10.More than a friend

*********Abhi POV******

Every passing day, my interest in Jhanavi was increasing. I was trying to find an opportunity to see Jhanu. First I thought she is just my crush but no, it is more than that. I was confused about whether it is love or crush. I am becoming crazy to see her. I don't know exactly what it is but I am enjoying that feeling towards her.

One day, when she was seriously listening to the lecture in her classroom. Akash wants to meet Madhu but I stopped him so that I can see jhanu from standing in the corridor. I, Akash, and other friends were standing opposite her class and having fun. Suddenly, Sowmya caught me staring at Jhaanu from class and she whispered something to Jhanu. Jhanu turned her head towards me and looked for a few seconds then she again started listening to the lecture.

I felt very embarrassed as if someone caught me when I was stealing something. Immediately, I went to the library to write my assignments and stayed in the library for one hour.

When I went to meet Akash, I saw Jhanu and Sowmya there. They were seriously discussing something. I heard the whole conservation about Madhu and Akash. I felt very bad when Madhu was crying but there is no mistake in Akash. Anyhow, I solved their problem. I want to spend more time with Jhanu but Ragini came there. Ragini wants to come with her but I want to stay with jhanu.

With Ragini's rude behavior again Jhanu was hurt. I tried to stop Jhanu to stay with us but she denied my request and went to attend her class. I know she was telling lies but I saw her hurtful eyes with Ragini's behavior.

Akash, Madhu was also felt uncomfortable with Ragini's behavior.

After Jhanu left the canteen, I stay with them. I yelled at Raagini to behave properly with others. She nodded her head. Even though Ragini was talking with us, my mind was thinking about Jhanu. I didn't understand how Ragini speaking with us happy as she achieved a great thing. Ragini excused herself as she got an urgent call and left us. I felt relieved so that I can meet Jhanu.

When I was about to leave Akash stopped me and asked "where I am going?"

"To meet Jhanu," I said to him.

"I think someone is getting more interest in my sister," Akash said with a smirk.

The first thing I don't know how to react to his words. I felt so embarrassed. I want to escape with his teasing.

"Shall I ask you one thing Abhi ?" he said seriously.

"Do you like Jhaanu?" he asked me.

"I am confused, Akash. Nowadays, most of the time, her thoughts are running in my mind.", I said sincerely.

"If you have true feelings towards Jhaanu. I am the first person to be happy," he said.

"Jhanavi is Vinay's cousin, remember it. If you are not sure about her. Don't do such a thing which affects your friendship with Vinay." Akash said with concern.

I smiled and hugged Akash with a smile.

He told me " All the best" and left with Madhu".

I went to Jhanu class to meet her but she already left the class.

******Jhanu pov******

I started walking to my class without talking to Sowmya. She was silently observing me.

"Hey, why are observing my face?" I asked her in an irritated tone.

"Nothing Jhanu," sow said.

After completing my class, we together went to the bus stop and boarded the bus. On the bus also I didn't speak to swomya. Still, Ragini's words are roaming in my mind.

I didn't understand what is her problem, Even though I was normal with her. I didn't notice when I reached my bus stop also. As sow called me, I was back in my world.

We get down from the bus and walked silently.

"Jhanu are still thinking about the canteen's incident?" Sow asked me.

I nodded my head as yes.

"Just forgot about her, Jhanu. Don't spoil your mood", she suggested.

"No, sow. I can't understand why Ragini behaves rudely with me. I didn't do anything wrong." I said.

"Ragini's behavior is rude and harsh. We can't do anything except ignoring her" Sow consoled me.

I smiled at her and waved my hand as I was near to my home.

When I reached my home, Prakash's uncle was in the living room. I was very happy to see him as it was a long time. He is my father's best friend and our family well-wisher. After my parent's death, he supported our family in all ways. One year back, he got transferred to Hyderabad. So he used to come only once in three months. I miss all his family, mostly my best friend and his son Ankit. He is one year senior to me.

I took blessings from Prakash's uncle. My granny, my sister and Vinay was busily talking with my uncle. As I have a dance class, I excused myself from them. I went to my room, got ready quickly, and join them again. When I joined, there were discussing home tuition with his relative son. Uncle wants to take home tuition to my sister poorni.

But she was not interested to take home tuition as she wants to take care of a granny. When I saw the Prakash uncle's face, I felt bad.

I told my uncle," I want to take home tuition".

But Granny didn't agree with me as I have to manage both college and dance classes.

I said to my granny, " I will manage and allow me to take tutor classes."

At last with the help of Vinay and Prakash's uncle, granny permitted me.

Finally, the granny said to me," you should reach home before 7.30 pm ".

I smiled at her and hugged her.

Prakash's uncle gave details of his relatives and said me to join after 2 days as it is an auspicious day.

I nodded my head and Vinay dropped me at the dance academy.

After I reached the dance academy, I was waiting for kavya. She didn't come to class.

So I decided to know the details of the person whom I going to take home tuition.

I dialed that number which the Prakash uncle gave me. From the other side, someone picked the call.

Hi, this is Jhanavi and Prakash uncle gave me your number for a home tutor, I said.

On the other side, it was a female person. She introduced herself as the niece of Prakash's uncle, her name Nandini and there needs a home tutor for her son, Rohan.

" I will send the address to my home. You can join from the day after tomorrow" said Nandini.

Okay, I said and ended the call.

While I was going to enter the dance academy, I found Abhi standing at the main gate of our academy crossing the arms against his chest in front of his bike.

"Hi... why are you here?" I asked walking towards him.

"Sorry.." he apologized.

"For what? " I questioned him.

"For Raagini behavior..."he said.

"Leave it. I forgot about her words. I don't want to spoil my mood" I informed him.

"Okay then. Shall we go to eat ice cream? "he asked.

"I have dance class. "I said.

"Okay..I will wait for you "Saying he followed me to my class.

After a few minutes, Kavya came to class and Our dance practice and also started. In the middle, I noticed Abhi was watching us with so much interest.

After dance practice, I informed her about my home tutor.

" Why so suddenly you want to do part time job? " she asked me with surprise.

"First I was not interested but nowadays there is a financial problem in our home. My father's pension is not enough for the household expenses and books to cost are very expensive. Prakash's uncle asked the poor to take home tuition but she is taking care of household things, studying. So I want to take some responsibility" I explained.

" Good decision Jhanu. I am proud of you. But what about dance class, you have come 2 days every week", she asked me.

"I will adjust for those two days don't worry dear ", I said.

As Abhi was waiting for me, I said bye to Kav.

We went to a roadside Ice cream Parlour, we spent some time having ice cream. I always feel so happy to spend my time with Abhi. I don't know how time runs if he with me. Then he dropped me at my home.

At night, I saw a message on my mobile. It was the address of my home tuition. I was surprised to see that address which is in the same lane as Abhi's house.......

stay tuned.....

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