When did he enter? And why he called me gorgeous? I found him staring at me, Ayaan and Reema were providing him with a skeptical look. He grunted at us, I discerned that he was looking at someone at my back. I glanced at the source, and I discovered that he was admiring Preethi who was standing at a few distances away. She stood along with her group of a girl gang, she blushed under his gaze.

I knew that Drupa's misconceived about them, why would a guy like Rithvik even concede a girl beside him if he was not involved in her? It was better to focus on my work, rather than fretting about that demons life. Soon I heard footsteps as he went from there, but before he did I could feel his piercing gaze back. As he left, Reema whispered something to Ayaan. I tried hard to not eardrop but unfortunately, I did.

"What is it with Rithvik? And you heard anything from Kunal?" She inquired, for which I got no response but Ayaan just dragged her with him. That got me suspicious, as to how come they had no knowledge about Kunal? And why Reema was confused with Rithvik's act? Was she least aware of his brother's life? Yeah, Drupa had spoken the same, they actually were strangers for one another.

------------------------

Towards our way back to university, the following day. Drupa was prattling about Rithvik. She was trying to persuade me up or was she convincing herself was a debatable subject. As the report that Rithvik was watching Preethi in the canteen was scattered like wildfire throughout the university. And the person to be blamed was Preethi as she unfolded it. The breakup rumors had disturbed her, and that incident gave her relief. Sometimes I too had a second thought seeing Preethi's behavior, what was the need to proclaim it to the entire university about their relationship? But then each individual possesses different traits, so I let it go. That was not the case with Drupa, who was examining every single possibility behind Rithvik such behavior. I wanted her to get her mind from Rithvik but it seemed highly impossible.

We all soon were assembled in the auditorium. It was a ventilated, an immense room having suitable seating arrangements that could accommodate thousands of people. The most marvelous element was the raised platform of a two-inch height, which was made up of timber. Specially designed for show, having an exceptional lighting system, which was centered on the person performing. That added more value to the performance. The previous day, I failed to notice it as I was quite worried.

As I was appreciating the auditorium, I could feel Rithvik's eyes were set on me, “did you make the desired changes?” He asked and I nodded, handing him the page.

I looked at Drupa who was standing beside Samir, drooling over Rithvik. I averted my gaze back at Rithvik as he spoke. “The dialogue seems better,” I signed in relief that he didn’t point out additional errors.

“So now, can we begin with the practice?” Reema entreated for which he gave a node. That made everyone to stroll towards the stage, I moved towards the seat which was in the center and in the first row. From there I could peep at everyone, as Rithvik had ordered me to inform him if I found a flaw in anyone's performance. As he was rehearsing along with them, so he couldn't view it.

Observing that everyone got in their respective positions, “start!” I instructed them, Ayaan was the one to initiate, but he was seemed lost as he was glimpsing at the paper in his hand.

That pestered Rithvik, “what was the interim given for? Nor you attended classes, just wandering behind your girlfriend. For once do fruitful use of the time," He roared at him, Ayaan just bends his head receiving Rithvik outburst. "just walk out of the auditorium and only lead in when you’re fully prepared.” He was enraged, and Ayaan didn't debate further apprehending Rithvik's anger. But that was not the situation with Reema, she turned offensive.

“We were given the script just some hours back, how can we be prepared for it?” Reema questioned him back.

Preethi jointed her attaching her remark, “if the script-writer was approved with desired time then why don’t we?” She eyed me with repugnance, what issue did she had with me?

“Because the script-writer had to create a separate universe, unlike you who had to just work with words. Which are offered to you in written and what is expected from you? Just by heart the dialogues. Is that something immense? And then you have guts to oppose,” Rithvik glowered at her, Preethi felt offended by her this act but I was amazed did he supported me? Or was he defending himself? “Each and everyone who is not done with the dialogues is free to move out! I don't want to ruin my inestimable time on this nonsense.” He commanded, and everyone looked at one another. Preethi was shooting daggers at me as if I asked her to depart. Ayaan was the first one, accompanied by rest and soon the entire auditorium turned empty.

Just I and Rithvik were left, “Shanaya, let's start with the script.” Playing least attention whether others accompanied or not, he led on with his rehearsals. For the first time, I didn’t feel that Rithvik was amiss though his fashion was. His priority was winning the contest, and for that hard effort and discipline were required. The only obstacle on the way was he was very much drowned into it while the rest were not.

During the entire practice session, his co-actors were out. Though some attempted to move in stating that they were prepared but Rithvik didn’t permit them in. As the two hours were ended and Rithvik was wholly done with each and every scene, performed.

“I assume the last scene could be modified. It is lacking something,” Rithvik pointed it out. With those words, I peeped at the paper, in front of me.

As I read it, I felt related. I was engrossed reading it, trying to find a shortcoming. When I felt him gasping near my neck, as I could feel his hot breath on my soft skin. I jerked my head up to find Rithvik almost inclining on me. I looked at him with a questioning gaze, “what?” I stuttered getting ambivalent, feeling scared and nervous, finding him in such close proximity.

“Viewing it,” he said peeping at the book. I tried to soothe myself down, as my heart was running a marathon. That was the state each time he approached me. That heady smell engulfed full control all over my consciousness. “What do you think?” It was only his hoarse voice, that got me back to my senses. He was gazing at the book, I tried my level best to direct my mind on it, as his shoulder was brushing my cheek. Why was his mere propinquity stirring me to such an intensity?

“I think you’re correct,” I pulled those words out of my tongue. “I will look after it,” glancing at my wristwatch. I got up from the seat, it was better that I took a leave.

“So? You’re leaving?” He asked, he seemed frustrated but succeeded to put on an austere look.

I gave a node, placing the book inside my backpack. And I hurried without glimpsing back at him, as I could sense his gaze on me. As I opened the door, I spotted everyone still existing outside. Why didn’t they fly away? My question was clarified by Rithvik.

“Good! You’re done with the punishment," that gruff voice beside me. I peek at him, how come he settled up so soon beside me? He peeped at me once, again looking at them. "I hope you have learned from it. Now you all can move,” as he dismissed them off. Everyone left from there, I was going to call out Drupa but she left not waiting for me. With that I ran out of the university, glimpsing at the gate.

Drupa was not even waiting there, I hunt her in the surrounding. I even dialed her number, she might have got entangled in some activity. She was not receiving my calls. I stood there for five minutes but finding no glimpse of her, I departed from there. I was never used to having fellowship but she made me related to her. I really craved her non-stop chattering which we had on our route back to the hostel, as I walked the distance.

Soon I got into my room and was gratified not to find my room-mate. I needed some harmony, to think about a perfect closing for the play. I laid the bag on the bed and moved to refresh up. After walking out of the washroom and getting into my pajamas I lolled down on my bed, unlocking up my knapsack. I withdrew a book from it, my head leaned on the palm on the support of my elbow. My other hand was busy penning down some notions which appeared to my mind.

I detected my cell ringing, I sought for it. And finally spotted it buried under my quit, receiving it up, “Hello!” It was a mom who was phoning me, generally, it was always her. But I had been anticipating that it would be Drupa, as unlike other times she didn't call me back.

“Can you just call? Or you get so occupied, that you don’t find it essential to dial and speak to us.” She was annoyed and I just rolled my eyes. She knew my nature and still, she grumbled.

I was in no mood to placate her, it was better to shift the topic. “Mom! I am working on a script for a drama.” And I knew what her retort would be.

“Do you even ken how to draft an essay? That you’re working with a script.” I narrowed my eyes at the cell, she never considered her daughter's intelligence.

“Where is dad?” I got exasperated by her words, so inquired about dad. Not aching to spoil my spirit, due to that conversation.

“Seems like my baby is enraged, I had been teasing. And about your devoted dad," she sounded infuriated as there could be two reasons for it. One was her possessiveness as she believed that I prefer dad over her and second and most valid would be that dad might have irritated her. "he left to play cricket with his colleagues, soon will arrive whining about his spine. I just can’t comprehend that when he can’t manage. Why even he ends up in the field.” Mom grumbled I shook my head.

“The problem is with you, why even let him?” I glowered at mom.

“Did he ever needed my approval? He does what’s please him.” Mom growled, there were some hustling sounds “here he is. I Will call you later, he is already squealing about the injury.” With that mom hung the call. I just giggled at my parents, both were kids.

I shook my head and peeped back at the book, at that moment I felt a stare on me. I peeked at the surroundings, there had been no one. I again darted my gaze at the book, a belief that someone was observing me acquired in my heart. I got up from the bed, shut the curtain of the room.

“Better,” I mumbled, getting back into my bed. Inditing a few more lines out on the paper.

-----------------------------

I found it dubious that Drupa was not waiting for me outside the hostel, but then assumed that she might be occupied. As I was done with some of the sessions and we had no practices. I got in the canteen and proceeded towards the counter, placing an order for a burger after attaining the queue for almost fifteen minutes.

As it was highly packed, receiving the order, I strayed my eyes on the canteen. Due to the crowd, there was not a single seat vacant, I gazed at Drupa and grinned but before I could call her up, I saw a boy beside him. The same guy, who she was using to make Rithvik insecure. I shifted my gaze off, she was ruining her time. Rithvik was drawn into Preethi, and her tricks were not going to accomplish.

It propelled me to move out as a chair was not available. When I heard Reema asking me out, “Shanaya! Where are you proceeding?” I glimpsed at their table, Ayaan and Rithvik were being along with her. “You can move to our table,” she peeped at Rithvik for certainty as our last encounter on that table was not gratifying one.

He muttered something, which doesn't get into my ears due to the enormous noise present in the canteen. His eyes hardened on the can he was consuming, not showing off his expression. Reema was astounded, with whatever he uttered, but she handled herself swinging her hands towards me. Ayaan just kept on gazing at Rithvik getting dazed. I stepped at them, peeping at Drupa. Was she engaged in earning Rithvik attention that she forgot me? Or was she overlooking me deliberately so I wouldn't bother her?

I looked away from her and took a seat near Rithvik as that was only a vacant chair. “So, it seems like Drupa is busy with her new friend,” Ayaan commented, eyeing at her, who was sitting on the table at the right corner while the table we assembled was in the center.

I didn’t give any response, “do you acknowledge that guy?” Reema asked, "Is not he the one who was dating Preethi?" staring at the guy skeptically. What! I was stunned with the new piece of information, was Drupa aware of it? As she chooses Preethi ex to gain Rithvik attention. Rithvik had the least interest in the conversation.

"Yeah, man! I didn't acknowledge him before. He is Dhruv," Ayaan was amazed after the realization. "Hey, how come Drupa met him?" He inquired gazing at me.

“We had seen him on our way from hostel to college. Drupa noticed him as charming and went to communicate to him,” I didn't give away the main reason behind that closeness, I could feel the fixed gaze of Rithvik. I tried not to dwell over the fact that she was ignoring me.

We had bonded up for a month, it was not essential that I should be aware of each aspect of her life. As I had not given my entire life story to her but still it bothers noticing her giving me the least significant. I was fine if she didn’t aspire to share her personal issues as I could concede it, each one craves for their space but should not have snubbed me.

“Can we discuss the play? Are you prepared with the dialogues or is Ayaan again intending to stay out of the auditorium and hit at each girl who crossed by.” That animadversion by Rithvik made me peep at him and then glance at Ayaan.

Ayaan was staring at Rithvik with wide eyes, slowly peeking at Reema who was menacing at him. “So that is the motive behind you never memorizing your line. I have been contemplating for years now, that you habitually stay out of auditorium then how come you retain your lines on the day of the show.” I was startled after discovering from Reema. That meant Rithvik spoke the truth, I was perplexed and was looking at Ayaan.

“Why did you do it? That’s why you can't remember me up as I am not the only one in your life.” Her eyes brimming in tears and she ran from there, she was a sensitive girl when it was about Ayaan. Her possessiveness towards him was due to the strong feeling she holds for him.

I scowled at him but Ayaan’s eyes were fixed on Rithvik. “You better pacify her up and stop pulling up such stunts. She holds feelings for you and if ever I found out you were deceiving with her, I won’t spare you.” He roared in anger, clenching his fist. That was the first time, I discerned a protective brother in him.

“That is not tricking, I was just flirting it is a casual thing. Just because…” Ayaan was going to continue but viewing that Rithvik was temper sparking, he emigrated from there.

“I just hate them both,” Rithvik scowled. I beamed hearing it, he didn’t dislike them but was just concerned regarding them. Especially his sister, I was discovering more shades of Rithvik Bose.

I spotted a certain nauseatic smell originating from beside me, I contemplated at Rithvik questioningly. He glanced at me after drinking a sip from the can. “What are you sipping?” Giving him a cynical look.

“Me?” He peeked at his can and stretched it to me. “What do you think?” He winked at me, I narrowed my eyes and peep into the can and it affirmed my doubt.

“Alcohol!” I almost squealed, he covered my mouth with his palm. Tilting close to me his face an inch away, from mine. That overpowering smell of alcohol made me feel nauseous, along with the cigarette stink. Damn! He even smoked, how sickening!

“Don’t yell, it is a canteen and only a few are aware of me drinking. If by accident Dean got to know that I am doing it then," he winked at me. I narrowed my eyes at him, the dean was his mother and he was privileged to commit such nonsense due to it. "As I don’t want to miss rehearsals and you know, why?” I was staring at him with that he erased the distance between us. His hoarse tone made me quiver in that close proximity. My senses were no longer paying heed on the alcoholic scent he was possessing. Just drooling in his deep yellowish-brown orbs. That was sparkling in delight, he blinked and I saw a longingness in it. “Because of you, what have you done to me.” He moaned I got astounded hearkening to it. But later on, realized that he had drunk as I heard him chuckling.

I shoved him away and went away from there, leaving him intoxicated. He possessed every attribute, which I loathed. From drinking to accusing people. He was a demon, I glimpsed back and found him smirking at me while sipping from the can.

----------------------

Two days had elapsed, I strolled out of my room smiling as I accomplished writing down the climactic scene. I looked getting out of the hostel but Drupa was not standing out, it was the occurrence from the past two days.

She was intentionally ignoring me up, cause best known to her. As it had been days we had a proper conversation moreover, I attempted to have a conversation with her during the class, but she didn't let me. At that accurate moment, my eyes settled on her walking towards me, busy talking to Dhruv. I smiled but she crossed by me, totally overlooking me though Dhruv gifted me with a smile.

That pissed me, I hold no value to her. Before too she had behaved in the same manner, she had left me behind talking to him. I too didn’t have any interest, if she chose to snub. I was leading towards the university, they were walking in front of me. Throughout the journey, she was involved in chatting with him. Not for once, she peeped at me, which pestered me. I was not going to forgive her so easily. The question disturbing me was, why was she faking when Rithvik was not around? The entire subject of Dhruv was to earn Rithvik attention, or was there more to it?

I got inside, while they stood behind communicating with each other standing outside the gate. As I landed into the class and took my seat. A girl who moved inside approached me, she was the scholar of the class. Like those who respond to every answer demanded by the professor. I was astonished seeing her walking towards me.

“You’re Shanaya Shikawath?” She inquired and I gave her a node.

She lifted her bag up, which was in her hand, and drew out some books. “As you missed the lectures yesterday due to the rehearsals. These are the notes,” she delivered me the books. Rather than concerned, I felt she was terrified.

“Thanks,” I muttered and she retired to her seat which was on the first bench.

I took the books and opened mine, penning down the notes. People normally used to photocopy it but I liked personally scribbling it down. As that provided me with an opportunity to read it down while writing in up.

As I was occupied in finishing off my notes, I heard murmurs going on. As the class was empty, no sounds so could catch a glimpse of their discussion. Though I was least excited in it initially when I heard mention of Rithvik, I unknowingly paid attention.

“What! He held you in the hallway?” The other girl, sitting beside the studious one questioned her out.

The girl who provided me the book motioned to keep quiet. So she lowered her voice, I could only hear that Rithvik had hindered her up. I tried to think about a certain probability, but I couldn't, so I continued with the notes.

As by the recess time, I was done with the notes and I handed the books back to her. I went towards her seat with the book. “Thanks a lot, it was a huge help.” I smiled and she passed it back, I felt that she was cheerful unlike earlier frightened.

“From next time, if you require any book do demand Preethi directly rather than getting your date do it.” The girl beside her spoke, which puzzled me.

“Date?” I asked, getting bewildered.

“Nothing,” Priya, the studious girl, grasped the other's arm, gesturing to her not to speak. I knew that they were holding something up but I let it go.

It had something to do with Rithvik, as he knew that I was occupied with the script the whole day. I had overheard them bringing him in the chat before, she was fear-stricken when she delivered me the book. But the thought was why would he do this for me? He won’t as he despises me, and he is dealing with me just for a drama. As he was left with no alternative than to accept me as the script-writer. And moreover, they won't mistook him as my date, as Preethi dating him was widespread. I strolled out of the class, my mind filled with thoughts.