Serendipity

Episode #7 : Melancholic Beauty

SCENE 1

“Thank you.” - Abhimanyu said to the waiter who placed a steaming mug of cappuccino in front of him.

As he promised his mother, the first thing he did on reaching college was head straight to the cafeteria and grab something to eat. The lecture he was to deliver was due by 9:30 which meant he had enough time to fulfill his promise to his mother.

He picked the spoon to stir the coffee but his hand stilled at the smiley made over the surface with the cocoa powder. Instantly, he was reminded of that girl.

Suman.

His mouth subconsciously curved into a smile as he didn't call her ‘the firefly girl’ in his head. She was totally under the effect of her name. Cheerful and lively. She had an aura of happiness around her that was highly contagious. He was shocked to find himself initiating a conversation with her. The first time too he hadn't meant to remain quiet when she teased about checking the weather. He was just... too lost in her sparkling eyes to come up with a reply at that moment.

He picked the mug and took a sip of coffee. Just like last evening, it were her exuberant eyes that became the reason of his frozen state. He had seen many girls in his life before. Classmates in school and college, colleagues, fellow doctors in various conferences, but he had never seen someone like her. She was a ball of energy that emitted rays of hope and positivity in the air. Looking into her eyes, even the saddest person would feel like there was some happiness left in the world. Something worth living for.

His phone on the table vibrated. The alarm he had set of 9:20 going off. He finished his coffee and paid the bill before getting up and walking out of the cafeteria. He had already asked the directions of the class and took some five minutes to reach. As he entered the classroom, his eyes instantly caught...

Suman on the front seat.

Her head was bent over a thick volume, pen tucked behind her ear as she concentrated on the text. He was surprised in every sense of the word. It was obvious that she would be a medical student since they were at a medical college but a MD Cardiology specifically ?

“New admission ?” - a guy on the front seat of the right row asked, grabbing Abhimanyu's attention.

As well as Suman's who looked up and her eyes gained the shine which he was quickly becoming familiar with.

He turned to the class and offered a professional smile. “Good morning everyone. I'm Dr. Abhimanyu Birla. A visiting doctor for the medical camp and temporary Pathology substitute of Professor Rasai.”

To his surprise, several jaws dropped, confusing him. But he ignored and proceeded with the lecture. ”Mr. Bedi told me you are done with the course and are preparing for the exit exam.”

“Yes Professor.” - a girl from the third row confirmed.

He picked the marker and turned to the white board. “Name the topic you all find the toughest.” - he asked and was amused when they all shouted one answer :

“Congenital Heart Diseases.”

He wrote the topic and its subtopics on the board before turning to them again. He started with the lecture and answered questions in between asked by the students. He felt Suman's eyes on himself throughout but whenever he turned in her direction, she was looking down. Her fingers rapidly noting down the points he was sharing.

~

Suman was miserably failing to keep her eyes off Abhimanyu. Not only he looked breathtakingly handsome while teaching, the treasure of knowledge he had and shared with them bewitched her. Wisdom and intelligence were always enticing for her and his strong grip on the most complex subject of cardiology was highly attractive and commendable.