Rehearsals.

As Farewell was getting close, juniors were planning the cultural programs, momentos and surprises for seniors. Tarak had planned a group dance with 6 boys, Thrishul had a comedy drama program and Punya was singing a song for them. Jyothi and Siri were part of classical dance program. Other batchmates had several other plans. As the countdown began, practicing after the class was very common.

Prakruth was sitting with his classmates and having lunch in the cafeteria.

"Have you seen juniors preparation, I think our farewell will be colorful" said Prajwal.

"Yeah, I saw a couple of dance practices. Highlight will be Punya's English song, her voice is divine" said Rahul. Roshni's face turned red in anger, she couldn't take that name.

"Is it? I never got a chance to hear it. Where is she practicing?" asked Prajwal.

"In the terrace garden under the water tank area. Ask Prakruth he might have a recording" Rahul winked.

"She's basically a classical singer, English song will be great to hear. Hey man, play it. I want to hear" asked Prajwal.

"No, I don't have. He's bluffing. In fact I haven't heard her song yet, this time." said Prakruth.

"Whole day you spend with her, it is unbelievable that you haven't heard" teased Prajwal.

"Whole day?!!!!" exclaimed Roshni.

"Yeah have you seen how close they sit and talk. I tried couple of times to hear but it was impossible. Many of our college boys are jealous of Prakruth. All beauties fall for him"

said Rahul rolling his eyes.

"Shut up guys, nothing like that" he chuckled.

"OK OK, Let me ask you something. Answer frankly. Punya is close to you Right?" Rahul asked.

"Yes" said Prakruth.

"Closer than all of us, Right?"

"Kind of" he blushed. Prajwal and Rahul hooted in excitement. Roshni got up and left with her friends.

"Ignore her... we know you don't care that much for her. Good that she left...now you decide Roshni or Punya?" asked Prajwal.

"Guys do you want me to answer such questions?" asked Prakruth.

"I'm planning to propose Jyoti, this is my last chance. So you too decide" said Rahul.

"Last chance?" asked Prakruth.

"Hey Farewell is a wonderful opportunity to say your feelings, decide well. Plan or else you will blurt out nonsense. Trust me" said Prajwal.

"Guys don't spoil me, we're good friends. I'll lose her friendship too if she says no" said Prakruth.

Rahul and Prajwal hooted with a high-five. "Finally you revealed that you love her. WOW" said Prajwal.

"Poor Roshni, Thank God she left or else she would kill you, right here" said Rahul.

"I don't think it is so easy to tell everything to her. If I see her eyes, I forget everything. We've decided to stay in touch even after college, so I'm not in hurry" said Prakruth.

"Oh fully planned life. Lucky man" Prajwal punched Prakruth on the shoulder.

"Both of you make a lovely pair, Roshni would look bold and odd with you. Silent, serious and sweet Punya looks cute with you" complimented Rahul.

"Please guys stop... You know 50% of love stories happen because of friends like you.... Now we'll go check the internal marks" said Prakruth. "Yeah Yeah...." said the two boys and just followed him still teasing, giggling and hooting in excitement.

.........

On the stairs to terrace, Roshni was sitting crossing her fingers. She was furious. Her friends were adding to her anger.

"Prakruth is close to Punya, more than any of us it seems... Did you hear that?" asked a girl.

"Yes, that's actually rude. How dare he chuckles and blushes saying that" added another.

"Roshni you need to do something, this isn't a good development"

"Yes, you love him, so take action" enraged the other.

"What you girls want me to do?" yelled Roshni. "I proposed him and he has promised that he won't love anyone for five long years. He won't lie to me" she sighed.

Her friend spoke in anxiety "He won't love but what about Punya, she can always love him right, she is pretty cute girl. She will attract him, trust me...!!"

"So you better stop her too, he'll be yours forever" added the other.

"That's the best plan, come. But remember we must not beg, we must order. Reduce her self confidence and say that she's hypocrite" said Roshni and walked upstairs.

Punya was rehearsing her song with the band, Roshni and her friends walked under the water tank.....

"Beautiful voice and beautiful lyrics" said Roshni.

"Thanks Roshni, did you like the song?" asked Punya.

"It is apt for the farewell. It shows bonds between all of us" said Roshni.

"I thought you were planning on some proposal song to Prakruth, you seem to have taken a step back. Scared of Roshni....Right?" asked Roshni's friend.

"I'm not scared of anyone. You have mistaken, by the by why should I propose Prakruth?" scowled Punya.

"Well this is the last chance to meet and say your feelings. Many do that, I thought you won't lose that opportunity but you..." she started laughing out loud.

"Dear, stop. Punya has clearly understood that I and Prakruth are made for each other, she won't dare to challenge a damsel like me. When she has taken the defeat herself, why are you inviting her for war?" asked Roshni sarcastically.

Punya was irritated hearing this. Though her feelings for Prakruth weren't clear, these words triggered enmity against Roshni.

"Seniors please walk away, I'm not interested in you or your boyfriends" she said calmly controlling her agitation. She didn't want to trigger fights at the end of the year.

"See I told you she has accepted the defeat. She's a loser" said Roshni and started walking away. The other two girls called out "Punya is a loser, Punya is a loser" and walked out.

Punya called off the rehearsals and walked away as she was humiliated badly. Her team mates were equally angry hearing Roshni's words. One of them, the main musician was from Roshni's class, he felt disgusted by her behavior. He followed Punya and called "Punya.... PUNYA..."

"Rajesh please we've done enough practice, we'll perform tomorrow well don't worry. I've to go. My mind isn't clear" said Punya still walking.

"Yes, I know but I want to tell you something else, stop"

"Tell me" said Punya. Her eyebrows were curled and face still red.

"I don't know what you feel about Prakruth or what he feels about you but he doesn't love Roshni. In fact he dislikes her attitude and cheap mentality. If you have soft feelings for him go ahead and express yourself, he is in need of someone like you" Rajesh said.

"What is that someone like me?" asked Punya.

"Prakruth is cold, keeps a low profile because he lacks love and care. He wants family attachment but he's devoid of it. When I invited him to my home, he told me that I've a great family and I'm lucky. I said you too are from a rich family, you can afford anything. He chuckled and said Money can't buy love and affection. You won't understand and left. He may like a simple family type girl but never a rich spoilt kid like Roshni who wants to be a model in future, she won't suit him" he explained.

"Look Rajesh, I'm not interested in any of your classmates. I see Prakruth as a guide and mentor. He's my close friend now... I don't think I'll take it any further. So please stop. I need to go" said Punya and walked away without even waiting for his reply.