6 First Mee

Aliya was dumbfounded. There was a sudden silence in the cabin. Although physically Aliya was is the cabin but mentally she was now in those moments which she wanted to erase from her heart forever.SHE WAS IN HER DREADFUL PAST.

_____________________________________________

St. AUGUSTINE'S HIGH SCHOOL

Aliya and her batch mates were promoted to 10th grade. They were taken to their new classrooms and now it was time for the teacher to decide the bench partners of the students. Aliya was standing in one corner of her classroom when a girl initiated to befriend her and asked her a question

"Hi! I'm Shifa. Seems that you're the next to get a partner. Whom do you want as your partner?"

"Can you see that guy who is last in line? I want him to be my classmate. He looks descent. And I don't want any disturbance during my 10th grade so I think he won't disturb."

"I've heard that you are a rank holder. But I never thought you will be so serious about your studies. May hebe the same as you thought."

They both giggled in the corner until Aliya's class teacher called her and assigned her a permanent place. To her amazement, teacher gave her the same boy as her partner that Aliya had pointed out to Shifa.

In the initial days both didn't talked to each other. One day the boy initiated to talk to her.

"What's your name?"

"I'm Aliya Sharma and you?"

"Rishi Singhania. I heard you're a quite studious person. If I need help, will you help me?"

"Yes but as long as it is related to studies."

"Ok. But it will be difficult for you to help me. I am an average student. I have no interests in studies as much as you you have. I just want to carry ahead my family business. And that doesn't needs any kind of a degree. What are your dreams?"

"My dream is to become a psychologist. Also I've no interest in making you study for your semesters. I'm not your teacher. So you have no need to say how you are in studies. I'm only going to help you in solving doubts. To pay attention or not is your choice."

Every time Rishi talked to her he found himself defeated or small in front of her. Belonging to a wealthy family he never experienced such situations. Only in front of her he would be in the nicest way possible without throwing any tantrums. Any time they had arguments he would accept his defeat very soon.

In a short span of time Rishi understood that Aliya was an introvert and Aliya understood that Rishi was a spoiled brat.

They soon developed a close bond which Aliya thought as friendship and Rishi thought as his first childhood love.

_____________________________________________

After 10th results were declared it was time for the students to take admissions in college of their choice. Aliya was taking admission to St. XAVIER'S COLLEGE. She was eager to know about Rishi's choice.

It was just before the results that Aliya realised she was in love with Rishi. Her sleepless nights, rapid heartbeats as soon as she even thought of Rishi, her glowing face, blushing cheeks as she heard Rishi's name... all were signs that her heart was admiring someone. She was too shy to tell Rishi. Aliya feared that if she confessed her feelings, Rishi may not accept her and her sweet friendship will also be ruined. She decided not to tell anything to anyone and continue her relationship with Rishi as it is. At least she has a chance to see him, talk him as his friend. But little did she knew that Rishi also had the same feelings as she had for him.

Rishi called her and asked her to meet in the garden behind the school. When Aliya asked the reason, Rishi said that he wanted to thank her for her help she gave throughout that academic year. He wanted to thank her for being a such a kind and understanding friend. Aliya insisted him that there was no need of his thanks but Rishi did not listen to any of her excuses. He told her to immediately get ready and meet her ASAP.

Aliya was overwhelmed by hearing his words.

'Rishi could have thanked me by calling me but rather he chose to meet me and thank me. He is such a sweet friend. He cares for me. I think I'm doing right by not confessing him otherwise I could have missed this evening.'

She got ready and asked her parents to wait for her till dinner. She didn't told the actual reason of going out but told her parents that she is only going for a hangout with her friends.

She reached the garden and went inside. She spotted Rishi. He had a bouquet of red roses in his hands. Aliya thought it was just a token of their cute friendship. Aliya headed towards him. As soon as she went close to him she saw that Rishi was wearing a three piece suit.

Aliya was confused as to why for a few minutes meeting Rishi wore this suit.

Rishi inhaled deeply to gather courage to confess his love for her.