Chapter 17: chapter 17

After seeing the joy on her face, I felt as if I had discovered millions of hidden treasures. As I drove my car, I felt more enthused, cool breezes touched my face, and I closed my eyes. It felt as if her floating hair in the air was caressing my skin. Even her single glance was enough to tickle my nerves. I wanted to swim in the deepest part of her soul.“Have you topped in your college? Why are you dancing like crazily?’’My father asked Sarcastically“It’s nothing related to my study” I replied to him. If he asked me another day, I felt disgusted, but today, despite his every mocking against me, I did not be irritated not only for a second.“Agar itna hi mood acha hai toh todha bahut office mein bhi jaya karo,mera itna bada emperor tumhe hi sambhal na hai?”I did not say anything. I simply ignore him He left the room after showering after his boring lectures as usual.“Poor, Old man, who does not understand love”I remarkedI was playing guitar in my room and kissing Sanyogita's earring, DD[My grandfather] came into my room. I was taken aback by his presence, seeing me in a romantic mood. He smiled at me.I kept the guitar on my bed , welcoming him to take a seat beside me.He asked me “Who is that girl, my boy ”His question made me blush “No Dadu there is nothing!”“DD, hoon tera,bahut dino se noticed kar raha hoon tujhe”I caught ‘’Chal ab bata kab milega,”?‘But at first you should have promised me. You would not tell anything about this to Grandma and  someone else in this house”“Okay, beta,ab bata, who is she?”“I will tell you everything, but a few days later”He rubbed my back after I came out of my room because my friends called out for me.I found Sanyogita was eating panipuri with her friend at a stall,I also stopped there but not that stall a little bit away from where I noticed her.I requested Risav to accompany me, but he demanded 4 bottles of Vodka ,“Keep going, bhaiya.” said the panipuri waleI could not catch his point at first, then said“You are bound to get her. One day ,I,too,loved a girl when I was your age,”“Did you get her to love you?’’I asked him“No, she got me beaten up by her brothers,’ he laughed .I stopped smilingRisav suggested to me”Prithvi, at first try to collect some piece of information, does she have a brother or not?’’“Why ?’’“Because perhaps as like punipuriwalas’ love story, you can also be beaten by her brothers,” he starts laughing“Shut up, Risav” I said disgustingly.................It was another day when I saw Sanyogita talking with her friend Radhika. She was looking very upset, I had come to know from the conversation that somebody had stolen her 3 lacs money from their house last night. As those were required for her semester fees. She started to cry. I was feeling bad for my girl, yes now she is my girl though she wasn't even aware of the existence of her lover who would go to the end of the world only for her sake to make her happy.She told Radhika that she wanted to sell the gold bracelet that her father gave her. I also saw that on the college function day. She was looking very sad, Oh! God that killed me, I couldn't see her like that.After college, I spotted Sanyogita visiting a jewellery shop. She carefully selected a beautiful case and examined its contents before leaving the store. My curiosity piqued, I entered the shop, inquiring about the bracelet she had admired. The shopkeeper initially showed me other designs, but I insisted on seeing the exact piece Sanyogita had chosen.After college, I saw Sanyogita going into a jewellery store. She picked a lovely case with great care and opened it to inspect its contents before exiting the shop. My curiosity was aroused, and I went into the shop to ask about the bracelet she had eyed. The shop owner first showed me some other designs, but I requested to see the very piece that Sanyogita had viewed."I want the same bracelet she has sold ," I assertedThe shopkeeper's eyebrow furrowed at my request as if he could not believe my audacity. But after paying double the asking price and ensuring discretion, the shopkeeper did agree to let me have the bracelet.Days later, I hired a kid from the streets to personally present the bracelet to Sanyogita. I gave him the gift and cash and told him to present it to her personally.As the boy came closer to Sanyogita, I hid behind a tree, watching from afar. Sanyogita, eager to know why the boy had come, appeared outside her room. She inquired about who had sent the gift, but the boy just turned back without addressing me. His mother called him, so he ran towards her, leaving Sanyogita with the gift .Sanyogita's hands trembled as she opened the envelope, her eyes widening in surprise. She quickly ran to her room, the envelope contents falling on her bed. The case and bracelet rested before her, along with a letter that caused her heart to skip a beat.         "Hello, Sanyogita,Jo cheez tumhe pasand, wo tumse dur rahe, aisa nahi ho sakta.  My heart aches seeing you away from the things that  That's to you . That's why I am giving back your bracelet and this case to you. Do not say no. Accept this little help to you .Good luck on your exam, but remember someone is always there to help you no matter wherever you are . I hope this little gesture puts a smile on your face and lets you know you're not forgotten.Tumhara naya dost (Your new friend)"Tears filled Sanyogita's eyes as she read the Tinder message. The secret admirer had brought back her favourite bracelet and case, along with a kind note. With shaking hands, Sanyogita clutched the bracelet and case, holding them against her heart. Her mind was full of wonder and gratitude, racing with thoughts of who her new friend might be. She hurried to the jewellery store, her heart pounding with fear . She begged, her voice thick with desperation. "Who purchased my bracelet? I must know."The shopkeeper, an old man with kind eyes, glanced up from his task, his face sympathetic but firm."I'm sorry, beta," he said, using the Hindi word for "child."I wish I could assist you, but as I've already explained, I couldn't possibly tell you anything.  “Sanyogita's expression dropped  "Please," she implored, her voice urging. "It's my last hope. I must know who did this."The shopkeeper let out a sigh, and his face relaxed. "I understand, beta, but I am helpless. I do not have CCTV footage, and even if I had it, I could not produce it for you. Only the police would be able to access it."Sanyogita's shoulders slumped in dismay, her head dropping to the ground. She realized she was at a standstill.........Sanyogita left the store, feeling defeated and frustrated. She roamed the streets, questioning herself. Who was this mysterious stranger? Why was he being so generous to her? And why was he staying anonymous?She passed by a small park on the way. She sat on a bench, trying to calm herself. But her mind kept returning to the presents and letters.Suddenly, she recalled one line from the previous letter: "Tumhara naya dost" - Your new friend. A smile crafted on her lips , feeling hopeful in her mind . Perhaps this individual was a person she could trust, one who genuinely cared about her.With fresh resolve, Sanyogita chose to reply to her enigmatic friend. She wanted to thank them, to let them know how much his kindness meant to her.Sanyogita sat among the dusty rows of books and hushed students in the library. She drew out a sheet of paper and started writing:"Dear New Friend,I don't even know where to start. Your kindness has touched me in ways I never knew I could.  I feel heard and understood like never before. I would do anything to meet you, to thank you personally, but if it were possible, I'd be glad .Your friend, SanyogitaShe finished writing, folded the paper, and tucked it between the pages of a romance novel. She knew her mysterious friend would see it, just as she knew he would trail after her to the library.As she left the library, Sanyogita felt a sense of excitement and nervousness. What would happen next? Would her friend respond? And what would happen if they met in person?Unbeknownst to her, Prithvi watched her leave from the other side of the room. He waited for the time when no one would be around before heading to the bookshelf. His eyes were sparkling with anticipation and longing for a new hope as he read Sanyogita's letter, his heart pounding with excitement. But when he read the words "Dear New Friend," he felt a pang of disappointment.But as he went on reading, his disappointment gave way to joy. Sanyogita's words were full of love and appreciation, and she appeared to care for him deeply.He responded by pouring out his heart. He signed off as "Your New Friend" in the hope that eventually, he could be more than a friend to her - As he inserted the letter into the book-- a gorgeous love tale with a cover that seemed to mouth vows. He couldn't help but hope. Perhaps, just perhaps, Sanyogita felt the same.The following day, Sanyogita got another gift via the hand of the same kid on her doorstep. She was surprised to find the same romance novel . When she opened the book, a letter slipped out, bearing the whispers of his heart. She confirmed he was there in the same library when she sat down to write her words to him . Her heart missed a beat, her soul vibrating with the feelings that flowed from the page.**********Sanyogita was sitting alone on a bench in the park , her gaze were dreamy, drifting up at the sky as if seeking answers in the fleeting clouds. A soft breeze stirred her hair, bringing the fresh scent of blooming flowers. Her lips fell into a soft, mysterious smile, lost in contemplation.Radhika's voice brought her back from her profound thinking , her footsteps crunching on the pebbled walkway. "Kya Baat hai, akele bethe bethe muskura kyu rahi hai?" she queried, plopping down beside Sanyogita.Sanyogita's gaze refocused, her smile wavering for an instant before she answered, "Tu kab aye?" Her voice contained a trace of distraction.Radhika's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Bahut pehle, but aai bata, why are you blushing?" She playfully nudged Sanyogita.Sanyogita's cheeks flushed even deeper, her fingers twisting the edge of her dress. "No, nothing, bas aise hi," she stuttered, trying to wave it away.Radhika's eyes narrowed, a glint in her eyes. "Something is cooking ," she whispered fiercely and added “ What is hiding from me?” Her left brow arched Sanyogita's smile flashed again, and she was unable to hold it in anymore. She poured out everything – the gifts, the money, the bracelet, and the emotional letters from her secret admirer. Radhika was held spellbound as the tale came out like a fairy story.Radhika's eyes lit up with excitement as she faced Sanyogita. "Hm, Sanyo, I believe he likes you! Why else would he compose a song for you, followed by presents and this lovely bracelet?Sanyogita's face went red, her imagination running wild. "I don't know, but whoever he is, I know he is from our college. He's always there for me and comes whenever I stumble upon any problems . He turned into a saviour to me. "Radhika's forehead creased in confusion. "But if he likes you, why hasn't he approached you? Why all this secrecy?"Sanyogita's smile was mysterious. "Perhaps he's shy or an introvert , or maybe he doesn't feel he's good enough. But I don't care about any of that, Radz. I know that whatever he is, he has a big heart, a pure spirit ."Radhika's eyes opened wide with wonder. "You're so right, Sanyo . You're not judging him by what he looks like or how he behaves; you're looking at his inner self, into his soul . And that's the most important."As I was standing nearby but close enough to hear their conversation,  hidden behind the tree . Sanyogita's voice seemed to be a soothing summer breeze that lifted my spirit. When she spoke of me, addressing me as her secret admirer, my heart swelled with joy. I had the feeling of floating on air, my soul was swimming to her words.I believe at that moment that I was hopelessly in love with her . It was as if the universe had conspired to bring us together. Her presence seemed to envelope me in every magnetic energy always pulling me towards her , every ray of sunlight, every soft lapping of the waves started to rejuvenate me . Even the songs of birds and the ring of temple bells rang out her name only. Perhaps I'd have acted like crazy, but I wouldn't want it otherwise. For I knew that I had discovered my soulmate in Sanyogita. She was the sunshine to my sunflower, the missing piece of my puzzle that I never knew I wanted. I was prepared to be crazy a million times for her for my first love."Sanyogita, I love you," I whispered to myself, the words spilling out like a prayer. "I love you from the moon and back . And I know you're my destiny ,  my eternity."Today is her birthday, yes my girl’s birthday,Sanyogita got the letter but today not from the hand of a boy, she got this by the door of their house in the early morning, she saw a cute puppy in a basket with flowers and a card, she became surprised, she open the card and found a letter"Hello, Sanyogita,Wish you a very happy birthday . May this day be filled with vivid enthusiasm and  happiness , as you are.When I write this letter, I'm flooded with so much happiness and appreciation, considering the irreplaceable treasure you're to me. You may not be my whole world, but you're surely that special someone who makes my world complete . Even your presence is like a soft, warm wind that calms my soul.You are the melody that stirs my heart with music, creating a rhythm that keeps me delighted .You are the first rays of sunlight on the horizon that kiss my world , illuminating every dark corner of my life. Your captivating laughter is a sweet serenade that brings joy to my days .In this chaotic world full of anxiety,  grudges, you are my peace of sanctuary , my beacon of hope. You are the reason I wake up with a smile to see you, and you're also the reason I fall asleep with a heart full of dreams.Once again, happy birthday . May this day just unfold a new beautiful chapter in your life with umpteen laughter, bring new adventures, and weave ingredients of happiness . Stay happy, keep smiling, and know that you are loved more than words can express.Tumhara naya dost" Always yours,Secret lover 💗 As She finished the letter , her heart missed an innumerable beat. She felt a tickling sensation in her stomach . Her heart was beating more rapidly than it had done before as though she had just run a marathon. His words swirled in her brain, giving her a warm, fuzzy sensation."Always yours, Secret Lover," she whispered back his words , almost having her breath caught in her throat.As she read the letter, tears of happiness welled up at the edges of her eyes, brimming her heart with emotion. She couldn't believe how a person could describe her with words so beautifully , didn't she never meet this person , how could it be possible?Sanyogita's fingers shook as she clutched the letter, her hands following the lines as if they were brushing to that enigmatic figure, her hidden lover who had won her over with his sweet words."Who are you?" she thought, her thoughts whirling with possibilities. "Why do you conceal yourself in secrets and letters?"With a smile on her lips and a song in her heart, Sanyogita folded the letter and tucked it into her pocket, with the words close to her heart. Something within hee telling her that this was only the start of a beautiful journey, one that would alter her life forever.Sanyogita entered her room, still basking in the warmth of the letter's words. Radhika burst in at 9 o'clock, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Sanyo, what's up? You look like you're walking on clouds!"Sanyogita's hands fluttered as she tried to contain her emotions. "Radz, you won't believe what happened. I got another letter. and a puppy!"Radhika's eyes widened in astonishment , "A puppy? Oh my god, that's so cute .I think your secret admirer is researching you, Sanyo . But let's hear more about the letter."Sanyogita's voice shook as she told her everything, every phrase, every emotion. Radhika listened, captivated, her expression a combination of shock and joy."Hm, bapre, lagta hai he loves you, Sanyo," Radhika said, her voice filled with conviction. "But tera aashiq thoda alag hai."Sanyogita's smile faltered, her thoughts reeling with uncertainty. "Why do you say that?"Radhika shrugged. "Because rather than going to the internet, he writes you letters. It's strange, but so romantic!"Sanyogita's eyes strayed off, her mind filled with the word "lover." Did he really love her? And what did she feel?Sanyogita's eyes locked with Radhika's. "And this time, he signed off as 'Always yours, Secret Lover'."Radhika's mouth fell open, her eyes widening in surprise. "Whoa, that's heavy . He's definitely serious about you, Sanyo."Sanyogita's thoughts were in a swirl of mixed feelings - excitement, fear, and doubt. "I don't know, Radz. This is all so sudden. What if he's just toying with my emotions?"Radhika's face went contemplative. "I don't think so, Sanyo. He's done everything to make you believe he cares. The gifts, the letters. it's all so fairy tale-like."Sanyogita's fears remained, though. "What if I don't return the feeling? I have never ever been in love with any guy. How do I know I feel for him the same way ? What if I'm caught up in the make-believe of it all?"Radhika's voice was soothing. "You'll get through it, Sanyo. Just ride it out and see where it goes. But be cautious, too. You know nothing about him."Sanyogita's eyes remained fixed on Radhika for a moment, her heart still pounding with uncertainty . She was in a dilemma, as if she were standing at a crossroads , unsure of which direction to go.