Ishqiya

4.

I bet I looked so much of a horrified clown that it'd put the ghost in my room to shame with eyes widened like saucers and mouth opened wide in shock. Avinash gave me a bored look with a single glance and walked away with an unbothered expression, leaving me with confusion about what I'd done to get such a reaction out of him.

Sumedha, much to my horror rushes behind him to casually have a chat with him. *Backstabber* And me like a love-sick puppy, follow the two friends who seemed to be engaged in a conversation. My best friend talks with my crush as if they were long lost best friends while here I was who couldn't even utter a single monosyllable in his presence. Sometimes I blame my poor communication skills.*sigh*

I follow them till the end of the staircase while they continuously chat, Sumedha, forgetting the mere existence of mine.

"Avinash, bhai yeh toh vhi hai na? Miss Stalker", it was the voice of one of his friends

"Le Bhai, teri stalker aa gyi", the other one adds teasing Avinash and all his friends break into a fit of laughter. I stare at them horrified with my mouth agape like a fish. Did they think of me as a stalker? The worst I'd done to Avinash was bunking classes to watch his tennis practice sessions, but stalking, Nah, no! Mine was a pretty harmless crush after all.

Avinash seemed to be so annoyed and inraged with the comments that he quickly dashed away from everyone's sight not before giving me one stinky eye. Sumedha too leaves my sight of vision. While I stand there perplexed by what just happened. Was I responsible for everything now? Giving my overthinking brain some rest I rushed back to my class once the reses bell rang to avoid more mishaps.

I knew I was a goner, a complete goner for Avinash Thakur. I quickly schemed through the weekly schedule pdf we receive every week. Not even caring to check mine first, I scroll down and finally find Avinash's class. He had 3 physical education periods and 3 computer periods, which means the class would go to the computer lab and pass by the staircase near the washroom. This means if I stood near the restroom stall once my classes ended, I'd get a glimpse of him. Perfect! Well in the case of Avinash Thakur, I think my shame and self-respect take a back seat. Hehehe

.....

P

resent~~~

"eh beta!", my mother whispered as we all sat down for the puja that was taking place. Finally, it was Chhath Puja, time for kharna and I couldn't be more excited. I briskly shifted more towards Maa as we sat Indian style on the mat. "Bua ji ka jaisi hi puja khatam hoga, tum teeno Bhai behen sabse pehle jakar unse aashirwaad le Lena. Mann se", she said in a hushed tone fearing that someone might hear her, her tone getting stronger with the last sentence.

[translation: As soon as aunt's puja ends, you three brothers and sisters should be the first to go and take blessings from her. thoughtfully]

The puja ended on a good note. But the last thing I wished for, was to encounter Avinash Thakur, my ex-crush, standing feet away from me. He started at me with the same teasing glint in his eyes and I looked at him with a bored and annoyed expression. It feels like we've switched personalities, with him being the stalker and me being the grumpy one. I remember from my memory, that it was his friends who referred to me as his stalker but seems like the roles have switched.

"Fancy seeing you here Simran", his voice was deep and masculine, making me weak in the knees. Why does this guy always overpower me and my rational thinking brain? Do you even have one? Shut up

"Sorry but can't say the same Avinash", I replied roaming my eyes everywhere but him. Can't he just get out of my way and never come back? You want him to come back! No thanks!