"Darling, I have been standing at the gate for more than one hour now, where are you stuck?" The best friend said so sweetly that it easily melted into an irritated tone.
"Oops so so sorry! How could I not remember to tell you that I won't be coming to college today?! Sorry, yaar", the girl's voice was agitated and meek at once.
"Are you okay? Or An outing today?"
"Naah.. he's busy with his studies for the test. I dare not disturb him!", She was chirpy again.
"Then? I hope the rose thing is not still on your mind. You know how superstitious I am! Remember the black magic thing I used to believe in till some months ago!!? Don't take my comments seriously, do you get it?"
"Hey! Hey! I am sure you know that I never take you seriously, naah! Never!", The liveliest laugh of the girl made them forget what they were talking about. "I was on my way out of the PG when I was blocked by the heavenly aroma of tamarind rice. Bhabhi is an awesome cook, you already know that!"
"He he he! Go on fatty, see you tomorrow then!"
"Your friend is a gem and you are so fortunate to have found your best friend in her. Bring her home sometime soon, let's stuff her too with yummies!", The daughter in law was a gem too.
"True, Bhabhi. She's like the mother I never had.", The brown eyes turned misty and had a grateful look.
The lady gave the slightest hug to her and smiled, sugary sweet now.
Back in her room, the girl took some time to arrange the knick knacks and decided to make up for the bunked classes by preparing notes of the subject she hardly liked. Serves her well for bunking college that day!
"Didi, tiffin!", The tiffinwalah called out to her and put the tiffin carrier which carried her lunch, on the window sill. "I need some money in advance, Didi." "How much?" "Only rupees five hundred" "Wait, I am coming.. why are you so late today?" "Sorry Didi, the special onions curry took longer than I expected, you would definitely like this curry", the man grinned.
The clock showed half past three. It was a dreary afternoon. She felt the day was longer than usual. A nap might help it get by fast. A look at the flowers and she felt something clink in her heart. "Hey!" She messaged her boyfriend through the popular instant messaging app. Though she knew that this would disturb his study hours, she yearned to hear his soothing baritone. One single tick beside the sent message.. Putting her phone down, she closed her eyes and thought about how she feels every time he takes her small and soft palms in his strong palms. She looked at the sent message again and found the same one single tick. "No network", she sighed and took herself back to the touch that gave her goosebumps. Sweat on her forehead and peace in her whole being.
