It was a moment when two could kiss. A deep, passionate, soul-searing kiss.
Swarnima's love... was the love where the love of her life was right in front of her but she was scared to touch him, she didn't need to. The music of her heartbeats was a confession enough.

"Why do you feel that way?" Swarnima questioned him, slowly releasing her hand from his. It was a major step towards maintaining her composure.

"Because, all this while I was happy but with you around, I am ecstatic, content," Abhedya answered looking into her eyes.

Swarnima smiled. She was ecstatic too. "Good. But I think we should now study. Exam day tomorrow. I will just go and change."

Swarnima came to her room and changed her dress. She didn't wear white but black this time. With friends like hers, you cannot take more risk.
She didn't think much about what Abhedya said because she was scared. Scared, because whenever she is very happy, which is as it is a rare occurrence, the next moment she is sad. Just like yesterday. After the blissful moment, they shared in the kitchen... Abhedya behaved strangely. So, it's better not to think more about the bipolar man she was with.

Abhedya knew Swarnima was not used to such moments, words and closeness. He respected that. He did not want to make it awkward between them. At this point, he just wanted to win his friend back.

Swarnima and Abhedya brought their books and started revising their course. Lunch was made by Gene the 'cooking' robot. Abhedya and Swarnima set a paper for each other to check their level of preparation. Abhedya kept distracting Swarnima while she did her calculations.

"Can you stop, please? I won't be able to finish on time then. What about you? Just do your paper. I am a very strict teacher."  Swarnima gave a final warning to Abhedya.

He laughed and surrendered. The rest of the day passed quickly and soon they bid good night to each other.

The following morning was the examination day. It was the first time Abhedya didn't see his mother the first thing on his exam day.
But, this morning was special. He not only saw his mother but his father and Swarnima in the living room sipping their morning tea. It was a picturesque sight.

Abhedya went and hugged his mom from behind as always. "I missed you, mom! I just wanted to see you before the exams and here you are. What do they say 'mother's know it all'.  I love you, mom!!"

"Nim called us last night and asked us to come, for good luck," Nandini replied.

"Masi you were already coming, don't lie. I just confirmed." Swarnima tried her best to sound genuine.

"Breakfast is ready beautiful people," Gene called from the kitchen.

"Rudra when will you launch Gene?? It's so cool. Can't wait to get her home." Nandini asked while sitting at the dining table.

Rudra confirmed, "Soon enough!"

Abhedya and Swarnima left separately after taking their blessings.
College was full of hustle and bustle. Students running to their respective classes, checking their examination passes and praying to god nonstop.

After the exam was over Abhedya messaged Swarnima to meet him at the nearby cafe. She went there and sat at a table she was directed to.
A cute card with two unicorns came from behind. She turned back and found Abhedya wearing a unicorn hairband looking adorable. She laughed and enquired, "What's wrong with you? Why are you wearing a hairband? And what's all this?" Swarnima asked him showing the card in her hand.

Abhedya removed his hairband and sat on the chair opposite her and said, "I thought I looked cute and so, it will be easy to charm you."

"Charm me?" Swarnima stopped laughing and double-checked to know if she heard correctly.

"Yeah!! Look, Miss Swarnima you will never get a friend as handsome as me, so, reserve me in advance." Trying to sound as confident as possible but only Abhedya knew the butterflies he had. He wanted to ask her to be his friend in a flowery language, with music and beautiful flowers but he knew the girl he was proposing to likes things done in a simple manner.

"Reserve you in advance? You were always reserved for me!" Swarnima answered not realising what she said. The girl who always spoke what was apt, spoke without thinking of repercussions. Well, the heart rules when he is around.
So, she corrected herself immediately and cleared, "I... I... meant we were always friends just took a break for good, I guess." Swarnima put a hair behind her ear to hide her nervousness.

Abhedya just nodded his head in approval and asked her, "coffee?". There was nothing more he could say. He ordered for them and they drank their coffee over a hearty and fun-filled conversation. Abhedya's jokes and Swarnima's laughter filled the cafe with cosmic vibrations.

After the little 'coffee date' Swarnima and Abhedya went to S.P. Raghav Dutt to submit him the software they developed.

"Sir, we have done the test runs many times but I request you to further get it done by your experts since we are still in the learning phase and may have overlooked certain aspects," Abhedya informed S.P. Dutt and briefed his team about the running of the programme.

Swarnima was completely in awe of Abhedya. The way he was explaining and answering the questions raised by the team was commendable.
The S.P. Congratulated them and thanked them for their support. He asked them about the charges, to which Swarnima replied, "Just make sure the state is safe and this time there are no moles of the enemy within us. That will be the fees enough."

"I am proud of you kids. If the youth thinks even a per cent like you, this state will be more flourished and prosperous. Still, as a token from our side, this is a cheque of Rs. 75000. Please accept it." S.P. gave them the cheque and they left his office with a happy smile.

Abhedya gave the cheque to Swarnima and said, "Our first cheque. How do wish to spend it? No! We are not dividing it. It is ours."

Swarnima was overwhelmed with Abhedya's gesture and asked him, "Can we transfer it to Rinku's account, for her education? You remember the little girl at Gharonda?"

Abhedya placed the cheque in Swarnima's palm, put his hand over hers and asserted, "You never have to ask. Just say. This is the best way to spend our 'first' together."

With a smile of contentment on their faces and bubbles of happiness in their hearts they bid adieu to each other.

When Swarnima reached home she went straight to her bathroom and took out the photograph, hugged it tight and said 'thank you, mummy papa. I got my friend back today. I am so happy. Please tell God to let this last for a lifetime, this time. Please. I need him, I need us.'

Abhedya on the other hand was on cloud nine. Nivi tried to investigate the matter but his suspect was smart enough to fool him.

The rest of the exams went smooth. Abhedya and Swarnima didn't speak much just normal greetings. Well, that's how true friends are, they may not talk and be with each other every day but when the time comes they are there without a second's delay.

.............................................................................

It was the last day of the exam today. Abhedya messaged Swarnima that he will drive her to college today.
Swarnima refused saying, "going to the college with the 'star boy'. No way!! Your fangirls will eat me alive! 😟"

"😀😀. The ferocious cat is scared of small butterflies?" Abhedya messaged her back.

"Very much 😟! Good luck. Last exam... 🤩" Swarnima replied to his text and headed towards college.

"Your loss girl! It's not every day that Abhedya asks someone. Anyways, good luck. See you in the evening." Abhedya replied and reached college.

Swarnima had her practicals. She sat on her assigned desk and was given the list of programmes she was supposed to make. When she started she realised the 's' letter key on her computer's keyboard was missing. How could one type with a key missing? She immediately went to the invigilator, who was their vice-principal and informed him about the broken key.

"Well, Miss Swarnima there is nothing much I can do about it. All other computers are being used by other students so, consider this as your bad luck but you have to use this only. Alternatively, you can skip the paper. Your choice." The invigilator told her the options she had.

"But sir, you do realise it is impossible to make any programme with a missing key. What you are suggesting is going to make me fail without any fault of mine. Besides, it's the college's responsibility to ensure that the exam supplies are up to date. So, I request you to arrange a new keyboard for me." Swarnima made it clear that there was no way and she needed a new keyboard.

"Miss Swarnima, I already gave you the options. It's your choice now and if you step out of the class, you cannot enter again." The invigilator left her with no option.

Swarnima sat back on the desk and started to type. She knew it was incorrect and was done on purpose. But why? She was always a favourite with the teachers.
Now, was not the time to think about it so, she furiously started typing. Every time 's' needed to be typed she had to press hard inside the space which used to hurt her finger. But Swarnima had not learned to give up. She kept typing as quick as she could. When the last fifteen minutes were left she was still left with a complete programme of twenty marks. She knew she could not complete it on the computer so, she wrote all the commands on paper.
When the bell rang indicating the time up all students saved their answers and left.

The topic of discussion being 'poor Swarnima' and not the paper. The news spread like wildfire and reached Abhedya.

He rushed to the room Swarnima had her papers and barged in. He was furious. The college needs to be careful and the vice principal will have to face his wrath. But, when he entered the vice principal had already faced the wrath... of Swarnima.
He was sitting and weeping in front of her for mercy. 'Wow,' the girl can tackle well. Abhedya was proud. But that didn't mean he will not jump on the bandwagon.

So, Abhedya went and remarked, "That's unfair sir how could you do that? You will have to take her exam again."

"Did I ask you to interfere? This is my problem and I can handle it. Please leave. I don't want to create a circus." Swarnima in a very harsh and strict tone warned Abhedya.

Abhedya was startled. He thought they were friends and friends help each other. He rushed leaving all his work to help her and here Swarnima was asking him to stay away?

"Fine! 'Swarnima' I won't bother. Your life, your problems, your choice." Abhedya left raging from within. The happiness he felt finishing the last exam of his college life went down the drain. Swarnima was a moment spoiler.
He went back to his other 'friends' who were rejoicing and making plans for partying, reuniting and the future? Abhedya was there with them physically but mentally he was still stuck with Swarnima's reaction. He was very very angry. What did she think of herself? Huh! Can't even say, queen. She was one! But even if she was one, she cannot treat him as a nobody.

When the news reached the principal he asked Swarnima if she wanted to report the matter or redo her paper.
"No sir. I think I will score well. Besides, it will be unfair with other students as I now know the questions." Swarnima told the principal.

"We are proud of you Swarnima. Anyone would have grabbed the chance of rewriting the exam but you are rare indeed. Don't worry Mr Pandey's services will be terminated with immediate effects and an investigation will be conducted. The principal ensured Swarnima.

The principal dismissed Mr Pandey and Swarnima left the office.
She knew the sun must be boiling and there was no way to cool him. She could have been a little polite or explained to him in a better way. But, when she deals with criminals she loses her cool. So, she called up Abhedya
Once, twice, thrice... reject. She kept calling him until he finally picked up and shouted "WHAT?? Can't you understand at once? If I am not picking up your call I am not in a mood to talk to you. Stop INTERFERING in my life. You are DISTURBING me. Just don't call!"

Abhedya slammed the phone down. He was furious. His phone beeped again with a message that read "sorry!". A five-letter word but Abhedya read is five times. He should have at least heard why she called so many times. What if she is in trouble? She is trouble.
Abhedya put his thoughts aside and went to his friends.

Tonight was a big night. Maan was officially proposing Tara and wanted his friends to be by his side. He got special permission from the council for Swarnima to stay at the tent house with them. It will be the first for Swarnima to have an overnight getaway with her friends.

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Dear Readers
Sometimes the teachers who are responsible for your success are also responsible for your downfall. Swarnima had the spirit and zeal to fight back and she did. Not everyone is that courageous.
But, why was Swarnima against any investigation?
How will Swarnima placate Abhedya? Or should she?
Stay hooked!
Lots of love