That day too was going like any normal day at the beginning. All the boys were screaming, girls were gossiping about stupid random stuff, and I was silently hiding my loneliness behind my books and glasses. 

But that day with the teacher came a big change in my life. My first love, Jay. For the first time that day, I felt thankful that the teacher made me the CR (class representative) of the class. Because if I had not been a CR, then I would never get that chance to spend special moments with him.

Unlike my reputation, I had no idea that my luck was not in line with mine. That is why when I was about to confess to Jay about my feelings for him on the day of the annual fest, that rude and shameless Muskan won him before me, on the same day. For the first time in my life, I failed at something. She shamelessly snatched the result of my hard work, planning, strategies, dedication, and 3 months 3-month-long wait.

But now, after 10 years, I have got a chance to get my love again all to myself. Yes, indeed, Jay may still have some feelings for that cursed smile doll, but it doesn't matter. I will make such a place in his heart for myself that she will never be able to come between us again.

Urvi sat in her restaurant, waiting for Jai with others, reminiscing about her unrequited affection-filled past.

In the car, Ted informed Jay about the message that he got on his phone from Urvi. Listening to it, he was least bothered by this invitation. Ted also added that he got some quirky vibes from her, and also towards the intention behind this message. 

Because Jai saw the facts in his words, he accepted his point and decided not to drag it any further. Thus, he rejected the invitation as politely as he could. 

Urvi had called some boys of the class in the lure of a free party and booze to create an actual party environment. But all her hard work went in vain. This rejection infuriated her. Out of fury, she left the room, leaving her groggy classmates behind, who were uninterested in her presence. All that mattered to them was free stuff. 

After reading the message, she rushed out and took out an old envelope from her bag. Out of anger, she screamed while staring at that letter.

"How much more will I have to wait to get Jai? How much more do I have to struggle? Even back then, what I did, he got separated from that bi***, but got further away from me too. I called these useless people for him, spent so much money, and... Why does this always happen to me? Why?"

At home, Kareena was talking to Vishi on a video call. She told her about her meeting with Jai at the reunion.

"Oh! That's why Di came to meet me like this today. She was looking a little dispirited. How is Jai, bro, by the way? I feel like meeting him. It's been 10 years since I last saw him."

"Forget it! I don't think Muskan wants you to meet him. Just don't tell her I told you all this."

“Don’t tell whom about what?” Muskan entered the room.

Chills went down Kareena's spine when she heard Muskan's voice.  And the first thing she did was to hide her phone, which had Vishi’s call ongoing on it.

Keeping her bag on the sofa, Muskan repeated her question. “Don’t tell whom about what, Kareena?”

“Uh?!” Kareena visibly panicked, but Muskan was not in a state to notice her panic. Using this as an opportunity, she diverted her mind to other topics.

“Just some office work… By the way, how come you visited Vishi today? Did Aunty send you something? I haven’t received any parcels, though.”

“No, she didn't send anything. I just felt like meeting her, that’s why. Did you have dinner?”

“Yes, I had. You? Oh… and how was your meeting today?”

“It was good, and I also had dinner. I'm a little tired, so I'm going to sleep.” In her dull, powerless voice, Muskan replied and went towards her room.

“Alright! Good night and Sweet dreams!” And Kareena took a deep sigh of relief, thanking god that she didn’t hear anything.

In the room, after freshening up, Muskan lay flat on her. With eyes fixed on the ceiling, she was thinking about today. 

In these past 10 years, she had imagined meeting Jay at many different places and in different situations. But as we all know, reality never happens as we imagine it. 

While she was lost in the debate between her reality and imagination, a ‘ding’ sound came from somewhere around her.

It was the sound of a notification from her phone, which was inside her bag. There came from an unknown number. 

“The rains come and go

But no one could come in my heart except you

I always bow down to your name

Just couldn’t find a way to forget you

                                           -Jay”

After reading that message, so many emotions were rising within her, she was not able to understand which emotion to express at that moment. Before she could think of anything, another message popped. 

“I didn’t steal your number from anywhere. I got it from your business card, which we shared in the morning.”

The next message reminded Muskan of the time when she was accused of stealing Jay’s contact number.

During 2012, when smartphones were still a thing not given to young kids, Jay was stuffed with all the latest technologies and facilities available.

10 years ago,  a young and bright Muskan dialed him from her home’s landline. During their conversation, she was blamed for stealing his phone number from the school’s records because, other than that, he hadn’t shared his contact number with anyone.

 “Excuse me! I am not a thief! I am the team leader! Did you forget, you enrolled for the Orphanage community service this weekend? I’m calling you regarding that, and I have received contact from our teacher. So don’t you dare accuse me of stealing meaningless things like your contact.”