Previous cut:- Manoj marked the time, his afternoon filled with thoughts of her—blue silk, shared words, and the gentle pull of a connection growing stronger.
As soon as Sarmistha entered the college, every eye turned toward her. From teachers and professors to students—boys and girls alike—no one could look away. She was the youngest lecturer in the college, perhaps that's why there was a special pull in everyone's heart toward her. Among the students, whispers about her name never seemed to stop. But Sarmishta paid no attention to any of it.
She quietly picked up the register from the teachers' room and went straight to her class. That's just how she was—apart from people she already knew, she rarely spoke much to anyone.
In the evening, after college ended, she stepped outside the gate and stood there. Just then, her eyes fell on the opposite side of the road. Manoj was standing with a sweet smile on his face, waving his hand to call her over. The moment Sharmistha saw him, it was as if her feet no longer touched the ground—she almost ran toward him.
Slightly surprised, Sarmistha said, "You… here?"
Manoj smiled and replied, "Why? Can't I come?"
Sarmistha lowered her face shyly and said, "Alright… let's go."
Manoj asked, "Where would you like to go?"
Sarmistha answered, "Home. Where else?"
Manoj paused for a moment and said, "You'll go home, of course. But before that, come with me to one place?"
Sarmistha didn't say anything. She stayed silent.
A little while later, the auto stopped near the Ganges ghat. Manoj said, "Get down."
Sarmistha looked surprised and asked, "Why here?"
Manoj said calmly, "This is my favorite place. Whenever I feel sad or lonely, I come here and sit."
Sarmistha asked, "Which one is it today?"
Manoj gave a gentle smile and said, "Today I came to remember a moment of happiness."
Curious, Sarmistha asked, "What moment of happiness?"
Without answering, Manoj took her hand and led her to a bench by the edge of the ghat. They sat side by side.
Manoj said, "You sit here. I'll get two cups of tea. There's a shop nearby that I really like."
Sarmistha sat alone. The last light of the day was playing across her body. Her fair skin shimmered in the golden glow, like molten gold.
Manoj returned with two steaming cups of tea.
He saw that the sun was slowly melting into the waters of the Ganges. The sky was filled with shades of red, orange, and gold, as if someone had softly sprinkled molten gold across it. The river water sparkled under that light—tiny waves twinkled like pieces of gold. In the distance, a few boats floated, their long shadows stretching across the surface. A light, cool breeze carried the familiar scent of the Ganges mixed with the fragrance of flowers.
Sarmistha sat on the bench, gazing at the setting sun. The golden light fell on her fair face, making it glow as if illuminated from within.
After a moment of silence, Sarmistha suddenly asked, "By the way… why haven't you gotten married yet? Don't you want to? Haven't you found someone you truly like?"
Manoj thought for a second and said, "There is someone I like."
Sarmistha looked up at him. "Who?"
In a soft voice, Manoj said, "Someone absolutely beautiful. And full of virtues."
Eagerly, Sarmistha asked, "What does she look like?"
Manoj looked straight into her eyes and said, "Exactly as beautiful as you."
Hearing those words, Sarmistha lowered her head. Her fair cheeks turned a deep shade of red with shyness. Manoj felt an overwhelming urge to plant a gentle kiss on her cheek.
Sarmistha whispered, "What do you mean?"
To be continued...