Her Prototype Soulmate

The magnificent building, having a lavish exterior. It was styled as Baroque architecture, having stupendous windows. My eyes shined with delight, “Modern Education of Mumbai University '' I murmured as I gazed at it. I found it implausible that I study in the top-most university of India. My grip on the bag strand tightened, the pride on my face. With that I took a step forward, squashing the grass on my way inside. On my way, I found a few students gathered in the corridors with their number of friends. I signed, almost fifteen days had passed but not a single bond formed.

I was the one to be chided as I had not given it a try. That strand of my dark brown hair which was troubling me, I locked it behind my earlobe. I had tied my wavy dark brown hair in a ponytail. The crowd around the corridor was less, as I turned out early. The nonstop talk of my room-mate with her boyfriend was pissing me off. For an escape, I decided to move to the canteen.

As early in the morning, the canteen had less crowd. And with the hope that I would end my book, that I had been reading for a week. I glanced at the canteen, the interior resembled the exterior, in terms of the coating the wall had. The florid setting, with ivory. And an eye-catching portray of late Mr. Thomas Sequela, the person who endowed the university. An era ago, when Mumbai was known as Bombay and the British empire was overriding India. The portrayal gave a sense of his presence in the canteen, I found it weird that unlike other universities the portrayal was not hung in the auditorium, or the dean's cabin but the canteen.

I shook my head and sat on the chair, eager to get started with my book. I used to always occupy myself with books rather than humans. Removed the bag from my shoulder and kept it on the table, took a book from it. I was a huge fan of vampire books and had been reading one. Soon I got engrossed in it when I heard someone tapping on the table.

I flicked my head at the person, there stood a boy. That dusky lip had a brutish smile on his face, he was wearing a black leather jacket. I wiped my sweat, with one glance at him. There were two reasons for my act, first I was taken by fright seeing him. And second, it was a sunny day in May. He was wearing blue faded jeans, his one hand was inside his jeans pocket while the other on the table. He was Rithvik Bose, the playboy of our university.

“May I know, what are you doing on our table?” He raised a question at me, having a grim look.

“I…” It confounded me, I glanced at the table. How could I turn out so stupid? The book had gripped me on my toes, that I ended up on their table. I gazed at the circumferential, there were two or more tables occupied. The people on it looked fixedly at me, they were looking as if I had grown two horns on my head. It was a reserved table for only the KAR gang, and the entire university knew it. They used to dominate the entire university. I was so abashed at that moment.

“Hey, she seemed to me like a lost kitten.” There came a raucous voice from a lady nearby, making me to eye at her. I stood up, taking my bag in my hand.

She was leaning on a guy beside her, she had enveloped herself with a leather jacket. She brushed off her curry chestnut hair, from her cheek in a sensuous manner, which she had left open. Inspecting me up, with her amber orbs. I recalled her, the girl who had come to our class on FY student's inaugural day. Not to welcome us but to warn us to stay away from her boyfriend.

She was Reema the only girl in the gang and the person she was leaning on was her boyfriend Ayaan. She could reach to his chest due to the height difference they possess. Ayaan was probably five feet eight-inch, of the same height as Rithvik. Reema was hardly five feet high, just like me. Ayaan’s hands were wrapped around his girlfriend’s waist.

I averted my gaze from her. I didn’t want to end in conflict and took a step to move from there. But at the very moment, Rithvik blocked my way. I got annoyed but never mind, taking the step to divert path but he repeated the action. That made me raise my eyes and look at him, snorting.

Rithvik had been testing my patience, as my chocolatey almond-shaped eyes met his amber one. Unlike that of Reema, his eyes shined with a brownish shade. It could be easily misconceived to be brown, side-lying the yellowish shade present. He smirked, I moved my gaze away from him. Once again attempting to move from there, what the hell the guy wanted? First, he asked me to get up and when I was leaving, he was blocking my way.

“Enough! Let her leave.” The guy beside him spoke in a grating manner, who I had not noticed until he spoked.

“Wow! Kunal came in support.” Ayaan chaffed at Kunal. Kunal was of average height, of five feet six-inch. He too was covered in a brown leather jacket like the rest three. His hazel orbs were staring at me with concern.

“Hey, the girl seems like Kunal shares a liking for you,” Reema teased, making Kunal to glare at her.

Rithvik stared at Kunal, being appalled. “Buddy are you serious!” He gave him a horrified look, “she!” That look of his face offended me, I glimpsed at myself. I was in blue jeans with a floral top, standing out of the crowd. As most of them wore shorts and tight-fitting clothes. That was the reason, I always found myself inferior among them. Was I that filthy?

“Rithvik! Come on! It just, she is not comfortable with your teasing. Let her go,” I could feel Kunal peeping at me from the corner of his eyes.

“And may I know, how you got that she is not complacent. I didn’t hear a single word coming out of her mouth. Did anyone hear it?” He gibe. Others chuckled listening to it, I was feeling humiliated in front of the masses.

“The thing not getting in my head is, why is Kunal so concerned regarding this girl?” Reema questioned dubiously, staring at Kunal. I was just finding a way out.

“ Kunal do you know this girl?” Ayaan inquired.

“Yes, I do. You’re Shanaya Shikawath, right? Do you remember me?” Kunal grinned at me, which caught my attention. “Don’t insult me saying you didn’t acknowledge me.” He stared at me with puppy eyes, I stared at him perplexed.

Who was he? How come he knew my name? Do I know him? I stared at him keenly, but I couldn't descry. I denied, for which his face fell. While the rest was gazing at him suspiciously, Reema’s eyes were fixed on Rithvik rather than being on Kunal.

“That kunu who was living in your neighboring house?” Kunal inkling, I widened my eyes. I got dazed for a second, I met him after so many years. My eyes shimmered, I always wanted to meet him, and finally, I was fortunate.

“Kuhu!” I pointed my index finger at him, asking whether I got it right. He nodded his head in assurance. “I can’t believe it,” I murmured, to which he laughed.

“I too can’t, when you joined the college? And why did it take me so long to find you?” He groaned but had a delighted smile on his face.

“But I knew you but still…” I trailed off, I was not able to perceive him. I had never directly encountered him but had seen his gang passing by. But it never crossed my mind, that he could be that Kuhu.

“Man! I missed you so much, cutie.” With that he pulled me in a hug, I rested my head on his chest. Wrapping my hand around his back, he used to call me cutie. Mom had told me, as I had forgotten my childhood memories. He had a strong perfume that was suffocating me up. I was sensitive to strong smells and strong music, it never pleased me.

“Can we have the honor to meet her too?” Came a hoarse voice which made us break the hug, finally, I could breathe. Kunal scratched his head and gave a sheepish smile to Rithvik. He had a crusty look, with which he was staring at us.

“Meet Shanaya Shikawath, my cutie. I met her when I used to stay with my grandparents, she was just four-five years of a baby girl back then." He passed me a smile, looking back at his friends. "She was my neighbor at that point of time, I shifted from there when my grandpa died and grandma was taken along with me in Mumbai. Where my parents had settled, we never went back to Satari.” He gloom, remembering some event of his life. “Do you still stay over there?” He glimpses at me, inquiring. For which I gave him a node, “so you came here for studies?” I again answered him with a node.

“Man, does she even speak?” Reema groused, for which Kunal and Rithvik both glared at her.

“She will if Kunal will stop his chatters,” Ayaan spoke, making Kunal narrow his eyes. “Seems like Kunal is in no mood to introduce us to you. So let me do the honor.” He bowed acting as if paying respect, “I am Ayan, and this one is…” Ayaan stopped in mid, glancing at Rithvik. Seeing him stodgy, he peeped at Kunal.

Kunal chuckled and was going to open his mouth when Reema spoked. “No! Don’t Kunal, I want to know if he can reminiscence my name.” Reema growled at Ayaan, who got affrighted seeing it.

“Why won’t I recollect your name? I do, darling but more importance is led on if Shanaya cognizes it.” The feel of elation hit Ayaan on the realization, “wow! I could reminisce about her name. How incredible is that!” He grinned at me, but I eyed Reema who was simmering in anger. She grabbed the juice on the nearby table, focusing on her target.

“You are soon going to know how incredible it is.” Riya mimicked Ayaan’s tone. With that, she was all set to throw the juice on Ayaan but he flees from there.

“Baby, you are such a sweet girl. These stunts don’t suit you.” He was pleading her, while she was chasing him with that glass in her hand.

“Reema! That was the last juice left girl.” Bawled the boy on the table, from where Reema took the juice.

“They both are idiots as you have already witnessed," Kunal spoke grabbing my attention. "And meet him, my buddy Rithvik, the leader of our gang. No one goes against him.” Kunal introduced me to Rithvik, whose gaze was fixed on me as if contemplating my soul.

“You never brought her up in any conversation,” Rithvik darted his gaze from me to Kunal, skeptically.

“Never got an opportunity, where I could share about her,” Kunal hesitated, moreover sounded guilty. A girl moved towards us, she was wearing a shoulder-off smoky black dress, that gave off her curves. She came and stood beside Rithvik, inclining on him.

“Hey, Rithvik can I get your cell number baby?” She asked, moving her finger sensuously near his cheek. Her fervid stare on Rithvik, “So I can call you at the night,” she winked at him. Pecking his cheek, she was Preethi who was rumored girlfriend of Rithvik.

She was trying to gain his attention, whose eyes were fixed on me. “Baby, are you listening?” She glared at me getting exasperated. Kunal snorted, I glanced at him. He clenched his fist on seeing Rithvik staring me.

“We will excuse you both,” with that Kunal held me through my elbow dragging me out. He signed in relief, as we were out of the canteen. I looked at him confused, there was a sudden change in his expression, he smiled at me. I felt as if he was masking his real face, “So?” Sounding excited.

I looked at him giving a questioning look, “I mean what else happened to you? How are your parents? Hey, they are in Satari? Does that mean you live here alone? Where do you live? Don’t tell me in that hostel, man! It’s not even comfortable to stay there." That aversion radiating from his tone. "How come you end up over there? No! You’re not staying over there.” He paused to take a breath after his non-stop blabbering. “Hey, I am sorry. I got excited,” he apologized and I smiled seeing his impeccable face.

“It’s fine,” I gaze at the surrounding, every person’s eyes were fixed on us.

“Seems like people are more interested in us," he too glanced at them. "Why don’t we end up in the garden if you are free?” He asked for which I was going to refuse. “I am not taking a no,” that made me give a slight nod.

“Wait! Seems like I forgot my book in the canteen. I will just come,” informed him. That made him to smug, I gazed at him suspiciously, what was wrong with him?

“Fine,” He approved, for which I moved inside.

As I got inside, I saw Rithvik had Preeti on his lap. He was trying to shove her away, but she was persistent. I took in a deep breath, my book was kept just before Rithvik on the table. I didn’t want to trouble them up, so I just walked out of the canteen.

As I came in view to Kunal, he stared at me bewildered, and then at my hand. “You didn’t get your book?” I nodded negatively, “why? It’s not on the table?” He was going to move but I held his biceps preventing him.

“Don’t go! Rithvik is busy with the girl, so I came back not wanting to disturb them.” I spoke embarrassingly.

“You’re still so cute.” He pulled my cheek, that made me rub the portion as it hurts. “That’s the reason I call you cutie. But don’t worry, I will apprise Rithvik to bring the book along with him.” With that, he removed his cell and typed something in it. I just admired him, he was such a sweet guy.

Soon we walked in the campus garden, the beautiful thing about the campus was the greenery enveloping it. Though been in the center of the city, it had still managed to provide the students a feel of nature. I was just admiring the view, different types of trees were planted. Which I had hardly know names of, still it was pleasing for my eyes. I always loved to appreciate beauty, especially that of nature.

“So an Economics student?” He inquired, making me realize that I had a company with me.

“No! Fine Arts,” glancing back at Kunal.

“The reason you’re enjoying nature.” Kunal passed me a smile, he seemed a very observant kind of person. “Though you had not asked, let me tell you. I am an Economics student, doing masters.” He provided me with the information which I was aware of.

“I know,” I muttered which got him abrupt.

“And how is that?” He catechized, I gave him a sheepish smile.

“You had given a speech on our freshener day, a week back. I was present over there along with all the fresheners,” I spoke attempting to make him recollect. He stared at my face keenly, then closed his eyes.

“Yeah, a week back.” He said bethinking, opening his eyes with a jerk. “And I had also mentioned my love for writing down the script.” I nodded, and he continued. “So, that means that you didn’t recognize me, that's bad.” He frowned and seeing me turning sad, he cackled. “Hey, I was just kidding. You don’t have to be guilty, moreover, I had deceived.” That made me peep at him puzzled.

“You, cheated means?” I asked inquisitively.

“Your earrings,” he swayed my earrings. “You are habituated to wear these star earrings,” he was playing with it. That riled me, I jerked his hand away. “Haha and still don’t allow anyone to touch it.” He laughed louder seeing me glowering at him.

It astounded me, how Kunal retains every single detail about me. I had forgotten every aspect other than that I called him kunu. He was bigger than me, maybe three-four years age difference but still he was a child. He was gifted with great memory skills, I wondered. He passed a questioning gaze at me, seeing me lost in thought. I shook my head gesturing nothing. It was so pleasant to know, someone just knew your past in such detail. He was going to open his mouth to ask something when we heard a shout.

“There, they are!” An orotund voice was heard, and we gazed at the direction. Finding Ayaan, Reema, Rithvik, and Preethi walking towards us. Ayaan was drying off his hair with tissue, and his jacket seemed drenched. Reema might have soaked him up with that juice, but he seemed mad on Kunal. They were glaring Kunal, especially Ayaan and Reema. Rithvik was glaring me up, that befuddled me. What had I done? The only person who had plain expression was Preethi, unlike others accompany her.

“Why are you not receiving the calls?” Rithvik gritted his teeth, moving his stare at Kunal.

“You called me?” He removed the cell from his pocket and glanced at the screen. “I am sorry, buddy. The cell was silent, I couldn’t hear it ringing.” Kunal apologized.

“You didn’t hear it? Or ignored it, as you were busy.” Reema jeered eyeing at Kunal, fresh smell of range rose in her. “How could you…” Reema was going to continue but Ayaan holds her arm, gesturing him our presence. That made her shut her mouth.

I found Preethi, staring at me. I glanced at her for a second, she was staring at me as if criticizing me up for my outfit. That menial gaze fixed on me, I glanced at the trees. They deserved my attention, then the people around me.

“Why are you all here?” Kunal questioned, their presence chafed him.

“Mr. Fernades was asking for you,” Rithvik acquainted him, making Kunal grunt.

“How could I forget about it? He had asked me to meet him during the break. Did he call me?” He asked for which Rithvik nodded.

“I was in the canteen when he met me. He asked me to inform you about it, so I called you up but you were not receiving the call. So we ended up searching for you,” before Rithvik could complete his statement, Kunal interrupted him.

“I will just take a leave,” he rushed from there. We stared at his retreating figure and then glanced at one another.

“Preeti, you?” Reema shook her head at Rithvik and then glanced at me. “Shanaya, you’re a freshener, right? So where are you from, Mumbai?” Reema smiled at me and I returned it.

Her strange behavior with Preethi gave me a vibe that she was not fond of the girl. I nodded negatively, “I am from Satari.” I answered to point.

“She had already said it in the canteen,” Rithvik spoke, for which the rest of them stared at him, getting stunned.

“Yes, but somehow I had to start the conversation. But wait! How come you remember about it? Like Ayaan has diseases of forgetting a name, you too possess a disease of not pay attention to anyone talking." She mocked at Rithvik and Ayaan, for which Ayaan gave her a puppy look. The other one didn't pay any attention, ignoring her royally. "Especially, when that someone turns out to be a girl.” Reema gave Rithvik a quizzical look.

“If she is freshener, how come you all know her?” Preethi raised a question. She found implausible that Reema was taking interest in me.

“That’s none of your business, you concentrate on your newly found boyfriend,” Reema growled at Preethi.

“Reema!” It enraged Rithvik, which made Reema murmur under her breathe. “Ayaan, you better control your girlfriend. And tell her to mind her own business, not to put a nose in my matters.” Rithvik roared, he had clenched his fist. He was trying hard to restrain his anger.

Preeti ran from there, seeing furious Rithvik. His jaw was clenched, nerves were seen on his forehead. “Personal matter!” Reema was going to bounce back, but Ayaan covered her mouth with his palm.

She tried to get out of his grip, murmuring some curse to Ayaan but he dragged her along with him. He succeeded to put a full stop on the dispute which was soon going to end in a third world war. I signed in relief seeing their retreating figure. I fled a constant gaze at me, I found Rithvik gazing at me. Irritation flared through him, but his eyes were turning soft.

I was not able to match with his deep gaze, I looked away. And turned to move from there, when I heard his gruff voice.

“Shanaya,” that name rolled down from his tongue. My name sounded so different from his mouth as he has stressed on the first initial more than required. I turned to glance at him, I got shocked finding him standing an inch away from me. How did he end up so close to me? Within a second?

My heart rate increases its pace, as he was standing close to me. I was feeling nervy, when he touched my hand, that mere touch sent a shiver down my spine. He held my hand, my eyes were fixed on him. Those eyes glimmer, like a gold. I was drowning in it when I felt that something huge was kept on my palm. I moved my sight in the direction and found a book kept on it.

The same book, which I was reading in the canteen. Kunal had messaged him and he brought it along with him. I was going to thank him, but the moment I darted my gaze from the book back to him. He had already walked away from me, my heartbeat was back to normal. I grinned seeing my book back to me, "thanks" I muttered staring at his retreating figure.