Chapter 20

Arjun worked hard for his entrance exam. He was determined to get it. After returning from office he spent two hours every day preparing. He knew he had to overcome the disadvantageous of his humble background.

In the meantime Chandi got married. He and his wife Susan moved into a small little house.

Arjun qualified in the entrance examination for IMI. He was called for interview. He was so excited and nervous.  

Then finally he got the magic letter. He was selected to IMI. He was on the top of the world.

He called up Rohini. For some strange reason, he wanted to break this news to her first.

“Hi Arjun. What a surprise. How come you called me today.”

“ I got admission in IMI”

“Congratulations. I am so proud of you. “

“When do you have to join?”

“Another one month.”

“Can I see you before you go”

“Yes sure. I will not go without seeing you”

“Why am I so special for you”

“What do you think?”

“What do you think?”

“We will discuss it when we meet each other”

“When can it be sir?”

“How about this Saturday?”

“I am fine.”

“Ok you wait for me at the bus stop. I will pick you up”

As promised Arjun landed up at the bus stop at 10 am. Rohini was waiting there.

Arjun stopped the bike .

“Hop on”

“Where are we going?” She asked as the bike started moving

“We are going to Chandi’s house”

“I thought we were going to sit somewhere and talk”

“Yes at Chandi’s house”

“How can we talk with Chandi and Susan there”

“Both of them are not there.”

“Oh” Rohini was both excited and perturbed

Arjun and Rohini walked into Chandi’s house

Arjun sat on the sofa

“Come sit next to me”

Rohini sat on the opposite chair

“I am so happy to finally get a chance to be alone with you” Arjun whispered

“Me too. I hope my family does not come to know. They will kill me”

“Why?”

“Don’t be so dumb. No parent can stand their daughter going alone to a house with a boy”

“I agree”

“Especially since we have not made up our mind about our future”

“That is what I wanted to discuss too”

“Are you going to propose to me”

“I thought I had already”

“How”

“From the way I have behaved with you”

“But if you say it in words, I would feel nicer”

“Rohini. I agree I like you a lot. I know you do same. I just wanted to make one point. I know your nature. You are a fun loving affectionate girl. On the other side I am a drifter, a dreamer. I am not sure if you will be able to able to live with a person like me. But then if you decide to do so, I am happy. But I may add it could be to your funeral”

“Arjun. You are crazy. What a way to propose to a girl. I think I will be happy with you.”

Rohini had that beautiful shy smile. She took Arjun’s helmet that was on the table and held it tightly against her

“Why are you hugging the helmet? Don’t you have anything better” Arjun asked with a naughty smile.

Rohini blushed and looked down. Arjun got up and sat next to Rohini. He put his hand around her. Rohini turned her face to him. Their lips touched, his hands were around her and he held her tightly. She responded willingly and they were locked into a deep embrace. Both of them were quite. Arjun’s hand slipped under Rohini’s T shirt. Rohini pushed his hand away. He was persistent. She felt the warmth rising in her whole body. She stopped resisting. He was getting bolder. His hands were feeling her all over. She was melting into his hands.

Both of them slowly leaned back on the sofa. Time just drifted.

“OH my god. What are we doing. Time to stop.” Rohini jumped up.

“What is wrong”

“Nothing wrong. It is not time yet for us do such things.”

She sat up and adjusted her top which was all dishevelled

“How long do I wait”

“Another two years I suppose. Till you finish your IMI”

“How can I hold on till then?”

“You have to, honey”

“You are so cruel”

“Drop me home now. It is getting late”

“Will you come home and talk to my parents”

“What do I say?”

“Just tell that you are serious about me. But do that only if you mean it”

Arjun walked into Rohini’s house

Her parents welcomed him warmly

“Congrats Arjun for getting into IMI”

“Thanks uncle”

“So what are your plans?”

“I have to join next month”

“Great. Come over to meet us when you have holidays”

“Surely uncle”

“Dad Arjun has proposed to me”

“But he has not asked me yet” Dad replied

“That is why I came”

“OK. Good. After you finish your studies, if both of you are keen then, we can take this forward”

“I hope you guys will behave in the meantime”

“Yes uncle”

They sat and talked for a long time

“Let me go. It is late. I need to go to office tomorrow”

“Why are you going to office now Arjun” Rohini asked

“I need to hand over my stuff. I have only one more week before I get relieved”

Arjun walked out. Rohini stood there looking at him fondly