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Part-11 Smile, after long

Following the address given by Mrs Annie's, Samaira reached the library. It was not far from the penthouse. As soon as she entered the place, she took in the surroundings. The place was big but had a homey and warm feeling to it. It smelt of books, her favourite scent, next to mud after rain, it smelt heavenly. 

In her school, whenever there was a free period, she used to spend her time in the library. Many classmates of hers used to call her a bookworm, maybe she was one. But then again, she has no one else other than books. 

She used to be a chirpy girl as long as her parents were alive. Then, no one scolded her and watched her under a scrutinizing gaze. But, some incidents have the power to change someone's life, personality and more. 

She got her library card and roamed around the different shelves. She went to her favourite genre, biology and medicine. 

All subjects related to the University's academic and research programmes had been included in the collection. The library also developed a core collection of media resources consisting of documentaries, training films, fiction novels, calming music for dental patients, etc.

She took 3 books and settled on a corner. She could see many students and others were busy with their work. She was randomly reading some new articles when she felt someone's gaze on her. 

She looked around and found a girl of her age looking at her, but as soon as she got caught, her gaze was back on her textbook as if nothing happened. 

Samaira didn't say anything, even though she was creeped out, and resumed her work. 

"Hey...." She heard her calling her. 

She upped up lashes and looked around first if someone was watching them or not. After seeing that everyone was busy, she turned to her and smiled.

"Are you a medical student?" The girl asked her in a whisper tone, following the number one rule of any library.

"Umm...No, why?" Samaira replied. 

"Oh, I saw your book, they all are on medicine and biology." She said, a little disappointed.

"Well, I'm preparing for it. That's why..." Samaira replied, tucking some random hairs behind her ear. 

"That's great, I'm also preparing for the same. Which college are you looking for?" She asked, suddenly getting excited. She turned to her, closing her books.

"I have attempted the national entrance exam, let's see what I get," Samaira replied in a low voice. She remembered how she gave the exam without letting anyone know.

Her aunt was extremely against her studying medicine because she would spend a lot of money on it. The kind of money she claimed to not have. 

But still, she wanted to do this. So, she studied day and night. It was her father's dream to see her as a doctor. He was not here with her, but the least she could do was complete his last wish.

"Cool! I'm also waiting for the results. Hey, I didn't ask your name. Sorry, what's your name?" She asked with a broad smile. 

She seems like an enthusiastic person. 

"Samaira...Raj-Rajvansh.." She hesitated.

"I'm Ritika Awasthi." She said, extending her hand. Samaira shook it gladly. 

"Okay then Samaira, it's time for my work. I should get going.." She said to keep her stuff in her bag.

Samaira took this as a good opportunity to ask. She knew no one here. Maybe this girl could help her.

"Can I ask you where and what you work? I mean if you don't mind." Samaira asked in a very polite manner.

"Why would I mind? I work in a cafe just across the road. I joined just two months ago, I was bored. It's a nice place to work part-time,” she said. 

Samaira hummed a reply, seemingly lost in her thoughts.

Should I ask or not?

"What are you thinking?'" Ritika asked, seeing her thoughtful expression. 

"I just need a job but I never worked in a cafe. I don't have any experience." She replied, discombobulated. 

She used to teach in a primary school, back at her uncle's place. But, it was mid-session. She knew no school would have vacancies at this time. 

"That's not a problem. Our cafe manager is so good and the environment is also very cool. You will love it, come with me." Ritika pulled her from her seat, she was shocked by her sudden behaviour.

"Wait, now? Are you sure? You don't even know me," Samaira said with hesitation.

"Why, are you a terrorist? You don't look like one" Ritika looked at her from top to bottom and with a very serious expression which made her look funny. 

Samaira laughed a little watching her expression.

"Then come on my friend, we will have fun. And God knows if I get into the same college." She said laughing, almost getting everyone's attention. 

Friend, really?

Samaira chipped in a quick and quiet apology and they walked out of the library. Then, she introduced Samaira to her manager, who turned out to be her father. 

Samaira looked at her with wide eyes, who shrugged it off casually. She hadn’t mentioned this, not even once!

She is fun. 

Maybe I would enjoy her company!

The working hours were not long. It was just a 6 hours job. Most students came here from the library and nearby building. It seemed to be a good place and had a good environment like Ritika had said. 

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Samaira returned home after 3 hours with a smile on her face. She will be working from tomorrow and will also be studying. That means she will be busy all day. She was relaxed today. 

Her smile dropped on seeing someone already present in the hall. 

She saw that Abhimaan's driver and Mrs Annie were giving him some files. 

Is he here? But it's not his time to come home. 

She looked around nervously. She didn't want to hear anything bad to ruin her mood, she had a good day after a long time. She didn't want to ruin it.

Soon the driver left, wishing her. She smiled a little. She confusingly went to Mrs Annie and asked what was going on.

"Sir is going to Germany for some days, that's why he asked for some files." She replied.

Oh!

Suddenly, she felt void. Her face fell. 

Just some moments ago, she didn't want to come in front of him, and now she was getting upset that he was leaving. 

She wanted to ask for how long he was going but she didn’t want to show Mrs Annie that there were holes in their relationship more than they already had been seen.

"Do you want to eat anything, dear?" Mrs Annie asked her.

"No, I'm not hungry." She had lost her appetite and soon left for her room.

What's the matter with me?

It was not like they were very good with each other. But, still, she got to see him daily. She had that unknown feeling when he was around. 

She laid down, looking practically nowhere. 

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It was 7 pm and she just returned from her work. She has been working there for 5 days. Her shift started at 10 Am the morning, and then she went to the library. 

Her days were going well, keeping her busy. The time spent with Ritika was also going well. She enjoyed her company. She was fun-loving and a sweet girl. She worked there to help her father in her free time.

In the meantime, she also talked to her In-laws. She was preparing something to eat for herself, so she asked Mrs Annie to go home earlier. She was the only one in the house and she could cook for herself. 

She heard the sound of an incoming notification from her cell. It was a message. She picked it up and found it was Ritika. 

Results out, check fast.

She gasped in fear. Her hands trembled. 

Results! Shit! God, please, help me.

With her shaking hands, she entered her roll no and waited for the result, biting her lower lip. She was breathing fast and her heart rate was going miles per second. 

What the hell?

This can't be possible.

With her wide-open eyes, she watched as the screen loaded her name and rank. 

Rank- 123 

She got the rank 123rd at the national level exam. She was in the top 200. She can get into the best institutions. She could also get a concession in her fees. 

That's why she worked hard to come to the top list. So, her fees get a little less. She never had enough money.

And she did this.

"I did it. Mumma papa, I got this!" She jumped in excitement. Tears of happiness were rolling down.

"I should call-call someone," She wanted to share this with someone. But with whom. She stopped on realizing she had no one. 

She looked around standing in the middle of the large, beautiful hall, alone. 

Her smile dropped and her eyes filled with warm tears of sadness.

........

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