Pavilion of Friendship

The downpour was tickling in the road with splashing sound from the vehicles. It was 10:00 early in the morning as all office workers were in a hurry for their office. Manish was also in a rush for his classes in an Expert Education consultancy. He hastily reached his classroom with all his attire drenched.

Manish went by near the door and mumbled: "Can I come in, sir?"

Deepak Sir glanced at him: " Come in. Have a sit."

Everyone in the class stared at him in silence while a girl was giggling in the back. The tutor began his lecture.

It was noon for a break. Sarika came abruptly towards Manish and teased him for being late in the class. He didn't give a gesture to her. Instead, they went for snacks.

The weather was clearing perpetually. The downpour changed into a drizzle. The wind commenced blowing away all the coolness in an atmosphere. Anyone could see hills and mountains vividly in the sky. It was already 3:00 PM - Sarika asked Manish, "The weather is pleasant. I adore visiting the Garden of Dreams." 

He uttered: "Oh! So do I ." 

She mumbled: " I ain't kidding, dude."

Manish started his scooter; they both headed towards the so-called famous place Garden of Dreams. The place is like an oasis of peace and tranquility in the urban bustle of Kathmandu City. The Garden comprises a big area in the city with three pavilions, an amphitheater, central ponds, pergolas, and combinations of small gardens to bigger ones. 

Sarika showed her ID Card while paying off an entry ticket. She gestured to Manish to show his card as well- he did -She said, " You resemble nerd from your early days, Hmmm…?" 

He replied: "Really? I was a kinda cerebral guy." 

She uttered: "So, you are now too."

Manish approached Garden of Dreams for the first time, whereas Sarika had come with her peers before. They both clicked pictures in pergolas and near central ponds.

"Let's go to the Pavilion, now.": Manish deliberately mumbled.

Sarika uttered, nodding her hair: "Do you like this place? I used to come here with my nursing classmates. We girls photo-shoot here, just to add photos to social media. Now, ladies make TikTok in this pleasant place."

He said, "Oh! I see. What score are you dreaming of in the IELTS exam?"

She replied: "Me? I don't know. I am maladroit in English. You should guide me, nerdy man."

Manish giggled and reluctantly said," Okay, I might help you with IT things."

Tomorrow, the day was splendiferously clear, unlike the scorching sun. The beeping sound of traffics in the roadway was as usual. A good smell of cuisines came up as the restaurant resides down the consultancy. There was no elevator in the consultancy despite being on the Fourth floor. 

Each student rushed for their classes. Manish was also on time. Deepak sir opened his bulky book and started teaching Reading Comprehension. He gave several questions to the student for solving. Manish was quick at learning tricks, whereas others, accompanied by, Sarika were perplexed about the solution. The tutor helped out in the end.

Sarika nudged Manish, "The lecture was boring today. I didn't get the tricks."

Manish grinned his teeth and replied, "You'll get it slowly, girl. What about snacks today?"

She uttered, "Crispy, freshly made chicken and sandwiches."

There was no parking space for a scooter initially. However, Manish managed later on with his scooter handle locked in. He sighed, "Parking problem in Durbar Marg!"

Sarika sluggishly pushed the transparent door. Her skin felt drop down in temperature - her nostrils whiffed a pleasant smell of KFC cuisines. There were two empty seats in the corner of the area. Manish dragged on the seats while Sarika glanced at the menu.

She uttered, "Crispy medium-sized Hot Wings with two Pepsis."

Manish nodded: "Yeah!"

As the two weeks of classes passed on, most of the attendees booked their dates for an IELTS exam. The student was preparing for Mock tests- in search of Country-wise Universities and their faculty. So did Manish and Sarika. He was preparing for decent scores while she was stumbling. Suddenly, Sarika didn't come to class; no mock tests, no communication with Manish and classmates for six days.

He, as well as, his tutor reluctantly dialed her number.

"The number you are trying is switched off."

Deepak Sir uttered, "She is unreachable. Perhaps, she has some woes at home."

Manish mind flew away with what might she be facing problems. His cheeks reddened, heartbeats speeded up, and goosebumps. He reminisced all his hang out with her. A felicitous time she spent with him – in snacks, in gardens, etc.

The deadline for an exam came up - she was still incommunicable. Manish gave his exam accompanied by other attendees. One day, he was surfing the internet for Universities; a message beeped on his phone.

"Hey! Done with Exam?"

It was an unknown number. Nevertheless, the true caller showed it was of Sarika's.

Manish replied, "Yeah! I am waiting for the result. Where are you, dumb girl? You were missing."

Sarika spoke up, "Hey! I ain't missing it. A boy came to see me for marriage; I had no choice of delaying my dates. He is a doctor by profession."

He mumbled, shaking his voice, "Oh!..."

She said, "You'll aid me in mock tests. Right?"

He didn't utter a single word, made a grimace, and grinned his teeth in an adrenaline rush.

She continued, "Hey! Manish…"

"Hello! Are you there..?"

He hung up.