"I don't know anything about her. Where would she be staying? She did say she was here to pursue her dreams." Rithick sighed.

'Well, if she is here to study, she has to be here for at least two years," Rahul said.

Rahul's words made Rithick feel much better and gave him confidence. "I will find her... I want to love her madly."

Rahul smiled. "I can't believe my own ears. I can realize how much she has influenced you. I am eager to see my sister-in-law. Get her soon, man!"

"Hope so. Do you know? She presented me a gift."

Rahul raised his eyebrows. "That's superb. What is it?"

"I have not yet seen it." Rithick took the gift out from his bag. It was a small, neatly packed gift.

It was a key chain with two birds facing each other. The words: 'You Are My Golden Spring Time' were embossed on them.

Rithick was ecstatic and hugged Rahul.

Rudhra entered the room. "Let's go for dinner, son."

"Oh yes, uncle. Give me some minutes," Rithick said before moving out of the room.

"I have arranged escorts around the guest house and in dubious places across the city to give enough protection to Rithick," Rudhra whispered to Rahul.

"It's a good plan, dad. I will take care of him in college. Don't worry about him."

Rudhra requested it to be kept a top secret. Rahul promised the same.

Rudhra drove towards the restaurant. A smooth conversation followed in the car. Rithick tuned for the song. He was filled with intense emotions because the song which was playing was the same song sung by Neethu. He missed her a lot in that moment... though he had no belief in love.

They had their dinner and Rithick anticipated the next day--the reopening of college.

****************

The College had a 1900-acre campus and was exceptionally beautiful. It was named as one of the top most attractive colleges in the country. An abundance of trees added both color and elegance to the area. The towered, architecturally eclectic centerpiece, revival-style structures complete with a green-tiled roof made everyone appreciate the interesting architecture.

Another attractive feature was the
10-acre campus lily pond, where cherry trees bloomed in late spring.

The motto was 'Learn Beyond Your Dreams' and such beautiful surroundings ought to help its students be inspired to do just that.

Rithick was in a white shirt with a grey jacket, and matching pants.

Neethu was in a navy-blue salwar with a pink dupatta. She entered the college campus with her friends.

"Nee... Nee-Neethu..." Rithick was dumbstruck.

"Where is she?" Rahul asked excitedly.

"The one in a navy-blue salwar. I can't believe it."

"She looked cute. You are made for each other."

"Well, come on, Rahul. I want to see her." Rahul dragged Rithick's arm.

"Where did she go? I missed her. She might be in auditorium," Rithick said as she searched for her.

The inauguration was about to start. The chairman, the principal, the secretary, and all the official staff had arrived. The Chairman followed by the others addressed the college rules and regulations.

Rithick ignored the speeches. His eyes only longed for the one in a navy-blue salwar.

The Secretary said, "I welcome the honorable chief guest, Mr. Sanjay, who is one of the top businessmen in the country. Please give him a big round of applause."

Rahul nudged him. "Rithick, Sanjay uncle is on the stage."

Rithick was glad to see his father.

Mr. Sanjay started his speech, "Our country's former respectable president, Mr. APJ Abdul Kalam sir in his quotes had said: 'learning gives creativity, creativity leads to thinking, thinking provides knowledge and knowledge makes you great'. Think about that. Children who are educated have the confidence to look beyond the given situation. Educating is the most important thing we do as parents to help prepare our children for the future. Let us help them improve our society. I am honoured to be present on such an important day. I am proud to be here. Thank you!"

There was a huge applause.

Sanjay was ready to leave and didn't meet Rithick there. He felt that it was not safe for his son.

Rithick's face held pride. "I am inspired by my dad's speech. Neethu must be here, right? She must have heard his speech, na?"

Rahul replied, "Of course, Rithick. Newcomers are gathered here, including Neethu."

The students were requested to go to their respective classes.

Neethu and her friends reached the half-empty classroom. The class had a beautiful infrastructure, paintings, and a garden view. The class in-charge, Miss Sherin requested the students to give their introductions. She arranged the seats based on their respective roll numbers.

Rithick searched for Neethu but he couldn't see her.

Rahul consoled him, "She is studying in this college and it's confirmed. Let's search later; it's time to get to our class."

They were standing in front of the classroom, but Rithick was not ready to get into his class.

The Students gave their introductions one by one and had their respective seats. The class in-charge called out the roll number 24. Mithila, Neethu's friend, gave her introduction. Followed by Mithila, Neethu was asked to speak about herself.

"I heard Neethu's name!" Rithick exclaimed and rushed forward to see her.

"Yes! She is my Neethu." Rithick's heart pounded. His hands turned clammy and throat dried up. "Are you sure this is our class?"

"Yes," Rahul said.

Neethu finished talking about herself. The class in-charge smiled and asked her to take the seat next to Mithila. Neethu was excited.

The class in-charge called out, "Next roll numbrer, 26 Mr. Rahul."

Rahul described his gentle self and was requested to take a seat next to Neethu. He shivered a bit in her presence.

"Welcome, Rahul," Neethu said. They shared a smile. Neethu didn't even notice Rithick.

"Next, Mr.Rithick. Roll number, 27."

Rithick entered the class, his eyes fixed on Neethu.

Neethu was shocked to see him and patted Mithila and Rahul's shoulders. "He is my friend. I thought I would never see him again. This is unbelievable!"

Rithick was standing in the center of the class, aware of the stares of the girls and the others who expected his introduction.

"Rithick, describe yourself," the in-charge repeated, but he stayed silent.

"He is... dumb," Neethu said to Mithila and Rahul.

Rahul admired the way Rithick was managing the situation.

Rithick looked into Neethu's eyes and smiled at her. She returned it.

Neethu was anxious about Rithick. She dropped the smile. Her eyes turned misty. How would he handle the situation?

"Excuse me, Rithick. Please describe yourself," the in-charge said.

Neethu was concerned. "I don't know how he will manage the situation. I am feeling sorry for him." She bit her nails. She closed her eyes, murmuring, "My Lord! Please help this poor boy."

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Dedicated to vivigiju and also to my watty friendzz those who loved my Book titled,' You Are My Golden Spring Time'.

Thanks a tonne to all my friends those are supporting me from my chapter 1 by ur valuable comments and precious votes..Even though I'm not good at writings ,I have tried my best..Kindly bare with my errors..Hope u will enjoy and keep on supporting me...Have a blessed life...

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