42

"Today, Dee isn't going to do any work, Naina proposed to me!" Aahan was shouting loudly.

"Naina?" I set aside my book.

"Yes, I want to show you a photo."

"No, just introduce me to her. Anyway, I don't have time. Who would believe that your girlfriend is my neighbor, yet I've never seen her even once?"

"I know you're the busiest person in the world, and you're also lazy to step out of the house. You're always busy with calls and messages, that's why you don't have a boyfriend."

"Aahan, when are you throwing a party?"

"Do you want pizza?"

"With extra cheese," I said, widening my eyes.

"Greedy," Aahan teased, giving me a sideways glance.

Meera started tickling Aahan.

"You're spending my money as if you earn it. You look at me as if you do. My grumpy brother," I said with a smirk.

"I may be grumpy, but I can do anything for you," Aahan replied with a smile.

"Big talker! You don't even do your own homework," I said with a suppressed laugh.

"I do not prefer writing, that's what Naina is for," Aahan responded.

"Naina?  it's shameful to get your homework done by your girlfriend. You go to school, can't do anything. Little kid," I said, lightly tapping Aahan's head.

Aahan adjusted his hair.

"Don't mess with my hair, Dee."

I continued messing with Aahan's hair, then he said, "Wait wait No Noooooo! Today's Sunday, and you're home too. Should I call Naina over?"

"Yeah, ask her to come over. There's no one at home," I replied.

"Wouldn't it be strange if she misunderstands something?"  Aahan said.

"No, that's how you have to say it," I replied with a smile.

"Aahan made the call right in front of me. The white cat from the neighbor's house came over, and I was playing with her. Aahan brought Naina with him. I saw her for the first time; she was a shy, timid girl with brown eyes. One side of my salwar suit's dupatta had fallen, and I quickly fixed it while introducing myself with a smile. Naina seemed very nervous, and for a moment, I thought she couldn't hear me. I called out to her several times, poor thing. Maybe she got scared because I'm older. I'll have to make her comfortable as a friend.

Then Naina went to the restroom. I went to check on her and saw her staring at herself in the mirror. The door was open. What a strange girl, checking herself out in the restroom. She noticed me, and I lied, saying I also came to use the restroom. When I noticed Naina's face, it was pale. It seemed like she had an allergic reaction on her fair skin. When I asked her about it, she brushed it off as if nothing happened. I couldn't help but laugh. Kids from school, really. I don't even have any friends. I wish I had a friend like Naina."

After Naina left, I found myself saying to myself, "Naina, Naina, Naina, why do you talk so much about her?" She reminds me of that girl from my school, Heer, the most beautiful girl. Her eyes were just blue. Her dad worked for an American company and brought American chocolates every year, but she always gave them all to me. I was just in 5th grade then. I used to be so happy and would sit on my seat with joy. She always gave me her eraser because I was always losing mine. I helped Heer with her math, and she gave me chocolates. Then Heer went to America in 6th grade, and I felt a little lonely, but then my focus shifted to studying, and I didn't have time to recall her. I kinda liked Heer's wolf-cut hair, but I love my straight hair. Naina also has a bit of a wolf-cut, but hers are brown instead of black. Natural brown, wow, she is so lucky.

I kept talking to myself, tearing and throwing pages from the book. There were only paper balls in my room. The next day, I had an important call to make, but there was no network here. Maybe it's the third time this year I'm going out as Meera. I was talking to client, and then I saw Naina coming, so I got busy with the call. I wasn't paying attention to Naina; my mind was wandering. Her neck, I don't know why it looks so beautiful to me. I've always loved deer since childhood, and her neck is somewhat like that, soft and bright. Why am I thinking so much? I should stay away from this thought.

"Naina came to meet Aahan again. I thought I'd talk to her a bit; maybe she brought yummy chocolates for me like Heer used to, and we'll become good friends. I'll go shopping a lot then. But will she be friends with me? There's a 4-year age gap between us. I don't want her to start calling me 'Dee'. Sister, eww. I wish I weren't Aahan's sister. If she does call me that, it won't be right, but I want a good friend somehow, someone who will stay with me for a lifetime. Yes, I miss Shahnaz, but her story is too sad. I have to chat more with Naina, mission friendship begins.

There was so much chatter between Naina and Aahan that I went there to annoy Aahan. Aahan made plans for a movie; I didn't know Naina was allergic to romance, but Aahan scared of horror, and I don't even like movies. But if I become friends with Naina, I can spend Sundays with someone else. I don't need to spend time with boring books; I do not have friends at the office. Should I make a boyfriend or girlfriend? Girlfriend... I looked at Naina; she's so straight. My mind is messed up. She's not even looking towards me.

As we sat in the taxi, it felt like Naina was avoiding me, as if she could smell something unpleasant from me. She was trying to sniff too much, Cute! though. Naina glanced at me and then started looking out of the taxi window again. She's a strange girl. She talks, but why is she so scared of me? When I started a conversation, she brought up the 'Dee' topic, and thank god, I cleared it up. I wish Naina wouldn't make me think so much. What's going on here? We haven't even talked.

It's hard to find a Thai movie, but the rom-com wasn't that bad. The movie was boring me, so I started checking my email on my phone. I went to the restroom to fix my lipstick when Naina also arrived. She's following me; wait, she seems upset. Aahan wants a kiss, and Naina is shy? Wow, what a deceptive girl. Where do you find such girls these days? Do not say that, Naina, you haven't kissed before Aahan. She's 18 now, but she can kiss. Forget Naina; I tried to motivate her, but it didn't seem like she was happy with what I said. After Naina left, I realized that I had lipstick outside my lips. I quickly cleaned it up; I don't know where my mind was wandering. Then I went back and sat in the cinema."

I heard Aahan's comment, "Boys should always protect girls." Aahan has always been open-minded, but sometimes he gets influenced by Mom's words. When I heard Aahan's comment, it felt like I just wanted to bite her ears and go. My mind was messed up ever since I read a dark romance book before meeting Naina. I approached Naina as if I wanted to whisper something in her ear, wanting to tell her that Aahan is wrong, but my mind was all over the place. Since meeting Naina, I had read a dark romance book, and it seemed to have influenced me. I spoke in a husky voice, as if I had transformed into a seductive character. I told myself, "Calm down, Meera, try to step out of the books a bit." It seems like Naina might not have heard anything. I really messed up with Naina. Now, I must seem like a lusty woman to her. Everything has gone wrong. Naina isn't even moving. She's turned into a statue. My voice is amazing, I knew that, but it doesn't drive straight people crazy. Proud of Meera.

I explained the meaning of BL-GL to Naina, even though I provided a lot of knowledge, I didn't know I would give such an example that would make me feel embarrassed. But Aahan didn't say anything, he's so open-minded, but maybe Naina didn't like it. Should I talk to her?

I said, "If you were in love with me instead of Aahan, would you still say 'Eww'? Because you wouldn't have control over it."

Naina went straight towards the washroom, and I followed her. Aahan seemed busy with the movie, but I didn't understand why she looked upset. She got angry with me as if I did something wrong. But what did I do? Why would she be angry with me? Naina is upset about something else and is taking it out on me. As her future best friend, I'll bear this anger. I tried to calm her down, but she didn't stop being silent. I hope she's okay. She left and I went straight to Aahan. Aahan was about to message Naina when he received a message from her saying she's going home.

"What happened to Naina, Dee?"

"What did you do?"

"I just asked about the kiss."

"She might have gotten scared by your request for a kiss. Crazy. Tomorrow, bring a gift and will say sorry."

"Okay."

Aahan responded.

The next day, Naina came by herself. She apologized, but I didn't feel like I needed one. She was so scared, I felt like I was Hitler. I decided I'd talk to her. I'll meet her early tomorrow. Aahan told me she likes to see the moon in the morning. I was planning to go jogging as an excuse. Aahan had bring Naina's favorite snacks; her expressions are priceless, like she's looking at the snacks like an innocent child. I avoided her gaze until she looked at me. I don't know why, but I was also afraid she might get angry again. She's kind-hearted. She's a foodie like me. She's not just a little shy, but very shy. She's comfortable with Aahan. They don't seem like a romantic couple, but they tease each other and have a buddy-cuddy vibe. They're a good couple.

The next day, I did the same thing. I talked about random topics and then got straight to my point, but Naina is very smart. She didn't respond at all. I explained the entire course of introvert-extrovert as if I were teaching it to her, but Naina's responses always seemed like she was playing it safe. She's honest, but it's like she takes a pill for her tongue, unable to say what she really wants to. Her behavior intrigued me even more. What is it that Naina can't tell me?

Jogging in the morning can be quite tough; my hands were shaking. Then Naina shook hands with me. Her hands were warm and soft, feeling as delicate as a deer's. I liked her hands so much that I felt like taking them home and smelling them to see what they were made of, because mine are usually in the freezer. When Naina fully shook my hand, I felt like she might be uncomfortable holding hands like this, so she changed the way we were holding hands. But this way felt better to me too. Then I let go of her hand, made some conversation, and escorted her home. When I looked at my hands, I realized how awesome they felt when I clasped them together. Is it her touch or just mine? Naina, whether you have any flaws or not, you're at the topper, you're kind, and beautiful. A perfect lady. Aahan is so lucky; I wish she had a twin sister. Anyway, jokes aside, I'm happy for Naina and Aahan.

Aahan's birthday came, and he won't change. He told Naina he wants to kiss her, and she got scared. I helped her; she was afraid because she needed practice for the kiss, but I didn't have any guy to practice with. I thought about it, but then I gathered my courage and told her she could practice with me. I'm her future best friend; I want to solve all of Naina's problems. But Naina started hesitating, as if she didn't like my lips. Maybe I'm a terrible kisser, and I should tell her I'm good and can teach her. But I don't want to say all this because I want to maintain a good and sweet image in front of Naina. I shouldn't say this.

Naina's mom requested me to come over because Naina is alone. Maybe Naina's fear hasn't decreased; she can't even unlock the door in front of me, her hands are shaking. I quietly started reading a book because I don't just want to stare at Naina. I brought a dark romance book, hoping I won't make any mistakes today. Naina, Naina, at least look towards me a bit. If you keep ignoring me, how will I talk to you? This girl neither talks nor tells anything; I always have to start the conversation. She's saying good night and leaving. We could have danced, done makeup, watched a movie. Naina, are you leaving? My best friend plan is failing miserably. It feels like the world's most impossible mission.

I called her over and as we sat down, I asked about my brother. We were laughing, but Naina seemed embarrassed because she had kissed Aahan on the cheek. Her face turned as red as a tomato. I've never seen such a shy girl before. She got angry and I followed her into the room. The room was very colorful; I thought Naina liked pink, but her room was blue. As soon as I entered the room, I started feeling anxious, like something was wrong, because in my book, the main lead's first kiss was in a blue-colored room, which made me even more nervous. Talking to Naina was difficult but kissing her seemed so easy because her hands were warm. I wanted to feel her body, but it was too much for me. I wasn't going to do anything; I just wanted to go to sleep. End of discussion. Maybe I should read some self-help books. Aahan keeps saying I should read some self-help books, I might consider it now. Thinking about his girlfriend, I feel so useless.

Naina mentioned that I agreed to practice kissing with her and then didn't help. I shouldn't feel so hurt by Naina just drinking water, but I can't understand why. I want to know a lot of things about Naina, including what her lips taste like. I know it's cheap, but dark romance books are also cheap. What should I do? I feel like I'm cheating, but I'm just practicing. Naina already loves Aahan anyway, so the practice is for her benefit. I took a step towards kissing Naina, but my stupid alarm told me to "calm down, Meera," so I backed off.

This room feels so deja vu; I'm becoming the seductive character again. I feel like I've become that character I was reading about; it's like that character has entered me. Because Naina is as beautiful as mentioned in the book. Her words, her expressions, don't make me feel relaxed. I don't even want her to feel relaxed. I hate my dark character.

I fell asleep on the bed, her words swirling in my mind. Then, Naina and I started goofing around, tickling each other. I tried my best to become friends with her, but I live near her. There's an energy that I can feel, which I can call tension; it's like this tension is forcing the thoughts in my mind to turn into reality. I noticed Naina's neck, and this time, I didn't want to miss the opportunity. But I forgot that whatever happens would be wrong. I got carried away, I tasted Naina's neck, just a touch of lips, but Naina didn't react. I noticed her neck was warm, oh god, I didn't realize what smell was near her neck because my focus was on her taste. I kissed her neck again, and after doing so, I felt it was very wrong. I immediately backed off, but I understood that Naina wasn't interested because she was scared. I made a mistake, I regretted it, and then I quietly fell asleep.

Maybe it was at this moment when I realized that it wasn't the character from the book, but it was me who was behaving like this in front of Naina, something I had never done in front of anyone before. I've fallen in love with Naina, and I want to explore her body, but I also want to spend time with her, hold her hand, walk on the streets with her. Naina was appearing in front of me in every moment, every second, every memory. Whatever book I read, I was imagining her. I closed my eyes.

Meera was yelling, her voice muffled with sweat, "Naina, stop it, stop it!"

Meera opened her eyes.

She returned to the present, and Naina was sleeping beside her. Meera hugged Naina but then close eyes.

She hugged tightly as if she didn't want to let go, she kissed on the neck and closed her eyes with a smile.

If you like it, don't forget to hit the star ⭐ to show your appreciation and help it reach more people. TATA! TAKE CARE