Chapter 19

Side Story

Jay and Ranjeet were sitting and mopping. Ranjeet was angry and said, "Yesterday, that teacher troubled us a lot. Say it, swear that all the boys here are like brothers."

"You should have accepted yesterday. We don't get punished here," Jay said.

"Why should I? You are not my brother," Ranjeet retorted.

"Oh really? Then who am I?"

"My husband."

"Oh, Mr. Husband, there's nothing like that between us!"

"So? It could happen! Even arranged marriages work like this," Ranjeet said innocently.

Jay smiled, "Arranged gay marriages don't work like this."

"No matter what, you can't be my brother," Ranjeet replied.

"You don't even like me. Now you're claiming big rights," Jay laughed, while Ranjeet was in an angry mood. "Stop laughing. My back hurts from mopping."

Ranjeet continued "Umeed also has a tongue. She refused to wear pink, and we've been roaming around in black since yesterday. We're not even using body perfume, giving it to mosquitoes spray in the name of fragrance."

Jay laughed while lying on the ground. Ranjeet saw Jay lying down on floor and lay beside him.

Ranjeet said, "The ground is quite cold. Finally, it feels good to relax."

Jay, a little farther away, murmured, "Yes."

"Why are you lying far away from me?" Ranjeet asked.

"I can't find any chips here, and I'm hungry."

"Changed the topic?"

"Do you even love me?" Jay asked, looking into Ranjeet's eyes.

"Nothing! It's hot here," Ranjeet said, looking around.

"It's cool here."

"Yes, but still."

"Now you're not changing the topic?"

"I'll search for chips."

A guy approached Ranjeet and said, "My name is Vikash. You're Ranjeet, right? What a scene you guys made. Are you both brothers?"

"What do you mean?" Ranjeet said in anger.

Jay intervened, "No, we're husbands."

"What? Damn, I like it! I am gay too. It's suffocating here. Everyone here is crazy. Finally, I found someone nice," Vikash said.

Jay said, "Are you with your boyfriend?"

"No! He's already married. He's taking care of his kids. You know, it's not that easy in India."

"True," Jay agreed.

Vikash asked, "What's your love story?"

Jay replied, "Tell him, Ranjeet, our L O V E story."

Ranjeet hesitated, "We met at his sister's wedding. We fell in love and got married."

Jay clapped, "What a story... I mean, so cute."

Vikash said, "Is your family okay with it? First, tell me, have you guys kissed?"

Ranjeet replied, "I think..." struggling to say.

Jay interruption, "We had."

Vikash said, "I have some work. I'll come in a while. Let's meet at lunchtime."

Vikash left.

Jay continued, "You can tell all sorts of lies, but you can't lie about kissing guys."

Ranjeet said, "I don't want to talk about it."

"It's scary, talking about kissing guys," Jay remarked.

"Nothing like that," Ranjeet replied.

"Are you scared?"

"No, not at all."

"Then why haven't you tried kissing me yet? You have crush on me?" Jay teased.

"Is this what it's all about? Is everything like...?" Ranjeet said.

"Okay, noble guy, you're really attracted to me? What kind of attraction is it if you don't even want to kiss me? I think you're straight," Jay laughed.

"Stop provoking me. I'm not that kind of person. I don't want to talk," Ranjeet said.

Jay enjoyed teasing him, while Ranjeet was feeling uneasy. They sat down to eat, and everyone started playing the truth and dare game.

The teacher said, "Sometimes during lunch, we play games."

The bottle pointed towards Aman and then towards Vikash.

Aman asked, "Truth or dare?"

The teacher said, "Dare! Be a strong man!"

and Vikash chose dare.

Ranjeet, in anger, said, "Even speaking the truth is a man's job. that also a strong man."

The teacher intervened, "Quiet, Aman said."

Aman said, "Pour water into your plate of food."

Ranjeet smirked, "And take the dare."

Vikash got angry, wondering what he would eat. He poured water into his plate, and Aman started smiling.

The bottle spun, and it pointed towards Vikash and Jay.

Vikash asked, "Truth or dare?"

Jay replied, "Dare."

Ranjeet glared at Jay in anger, and Jay gave a cute smile. Ranjeet started eating quietly.

Vikash said, "Kiss Ranjeet."

The teacher said in anger, "That's bullshit, Vikash! Are you out of your mind?"

"Yeah, the teacher is..." Ranjeet started, but Jay interrupted.

"Shh, Ranjeet," Jay said, holding Ranjeet's cheeks.

"I can't kiss now! Cut your mustache Sanskari (noble) Boy. But I'll do it. I can't let go of this opportunity," Jay said.

Ranjeet's heartbeat increased, and he started sweating. When Jay was about to kiss him, everyone stopped eating and looked at Ranjeet. Ranjeet closed his eyes in fear. Jay smiled and kissed him on the forehead.

When Jay's lips touched Ranjeet's forehead, Ranjeet tightly held his fork. When the kiss happened, he let go of the fork from his hand.

"You're safe. Open your eyes, Ranjeet."

Everyone was smiling; a brotherly kiss was nothing. Everyone interpreted it in their own way. When people don't understand something, they create new meaning it according to their own understanding.

-----------------------------------

Omkara said, "Mamma Mia! Stop screaming, I know both of you are excited.

It's more than just physical, it's a deep emotional experience. When your partner touches you lovingly, it often brings a sense of warmth and comfort that makes you feel cherished and valued. It can make you feel more connected and secure, you feel super special, like you've hit the jackpot of affection.

When your partner gives you a body massage, it's like magic for your relationship. Not only does it make you feel like you've just been upgraded to VIP Love status in their life, but it's also a way for them to show they really care. A massage is like the ultimate intimacy booster, turning up the trust and closeness to eleven. Plus, it's like an emotional high-five that reminds you they've got your back. And don't forget, massages release oxytocin, the "love hormone," which makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, like you've just been wrapped in a cozy blanket of affection. So, when your partner is rubbing your shoulders, it's not just about the physical feel-good vibes, it's also about leveling up your relationship and feeling totally cherished. Trust me, you'll get all this and more once you experience it!"

I spoke. "So long lecture! are you mad or what? have worked in massage parlor? This is a bad idea." (I blushed.)

Geet said. "We will divorce soon, so I cannot touch her." showing anger & calmness.

Omkara replied. "Calm down, ladies! I got it, you both are blushing so hard. Don't be shy. Let me change the position. How about this: Payal, you learn to massage and take a rest. Geet will be free from tension and stress!"

I exclaimed. "This is too much!"

Omkara said. "Too much? Okay, it's not for your marriage. You are here to learn novel ideas and emotions. So, follow me. Geet, change your clothes."

Geet asked. "HUH?"

Omkara instructed. "Fast! Quick, quick! Just wear some kind of bikini."

Moon said, entering the room. "Geet, what a pleasant surprise you are here. Wait, who is the pretty lady?"

I said. "Moon, Omkara is asking me something so weird. He wants me to give her a massage."

Moon chuckled. "That's so good! Geet, a free massage is so good. Payal, go for it."

I protested. "Moon, I do not think this is right."

Moon said. "Omkara, they are uncomfortable! Do something to make them comfortable."

Omkara said. "Fine! I am going now! I will teach you tomorrow. Massage plan cancelled."

This is a love lesson or a novel writing lesson. I'm so done with these lessons. I got a call.

Dad: "Yeah, dad!"

Dad replied. "Beta, come to the village! You and Geet are no longer together. She's not good for you."

I asked. "What happened, Dad?"

Dad replied. "Nothing! Even one more thing, Jay's phone is switched off. Your mom told me, Ranjeet is also missing."

I replied. "We will come back in 3-4 days."

Dad replied. "Okay, beta! Hope you are fine."

I replied. "Yes, Dad. How are you?"

Dad replied. "Nothing is good. Come soon. Bye."

Omkara left. Moon asked: "You seem worried!"

I said "I told you, right? Something is wrong. Chipsy's phone is now switched off, and Ranjeet is missing."

Geet asked "What? Why didn't you tell me, Payal?"

I replied in anger "You were busy breaking up with me."

Geet asked "Breakup's for you, not for me."

I asked in anger "Did you ask me?"

Geet kept silent and then she asked: "What? What does that mean?"

I replied "I do not wanna fight with you again! Chipsy and Ranjeet are missing. You and I are also in danger. How can I find out who the villain in our life is?"

Moon said "I know a woman who can do this quickly! Give me some time. Please do not fight for now, Geet and Payal. This is a time to be together. We cannot fight alone."

I asked: "Moon, don't worry. I will not talk to her, then no fight will happen."

Moon requested: "This is not the time to show your anger. Be nice to her, just like you both are friends. It's okay if you are not behaving like Wifey-Wifey."

Geet asked "Moon just talked to the "Bloodsucker". She can do this."

Moon replied "Yeah." Moon left.

Geet said "I think we are strangers, better. You do not have to put pressure to behave like friends."

I said in anger "What do you want? Now I cannot behave like friends? I'm so done! Do not talk to me."

Earth and Chef are making reels in kitchen. My mind is blank. I am on the balcony. I want to cry for the first time. I don't have anyone. Chipsy is not here to support me. This place is so big. I feel so lonely here! There are more than 200 bodyguards and a few members, but I feel like I am living alone. Sometimes, even in a crowd, you feel alone, as if no one is there. I see cameras everywhere, so I can't even cry in peace. I am not the kind of person who cries easily. Why is crying so easy for me now? I almost never cried before. This is the worst feeling. A tear is falling from my left eye.

Shh SHH Be quiet, Payal. No one is coming to comfort you. Mom is not here. Don't make a scene by crying. I really want to cry. So much has happened in my life. I endured everything, endured everyone's betrayals. And now, the one I love the most in this world isn't telling me anything. Who knows where he is, whether he's okay or not. I have no idea.

I thought I could live alone. I had no idea there was such a difference between being alone and feeling lonely. I had been alone for so long, but the feeling of loneliness is something I only understand now. When no one understands you, when no one values you, it's like there's no reason to be happy in your life. I keep forgetting what happiness even feels like. I've made new friends here, but it doesn't feel like home. This world is so different, the people here are different. I don't belong here. This world feels foreign. Maybe this is what being lonely means.

Somebody walks onto the balcony. I quickly wipe away my tears and put on a smile. Guess what? Now I know how to fake a smile. I've learned. Now I realize.

Geet gives me a chocolate shake. "This is for you."

"I'm not hungry."

"It's yummy. It'll make you feel better." she teased me and formal smiled. I felt like kid. I remembered Moon's talk. I took a sip and nodded. "It's good."

Geet smiled in a formal way. "You're worried about your brother. I can understand. I'm sorry. Running a company, it's a habit to make decisions on own. I've never taken anyone's advice. It's a bad thing, even companies face issues. You can ask me anything directly. From the beginning, we've been in a tough situation. Talk freely. My love is forceful on you. Marriage is the same. I can't change everything. After you told me I was wrong, I've read many books on how to handle this situation and how to correct things. I've found that nothing can bring back the smile. Maybe divorce is the only thing you want. I'm not sure. Maybe you want to stay with me. Maybe I'm wrong. Is it true?"

Moon arrives. "Oh god! Bloodsucker is ready to search for that guy."

I ask, "Who is she?"

Moon replies, "She's a female don in India."

"Mafia queen?"

"Hmm," Moon replies.

"Do you know her? What does she look like?"

"I'm the only one who knows how she looks. She and I are good friends after a project. I won't show her face now. She's so dangerous that everyone is scared to even mention her name."

"She looks like one of my favorite movie characters, 'Waiting for You.'"

"That movie is based on her love life. she is straight in movie. Her real name is Ranjitha, you know. Don't tell anyone; it's a secret. She's not straight. Heer is her girlfriend."

"She's gay?"

"Yeah, she is. Isn't it cool?" Moon replied in excitement.

"Yes," I said.

Moon left.

Geet interrupts, "Finished?"

"Huh?"

"The glass? The chocolate glass?"

I hand her the glass. She seems like she wants to say something. I raise my eyebrows, wondering why she's staring at me. Then she puts her thumb on my lips and wipes away the chocolate shake. She smiles and licks her thumb. "Let's go!" I hide my lips. Why? She could have just asked me to clean it; it's not a big deal. Calm down, Payal.

I went to the room, and Geet was waiting, reading some kind of manga, maybe "Citrus." I took my laptop and started writing a story, but what kind of story should I write? A girl who likes another girl? No, no! My heartbeat increased. How about a guy liking another... gay... Wait, my mind isn't working. I keep thinking about gay things. Of course, I should just sleep so my mind can be quiet.

Geet said, "Payal, do you want to read?"

"I don't like reading."

"Why? You like writing."

"Yes! Reading is so boring for me. I can barely read a page."

"So why don't you start reading? It's really amazing. I've learned many things."

"Hmm. So what should I read?"

"Let me check!"

"What are you reading?"

She smiled, "It's not for you."

"Is it tough English?"

"No, check it yourself."

I opened the first page, and it's about a cool girl who loves wearing makeup. Reading with pictures, it's easy. It's a comic book. I like it. She wants to go to school... that's cool.

"Nothing's wrong. It's a school girl's story."

Geet asked, "Why don't you read it if you like it?"

Wait, wait. She saw their teacher and her classmate kissing in school. Her schoolmate is having an affair with her teacher, and the teacher is cheating on her. Now she's living in her house, and her mother wants to marry her father. So, nothing's wrong... wait, wait. I turned the page and saw two girls kissing. The book slipped from my hand.

She went to the washroom. Geet looked at me and picked up the book, smiling as if she knew I would react like this.

"You're reading a lesbian comic?" I asked

"Yes. Its call Yuri"

"Yuri? How is a Yuri comic so interesting. I love it." I am still reading.

"What? I thought you hated it." She replied with her question mark face expression.

"I didn't. Even I'm happy they kissed. Give it back." I said with excitement.

Geet asked, "I never thought you'd like a Yuri comic book."

I laughed, "It's funny, actually. Very FUNNY HAHaha"

"Don't read the next page. Enough for today." She snatched the comic book from me. That not fair.

"They fall in the pool. I want to know what happens after that." (I asked in so much showing interest, I badly know the next page. I took it back and read as loudly as I could, turning away from Geet.)

"No, not now!" (she is teasing me and also ordering like she is principal of any school. She did it again—how dare she! She took the comic book and closed it.)

She didn't give it to me and was trying to keep the comic book away. I tried to get the book, but Geet lifted it up. Her hand was like touching the sky. We both were sitting on the bed. I really wanted that comic book back, so I started getting closer without even noticing. Before I knew it, we were both sitting fold-legged, so close we could hear each other's breathing. I realized whenever I get near her, she gets all mesmerized or something that I cannot understand. like she can't control herself. I could totally take advantage of that. My mind and my need to read the comic made me do it. I've felt so bored so many times. I really needed that comic, so I kept inching closer to her lips. Her hand is still at the sky, and as soon as she closed her eyes, I grabbed my comic back.

I laughed so hard, and when she heard me, she opened her eyes.

Geet replied, "That's cheating."

I opened the comic book again and started reading out loud. She looked at me with a bit of anger, but I didn't care—I was too focused on my comic.

I exclaimed, "They are bathing together!"

She lay on the bed, put her hand under her chin, and said with a smirk.

"Feel some shyness! You are reading Adult comic."

"I don't know why I felt so happy at that moment when two women were bathing together. It doesn't feel different..."

I was thinking it, and fuck fuck!, I said it out loud. I want to die; let me just fall off a building.

"So much honesty! You would shout at me if I asked you if you wanted to try this with me."

She's drawing a circle from her index finger at the bedsheet.

I flushed, "No, reality is different. How can I bat..."

She smiled in a flirtatious way. "Now you're shy?"

I set the comic aside and looked at her face. A few stray hairs had fallen across her face as she continued drawing circles. Damn it! Sometimes I feel so foolish. Why do I spill so much truth? I don't even know why I do it.

"Yes," I looked away.

"Did my flirtation work on you? You're straight, don't forget that."

She smiled and remained focused on her drawing. In her sitting position, I could see her front bra, so I moved away. I put my hand on my head, hiding half of my face, and scratched the left side of my head, just above my left eyebrow. Show some respect, Payal. That's not like you. You're not thinking wrong. Be a good woman. YES be a good woman.

"YES! (I spilled it again.) No NO NOOOO" My voice modulation is like adjusting the volume from 10 to 100, like using a TV remote.

"What not?"

Now I'm staring at the ceiling. It's beautiful, with stars fading into view. I messed up. I really want to escape from this situation. My mind is blank. I've stopped thinking. She's still busy with her drawing, as if she doesn't care about my response—or maybe she already knows the answer.

"I mean..." My heartbeat is high.

She looked at me, waiting for what I would say. Now I'm feeling even more scared. My mind is stuck on just one word. I don't have anything else to say. My heartbeat is increasing like I'm about to have a heart attack. I don't know if she'll kill me. Why am I feeling scared?

"I.... am..... not."  (Heartbeat is increasing, budum budum! high high)

"What are YOU NOT?"

"(I closed my eyes and spoke quickly) I think I am not straight. I don't know if I'm bi, gay, or pan."

She looked at me in shock, but she also smiled so hard. It seemed like she didn't believe me. She thought I was lying, and she laughed as if she found the line funny "You're not straight."

"Yes, I am not. I will find out what I am. I am still figuring it out. That confirms that I like boys and girls too."

"So you're bi. (Bisexual)" She asked me in a way that suggested, 'Are you lying? It's okay, darling, let me join in your lie.

"......Maybe."

"So I have a chance," she winked.

I nodded.

Honesty can be like trying to handle a spicy pani puri when you're not ready for it—super intense and likely to make you sweat. When you're honest about something personal or sensitive, it's like revealing you've been watching those dramatic saas-bahu serials in secret. You might be worried people will think you're a little off or judge you for your over-the-top Netflix habits. Plus, there's that nagging fear of it all blowing up in your face, like when you accidentally mix up the masala in your biryani. But just like how good Indian food can bring people together, honesty can help build real, solid connections with others. So, even if it feels like you're about to eat a firecracker, it's often worth it.