(ð¨ Long chapter ahead ð¨)
â~Ã~â
"When will you be back home?" Dad asked.
"Before 9 pm."
"Be careful. If there's any problem, call me or your mom."
"Yes Pa. Now can I go?"
"OK."
I waved my parents goodbye and hailed an auto. I told the driver the address and he put the meter down. It was not easy to convince Dad to let me go to the club which was actually a cafe. When I told him I was going with Nikhil, he asked me a lot of questions, more than when I went to Parth's party.
I told him Nikhil was a good guy and this time I knew what his father's profession was. Dad got enthusiastic when I told him Nikhil's dad was in Army. He told me to invite his family to our home since we lived in the same area.
Dad really respected defence personnels. He said he wanted to join armed forces too but couldn't because of a medical condition. In the end, he agreed to let me go. Problem solved.
"We have reached madam," the auto driver said.
"Thank you." I paid him and he drove off.
"Nice place," I commented as I observed the cafe.
"I thought you won't come," Nikhil said as I entered and he spotted me.
"You got good taste. I like this place."
The interior was dimly lit and had a cozy feeling to it. We sat beside a window and checked the menu.
"I knew you would like it," he said.
I smiled at him. Was this a date? No, Sandhya. Don't think like that.
"What do you want to order?" he asked and I told him I would have an American Latte.
He called the waiter and placed our orders. We began talking and I got to learn a lot of things about him. He had a good sense of humour too.
We drank our coffees and ordered some sandwiches. They were delicious. I am going to bring my girl gang next time. Surbhi will definitely love this place. Nikhil clicked some pics and showed me. He was a nice photographer too.
"You want to tell me about you and Ved?" he questioned and I gave him a dead look.
"Why did you bring him up? I was enjoying so much and you had to spoil it," I complained.
"You really don't like him."
"Feelings are mutual."
"Wow. What happened?"
I told him how Ved used to bully me in school and Nikhil laughed at some incidents. I informed him how the teachers used to ignore his pranks everytime and would do nothing about it. I was relieved when my father got transferred.
"I hope you both won't kill each other." He expressed his concern.
"Can't guarantee about that," I replied.
"What about Ayush?"
"He was stuck between us, always trying to be a peacemaker. Now he also hates me."
"I won't force you to go in details," he said as he noticed my sad mood.
"Thanks."
"You aren't getting late, right?" he asked.
I checked the time. 7:53 pm. I shook my head. We chatted and it seemed so easier to be in his company. He told me he wanted to join Air Force after college. I was impressed. Like father, like son.
The clock struck 8:30 pm and we got up to leave. I hailed an auto and Nikhil told me to call him when I reached home. So caring. I got home and did as he told me. Mom asked me if I enjoyed and I nodded my head. I told Dad to take her there for a date and she blushed a little. Even after so many years of marriage, she still got shy around him sometimes. So cute.
I went to my room and my phone started buzzing with notifications of WhatsApp. I checked it and smiled at the photos Nikhil had sent me. He asked me if he could upload them on Instagram and Facebook. I told him 'yes' and instantly, I received the notification of being tagged on FB.
After that, my phone was bombarded with messages from Divya and Surbhi. Every one of it was about them asking how the date went and how lovey-dovey we looked. These girls won't let me live in peace.
I switched off the mobile data icon and put the phone on charging. I was too tired to reply to their silly questions.
I had dinner and watched some soap operas' reruns. Today was mom's day, so no news for dad. His expressions are hilarious whenever mom starts her serial marathon.
I retired to my room and checked my phone. 100% charged. Nice. I ignored all the messages I received and put DND as my status. I locked it and took out some assignments to do.
I stretched my legs and arms. I had been up till 2 am. Better get some sleep. I took my phone and checked my social networking sites. There were so many pics! Nikhil had posted selfies and tagged me in some of them.
I started reading the comments. Cute, So lovable, Amazing, etc.
'Date already.' Divya had commented.
She won't stop, will she?
I scrolled through more pics and liked them. After a few seconds, Nikhil messaged me. Doesn't he sleep at all?
Nikhil: Hey!
Me: Hi.
Nikhil: You ain't asleep yet?
Me: Nope. What about you?
Nikhil: Doing assignments. Got a match tomorrow.
Me: On Sunday?
Nikhil: Yes. Coach is hell bent on winning the upcoming match with the rival college.
Me: It must be so hard for you. All the best in advance.
Nikhil: Thanks. Best of luck to you too for that science competition.
Me: Thank you.
Nikhil: What are you doing tomorrow then? Don't tell me you are going to study whole day.
Me: Studying and sleeping.
Nikhil: We get only one Sunday and you are going to waste it at home? I ain't allowing it. You are coming with me for the match. I will pick you up from your home. Give me the address.
Me: Of course not. Exactly, we get only one Sunday and I am going to sleep it off.
Nikhil: Address. If you won't give it yourself, I have other methods too.
Me: Are you blackmailing me? What are you willing to give in exchange?
Nikhil: I will treat you after the match if we win. Deal?
Me: You are treating me anyways. Deal.
Nikhil: Now can I get the address, madam?
Me: I will WhatsApp you.
Nikhil: Cool.
Me: OK then. I am off to sleep. Bye and Gn.
Nikhil: Gn sleepyhead.
Ã~Ã
"Mom, dad, I am going out today to watch a basketball match."
"You are going out on a Sunday?"
"Yes, dad." They couldn't believe I was stepping my foot outside home on a holiday.
"Who are you going with?"
"Nikhil. He is coming to pick me up. Is it okay?"
"As long as you don't get in trouble, I am okay with it."
"You won't get bored, mom?"
"No. I will manage. I am having a friend over today so I won't get bored to death with your dad."
"What have you made for breakfast? I am hungry."
"Parathas."
(Parathasð)
I hugged mom and dashed to the kitchen. My phone buzzed and Nikhil's name flashed on the screen.
"Hello?" he asked.
"Good morning! When are you coming?"
"Around 11 am. Sorry, I will be a little late. Have to drop mom at a place."
"Okay. No problem."
"Bye."
"Bye."
I hung up the call and the doorbell rang. I got up to open the door. Time to go. I opened the door and saw Nikhil standing outside with a woman. I tilted my head.
"Hi, Sandhya. This is my mom. Looks like our moms already know each other."
So she was the friend mom was having over. Nikhil looked exactly like her. I smiled at him and greeted his mom.
"Please come in, aunty. I will tell Mom you are here."
"Thank you, beta."
They entered the house and I told them to be comfortable. My mom soon arrived from her room and hugged her friend like they haven't seen each other for ages.
"So, this is your son you keep bragging about?" Mom teased.
Nikhil blushed and glanced at me. I smirked.
"How are you, beta?" Mom asked him.
"I am fine aunty. Thanks for asking," he replied.
"He is well mannered," Mom commented.
"Hello everyone," Dad greeted.
"Good morning, uncle," Nikhil said and shook his hand.
My dad talked to him for a few minutes and I nudged dad that we were getting late. He was disappointed to let Nikhil go.
"Stop impressing my parents," I teased.
"Not my fault I am a natural charmer," he boasted.
"It was nice to meet you, Nikhil. Please bring your dad next time too. I would like to meet him," Dad said and patted Nikhil's back.
"Sure, Uncle."
"Can we leave now? Dad, he is my friend. Let go," I complained.
Dad put up his hands up in surrender and motioned for us to go. He nodded at me and I knew he approved of Nikhil as my friend.
"That's a sexy bike," I commented as we left the house and Nikhil mounted it.
"Yeah. Dad gifted it on my 18th birthday." He grinned.
He gave me a helmet and I took the pillion seat.
"Ready?" he asked.
"I was born ready."
He laughed at that and started his bike. The ride was awesome. I asked him if he could teach me how to ride it and he shook his head.
"Why? I promise I won't damage your girlfriend," I said.
"No. I am not teaching you. What if you got in an accident? Uncle would kill me."
"You are exaggerating."
"We are here," he announced and I hopped off the bike.
"What are you doing here?" I heard Mayank and my eyes widened.
"I brought her with me for the match," Nikhil said.
"Aren't you supposed to be at home and studying?" Mayank narrowed his eyes at me.
"Chill, bro. A little bit of fun won't hurt," Nikhil defended.
"I am holding you responsible if we lose," Mayank directed this at Nikhil and Nikhil shrugged.
"What are you doing here then?" I asked Mayank and he gave me a dead look.
"You have a really short memory. My father is the Dean. I can come here anytime," he boasted and I rolled my eyes.
"Okay, okay. My mistake," I said.
He turned around and Nikhil looked at me.
"Don't loose okay," he said and I chuckled.
"Don't laugh. You don't know how scary he is."
I laughed more and we made our way toward the basketball court. Nikhil went to join his teammates and I took a seat on the sidelines. Mayank asked me about my progress and I told him to shut up.
"I am watching you." He motioned with his hand and I shook my head.
"Why are you here?"
Was I going to hear this question throughout the day?
"None of your business," I retorted.
"That's for me to decide," Ved said and sat beside me.
"Why don't you go to your team?" I asked and moved a little away.
"None of your business."
Argh! This idiot. He looked at me and smirked.
"Here to cheer for your boyfriend?" He motioned towards Nikhil who was busy in a conversation with their coach.
"He is not my boyfriend. Stop putting wrong tags on our friendship," I replied sharply.
"I must tell him to be careful. As a friend, I can do that much."
Was he even listening to me? A boy and a girl can be friends. Why do others have to assume that they are dating?
"Coach is calling you," I said and motioned for him to go.
"Changing topics? So like you." He got up and stuck out his tongue at me. So childish.
"Kid?" Rajeev greeted.
"Yo!"
Rajeev asked the same question as why I was here. He sat on my left and Mayank took a seat on my right side. I was in an advantageous position. They had snacks with them. I stole from them when they weren't looking.
The match started and I didn't realize it could be so much fun to watch it from the sidelines. It was awesome! I wish I could play basketball like that. Was I good at anything?
The score was 42 to 30. Team A was winning. Ved patted Nikhil's back after he made a 3-pointer. That shot was so cool. Nikhil looked in my direction and I gave him a thumbs up.
"Enjoying the game?" Nikhil asked when they got a halftime break.
"You are awesome!" I complimented him.
"Thanks," he replied and I gave him a water bottle.
"The break is over. Everyone back on the court," Coach announced and Nikhil went back.
"Don't have too much fun," Ved told me and I glared at him. I tried to trip him but he jumped over my foot.
"That's gotten old." He hit me on the head and made his way to the coach. I held my head and cursed him.
"You and Ved don't get along," Mayank said.
"Tell me something I don't know." I pressed my hand where he hit my head.
"Why?"
"Old school rivalry."
"It's interesting. I am going to enjoy."
I pursed my lips and Rajeev told me to ignore him. Rest of the match was quite difficult for both the teams. In the end, Team A won. Yes! Now Nikhil will have to treat me as he promised.
All the players went to the locker room to freshen up. After 20 minutes, they returned and coach gave them a lecture on team work.
"You ready?" I asked as Nikhil took a seat beside Rajeev.
"For what?" he questioned back.
"My treat. You promised."
"What treat? Count me in," Mayank said.
"Me too," Rajeev added.
"I don't know you two," Nikhil said to them.
"Don't be so mean now. We are coming," Mayank told him and Nikhil shook his head.
He sighed as he realized he couldn't get out of this. We started discussing where we should go.
"Where are we going?" Ved asked.
"We are going. Not you," I said.
He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms across his chest.
"Who's gonna stop me? You?" he asked in mockery.
"Yes." I stood up and copied his pose.
"I would love to see you try," he challenged me.
I glanced at Nikhil and he shrugged his shoulders. No one was helping me. Right, I forgot they were his friends too. They were not taking sides.
I thought of all the methods to stop him but came up short. I couldn't fight him right now. Their was a huge difference in our physical strength. I couldn't tell Nikhil to leave him too. He was his best friend. Damn, I was stuck.
"Got nothing?" he teased.
"Let's get moving. I am getting hungry," Mayank said and got up.
"Come on kid." Rajeev motioned with his hand, and I followed him.
"Coward," Ved commented. I gave him a death glare.
He winked and walked with Nikhil. They all took their cars and bikes. I got on Nikhil's bike and he told me to just ignore Ved. I was doing that since he joined college.
Ã~Ã
"So what you are treating us to?" Rajeev asked as we all got in a small restaurant.
"You decide," Nikhil replied.
We took our seats and checked the menu. I was sitting between Nikhil and Mayank; right in front of Ved. Such a bad luck.
He kept throwing paper straws at me and I threw the spoon at him. He caught it in time and picked up his empty plate.
"No fighting at the table," Rajeev scolded us.
Our orders arrived and Ved tried to put extra chilly sauce on my sandwich. I noticed that and swatted his hand away. We kept fighting like that and Rajeev got frustrated. He smacked us both on our heads and we stopped.
After spending some time there, we all decided to leave. Ved pushed me when I got up and I pushed him back. Failed attempt. He laughed and I huffed.
"Let's go, Sandhya. I will drop you off," Nikhil offered and I followed him.
"Your friend is a jerk," I said and took the helmet.
He didn't say anything and got on his bike. I waved goodbye to Mayank and Rajeev. Ved got on his bike and came beside Nikhil.
He banged his hand on my helmet and I tried to hit him. Tried. He always gets away. Nikhil chuckled and started his bike.
"Bye, Ved," He said and Ved nodded.
"Asshole," I commented.
"Dimwit," he replied and I glared at him.
Before we said more, Nikhil drove off. I sighed in relief. Who knows I would have gone to jail today? Nikhil dropped me off at my home and I thanked him.
He soon left and I decided to chill in my room. I wasn't the one who played but I was tired. Still I enjoyed except for Ved trying to pick a fight with me.
I am going to join those self defense classes and my first victim will be Ved. I laughed evilly and imagined myself chokeslaming him. I rubbed my palms like a villain and laughed loudly.
Mom scolded me from downstairs and I decided to stop. Let's study now or Mayank will beat me to a pulp. I tried but couldn't focus. I kept thinking about how to get back at Ved.
Ping!
I recieved a message from Nikhil.
Nikhil: Sorry for today. Hope you didn't mind the guys.
Me: Guy, not guys.
Nikhil: Oh. Can't help about it. You know how he is.
Me: I know that better than anyone else.
Nikhil: Did you enjoy?
Me: Yes. You are a great basketball player. Teach me.
Nikhil: How many things do you want to learn?
Me: All of it. ð
Nikhil: Bye. Gtg.
Me: Bye.
I will leave Ved alive. Not because I have forgiven him but for his friends. They were nice people.