Meri Aashiqui tumse hi

Chapter 14

*Farm house*

"You okay?"

Arun cocks his head looking highly amused which reminds me of J who not so while ago had stood at same place questioning my sanity in same way.

I shake my head "Arun? What on earth are you doing here?" I ask bewildered still lying flat on floor.

"Right now I should be the one asking you this" he says smugly while helping me up.

"Will 5 minutes be enough? Or looking at state you are in.." he says running his eyes over my ruffled nightdress "I'll give you 5 more" he notes time on his wrist watch as if setting a deadline.

Can anyone tell me what is going on? What gibberish is he mumbling about? He sees me gaping at him with wide mouth "Get ready, Manali. We are going some place special"

"And what makes you think I'll be interested in coming?" I demand glaring at him..but he just gives a cocky smile in reply.

~~

"Damn it Manali!" I curse out loud as I pull on maroon sweat shirt over my head "When are you going to learn the art of saying no to people?" I ask to my reflection in mirror brushing my hair furiously.

I make sure my displeasure is in full display as I brush past Arun towards kitchen for spoiling my Sunday morning (not that I had any plans for myself but still, I hate to be taken for granted)

I pick up sandwich from plate but drop it back as I kiss Mom Goodbye "Don't be late" she pats gleefully on my cheek. What is she so happy about??

"Have a nice day, Aunty" Arun calls out walking towards front door.

"Beta gaadi dhyan se chalana..aur Manali ko thik se ghar pahucha dena" she instructs him like he is my babysitter for the day.

"Mom !" I chide. When will my parents realise that I'm 19 year old responsible citizen eligible to cast my vote.

"Is he just your friend..." Mom whispers "Or is there something going on between you two?" She tweeks her brow.

"Mom!"

"What? It's okay if you tell me. I won't tell your Dad. I already like him..see what he gave me" she holds out what looks like discount coupon to some exotic spa.

"What the hell! Why did you take it?" I ask incredulously.

"How should I've said no?" She asks me. Apparently inability to say 'No' to someone runs in this family.

I have no idea why Arun has been showering his chivalry all of sudden with flowers and discount coupons.

Once we arrive in driveway he tosses a metal helmet in my direction which I grasp just in time.

"Hop on" he kick starts his sports bike to life.

"Are you sure you didn't fall on head somewhere while coming here?" I snub as I latch on helmet which feels quite heavy on my skull.

"Not on head..but yeah I've had a great fall" he smiles.

"You serious? Where? Did you get hurt?" I enquire checking out his pristine clothes.

He smacks on my helmet "Buddhu...you won't understand. Now will you hop on or should I leave?" He threatens.

"Isn't this your idea?" I sulk jumping on back seat "By the way, where are we going?"

"You'll know once we get there" he says thrusting us swiftly in air.

~~

The cool windy winter air gently carasses my skin as it blows my hair but not so gently. It feels liberating...like I'm on Titanic ship..although I long for a different Jack.