22 Prakruths omnipresence (1/2)
Punya's hatred perplexed Prakruth. He thought about it hours together but couldn't find his fault. Yet he decided to apologize to her. That evening he came running to parking lot just to meet her but missed her.
”Hey dude, what happened?” asked Rahul.
”Nothing much”
”I know you wanted to meet Punya right??” asked Prajwal.
”You're being Judgemental” chuckled Prakruth.
Both Rahul and Prajwal laughed, ”Stop that
... I must go home early so I ran.. ” said Prakruth in a serious tone.
”OK, Carry on... We'll meet tomorrow. See you” said Prajwal, Rahul waved at him and went in opposite direction.
Prakruth took his car and drove towards his farms... His thought was completely focused on Punya. ”I didn't disclose my love for her completely, I didn't even misbehave with her, none of my friends know that I like her... I've never hurt her or teased her even once, what could've been wrong? I better stay away from her for few days... Let her relax and come back” he decided.
...
”Attention everyone, there will be College Fest, the coming month. Anyone who's interested to showcase their talents, kindly register your names with me” announced the English lecturer. She started taking names for various events and reached the dias again after noting them.
”Who's Punya?” she asked. Punya stood up.
”You've given name for singing, are you a trained singer or a hobby singer” asked the lecturer.
”I'm trained in Classical music ma'am”
”Good, can you sing Invocation for us then??”
Punya felt very happy ”Yes ma'am, that will be a great opportunity” she said.
”Ok sing a bit for me” she insisted.
”Now?” Punya gasped.
”Yes why not?” Lecturer told sitting on the chair.
All her classmates were curious and Punya looked at Thrishul, he wished her by gesturing thumbs up.
”Punya sang a stanza of song which portrayed love between Radha and Krishna.
”Great” said the lecturer and everyone applauded.... Lecturer continued ”A senior singing team requires a female lead, shall I add you there too?” she asked.
”Ok ma'am, I will join” said Punya.
Lecturer gave her the lyrics and notes sheet to Punya and proceeded towards others who had given names for dance, drama and other activities.
Punya started reading the lyrics and thought these lines are written by someone who loves his girl very much. She liked it very much.
”Such a nice handwriting Punya” said Siri who sat next to her.
”Yeah, lyrics are even more nice, have a look” she passed the sheet to Siri.
Bell rang... Jyoti came from behind and said, ”Come Punya, we've badminton selections for state level now.... We need to change soon”
After sometime in the badminton court, Punya was relaxing after her first round of selection. Prakruth walked into the court from opposite end, he headed towards her. Punya's heart raced as he approached her.....”He might ask why I shouted at him” she thought but Prakruth placed a cover on her bag and left to the other side of the court. Punya thought to throw it away but heart told her not to.... When she was thinking, Jyoti called her for water bottle... So she drastically put the letter in her bag and took the bottle to Jyoti.
After three rounds of selection, Jyoti was paired with Prakruth and Punya was paired with Rishab for mixed doubles. It was a easy win for Prakruth and Jyoti, because Rishab was weaker. Coach called all four and announced the results ”Prakruth and Punya, you will represent our college in the state level for mixed doubles title. Of course all three of you, Punya, Prakruth and Jyoti will participate in single rounds too. Rishab you need to concentrate on fitness. That accident took away your opportunity” he said and congratulated all the winners.
Punya didn't like getting paired with Prakruth but coach was too strict, she was helpless.
Meanwhile Thrishul came running towards the three of them.... ”Congrats Punya, I heard you got selected...”
” Yes, women singles and mixed doubles” she answered.
”Wow... Where's your partner? What's his name?” he asked.
Punya scowled. Jyoti took Thrishul to Prakruth and introduced each other. Both of them shook hands...
”Glad to meet you, Prakruth” said Thrishul.
Prakruth smiled ”Same here, Thrishul”
”So tournaments are planned in Madikeri college of Engineering, it will be awesome” Thrishul showed his excitement in his words.
”What do you play Thrishul?” asked Prakruth.
”Basket ball, this is my first state level, yours??”
”I've represented India already but due to coach's pressure, I'm attending this tournament too” Prakruth shrugged.
Punya came closer to Thrishul, took his arms and pulled him away, ”Come let's go” she wanted to make Prakruth jealous but poor Thrishul heart fell for her. Prakruth just chuckled. Punya never spoke to him after the Hate you incident...but he would never hate her for anything.
Later that month end, in the auditorium.... Punya was practicing the song with senior team. She didn't know the male lead singer since 15 days, she practiced only with the team. When she started the song, team members told that male lead who wrote the song is joining us today..... She was curious. Prakruth walked to stage and took the position with the mike. Punya felt being burnt alive..... She started to walk away but the lecturer stopped her, ”What happened Punya, why are you walking away?”
”Ma'am I can't sing with him, I'm sorry” she said boldly.
”He's the song composer, why don't you want to sing along with him?” she asked.
”Ma'am we don't get along easily, so I may spoil the song” Punya answered politely.