a lovely 'turn'over

The class was about to end. He secretly wished that it never ended. Not that he was looking forward to the ‘Zen’ that was being imparted in the class but the delay was sure giving him a fake confidence. All day long he was waiting for this moment and when it was impending, he was getting apprehensive about it. He practiced in front of the mirror numerous times reciting what to say. He pondered a lot on the possible questions that could be fired over him from the other side. After trying all the permutations between three pairs of jeans and six T-shirts, he finally settled for a pair. He did all kinds of things assuring that there is no ‘leak’ anywhere for it was going to be the most important day of his life, the day when he is finally going to talk to the girl of his dreams.

Annie had liked Nikki since the very first day he saw her. She was the sweetest, most beautiful and charming lass he had ever seen. Nikki was a quite girl. She rarely talked and always seemed introvert. She had her own small coterie where she dwelled and seem uninterested regarding the things outside her world. It was of because of her innocent look, care-a-damn behavior, melodious voice (which Annie could recognize anywhere), black-brown eyes and ‘quaint’ behavior at times that Annie had fallen for her in a very short period of time. Annie, on the other hand, was a rough guy. He had his own ‘street-smart’ ways and a gang of ‘wicked-minded’ friends. Lets say, he wasn’t bad but a lot ‘mischievous’. In a course of time Annie tried a lot to get closer to Nikki but something or the other went wrong. In fact in his trysts of leaving a genuinely good impression, he often always landed himself in negative connotations. So by now, leave aside a good impression, Annie was in the bad-books of Nikki. But today was in important day. It was the last day of the class and if Annie didn’t talk with Nikki today, he may not be able to talk with her throughout his life!

Finally the class ended with an increase in his heart beats. With trembling hand he picked up his books and rushed towards the exit. He thought it would be best at the parking but she was surrounded with her friends so he dropped the idea. ‘Aha, I will talk to her during her way home’ Annie thought. He started his bike and started following her. This was nothing new as he used to follow her or escort her home everyday. It was getting dark. He started driving slowly. He thought ‘At the next turn I will stop her.’ But he couldn’t. ‘Next turn!’ he thought. At every turn, he started afresh. His confidence used to surge at crest and he was ready for the next turn but by the time the turn used to come, he was hitting an all-time low in his confidence so he just couldn’t talk. Annie swore that he noticed Nikki adjusting his rearview twice or thrice, maybe trying to put ‘him’ into focus. He felt like a loser. Next was the last turn, it was now or never. But as the turn was approaching, he was the same again – coward!! But to his surprise and relief, Nikki didn’t turn; instead she took the straight way. ‘Maybe God has given you an extra chance.’ He thought. He rushed his way behind her. She stopped at a temple. ‘Wow!! What a place to talk to her.’ Annie thought. He waited on his bike for her to come. He parked his bike right next to her. Nikki came out trying to place her legs in the sandals and eating the Prasad. She came right next to Annie and placed her bag on the rear seat. Before Annie could say anything, she gave him a cold stare, started her moped and fled away. Annie stood there silent for some time. He had no idea how to react. ‘Its all over’ he thought and drove back home. At home, as he stepped dejected, his Mom called up and said that he has to get some grocery from the supermarket. Half heartedly he took the bag and went to the nearest mall. After footing the bill, as he turned towards the exit, he saw the pay phone. All of a sudden he could feel a new wave of confidence surging inside him and before anything else happened. He found himself dialing her number. He crossed his fingers. Two bells and someone picked up on the other side.

“Hello” That was her, Annie could make out.
“Hello..Nikki?”
“Yes” her voice was plain.
“Er..Hi! This is Annie…from the class.”
“Ya I know.”
“Listen Nikki,” He paused. “I want to say something to you.”
“Go on.” Her voice became soft and concerned.
“Actually I am sorry for all the troubles I gave you in the past few years.”
“Its OK.” She said.
“So…so…and…” Annie just couldn’t find words to say.
“You are such a coward…Do I have to say everything!!” said Nikki. Anni could feel the smile on the other side of the phone and he thanked God.
Nikki said “I think we should meet!! Don’t you?”

Annie uncrossed his fingers