Preeti and Kishan (Episode2)

Before jumping to the story I would suggest you to go through my previous entry First Date v/s Last Date (in case you have missed it), that will establish a link and you would able to understand this story a bit more.

Disclaimer:  This conversation is purely fictional and based on my personal experience. Any connection found with anyone whether living or dead or with any other story then it would be a pure coincidence.

20^th Dec. 2009

It was a typical Sunday morning, I was preparing for my semester-end examinations that was to start in a week’s time. Mom came to my room and said I’m thinking of making dalia ladoos for the winters, what you think? Would you able to take out some time to help us... I replied, oh! Sure why not, right now am studying let me finish this. It would take around one hour. She said fine we’ll do it after having lunch. I nodded.

At 12, I came out from my room, Mumma asked through? I replied yep. She said ok, let’s have a meal first. When I was taking meal, I received Preeti’s call. My dad was sitting in front of me. I could not take her call. I gently press the ‘silence’ button. My dad asked “kiska phone h?” I said idea. He again concentrates on his food. I cleverly put the phone in vibration mode. Just then whole table thundered with the vibration of the phone. My dad raised his eyebrow. I fumbled the phone and said “ofo, ye rohit bhi na kbhi bhi call kar deta hai.” I again press the silent button. After 10 secs more it vibrated again, this time I received a message from Preeti, “whr r u”. Just then my dad snatched my phone and said “you eat your food first”. I finished my food in no time and washed my hands. I actually forgot about Preeti as I was busy with mom. Mom asked who was calling you. Ohh Shit! I quickly collected my phone and dialled Preeti’s no. She picked up in second time and was little upset as I had not picked up her phone. I pleaded her for sometime then she asked where you are? I replied at home, she said, am at my institute South Ex. I’m free can you come, so that we can meet.

I had a hint of this that she would ask me to come in. I told her about my semester-end examination. She did some emotional blackmailing to me and I gave up. I told her, I would reach in one hour. She smiled (actually giggled) and said ok am waiting. I told mumma that I need to go to my friend’s place to collect some notes. My mom looks me into shock and called my dad.

Dad asked me, from whom you are going to collect your notes? I casually said, Aman though I never came across any person in my life whose name is Aman. Mom knows most of my friends she enquired, who is he? I replied; my senior. She said ok fine, but try to come early, we have lots of work here as well. I thought it’s impossible to come early I said, I would come around 7. She screamed, 7? Where this Aman put up? I replied near by only and SN came out of my mouth. I continued I’m thinking of talking some help (as well) on the topic .She said that’s nice and smiled; you can take our car if you want. I could not take undue advantage of my parents moreover there are parking crunches at South-ex. So I denied and said no, absolutely ok, I’m comfortable with the bus.

I went to my room changed my sweater and came out. I checked my pockets there was not a single penny. I checked another jeans and got the same result. Luckily I found 900 bucks in my bag. I tied my shoes and screamed “bye” nobody bothered to respond. Everybody was appearing soo busy. When I reached to the lane I turned back and saw the whole family is standing in the balcony and waving. I smiled and waved them back and thought; drama academy.

I reached bus stand and quickly got a bus. I messaged her that I’ve got a bus and am reaching in half an hour. She did not reply. I waited for 5 minutes then I called her she did not pick up. I tried second time this time she cut the phone. I thought what now? Should I go back? Just then I received her message, am in class can’t pick-up your phone now. Now what the hack is this? Ain’t she told me that she’s free? If she had to attend her classes why she invited me at first place? She had spoiled my mood. I no more wanted to go to meet her. I was thinking of getting down from the bus. Just then another message came from her side: she had written. By the time you will reach, I would get free. I typed ‘K’ and send. She replied am sorry. I did not reply back.

I got down at south-ex and have no clue where to go and what to do. I messaged her that I have reached and waiting at bus stand. She called back and said my classes are over but I have some work in institute. It will still take some time. I wanted to say fuck you, but she has warned me of using F word. So I asked her how much time you would take. She replied 10 mins. I said ok am at part-II bus stand. She asked me which one is part-II. I really had now clue, how to make her understand that which one is part-II. I said am in front of Levi’s square she said kool just stay there, am coming in 10 mins. I looked up to find some space to sit but did not find any. I said am going to other side you please come there, the Mc.D side. She replied ok and hung.

I crossed the road through subway and sat on the bus stand. It was hard for me to time pass there. I was getting the guilt feeling that I have my exams next week and am wasting my time here. After 15 mins she gave me a missed call. I looked up, has she reached? But I did not find her. I dialled her no. She picked up and said, I have just left the college, where are you? I heard her cracking voice I got to know she is walking very fast. I said easy Preeti, am at bus stand only, not going anywhere; there is no need to hurry. She replied ok-ok-ok reaching in 5 mins. I thought so finally she’s coming, though she had spoiled my mood but I did not want to spoil hers now. These days people often say am loosing my patience and through tantrums for small things. I thought up of some good lines which can make her feel less guilty as she made me wait for almost half an hour. I came across many and finally decided “somebody is looking gorgeous today”.

Although there is nothing left between Preeti and me but still I want to earn some nice memories with her. This will also make her happy.

I stood up and walked towards the subway to greet her. By the time I reach there she already came out from subway and looking for me. I saw she is in pink suit her hair was untied and loose. She was looking beauty to me. I thought my gorgeous word would be less now. But I can’t call her beauty now. I do not want to give any wrong signal to her moreover; I was trying to move on. I composed myself and call her name ‘Preeti’. She turned back, her eyes lit up as she saw me. She came close to me. I wanted to hug her, but I hesitated. When you hesitate in love that means your relationship is over. She came closer and we shook hands. I took a closer look of her now, her face was all glowing. She had applied lip gloss perfectly on her lips. She was appearing very beautiful.

I told her somebody is looking gorgeous today. I guess she was not expecting this. She became numb for the half of a second and then she smiled then she laughed and said you will never change and patted my back. I imitated her; yes I’ll never change and patted my back. We both laughed at this. We started moving towards the khel goan marg. She questioned me where are we going, while tying her hair. I replied Ansals, where else? She asked why Ansals every time don’t you get bored of the place? Can’t we try anything new? I replied same boy, same girl, same place; everything is so perfect. Why experiment? She gets overwhelmed and said, somebody is becoming master of beautiful lines. I smiled and thought book reading is helping me a lot.

I switched the topic by asking more career related questions. How are you and how’s life. She also asked the same q’ns. We both replied to each other and I explained how life is getting busier these days. By talking all this we entered an empty lane. Though we always take the same way to go to Ansals but it was very empty today. She asked me where are you taking me. I replied, I don’t know, I think am going to take your advantage. I looked to different side and controlled my laugh. She turned towards me and burst out laughing. She was trying to look into my eyes. I was avoiding eye contact. She gets frustrated and punched me thrice saying you can’t, you can’t, and you can’t.

I stopped her hand look right into her eyes and asked why did you ask this? Don’t you trust me? She looked down and did not answer. I had got my answer. After some time she looked up and said, no, I don’t and laughed. She thinks she can fool everyone around with her yawning replies. No she can’t. I had my answer I did not protest.

We reached the main road; there was a Red light and a proper Zebra crossing to cross the road. But I held her wrist and almost dragged her, she let herself dragged. asa we crossed the road she screamed you want to kill me or what. I replied I was just checking how much do you trust me and I got you do not trust me at all and laughed. She punched me and laughed and said, No, you want to kill me. You are a mind reader, I replied and laughed. She replied haaww! and punched me twice. Yes it is true if you'll die. I’ll be the happiest person, I replied. Her small lips get more shrink as she’s gonna cry now, she said you are soo bad and moved three steps away from me. Yes it was true Preeti is becoming an oblivious pain to me the more I try to forget her more I become weak. I just do not know whether I need her or not? If she would not be there, there would be no q’n of having her. May be she’s right its better for me to forget her. She says we have no future. By thinking all this I recalled she has a bf now and am just a friend. Yes just a friend.

I moved close to her and put my hands on her shoulders and asked how’s sandy? She looked at me and giggled and said he’s fine. I did not ask more questions we entered the mall and went to first floor and decided to get fresh. We roam in Ansal veranda and then decide to sit in the open area at Ansals. I recalled my last week visit to the place with Radhika and Vinita. I told Preeti about it. She asked how Radhika is. I replied she’s good. At our college days Preeti always used to think that Radhika does not like her and make fun of her. I never tried to identify why she feels that ways, though I always used to tell her that’s not the case. But when today also she repeated her doubt and worries, I asked her why she feels like that? She replied whenever I used to come across your friend she used to laugh at me. I asked is that so? I thought up of breaking all 32 of Radhika. Preeti replied, I do not know, but definitely she used to pass a smile a cranky smile. I started looking for some cover to hid myself. But I have to defend Radhika here. I asked her how you can say her smile was not friendly. It is true that Radhika has broken my million crushes in college but she has never uttered a bad word for you. Infact she likes you and I remember, one day when she had told me that you’ll never break Preeti’s heart ever, you have my swear. Preeti raised her eyebrow. I continued may be she used to smile coz she used to feel happy to see you. I saw her mouth was open in disbelief. Preeti said ok-ok-ok, I understand; and am sorry now. I understood your friend wrong. I did not reply. She said you and Radhika are close na! I nodded! She said, you should marry her. Hahaha! I laughed really loud. And asked her why you saying this? She replied I feel that way she’ll take good care of yours. I replied you do not know her, by the way this is not the first time somebody has said this to me. She replied look what I was saying, I know you very well now and can make out what is going in your mind. I do not want to talk on this topic anymore but some part of mine actually wants to. I want make everything very clear. I said, we are good friends and I do not think any such things exist between us. She reacted, ohh! And behaved as if am lying.

We both remained quite for a minute. After a min I told her am getting bored, she said me too. Earlier we never used to get bored of each other and spending one evening together is bringing bored-ness. But if you had shared wonderful bond once everything comes back on track quickly. I said last weekend I had fun here with my two friends. She said you have very good friends with you. I said even you are blessed with good friends. She uplifted her face and looked me and said I don’t think so. I smirked, don’t you count me as your friend. Hehehe! She laughed yes you are right! I have few other friends as well you remember Shikha? Shikha and her boyfriend we three enjoys a lot together. I said touchwood!

I asked her, are you in touch with any of our classmate? She replied no am not and asked the same q’n to me. I nodded my head. She asked do you remember our last day at college we had our last exam. Yea! As it is I replied. Where were you got disappeared that day? She replied I was with Jyoti we were at CCD. I asked CCD? What you guys were doing there? She replied we were waiting for you. I did not get this and asked, as in? Why waiting for me? Just like that we were thinking it’s the last day and you would come to meet us. I thought I had no clue about this. She continued Jyoti was saying how two years went pass and you didn’t propose me.

I became speechless, I really did not know what to say, I said, I was partying with my friends I had no clue that you were waiting for me. I recalled how Preeti and I were on non- speaking terms in our examination time. How our small fight was grown up to big levels. I also remember how in first two days she tried to talk to me but I avoided her completely. But later I realised I have made a mistake and decided to talk to her on our next exam. But on the next exam, which was our second last, things were reversed. I tried to make the eye contact but she ignored me. I asked Jyoti about Preeti she replied, Preeti is fine anyway why you are not talking to her. I did not reply. On the last day also I tried to talk with Preeti but she did not look to me even once. In this situation how can I think that she is waiting for me to propose her in CCD?

I told her why I didn’t propose her she did not say anything. In fact we both didn’t say anything. After two mins she looked me and smiled. I also gave a formal smile to her then she started laughing. I asked what...? She said nothing and continued to laugh. I held her neck and almost chocked her wind pipe, she said, Devika used to say that you had a crush on her and laughed. I screamed what?  This took a little time to digest. Although Devika was cute but tiny girls are never in my list. She continued to laugh. I said no yaar I never had a crush on Devika, she was a good friend. She nodded and laughed again. I said shut up! When she stopped, I said let’s have a coffee at Nescafe! She said wow! Great idea! And we moved to Nescafe.

asa we entered the Nescafe our nostrils get filled with the smell of Maggie. She screamed, I want Maggie and start jumping like a 4 year old. I smiled and replied definitely. I ordered one plate Maggie and two cappuccinos. I paid the bill of 140 Rs. I told the counter boy prepare coffee after some time. We need Maggie first. Preeti and I decide to sit in cafe only for the time being. Preeti seemed overly happy. She told me I never had a thought that we would ever be sitting like this. It’s all because of you; you have managed everything so perfectly. I wish if you were there from starting of my life. I trust you more than sandy or anyone else. I was listening everything with my head down. I was hoping she would cry big time now. My heart beating really fast that I could hear my heart beats. My ears turned red. Very few people know whenever anyone catches me at right moment my ears turned red. She noticed this and tried to uplift my face with her hand. My eyes were full of water, I could not face her I elegantly pushed her back and asked for one minute.. After 15 secs I looked up and smiled, she smiled back. I ask her what the time is. She puts her nose in her bag and tries to find her cell. I quickly clear my tears of. She checks her phone and said 4.25. Just then counter boy tapped the counter with the help of a steal spoon and said your Maggie is ready sir. Preeti was about to ask something. I told her that Maggie is prepared and I stood up to collect it, in this way I avoided her q’n. I came back and put the plate down. She asked there is a just one fork. I replied, ohh! Let me bring another one. She squeezed my arm and said no need to bring another one we’ll share it. I smiled she asked what are my plans lately. Before I could speak an old lady came aside us and put Seven plates of Maggie one by one to our slap. I did not care but Preeti was looking at her in disbelief. Old lady tapped my shoulder and said please keep an eye on my Maggie. I’m coming in 5 mins.. I asked what? Preeti said, ok no problem aunty ji we’ll take care of your order. Preeti and I get back involved in our talks. I said I’m thinking of completing my MBA then will try for Civil Services. Preeti said I want to see you grow. I replied I want us to grow together. She smiled just then old lady reappeared and tapped my shoulder and asked where my order is. I saw there was not a single plate of Maggie I looked Preeti her mouth was opened in shocked. I said, I didn’t take the responsibility and fingered towards Preeti. Preeti was unable to say anything. She said I was looking after it but don’t know where did it get disappeared. We started blaming each other while I was calculating the total amount of loss in my mind. That could come to me anytime.


Just then a little girl came and said ‘Dadi’ what are you waiting for? We all are waiting for you with the order. I gave a sheepish smile to old lady. Yea! This girl took the plates from here I saw her. Yea! Preeti nodded. This girl told us she is known to you. Old lady gave us horrible looks and little girl appeared confused. I signaled Preeti let’s get escape from here quickly. She just jumped from her chair to right in front of the Coffee counter boy and told him, this is your fork, just give us our coffee. I saw the counter boy holding that plastic fork and looking it stupidly. I could not control my laugh and burst out of laughing, I asked the counter boy to drop it down, this girl is mad just make the coffee quickly. He throws the fork in dustbin and washed his hands and said I have a bad day. We came out of Nescafe with cup of cappuccino in our hand we took one round of Ansal veranda then we decide to leave.

Preeti asked me, do you have hanky? I said, no; I asked why? She said I need to clean my hands. I asked will tissue paper do. I gave her tissue paper she gave me her giant bag and continued walking out of Ansal boundary. I screamed hey! She got scared and asked what? I replied I’m not gonna carry your bag she said, please for some time I love you. I replied, I love you too but sorry as well, can’t carry ladies bag man can’t compromise my masculinity. She pleaded some more and continued walking. I put the bag down and moved aside. She started throwing tantrums. She came and picked her bag up made face towards me and started walking quickly. She was taking longer steps. I had to run, to catch up with her. I said I love you. She replied I hate you. I repeated I love you. She repeated I hate you 10 times by this we reached the same empty lane. I thought I have enough of it. I screamed I do not love you. She screamed even loudly I do not hate you. She stopped No...I mean;

I love you a lot, I said. She became quite she nodded may be not more than I do her tears rolled out of her eyes, you will never leave me she asked me. I cannot leave you I replied. She kissed me. We were kissing after a long time I held her she looked me and we started laughing and kissed again. She asked me do you realise we are in India. I replied yea! Let's run and winked, we ran out from that lane. 

Blood was rushing all over my body my heart was beating fast. She asked me what now while untying her hair, I thought my heart will pop-out from my chest. I replied let’s go back to our respective places and please tie your hair, you know it well that this is my weak point. She laughed and said let’s go to Satya Niketan. I asked ain’t you getting late? She said, she’ll manage and winked I was looking for some cover to hid my self. I replied you better go to your place. She raised her eyebrow and placed her index finger on my chest, are you sure? I gently removed her hand and said, very much and winked. By this time we have reached to South Ext. Bus stand. Bus came in no time. She starred up in the Bus and took window seat and started waving to me. All the seats were occupied by someone or another except the seat aside Preeti. I thought is god signaling something to me just then bus started moving. I realised how can I let her go? I started running to catch up the bus, bus doors started getting closed I held side bar of the window, doors were almost closed I step on the pavement and jumped I somehow managed to entered the bus I fell down but stood up quickly. I narrowly escaped an accident every passenger was looking at me. I was avoiding eye contact. I signaled everyone with my hands that I’m ok I’m alright. I moved towards Preeti with my head down and get seated quietly. 

Preeti screamed are you mad. I replied, just for you, baby. She said, you are a gone case. If something would have happened to you, what would I have done? I replied I saw empty seat besides you. I wanted to sit here that’s it. She burst out of laughing. I also formally smiled. She said grow up my baby.

An old lady bored the bus from next stand; she came and stood aside me and asked me to leave the seat as it was reserved for ladies. I smiled and stood up. Fucking shit I thought. Preeti was making fun of all this. I hated her for that. I was cursing myself for catching the fucking bus now I could have died.

We got down at Satya Niketan. I asked Preeti would you take anything. She replied not really. I asked again, you were saying you want to have ice cream from Gianis' what happened? She replied not today, am getting late and you are coming with me till my place. I said, as you say. We started moving towards Anand Niketan. We recalled old memories of our college and the lovely time we have spent there. By discussing all that we reached to Anand Niketan. I said that’s it we have reached. She nodded, I asked shall I leave? She asked would you stop if I would say no. I replied of course, she laughed and said goo. By this we shook hands and I left.

I moved quickly and reached bus stop and bored the bus and reached my place in 20 minutes. It was 8:20 in the watch. Dad asked come beta let’s taste this dalia ladoos, it was yum I said. Mumma asked me how was with Aman? I replied, good and came to my room.

13th Dec. 2009

Last day I was doing computers in noon, when I received Ruchhi’s call through Vasudha's no. I asked, what happened? She said, “am coming to meet you, rather me and Vasudha both are coming to meet you at Priyaz in 1 hr. I stopped media player and asked, what happened? (Anxiously). She said nothing it’s been a long time we met. I sighed out and said can’t you come in the evening? Suddenly her pitch dropped and she asked, why? I replied, “yar I’m going with my dad to somewhere, but nevertheless we could meet in the evening I would try to come by the time. She did not say anything, I continued… Rocket Singh has been released… she screamed, I have to see that movie. I asked today? Shall I ask dad to go alone? She said, no-no we could see it some other time later, might be tomorrow. I screamed “tomorrow”? I thought you have said about today…would you come tomorrow? She said, I was coming today but as you are not free, we could meet tomorrow. I said, “Ok”. She said, I would call you in half an hour and hung. Call ended in 2mins. 34secs.
After 1hr, I received Ruchhi’s call again. I was still doing computers. She said, am stuck somewhere, and can’t come today. We would meet tomorrow. I shut down the computer and asked Ruchika at what time and where? She asked, what the timings of the show at priyas are? I replied 10:35am & 4:25pm. I guess both will not suit us. We could catch another hall. She mummed…and said we’ll see… I said “ok” and hung.

Next Morning,
Again, when I was doing computers I received Vasudha’s call she asked. So ji, what’s the plan for today? I replied, I don’t know. I don’t have much idea. I guess, we are going for Rocket Singh. She sighed and asked where? I don’t know, Priya’s timing will not suit us and in fact the first show is about to start and we can’t go for the evening show anyway. She asked for any other hall near by. I replied, after Chanakya get closed. I don’t have much idea beside Chanakya. Nearby halls are at Nehru Place and Saket. Saket is always a deal. Yes, we should go to Saket. Timings would never be problem as there are three multiplexes. Vasudha said, I'll call you back in some time, let me confirm with Ruchika and ended the call. ASA call ended I dialed up Ruchika’s no… she picked up the phone and said she is busy in doing some home stuff and won’t be available for the movie. I fainted and thought “so again the meeting has been cancelled”. She continued but yes, we are meeting today. I asked. What…? When…? Where…? She asked, can you come to Sai baba mandir in the evening? I was happy and said at the same time.
Sad… coz, I was missing the chance of watching movie with Ruchika
Happy… coz, at least I was meeting with Ruchika and that too in Sai baba mandir…great!

I said, ok! Am game and ended the call. I called up Vasudha after some time, to tell her. Before I could tell her I got to know she already had a word with Ruchika. So, I said let’s see ya in the eve and put the ph down.
After half an hour more Ruchika called me again and asked…so, what has been decided? I replied we are not going for the movie in complaining tone. She said, but we are meeting and we’ll eat pizza from there. I wondered pizza at Sai Baba mandir and asked her about it… she said, we would go to slice of Italy to have pizza. I asked, where? She said at Lodhi road market. I yucked out and asked ain’t there is any other option available to us? As I never liked slice of Italy’s food…she said, we’ll see and hung. After 5min.s Vasudha called up and asked every thing decided? I said, yea! Almost she said, hmm…so at what time we should fix the meet? I replied you see your convenience; I’m game for any time. She asked 3 or 4? I replied 3:30. We fixed it for 3:30. Call ended in 2mins.
I ate lunch and went to bed to take rest. While lying down I was thinking what would I wear? It’s been a long time we met. While thinking that I fall asleep. At 2:30 maa came to my room and questioned me, “you were going somewhere?” I asked what’s the time? She said 2:30. Shit! I stood up and straight went to wash basin and washed my face and quickly changed to the dress I found first. I listened mumma to saying, when he’ll grow up?
I saw it was 2:45 now. I quickly wear my shoes though I never wanted to wear high ankles but I had no option as my other variants were drying up in the sun at terrace. Every member of our family was sleeping sound, except muma. I said 'bye' to her, she came close to me and gave me one 50Rs. Note and one 20Rs. Note, though that was really a very small amount but I really liked it. I saw muma was smiling. I hugged her…hugged her tight and said thanks. She raised her eyebrow in suspicion and said, what’s up! I said, nothing…love you and waved her and left. After some time I turned back, she was still standing there and thinking. I waved again to draw her attention. She smiled and waved me back.
I saw it’s almost 3:00 I started walking fast (read running) ASA I reached stand I got the bus and let out a sigh of relief. When I crossed south-ex, I received Ruchika’s message that where have you reached? I got confused to call her or to text her…and decided to call her, before she could ask any other question, I fired “where are you?” she replied, am at Lodhi road red-light and will be reaching in 5mins, I said me too reaching in 5-10mins and did not disclose my location and hung. I checked the time it was 3:40. I started preparing myself to listen some curses from Ruchika as bus was moving painfully slow. At 3:45 I got down at Sai Baba mandir bus stand.

Sai Baba Mandir, Lodhi Road @3:45 p.m.

I saw Ruchka and Vasudha were standing in front of the main entrance and were talking. I was proceeding towards them and trying to hide myself to 'bow' them, but Vassu saw me and before she could convey this to Ruchika, Ruchika saw me by herself. Ruchika was in her rarest good mood today. She gave me the biggest smile possible by her. I extended my hand she shacked hand and came close to me. I was not ready for the hug and we ended in the most pathetic hug I have ever had. I saw Vasudha was suppressing her laugh. I hated both the girls at the same time for different reasons. Nevertheless, I still greeted with Vasudha. Ruchika said, thank god your hair are back. I touched my hair to feel them and said… So, what you were thinking I would remain bald for rest of my life. She showed straight face to me and said, I meant your hairs are back simply. I regretted cracking the bad one at the wrong time. I replied, ohh! Thanks but my hairs are still not enough long. She said anyhow, you are looking better and don’t try to shave your head in future. I said I swear…and placed my hand on her head. She punched me in my stomach. It hurt but I enjoyed that. We went to shoe deposit centre I took ages to untie my shoes. Ruchika and Vasudha waited patiently. Then I collected the token and we went to the water point to wash our hands. We purchased mala and Prasad and entered the temple. We did darshan and prayed and then we went to the upper floor. We sat there for some time, then I said let’s leave and we stood up and went downstairs. Ruchika put teeka on my forehead. Vasudha saw this and said I want too, Ruchika put on her forehead too. I put on Ruchhi’s forehead.
Ruchika was leading us, she went to the wrong way and Vasudha looked me in confusion as if asking, “Why we are not going from other way?” I told Ruchhi that we have to go from here…she stopped and trailed us. There was washing going on and the floor was really slippery. I was thinking I would fall now. We were slowly and steadily moving. Ruchika commented, show people the right way but they do not listen to you and behaved as she knew this way is not clear. Huh! We went to Dwarka Mai and I recalled the last time we had visited here and every one else did too. Ruchika said look the doors are open today… I was telling you… There was something special that day… Vassu and I nodded.
We came out of the mandir and went to shoe deposit centre. When I was trying to wear my shoes a li’l gal came to me and start begging. I hadn’t had anything to offer but she kept persisting me. I told her, “look at those two gals…ask them…they are very rich…they have came in BMW. She looked me in confusion, it was hard for her to believe that they are this rich so she kept persisting me. By the time I finished with the process of tying up me shoes. I ignored the girl and stood up and signaled Ruchika and Vasudha to come. Just then a boy approached me asking for money followed by another. I said, “being smart is crime these days”. Ruchika asked what? I told the boys to ask from Ruchika, she ignored them completely and asked, what did you just say? I said nothing and looked Vasudha. She was looking at me as if asking, who is smart here? I changed the topic by saying we were going to have pizza? What happened? Ruchika said, oh! Yes, we are going to “Slice of Italy”. We are going there. I asked ain’t there any other joint. She shrugged her shoulders and we started moving towards Lodhi Market.
We turned an entered an empty lane. Ruchika and Vasudha were doing some alien talks. Neither I was getting anything nor I was interested, until I heard “he is cute”. I asked Vasudha who, ‘he’? She replied Ruchika is seeing someone. I felt earth shook beneath me; I went unconscious for few seconds. I looked Ruchika and asked, you didn’t tell me? She looked away and said it has happened recently. Vasudha said something about the guy, ‘which’ I did not listen, in fact I was not listening anything but continued walking with them. They were talking less and laughing more and I was getting feeling the matter is not of that much interest even to them as they were making to appear, and soon I realized they are fooling me. I joined them, asking more questions about the guy.
I checked my watch it was 4:50. We crossed the road and entered the final stretch, and closed the topic of the guy. Ruchhi said where, did Slice of Italy go? Just then I found Slice of Italy’s hoarding and said, here it is… the place was soo less attractive and I was getting feeling that hardly anyone come here. Even Ruchhi was taken aback to see such a dull entrance. Although she did not say anything but her expressions were suggesting so. We entered the restaurant there was no one there except a couple who seemed arguing to each other. We ignored them and sat to different table, leaving one table in between. I told Ruchhi I have to go to washroom; she nodded as if I was asking for her permission. I asked the staff about washroom and entered in it and cleaned my braces.

Slice of Italy @5:00 pm, Lodhi Market

When I came back, I saw they were discussing something probably the order… Vasudha was sitting facing the counter and Ruchika facing the door. They were sitting in a diagonal. I sat facing Ruchika and adjacent to Vasudha. Vasudha had left that place for me; I really liked Vasudha for that. ASA I sat Ruchhi passed the menu card to me. I asked what? I have to order? She nodded. Now, First I hate Slice of Italy, second I was not taking anything. So, why should I order? I quickly fumbled the menu and passed it to the Vasudha. She passed it back to the Ruchika. Ruchika was confused between the two toppings for the dish; she called the waitress, and asked her which one is better? She looked us in confusion. Ruchhi asked her again, which one would you choose, if you have to order? She gave even harder look and appeared more confused. Might be the first time she was having such a question. Waitress tried hard to answer Ruchhi but she failed miserably… I was feeling sorry for the girl. After some time, she answered Ruchhi, with lots of manipulation and was still looking very confused. Ruchika was still not convinced. I asked about the two toppings and chose one and ordered. I saw the whole staff was concentrating at our desk until the girl left. I looked Ruchika, she was avoiding eye contact. I said, what Ruchika? You are asking her? What would she reply? Even Vasudha supported me. Ruchika did not find the words and remained quite.
We discussed something, which I do not remember. Order came in 10mins. There were two plates, one having stuffed sandwich and other was having vegetable curry, which I think they had forgotten to cook and one cold drink for me. I grasped my coke and offered to both the girls. No one took. Ruchhi was insisting me to have something. I denied... Vassu slid the uncooked curry to me and said, at least taste it. I saw it and yucked out, thankfully I did not throw up. I said I would take this one and took the other plate an ate the 1/4th portion of sandwich. It was fine but I did not dare to touch the other dish. Just then I heard noises from other table which distracted our concentration. We looked each other in quick succession. I raised my eyebrow, Ruchhi’s eye lit up as she was facing the couple and catching the live scene. Vassu and I were missing it out as we were sitting backing them, and did not want to turn, to appear curious creatures. I signaled Ruchika to calm down and ignore them. Though I desperately wanted to sit aside Ruchhi and enjoy the scene.
I checked my watch it’s 5:30 now. I asked Ruchhi to ask for the bill now. She called the girl and asked for the check, which we generally ask in bars. Bill was of 337Rs. I took out 500Rs noteand signaled the girl to collect it. Ruchika said you are not paying anyway and asked Vasudha to pay the bill. I asked why? She said you are not earning yet. I said, that’s ok I’ll manage. Vasudha placed the 300 bucks on the bill. I gave back to her but she put it again. I saw…Again the staff was concentrating on us, probably thinking…

1.) Guys – how lucky he is, having two great friends
2.) Girls – look at the cheap stuff, taking money from the girls.

I thought something and took the 300 bucks and balance and left the change 13Rs for the girl.
Ruchika asked for something to pack the uncooked curry from the staff. She took it…to her place to give the taste of the type of the food she eats outside to her family members, might be she wanna torture them. You never know: P
We came out of the restaurant at 5:45. Ruchhi said we are going to Gopaljee now. Vasudha said, yes I have to but some cookies. We entered the bakery…Ruchhi said what would you take? I was busy in exploring the shop. Ruchika asked again, would you take anything? I said, yea! Nah! No nothing. Ruchika said, let’s eat pastry and they chose the chocolate flavored pastry. The piece was really big; we shared the piece among us. Vasudha bought some cookies and paid. We came out of the shop and were confused what to do? Where to go? Ruchika suggested let’s go to Priyas. I almost jumped inside when I heard that but behaved as nothing has happened. Vasudha screamed, I have to see Priyas...
Ruchika thought something and said we are not going to Priyas. I asked why? She replied, “aise hi” I don’t know who suggested Ansals and we all agreed to it. We started looking for the auto just then Ruchhi’s phone rang. She picked up and starts talking and signaled us that we would find auto from Lodhi road. We started moving towards Lodhi road. Vasudha and I discussed about some traveling plans. She told me, a person should roam with four types of persons in his life.
1.) with parents
2.) with friends
3.) with spouse
4.) with childrens

And made me understand, the importance of traveling and tracking. I told her about the youth hostel she keenly listened about it and asked me to find the complete info about it.
Ruchika was still on phone and walking along side us. She was walking almost in the middle of the road. Just then a speedy truck approached her. I quickly pulled her to the pavement. She was still on the phone totally unaware of the situation. I wanted to slam her phone into the pieces. But I didn’t do anything, and continued walking. We crossed the road and hired an auto to Ansals. We reached @ 6:10pm. I paid the fare.

Ansal Plaza, Khel Gaon Marg @ 6:10pm.

There was a sign of twilight, as it was not completely dark yet. I said I need to go to wash room. They looked me as I had said that I have peed in my pants. We entered the mall I said washroom is on 1st floor but they said it’s on ground floor and blah-blah. Anyhow, we checked and found lady’s washroom only. We went to first floor to find the gents washroom. I entered and cleaned my braces. When I returned I told them why am using washroom again and again.
Down escalators were not working, we used staircase to come down. We decided to sit in open area for sometime. We sat to one place. Ruchika and Vasudha started their alien talks. I was least interested in that and recalled my past visits to the place. Vasudha tapped my shoulder and asked where…? I said nothing you carry on. I was really getting bored. Ruchika’s hand was lying on my shoulder, I started playing with it. She did not protest. I took her hand towards my mouth and clinged one bracket in it. She turned towards me and pulled her hand away. I smirked. She said, “I would be requiring 14 injections for that”. That was unexpected from Ruchika, she was calling me dog but not at all in bad humor in fact that was the good one. I really went out of words. I didn’t know what to do? Laugh or anger? I kept looking her for 5secs. And asked her when we’ll leave from here? Without changing my posture. She checked the time it was 6:35. she said, let’s take coffee from Nescafe. I said great idea and we moved to Nescafe. Ruchika ordered one cappuccino for me, one maccuccino for herself and flavoured milk for Vasudha. Ruchhi paid and we moved towards the parking area.
Ruchika said, now you’ll write diary entry for today. I wondered where this came from. I replied probably not as I don’t have much time these days. She fainted. I decide I would surely write now. I asked her why you asked this. She replied, coz you generally do, right? I nodded.
We reached the parking area, we were talking and laughing. Ruchika was behaving as she is drunk. She said, Vasudha…kannu is a friend of mine whom I actually can call a true friend. I have full confidence in his friendship. I know he’ll never leave me any circumstances. I was stunned that even I have some importance. I wanted to cry, smile, hug all at the same time but does exact opposite. I said, how much misunderstanding do you have? Suddenly her smile left he place. I hated myself for that. I said, I was kidding and moved close to her, she moved back…I continued, yes! It’s true you are so important to me and I would stand by you forever even if you won’t respond that ways. She said, you know…what Vasudha has said to me once. I asked what? She replied, that if Ruchika’s friends are in trouble you will always find Ruchika standing for her friends with full bucket of water…..
To drawn water on their expectations. I laughed really loud, that was so true. I almost applaud for Vasudha. Nice observation Vasudha. Vasudha said, even then her friends never leave her. I thought even this is very true. I nodded. I saw Ruchika was blushing. I patted her back.
Ruchika said, my maccauccino is not that great. I said even my cappuccino is just ‘ok’. Vasudha said my shake is fabulous, she offered us but we said no thanks. Ruchika hired an auto for Sarojni Nagar, Vasudha was going at Ruchhi’s place. I said, am coming with you guys err! gals. I would get down at Safdarjung. Ruchika entered first I second and Vasudha last. When we crossed south-ex, Ruchika turned towards me and asked how your GFs are? I laughed really loud even the driver bhayya looked up from the rear view mirror. Ruchika waited me to stop then she asked again. I said my girl fiendssssss…well I don’t have any and laughed again without reason she said Payal…? She was never my GF, I replied in fact her chapter is over now and I don’t have any GF and looked outside. She moved a bit, I turned to see what she was doing our eyes locked for a second then I pulled away and looked down. She said, easy, I was just asking aise hi! I sighed out. After a moment I said, I enjoyed today’s meet. Ruchika quickly raised her hand in agreement and said me too. Vasudha looked Ruchhi and then me. She too raised her hand and said, “me too”. We all three laughed at this.
Safdarjung came and I got down, Ruchhi screamed “take care”. I turned back they were waving manically. I smiled and waved back.
At bus stand I realized I have left mala and Prasad in Vassu’s bag. I quickly messaged Ruchhi about this; she replied…she’ll take care of that.
Bus came after 5mins. I got down @ IAC and reached home at eight. Mumma asked what you would take. I replied I had food outside. She raised her eyebrow in suspicion and asked but you went to mandir I suppose? I replied but later we went to some restaurant but still I would eat two chapattis but after some time…she mummed. After a while I had dinner and went to sleep.