When the stars align! (11)


*Click here for the previous part(10)*


 "I saw you walking from afar and as grandma left, I thought of meeting you", Tara said.

"So the lady who accompanied you is your grandmother?", Akash asked. "No doubt their features seemed similar", he thought. 

"Yes. She's my mom's mother", Tara sighed. "But what are you doing here?", she added.

"Finding me a smart girlfriend", Akash quickly said.

"Girlfriend", Tara had addled expressions on her face. Akash laughed at his own joke and more so at her expressions. 

"Well that's what my cousin has instructed me to do. Tara my cousin Smitha, studies here, in the first year. I've come to meet her. She's having her lectures right now so decided to wait for her and have lunch together. And may I ask what brings you here?", Akash said.

"Can we sit on the bench and talk?", Tara asked. 

They both got seated on the bench in the garden. Tara looked more beautiful than the other day. But the sad tint on her face hadn't completely vanished. Akash gazed at her eyes, they seemed as though, had a story to tell.

"Akash I'm grateful for your help during the flight. Not having parents seems like a curse Akash. I lost both my parents, first my mom then a few months ago my dad. We lived in a very small town. I wasn't exposed to city life. And when my Tayaji (Uncle) and Tayiji (Aunt) brought me to their place in the city, it was difficult to adjust. They too are not financially well off. So I felt like I was a burden to them. They never told me directly but I could sense that they were having trouble to pay my college fees and take care of me. Moreover, whenever I went to college...the men in the neighbourhood.... they....they passed vulgar comments at me...I couldn't complain as I was already dependent, I couldn't add more to my Tayaji's problems....however I even couldn't endure it anymore", Tara had tears in her eyes. She covered her face and sobbed.

"Are you okay Tara?", Akash sounded worried. He wasn't sure whether he could pat her and console. But looking at Tara's condition, he couldn't stop himself from gently patting her shoulder. "Don't cry please. Just tell me everything, vent it out and you'll feel better. I mean, if you trust me...", Akash said.

Tara wiped her tears and looked at Akash, "When our hands collided for the first time at the airport and you quickly withdrew your hand, I had sensed that you were a gentleman, with no bad intentions. I've seen many rogues taking advantage since I was all alone. But you were different Akash. You helped me change seats in the aircraft. You never once took advantage of my being unfamiliar with the situation I was in. I wanted to take your number and thank you properly, but I was in no place to do that. Even now, I'm at my grandma's mercy. I've to obey her", Tara's voice slumped.

"But Mrs. Agarwal seems like a nice lady", Akash said.

"You know her?", Tara was a bit shocked. 

"Well, I'm here on a business trip, to pitch a deal with her company. That's why I was at her office yesterday", Akash replied. 

"Then don't let her know that you know me. Else she may not favour you", Tara said.

"But you're her grand daughter Tara", Akash said.

"Yes, but my mom wasn't in her good books. Mom, her only daughter, married my dad against grandma's wish. My dad wasn't from an influential family. Not as rich as my mom. Nani (grandmother) stopped talking to my mom, nearly shunning the relation. She visited us only twice. Once when I was born and then, when I became 18 years old. That was, after my mom had passed away. She didn't meet my dad. She had called me to a restaurant and had brought some gifts with her, which I didn't accept. She had smirked and said I'm just like my mom. And suddenly after my dad left, she called up and said that she was sending the flight ticket and I had to stay with her. I had no option Akash. I thought, instead of being a burden to Tayaji I should stay with nani", Tara said, sounding dejected.

"So now you've joined this college?", Akash thought of changing the topic to make her feel better. 

"Yes. The office people are making ready the documents. I had time so I could meet you. It's my final year of graduation Akash, I will graduate and take up a job. No more encumbrance to whomsoever", Tara sounded confident. 

"Okay Mam. But for now join me for lunch, will you? That definitely is no encumbrance for me", Akash said in a cheerful tone, hoping to make the atmosphere even better.

They proceeded to the canteen and sat at a table, "The curry here is tasty, that's what I've heard", Akash said. 

"Okay let's order then", Tara agreed.

"Anna! You really got a girlfriend for you? Devaru (Oh my God)! I didn't know you're so smart. You're a 'genius' Anna! ", Smitha exclaimed as she saw them sitting together. 

Akash and Tara looked at each other feeling awkwardly coy.


*Click here for Part 12*


AUTHOR'S NOTE  : If you like the story comment and share, for more keep following!!!

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