Ananya’s Pov:

It’s been two days Shiv left for his exercise. No call or text after he reached. Here I’m waiting for his call. The feeling of not to hear his voice is killing me inside. I’m dying to hear his voice. I was so in my deep thought that I couldn’t realise that my phone is ringing on my hand. It’s an unknown number. I smiled thinking it maybe Shiv. I answered it.

“Hello.”

“Hi, Ananya.” It’s a women voice. I’m sad that it’s not Shiv. Wait! She knew my name.

“Do I know you? I mean do you know me?” my heart is pounding like crazy. Does something happen to Shiv? What am I thinking?

“It’s Shiv mom. Shiv gave me your number before leaving for his exercise.”

“Namaste aunty. How’re you?” I don’t know what to ask.

“I’m good beta, I’ll be better if you call me mom instead of aunty.”

“Ok, m…. mom.”

“He knew that you’ll be tensed about him that’s why he asked me to talk to you. I’m happy that Shiv really has someone by his side. He never shared what he was feeling inside. Now, I’m relieved. Do come to visit me, this is your home also. You’re a part of it now. So, don’t hesitate to come.”

“I’ll surely visit you. Can I call you anytime, mom? I really feel relaxed after talking to you.”

“Of course. Call me anytime you want. I’ll be happier.”

“Thank you, mom.”

After talking sometime, we ended our conversation. She is really nice person. My would be mother-in-low. I’m indeed lucky. The heaviness which I was feeling is gone now but the emptiness without Shiv is still there.

*****

Shiv called on Sunday morning. It was two minutes conversation. After a week I heard his voice. he told me that he can call only on Sunday. So, I eagerly wait for Sunday to come fast.

Mom calls me and I also call her whenever I feel lonely. We gossip about Shiv. Yeah! I came to know some special childhood moments of Shiv. Once he comes back, I’m definitely going to make fun of him. And I know mom would be with me. I got partner to tease him.

My final semester exam schedule is out. This reminds me I have only few days here. The sadness of leaving this place is really making me anxious and the thought of Shiv isn’t here with me in my last days isn’t helping either. Yesterday, he called me to inform that they’ve to stay couple of days more. Literally I feel like crying but I didn’t. He wished me luck for my exam.

Harshi is also sad, she has one more year to complete. In next semester she is going to shift in university hostel. According to her, she won’t be able to stay here without me, the memories of me will haunt her. Silly girl. I’ll really miss her.

I’ve applied for internship in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi and Dehradun. I haven’t told anyone about this. I'm waiting for the confirmation letter then I’ll tell everyone.

My exam ended yesterday. I thought Shiv will come before I went from here but the last call from him really disappoint me. Why they extended their staying again? I hope he is fine. He sounded very sad and guilty. But I know it’s not his fault.

I cried after ending the call with him. I just wanted to see his face before leaving.

*****

Leaving a place where I created beautiful memories is really painful. But we can’t stay in one place, we’ve to embrace new places, new friends in our different phases of life.

I got confirmation from two places, Bengaluru and Delhi. I have chosen Delhi instead of Bengaluru, the reason is obvious. My parents told me to choose the company of Delhi, for them Bengaluru is to far and they don’t want me to stay that far. Even Mom asked me to come to Delhi. She arranged an apartment for me. The distance from my apartment to office is just few minutes and to Shiv home is about forty-five minutes along with traffic. Yes, I directly come here because they wanted the interns to join the company asap. When I came the apartment was under renovation, still needed two days to complete. So, mom strictly told me to stay with her. When my apartment got ready, mom came with me to help me in settling.

So, today is my first day of my office. I’m ready, wearing formal attire, had my favourite aloo paratha.

It’s a five-story building. We intern have to work in second floor. They have selected total twenty intern. One of the seniors showed us the company and introduced us to the whole office. Later they told us our work to do. In the first three months we have to work on project in a group. Each group has two members. And my group partner name is Neeraj Agrawal. He is from Delhi itself. From my observation till now, I can say he isn’t a bad guy. I mean he is polite, intelligent, doesn’t talk much (actually no one can talk as much as Harshi) and good looking also. I’m satisfied to have him as my partner because working in a group would be difficult if the partner isn’t understandable.

“Miss Singh, on which data you want to work satellite or DEM data?” Neeraj asked me.

“Anything would be fine with me but I’m not fine with Miss Singh. It sounds too formal. Call me Ananya.”

“It is formal for me too. I thought in office people call formally. So, I was only maintaining the office environment. Anyway, you can call me by my name also.”

“Sure. I’m going to work on satellite data, you work on DEM. Ok?”

“Ok. So, let’s start it then.”

It was a great day indeed. For me. For us. We intern had our lunch together. Neeraj and I talked and got to know each other more. He is from a typical Marwari family. They have their sweets and garments business in Chandni chowk. He has an elder sister who is already married and has a baby. I thought he wasn’t talkative like Harshi but I was wrong. When we talk in lunch time, he talked a lot. From their family to business. I’m not complaining because one has to active in group, right?

*****

Neeraj Pov:

I never thought working would be so much exciting with Ananya. My beautiful, innocent, sweet, lovely partner, who is now confused in between complement and mock. Actually, the progress report which we, Ananya and I had submitted yesterday was appreciated by our respected seniors, they also appreciated our group coordination. So, since yesterday some jealous fellows started to mocking us indirectly. So, Ananya is confused who actually complemented us and who actually mocked us. She is little bit sad about the lunch scene also. Till yesterday, we newly joined had our lunch together but today they left us alone. How can someone be so childish? If they’re seeing us as competition then I’ll show them in my way, how competitive I can be. I’m not a person who insult or mock others, that’s why I didn’t reply back yet. But seeing Ananya sad I make sure that I’ll show them their real place.

“Hey! Don’t be sad because of their word. They’re basically jealous because we’re doing our work better than them. Seniors appreciated us because of our good working coordination. So, we’ve to prove ourselves again. We’ll do our work smoothly like we have been doing. No pressure, no worries. Ok? Now smile.” I told her. I can’t see her sad face. She looks beautiful with her signature smile. I want that Ananya back.

“Thank you so much for comforting me. I never thought they can think of us that way. How can they say so inappropriate? We’re just doing our work, right? You’re right, we’ve to prove ourselves that we’re better than them.” She adjusted her hair and smiled at me.

“Hey guys! Why are you looking sad Ananya? Pronoy Sir and Amar Sir really loved your work, specially your bond. But I guess you’re not satisfied enough by their appreciation.” What is Namrata doing in our cubical instead of working?

“We’re satisfied enough but you’re right. I’m sad for those people who didn’t even get appreciation and you know the reason why? Because they were so busy mocking others instead of doing their work properly. And talking about our bond, yes, we understand each other well enough to do our works finely unlike some people. That’s what needed in a group right, Namrata?” Bang on, Ananya. I was suppressing my laugh.

“Absolutely, right.” She left immediately.

“What a reply! Where were you hiding this side of yours?”

“You know, some people really need to see their place where they’re standing. I was not saying anything doesn’t mean I don’t know how to reply back. They think, they can only say whatever comes to their mind.”

“So, innocent looking Ananya can be fierce also. You were lit. I’ll bring your favourite Gulab jamun tomorrow for showing your bravery.”

“Really! Thank you.”

*****