Beneath

"These Gol-Gappas are so yummy, I just cannot stop even after having 2 plates of those," said a laughing Seema and gobbled one more. "Just be careful Seema, age is catching up and so are the eyes of the onlookers," giggled Anisha. "Duniye mein sabse bada rog, kahenge kya log," reverted Seema with a laugh. Both were having a gala time at their best friend Avinash's wedding.

This wedding was the most anticipated event for the entire gang of Sriram College. Avinash was the last bachelor of the group and everyone was interested for a get-together rather than the marriage. Almost everyone in the group promised to make it up for the marriage but as always only half of the gang members reached. Fun was in the air and people were enjoying the party.

"Arun!!! Gosh, you have become a Macho!!! How are you man?" exclaimed Anisha, while she gave an elbow-nudge to Seema. Seema gave her a cold look and continued relishing her Gol-Gappas. "Hie Anisha, I'm all good, settled in Mumbai with family and things are moving pretty happily. What about you?" answered Arun calmly. "Me, I'm fine too and settled in Bengaluru. Won't you say a Hi to Seema?" asked a grinning Anisha.

Seema greeted with an artificial smile "Hi, Arun." Arun responded sheepishly, "Hie". There was a lot of visible blushing. Anisha interrupted, "Come try these Gol-Gappas, Seema is enjoying these for some time now."."No, thanx, you girls enjoy, I have to catch up with my gang." Arun said walking towards the bar table.

"Are you in touch with him?" asked Anisha inquisitively. "You have not changed a bit, Ani, come let's enjoy these gol-gappas for now" replied Seema smilingly.

****

Arun and Seema were always the talk of the town, during their college days. Both hailing from extreme ends of society, their love story was a typical Bollywood movie. They had their share of togetherness as well as struggles. The climax too was a typical Bollywood movie climax, where both agree to separate to honour their parents' wishes.

****

Anisha was enjoying the unspoken communication between these love birds today, where a blushing face was talking to the untamed eyes. She was trying to extract maximum fun with Seema. Seema knew all the things happening around her and rightly ignored not only Anisha but her comments, her nudges too. Seema moved towards the reception ground and occupied a chair. She was clearly avoiding her best friend to avoid unwanted discussion.

Arun, in the meanwhile, was enjoying his drinks with college friends. They were laughing their hearts out as they were all meeting after a long time. Suddenly, his eyes glanced at Seema sitting alone and moved towards her. As soon as he went near Seema, she gave a stern look and silently moved to another place. Arun did not want to create a scene there, so he went back to his gang for another round of drinks.

Anisha watched this scene from a distance, she immediately went near Seema to take a gauge of the situation. Seema was looking pretty normal, though her eyes were spilling the beans. Anisha poked her again and both had a hearty laugh as the cold evening was turning romantic. Both friends moved ahead and enjoyed their time together before the entire gang departed.

***

The next day, Seema's phone buzzed. The message read "Good morning". It was a message from Arun as expected. Seema read but did not respond. A few moments later, the Cellphone rang. "Why did you come near me yesterday?" yelled a frustrated Seema, "Everyone's doubts would have been confirmed na?" "Listen Arun, there is no doubt that I love you but would like to keep it beneath the wraps till lifetime." Both spoke for a few minutes and Seema ended the call.

"All that glitters is not gold,

Everyone's love story is not bold

Seldom in public, their hands they hold

Beneath the wraps, lies stories untold"