Rishi

I have always craved for adrenaline rush. Yes, its crazy taking risk but mind seeked what was on the other side of risk. And I would take it, there have been consequences but everything is a lesson. My parents weren't he restricting type. They allowed me to make my set of mistakes and then sat me down if the lessons were hard. They always watched what I did and advised when required

My desire to be a jack of all trades got me to extreme sports. Yes, I do all things which are deemed as bad in eyes of common Indian house hold.

I have always been into trekking and that made me join the mountaineering club. The idea of defeating mighty Himalayas is something that gives me a punch.

My trainer thought I was ready to climb the most difficult wall and I decided to go ahead with it. What more could happen, I would fail. But that didn't scare me. Failure never scared me.

I could feel my arms turning stiff as I moved up the wall. For a moment, I felt I would just fall but then I knew all was in my head. The club members and other stared encouraging me and that pushed me further. I decided to give my best and I succeeded. Reaching the top, I punched my fist in air celebrating my victory and all celebrated with me. Letting go, the harness around me lowered to the floor. My mates patted my back and my coach gave me few more tips. As group dispersed, my eyes met the ones that made me curious. Sanjana stood in the middle of the room her eyes locked with mine. For some reason, she didn't look away and took steps to her. As the distance closed, the air around me was filled with a beautiful sandal scent.

I waited for the sneezing episode to begin but it didn't. The thing is I'm allergic to artificial sandal scents but what Sanjana wore was something exotic, or may be she is just good for me. ''Hi! Are you here to join the club?''

''NO!'' Came a monologue. She made me curious, her cold demure attracted me all the way more. Attention has never been a difficulty. I have had plenty and won't deny I enjoy it. But No one in all my years has ignored me the way Sanjana does. As if I am invisible.

Her reply did make me angry but I had to stay calm. She had all the right to make her choices but her choice to ignore me burned my insides. I took a deep breath and decided to take my chances. ''Hi, I am Rishi! Can we be friends?''

''No, We cannot me friends.''

''Why?''

''Because you don't fit he check list of my friends.''

I was getting annoyed. Throwing the towel in a corner, I took a step closer , crossed my arms and asked, ''Why again?'' I wanted to know what she thought of me.

She blinked and then answered, ''Because, I feel so.'' With that she made a quick turn and left the area without turning back. I was now taking deep breaths when I felt Jai's arm around my shoulder, ''Why does she hates me so much?''

Jai stared at me for good couple of minutes. ''Beware Rishi! You are falling hard.'' That made me smile. ''She just makes me curious.''

''Its okay. There are million girls who would all to be with you.''

''They don't matter, don't know what attracts me to her.'' I confessed. Jai gave me a side hug. ''That happens. Okay, let me cheer you up. Down in the city, we have a race today. Wanna try your luck?''

''Let's do it.'' I nodded in agreement. The cheer , the fun, the speed gave me the necessary fun required for the weekend. Though, this was never encouraged by the university but we were adults and what we did outside the campus wasn't there issue. 

***

Saturday's were amazing and I believed in doing the max on these rest days. I was campus didn't allow environmental unfriendly vehicles but didn't restricted us from having one. We had a parking where we had our vehicles parked. Picking my bike , me and Jai drove towards the track. Saturday's most of the campus is out exploring the quite town and beautiful serene villages around it.

Checking in as one of the participant, we moved to put on our gears. ''The losers are again here to lose.'' That was Kunal, he is a second year and in same course as that of Sanajna and we never got along. He is a self centered brat who believes whatever he does , he is the right one. He does all put others down but only few witness this crappy side of him. He has maintained a righteous image but he is not what he pretends to be.

I wanted to smack his face but Jai held me back. ''Prove yourself on the track. And the overall winner will always be Rishi, you and I know that.'' Jai gave him a knowing smile, he was tall and little on the bulky side. Kunal stepped back. There is no second thoughts that Kunal is amazing on track and I m not jealous but his constant habit of   poking irks me the most.

With the announcement we all moved to the tracks mounted on our bikes. The commentator introduced us and I lifted my eyes to look around. The crowd makes me happy and I enjoy being the popular one. With the blow of whistle , we raced. We were in total 8 participants and today I aimed to win. Kunal took he lead and Jain kept tailing him. Kunal is competitive in a maddening way and today we decided to take advantage of his weakness. He races to defeat me and do it for my happiness.  I kept my position at fourth place as we went about completing 6th lap. There were four more to go and I decided to pick up slowly. With 10th lap , I saw Jai's finger flicking directing me to take the lead. I know my friend, he can drive anyone mad and by now, Kunal would have lost his head. Applying he final gear, I drove past Kunal giving him a thumbs down, I won by 10 seconds. Yes, that was the plan. Jai had I had decided that we would pump his confidence and then when he would believe he had the game, one of us will snatch it. 

As the stadium cheered, Kunal smacked his helmet on the hard earth . What irritated him more was that Jai bribed few cheering groups to screaming my name at the top of their voice. I Just shook my head and we decided to party. 

Sanjana 

I was excited, it after a month we were stepping out of he campus. The Out pass required a parents confirmation and my readily agreed with a condition that I would be back in time. Well I always did. 

Pooja and I roamed around the beautiful city and then went to the lake. It was so calm that I almost lost m heart to a water body. We had small lunch and ventured the market place. Pooja waved at few and I could as well make out that they were from our campus. ''We are going to the track, want to come?''

''What track?''

''There is a bike racing track down town, many popular boys from our campus are participating. I am going for Kunal.''

The name sound familiar and I realized he was my senior. Whatever I heard, he seemed to be a gentleman. The girls narrated that he has always been there for people who asked his help. he had been a good student and a very good human, he never broke rules and took active part in anti ragging activities . The more I listened the more respect for him grew. The only thing he liked was bike racing .  

''Seems like someone Superficial.'' Pooja said as the girls gasped. She lifted her hands, ''No offence but all good is always fishy for me.''

''Then you should definitely know him.''  One of the girls chirped. I won't lie, I was curious and we joined them. The crowd looked mad and they chanted the names of their player and it sounded like a song. The energy was addicting but all I was curious about was Kunal . After sometime, the riders took there place on the track and one of the girls handed me a pair of binoculars , I looked through it and smiled when I saw Kunal. He was an attractive guy, tall handsome and had a wonderful personality. he way he waved at he crowd, he seemed to be down to earth to me and someone who I could be friends with. I couldn't help but compare the two, Kunal seemed warm while Rihsi came out cold to me. I knew he wanted my friendship for uglier motives . He is giving me attention because I ignore him. The day I give in, he will treat me like a trash.

And then, his name was announced, and my eyes moved. In contrast to Kunal, Rishi gave no reaction to the cheering audience. Arrogant jerk! I always knew he was trouble. Now, I whole hardheartedly wished wanted Kunal to win a was confident he would as I heard people say that he had been wining for past 6 months.  

The race started , Kunal stayed ahead of all and my confidence on him multiplied. As the last lap approached I kept cheering him but the unexpected happened, Rishi took over and gestured something towards Kunal before snatching the well deserved win from him. I hated Rishi in that moment even more, he has no sportsman spirit. Players should respect each others come what may be the result of the game. I hated him more.

''Sanju, we should leave. Its getting late and finding a means of commuting will be difficult.'' I couldn't agree more. When we stepped out, our fears came alive as none of the cabs or rickshaw driver would agree to drive us to campus. ''need help'' I heard and voice , Kunal asked peeping out of his car. ''Are you guys from Redwood?''

I nodded. ''get In I will drop you.'' I couldn't help but blush. But Pooja held my hand, ''we are good.''

''its late and if you enter campus post the 9:00 PM , you will invite trouble.'' Kunal explained but Pooja stood her stance. ''We will find our way.'' I couldn't understand why she seemed so withdrawn. 

''Why are you guys out at this hour.'' Another voice made us turn and it was Rishi's friend.  Rishi stood in shadows and I knew he was watching me. Jai looked around, ''are there more girls?''

''hey left. They had their own vehicles.'' Pooja replied.

Jai shook is head. ''Idiots. Come on, we will drop you.''

Pooja smiled but I pulled her aside. ''Why refuse a car and chose a bike.''

''I don't trust that guy.''

''And you trust them.''

''Over Kunal yes.'' She replied moving forward but I held her arm. ''You come with Rishi.'' She shrugged but agreed. Moving slowly I sat behind his friend. ''Hi Sanjana, I am Jai.'' He smiled 

''Hi!'' I replied in a small voice. Jai stared at Kunal and flicked his fingers, ''get lost looser.''

Kunal kept his calm, ''don't harm these girls or you will be in trouble.'' He looked at me once and my heart warmed for him. Jai made a face firing up the monster bike. We were silent but Pooja and Rishi kept laughing and singing random songs. I was worried about my friend being lured by a wrong guy and decided to be alert. Once in campus, the duo walked us to our block. Pooja kept chatting as if they were long lost friends and quietly made my way to the apartment. 

I could still hear their laughter and decided to speak to Pooja, I cannot let her fall in their trap. My feet  halted and I made a turn to make sure my friend was safe and again I found his eyes on me. he is creeping me out.

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Kunal befriends Sanjana