There was a guy named swayam, who was my brother's friend as he lived in my area.

He was of my age but I always treated him like my brother.

We used to play together but I clearly remember tying him rakhi when we were kids. As it was tradition in schools, to bring rakhi and tie it to boys.

When I was in 7 standard, I stopped celebrating Rakhi in school as it was meaningless.

With the passage of time, things started getting changed which I never took seriously.

He started giving me greeting cards on New year and Diwali.

Then gifts on my birthday, chocolates on weekends.

I felt bad for doing nothing in return so I gave him present on next New year. He got very happy.

But then, things got suspicious for me.

It was the time of Sports day. I was taking part in a race and asked him, to click my pictures so that I can show at home.

He agreed and brought a camera which was of his best friend, Nitin.

Nitin was clearly aware with his feelings that's why he was trying to take my picture with swayam.

When I was waiting in back area, swayam came to wish me luck and stood besides me. I felt weird but being a careless person, shrugged it off.

Then I noticed Nitin, who was standing opposite side of mine with a camera around his neck. Before I could call him, he lifted the camera and took a picture of mine. Then he nod at someone beside me and I turned to face swayam who was smiling at him.

I felt bad in my stomach so I quietly took a step back and moved towards where teacher was standing but he followed me there also.

Finally, I turned and asked him, "What are you doing here?"

"Nothing, just want to ask you, how many pictures you want?"

"Oh, just one or two will be fine," I smiled foolishly, forgetting about Nitin.

"Okay. All the best." He smiled and walked away.

After that, everything went out smoothly. Luckily I got second rank in race and was so happy engrossed in my own bubble, not realizing what was happening.

When it was over, students went to their home and few were waiting for the school bus in the waiting room.

As we were from same neighborhood, I was sitting in the class with swayam and nitin. Then nitin suggested to click more pictures and we got agreed.

When swayam asked me to get a picture of us, I shook my head and said, "we will take a group picture."

I don't remember exactly what happened after that but after few days when I asked him about the pictures, he told me something went wrong with the camera as the picture came out blank.

"What do you mean by blank pictures? You're lying, right?"

"Why would I lie to you? Ask nitin, if you don't believe me." He replied getting frustrated.

And I added nitin who repeated the same response, making me more pissed.

There was something suspicious about their behavior like they were hiding something so I tried to ask for camera but it was useless.

After that, I made my distance with both of them, especially with swayam as he was behaving strangely.

He wasn't the same boy with whom I used play or share jokes.

When my birthday came and he gave me gift, I refused saying, "mummy will ask questions as she don't like such things."

After that there were sideway glances, smiles which were making me more irritated because this whole thing was new for me. I wasn't aware with the situation or what to do in this situation.

Plus, his friend nitin was making things worse. Like, nudging him whenever I was around or wiggling hid eyebrows whenever he glanced at me.

I had enough so I decided to talk to someone about this.

It was the time of our school picnic when I shared everything with my best friend. She also got confused and didn't know what to do.

Then I asked her to keep an eye on his behavior. Maybe it was just me who was thinking too much.

She got agreed.

It was our last final exam and kids were celebrating Holi. It's like a tradition in our schools to play with colors on the last day of final exam.

Swayam came to meet me before the exam with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Watch out after exams. I'm going to color you."

"Don't you dare, I'll complaint to mam."

I threatened him but inside, I was freaking out.

He grinned and walked away, shouting, See you after exams.

I was scared would be an understatement. I can't go home with having colour on my dress or face.

My mother would kill me.

I completed my exam early and came downstairs in the main hall. Looking around, I went outside and took a breath of relief. Then I didn't wait for my school bus, called a rickshaw and went home after informing watchman.

I told my mother that I wasn't feeling well that's why I came early. Fortunately, she believed me.

Now, things were getting serious. When he offered me chocolate again, I refused to accept. But he was stubborn. He dropped it on my table and I threw it outside the window.

He didn't say anything and left.

It was the time of rakshabandhan and my best friend suggested me to tie a Rakhi on swayam wrist so that this message could be cleared.

We were having exam on the day before Rakhi so I brought one for swayam. I spotted him outside his class and decided to approaced him.

Hey swayam, wait for me after exam.

Why? What happened? He asked surprised.

Nothing. I brought a Rakhi for you

His eyes widened and taking a step back, he said, what? I can't let you tie it on my wrist. Forget it.

Why? I've tried it before. Then what's the problem now? You're like my brother only.

You're not my sister!!!!! And I don't remember anything about tying it before.

Before, I could reply him, he went inside the class.

I was stunned with his response. How could he forgot? I was right. Celebrating Rakhi in schools are useless.

After exam I tried to find him everywhere but he was already left.

Atleast one good thing happened that day. Swayam stopped following me. Maybe he got the hint that I wasn't interested.

He never talked to me after that. I also moved out to another state so bumping into him was out of questio.

**

I thought story is over but I was so wrong!!!!

After few years, I visited my hometown and met a old friend.

Then she suddenly asked me,

Hey, what happened between you and swayam?

I was speechless.

What do you mean by 'what happened'? There was nothing between us. From where the hell you got that idea?

Um, swayam told me that he liked you and there was something.....

No. He is a liar.

And I explained her everything.

I was so angry. How could he spread such rumours? I thought about going to his house and ask him the truth. But I chickened out. I was only 15 at that time. What can you expect?

Now when I thought back, I feel so stupid.

But yes, if I'll ever meet him... I'll surely ask him the question nagging me. 

***