YOU ARE THE SUN IN MY DARK NIGHT

CHAPTER 5

It had been three months since Nabarun came to our hostel. Although we were different in character, we became good friends by that time. We ate dinner together every night, then went to the terrace to chat and smoke. I was the only smoker in my room, so smoking in the room was prohibited. So I had to go to the terrace to smoke. Nabarun never smoked but always gave me company. He used to say that smoking is not good and always advised me to quit. He used to sing and recite some old and evergreen songs and poems of famous poets. I was his only listener. The darkness of the night and his romantic voice, what a deadly combo it was. His songs were mainly love songs, where a lover is either confessing his love or describing the beauty of his beloved. In some poems, there was the pain of an unrequited love. I never asked him if he had someone in his heart or someone had broken his heart. That smoking time became my favorite time of a day. Before Nabarun came I used to stay outside till ten at night and came only before the closing of the dining hall. But after he came I started returning to my room early just to see him.

Few days ago as I entered our room early, Surojit asked, "what happened to you Nishith?"

I did not get his words and looked at him puzzled.

"Yes, I also want to know this. Why are you coming back early now-a-days?" Snehangsu asked.

"Oh, I can't even come to my own room now," I said angrily.

"Calm down Nishith. My aunt sent me cookies today, your favorite one. Wash your hands and feet, I will make coffee for everyone," Surojit said sweetly.

They both knew how short tempered I was and Surojit has a talent to please anyone. That's why he was able to handle so many girls at a time. He was handsome and rich. Many girls were crazy about him and he was a lady killer. He never rejected anyone. In his language, "I should respect their love. So, I reciprocate the love I get."

My mind relaxed when I heard about the cookies and Nabarun entered at that moment. So I forgot about everything and smiled.

Snehangsu said, "Nabarun is here too. Nabarun, go freshen up quickly. Suro is treating us with coffee and cookies."

Nabarun looked at me and I nod. We went towards the washroom together.

He asked, "what is the occasion?"

"It's nothing, his aunt sent cookies for him. She knows that we love her cookies, so she always send for us too."

We ate cookies and had coffee together.

Surojit said, "now, tell us. What happened to you? Did you fight with your friends? You used to study with them in the evening."

"We mutually decided that we will study separately and only discuss about it after classes. When it will be needed we will study together again. If I study in the room, will you be bothered?"

"We are happy to see you in room. We are roommates, that means we are family. We were concerned about you. That's all," Snehangsu said.

"Thank you Angsu, thank you Suro," I said.

Surojit and Snehangsu came forward to hug me. Nabarun hesitated for a moment then came forward. It was a roomie hug.

After dinner when we went to the terrace, Nabarun asked, "is it really good between your friends? If there is something you can share it with me. Maybe I can help you."

"My result was not good last semester. I am trying to improve my marks by studying well," I replied.

"What about the person in your dream?"

"Recently I am feeling that I know that person for eternity. He is surely a man, so I am not sure what our relation is. But every time I dream about him, I feel like we have a strong bond."

"Maybe he is your soulmate."

"Soulmate? I never thought about it. Do you believe in soulmates?"

"What other explanation do you have about your dream? Maybe you are going to meet him in reality."

"But till now I did not see his face. How could I identify him? And what if I do not like him in person?"

"Don't think too much. I am sure you are smart enough to decide what you really want."

"I hope so."