The Ruined Rainbow

CHAPTER 23

"You?"

"Dilli ka Kona Kona Janta hun main." He said proudly, as he spoke in Hindi ( I know every nook and corner of Delhi.)

I smiled. No wonder, he has brought me to the best cafe in the world.

Aneesh dropped me at the hostel, after deciding that he would take me to eat ice cream tomorrow evening. Though he wanted to bunk tomorrow, I refused point-blank. As much as I loved bunking, I can not skip any more classes.

I waved him bye and headed towards my room. I felt peculiarly happy and lied on my bed, before drifting off to sleep.

*

Every day, after classes end, I would hurry to the parking lot, where Aneesh would be waiting impatiently. I would utter a quick apology and smile, that would make him running down his hand through his messy hair nervously. It had almost become a routine now.

Almost months, after Aneesh said he liked me. I have been feeling happy these days, weirdly delighted. And a thought suddenly occurred that I almost stopped breathing,

Is it possible that I have feelings for him?

I honestly don't know. Yes, I feel happy around him and feel secure. I love him as a friend. But is it possible that I am falling for him?

He is attractive. He is the college's hottest guy. Even though I hated him when he was a player, I had to admit; he looked hot. He doesn't flirt with girls as much as before. And after spending so much time with him, I had seen a different side of him - a funny and a caring one.

But is it possible that I am falling for him?

Aneesh snapped his fingers to bring me out of my reverie, and laughed, running his hand back of his hair as I looked at him blankly.

Maybe.

I smiled, and he stopped laughing, staring at me. I feel the smile dropping from my face and locking my eyes with him. Aneesh cleared his throat and looked away.

*

"Are you free tomorrow?"

Pause.

"Tomorrow? Mostly yes. Why?"

"Can you come out with me? " he asked, his voice deep and resonant again.

"Okay." I nodded.

He smiled, "see you tomorrow." He said like he always said and drove away, leaving me with my thoughts.

Well, tomorrow was... he can't be knowing, I never told him or anyone here.

I shook my head.

Probably I am overthinking. He wants to speak something.

As usual, I lay down on my bed, staring at the clock, and then at 12, I wished myself. Happy Birthday, Ayesha, and went back to sleep again. My stepdad and mom never cared to call; probably they didn't know. I never had friends in school either. And I didn't tell anyone here.

The next day, I open my wardrobe. As a tradition, my dad used to tell me to wear a frock or something like that, one day different from the old boring clothes which I would wear every day. Not that kurtas and salwar kameez are boring. I love wearing them.

So, I turn to my expensive frock collection and choose a light pink coloured sleeveless dress, with that, was a stylish bow in the centre. Coming up to my knees. I also wear a white netted shrug with it. For my face, I make my hairs such that it is straight and curled at the end. I put some lip gloss, and try to keep the look as natural as possible. Not caring to inspect my reflection even once, I walk out feeling extremely confident that I did not look like a zombie who had just woken up.