THE DAY I WANTED TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT KARISHMA

Dearest Palak,

So around a month ago, all first year students were taken to a place called Janapada Loka. It is a folk museum that has an exclusive display of the village folk arts of Karnataka. It is situated on the Bangalore-Mysore highway, 53 kilometres to the south of Bangalore. We were taken there so that all first year students from different departments could get to know each other and bond. There were lots of activities and tasks, like in Roadies. We stayed there for two days. It was fun.

Anyway, I met a girl named Karishma from Delhi. She is from the Biotechnology department. We hit it off – got along really well right from the beginning. She is cute, stylish and funny. Students were divided into groups for different activities and we were on the same team.

Once we returned, we stayed in touch. We would often have our lunch together and all. I guess I kind of liked her. Last Saturday, I even thought of asking her out, for a real date. But then something happened.

I have kept a photo of you on my bedside table, one that we clicked at Tripathi sir’s house on our last day. I had bought the camera just to snap a picture of you, though I made it look like it was for a group photo. Anyway, I accidentally dropped it and broke the frame. And suddenly, I felt this wave of guilt, like how could I even think about dating someone else when, deep down, I know I’m still hung up on you? Weird, right?

Anyway, I ghosted Karishma after that. She dropped a hundred messages, called me multiple times. Even came to meet me in my department. I ignored her. I do feel a bit bad about it, you know. But hey, it’s way better than feeling like I cheated on you or something.

I wish I could talk to you about all these.

With love, hugs and other things,
P