking with all the people, even with boys. And so many are showing interest in listening to her. A doubt arised in my mind that why she was avoiding only me. I determined to find the reason. Rumi came to me and we have discussed about the day. After waving bye, we reached our respective rooms. I never had this much long day. Tomorrow, I should know about her.............

Hey how's the chap!?

Want to know what happened next.....wait for my next update. If you like the story, vote for me.Comment your opinions.

Joined a 4 days Online Certificate Course on "Basics of Small Animal Laparoscopy". Had test on day after tomorrow. I will update the next chapter after the test.