I am dedicating this chapter to my crazy buddy, Tippi.

Anu' s POV

This day was amazing, a day I will remember my entire life. After his encounter in library, I realized, I am not the only one who suffered, he also went through so much. He promised me, that he won't hurt or left me again. Awee!! I am so happy.

But, Im not completely convinced. Because, Im afraid, to get hurt again. May be I am thinking negatively.

I spent my evening, recollecting what he had said. He was genuine about his feelings. But, I am not going to say anything about it, because I'm not in a state to judge what is good and what is worse for me. And about this love and relationships, I am not mature enough to jump into it. Of course, I believe that, any relation should modify you into your best. But, with Surya, nothing happened like that till now. So, I will wait for the right time. I will tell him about the same.

I want time to be myself first. I want to be confident enough to decide what I want for myself. Im tired of my stupid decisions and got hurt enough with the people leaving me. Next time, I don't want to let it happen like that.

The next day morning

While I am walking to school, I felt like, someone following me. I turned my heel to check who was that. Its Surya. I stared him while he increased his pace to reach me. He was changed a bit, the early stubble, was adding beauty to him, correction, handsomemess to him. His long black hair was waving in air. He was lean to his height, a feet more than me, which always intimidate me. His eyes are shining in the acknowledgement of my presence. His body scent was hinting me about his close proximity. I took a step back, averted my gaze. I doubt whether he found out that I am staring at him.

"Hii!!" he greeted.

"Hello" I replied.

After that we walked in silence. It was not as much awkward as I thought.

"Say something!!? " he blurted out.

I gave a small smile not knowing what to say.

"Hey, speak yaar, I want to know more about you. Tell me, anything, like your favorite colour or food. "

"I am not picky about anything." I answered genuinely.

"Why? "he frowned.

I shrugged my shoulders.

"How can it be possible, you will surely like something, but you might never noticed. From now onwards, I will observe you and help you to find what are your favorites." he said, as he was going to do some research.

"Will see." I challenged.

"We will see." he smiled heartily and continued , "What are your favorite habits, how you spend your free time?"

"I read books, mostly philosophy and classics, other than that I like to paint. "

"Philosophy? " he seemed to be flabbergasted.

"Ha!. What's that reaction?"

"Nothing, it can be expected from you."

We reached school by this time.

I found Surya ignoring Nandana, though I felt happy innerside, I got curious about the cause. I thought to ask Surya later.

During lunch break, I was in confusion whether he was going to ask me to join him or not. He saw me immediately, like he listened to me, and took short strides towards me. I felt nervous with his attention.

"Hey, I want to ask you something? "

I looked at him questioningly.

"Is it Okay for you to join us, for lunch?"

"Ha, ok, I am coming. "

In canteen

Surya, kittu, Praveena, Arun and I settled in a table. They were talking, joking, fighting, laughing, while filling our stomachs. I really enjoyed their company though I involved very less. They made me feel overwhelmed with joy in a single day, that too in a single lunch break. No pity, No sympathy, just friendship and care. The things which I craved for years. But, I am still not breaking the shell around me in the fear of getting hurt. Because I know, inside this shell, there was an oversensitive flush and hyperesthetic blood.

After the classes, I stayed in library for a little time to read the last part of Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho.

At last I completed, this was the second time I am reading this book. I identified and understand much this time than the first time. It was even applicable to persons. At our first experience we formulate an opinion about them. Later on, with spending much time, we get to know them more. That's why we should give second chances to people. I thought about Surya, I am not going to regret for giving him one more chance, am I ? "

I returned the book and recieved my library card. I thought about reading another book. I went to non-fiction section, to search the book in my mind. That is, "Who will cry when you die" by Robin Sharma. I found the book in the upper rack. I tried to grab the book by extending my hand to full extent, standing on my toes. At the same time, that book was taken by a long, thin hand. I turned my head to see the owner of that hand. It was Surya. Wow, it was really dramatic.

He handed me that book, imitating some film actor, "I am feeling very happy that my hight was useful to you."

My frowning face changed to a laughing one. I got issued the book. We left the library after that, to return homes.

In the way, he asked, "Give me that book, I want to check it once, to know what attracted you that much about this book."

He took the book, flipped some pages and looked at me, "I found nothing interesting in this book, even there were no pictures. "

I laughed at his complaint. While returning the book, he looked at the issue card, where my name was written. His eyes popped out from their sockets, "What's your name? "

"Its Anuhyadharmavachani"

"What?? What's the meaning of your name? "

I answered him, "That I will talk the unexpected axiom"

"Its really difficult to call, even to remember."

"That's why everybody calls me Anu, simply."

He thought for a while and said, "I am not everybody to you, I will call you with a different name. "

"Ohh, what's that" this time it was my turn to surprise.

"Nishi"

To be continued.........

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

"Nishi"

he named me, which resonated in my ears for many times. I fell in love that name at the first hearing. But, why this name for me?

"Why? "

"Because, you are like the darkness of the night, who holds secrets and pain brilliantly but shows hope like the twilight". 

I liked his description about the name so, I instantly agreed to be called as Nishi.

"What about you? don't you give me a nickname? "

"Surya was really a nice name,  why do you want another name? "

"Of course my name was really great, but I thought it was so formal to be called by my girlfriend. "

My heartbeat rised to peak upon hearing the words 'my girlfriend'. I seriously tried to stop the spread of blush on my face, smile on my lips.

I replied, "Oh" to get away the awkwardness.

We walked slowly, not to leave each other's company. But, the destiny was was not so far to reach. We bade bye to each other. I went to my room thinking about the events of today. I wish everyday would be like this.

Days were in my favor. Everything about Surya was making me happy. He was paying attention to me as it was his job. Fighting with me was the least thing he will ever do. I am slowly opening up myself with him. I  am very happy in his presence even if he doesn't do anything to impress me. 

The Interschool competition was announced, in which our school participates and wins every year most of the sports and cultural activities. Cricket was everyone's favorite. After that, Dance competition occupies more eyes, though there were many other events like, debate, essay writing, poem writing, drawing etcetera.

Surya was the captain of our school's Cricket team. He was practicing for the competition as it was his main goal of his life. I prayed for him to win since he deserved to be winning because of his hard practice.

I am not at all participating in any competition. Surya asked me many times, to participate in any writing or drawing events. But, I refused because of lack of interest.

The competition occurs for five days. Everyday, I went to play ground, which was not at all my cup of tea, to encourage Surya. He was very happy to find me there.

Today was the 4th day. Our school cricket team won the semi-finals and reached finals which are on the next day. But, the finals was with 'St. George School team' which was very tough to deal with.

After the match, Surya dragged me to a class room, where drawing competition was to be held. I was flabbergasted.

He said, "Are you happy that I am in finals? "
I am confused with his words but answered, "Yes".

He smiled as if he was expecting the same answer. I am certain that there was something cooking in his brain.

"I too want to be happy, so can you do something for me if I ask?"

I frowned but nodded my head in yes.

His lips curled upwards in a beautiful way and said, "I already gave your name for the drawing contest, just go and get the prize for me."

I was panicked with this, "No!! I am not going "

He pouted, "Haven't you said, you will do anything for my happiness? "

He was tricking me.

"Try to understand Surya, I draw for my own happiness but not for the prizes or praises. "

"Ohh you are good at framing words in wonderful way, I should have given your name in writing contests also", he said, planning to ruin my peaceful days.

I whined. But he showed no mercy.

"You have so much talent in painting Nishi, why to hide that. I want you to overcome your fears. I will there with you na, don't worry about winning. Just go and do your best. I will stay here in the audience podium . Now smile and go there, pass your time with your favorite hobby. "

Though I am not really convinced, I can't disappoint him. I went to the place which was alotted for me. The sketches, Charts and pencils everything were already there. I looked at him narrowing my eyes. He looked at me knowingly and shrugged his shoulders as it was nothing. I was amused with his confidence to convince me.

I thought for a while what to draw. Bright colors are not my kind. I looked at others, who were busy in creating their portraits. I am worried, what will happen if I don't win it. That thought alone was causing me so much stress. I lost the track of time in my thoughts. A bell rang indicating, half the time remained or consumed. But, I was with the blank charts, unsharpened pencils, unopened sketches and unused brain to draw.

I looked at Surya with my turmoil. He smiled at me reassuring, showing thumbs up trying to create hope in me. I can't let him down. I started drawing.

Soon, the contest time was over. Everybody handed over their hard work. Surya was waving at me to show his existence in the crowd. I went to him and looked at him with annoyance.

"What happened? Why are you looking at me like that? "

"It was all because of you, I got so much tensed up. What will happen if I won't get the prize? "

"Nothing will happen" he said nonchalantly.

"What" I could not contain the anxiousness.

"Ha, Nothing will happen if you don't get it, I just wanted you to participate in it, though it was a huge task." he said, smiling, no laughing.

I was irritated now and sat in the near by bench away from him. He also followed me.

"Results were going to be announced in a few minutes. So all the participants are requested to come inside the classroom "  came from the sound boxes. We both went inside, though I am sensing that my name was definitely not going to be announced for any place.

First they announced the third place, Reema, from 'Little lotus School' who painted an elephant near by a lake playing with water. It was really beautiful. I lost all my spirits now, for not getting even the third place. Next the second place was for Suresh, form 'St. George Shool', who painted about global warming. I thought I will be over expecting for the second place.

Finally the first place. I am now completely relaxed because my name was not at all going to be announced. I turned to Surya, "So, shall we leave? "

He looked at me, as I was having horns. Before I argue with him, I heard my name. I jerked in my place with the sudden realization, but I was immobile.

"We are calling again, the first prize winner, Miss Anuhyadharmavachini to come on to the stage to receive the prize. "

Surya was tapping my shoulder to bring me back from the shock. I stared at him in disbelief. His eyes were twinkling with happiness.

I went to receive my prize. The chief guest and the judges appreciated me for my skills. I thanked them in low voice by keeping my head low.

Mr. Raman, the chief guest said, "Keep your head straight, you are not looser, You are the winner. "

He might don't know how much his words filled confidence in me. I looked at the audience who were clapping for me. I am feeling loosen up myself. I am feeling better for myself. They showed everyone my drawing, which illustrates, a girl hidden in a guy in the pencil lines with dark background. The two people appear only at an angle otherwise it will be a person who was mourning in sadness.

The picture here was just for reference but not the exact one.

To be continued.........

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