(Suhana's)
I was combing Adithi's hair. Since her right hand was broken. Well, she had her left hand. Still, she could not move it around so freely as well. And her head was injured as well. But above all, if I give the comb to her, she will just pull through her tangles and make herself hurt. So I decided to comb it for her. I was playing extra care so as not to put extra pressure on the hair or pull hard. The bandage around had been now taken off, and plaster was pasted over the injury. That is on the right side of her forehead.
"It really feels worth it to have got nearly killed," Adithi said.
"Why?" I asked.
"Coz everyone is treating me like a princess now. Giving so much importance to me. Mamma papa. Ishan, and even you." She said. "I am getting so much attention that I might get spoiled. And it feels so good. I wish I always get near-death experiences like this."
I hit her left hand. "Don't talk like that." I snapped.
She just grinned.
But it was true. Adithi was enjoying all the attention now. She had always been less loved than me. Now it feels like she was getting all the love that she didn't get for all these years.
"But...is it true that you and Arjun are a couple?" Adithi asked, cautious.
"So you heard," I said.
"So you don't like Ishan?" She asked.
"Hm..." I said, Yeah...He is a nice guy. But, he is just a friend. "Yeah... I don't."
"Not even a bit?" Adithi asked.
"Hm..." I said. "Romantically, not even a bit. He is a really good friend though."
I wondered if Adithi liked Ishan. The wristband was a gift from Ishan. I didn't know. She did not tell me when I asked her from whom it was from. And she dived in the ocean to get the wrist band...
Was she going to sacrifice her love since Ishan liked me???
Well, that was so like something Adithi would do. If I had chosen Ishan, once again, only I have become the bad one in the story, without my fault.
My mobile beeped just then. I looked at it. It was a text message from Arjun. 'Come to Rooftop' it said.
Adithi over-read my message, "Go," she said, "I can manage the rest on my own."
I nodded at her and got up. I paused and looked at the mirror to see if I look okay. I didn't like my hair. So I brushed the comb in my hand through my hair.
"Oh, Please..." Adithi said. "You look gorgeous even in your sleep. So just go now... He must be waiting."
"Should I put some foundation...?" I turned to Adithi.
She rolled her eyes.
"Okay...Sorry. I am overreacting." And it's not like Arjun is seeing me for the first time anyway. He has seen me all my life. But then, why was I so nervous??
But while I walked up the steps to the rooftop, my heart was beating really fast. Even when Arjun and I had got together, we never got time to actually sit and have a proper talk even. Because Adithi had got injured and all... We did meet a few times, but not alone. And I was never in the right mind to have a proper date like thing, as I was worried over Adithi...
I walked up to the rooftop and couldn't see anyone. Has he not come yet?
Suddenly I was hugged from behind... I felt Arjun's familiar presence. He snuggled closer and settled his head on my shoulder.
"Arjun... what are you doing?" I asked. Wasn't this too fast? But I was so enjoying it though.
"Finally I get you..." he said. "Unfortunately things had got pretty chaotic after we got together. I was patiently waiting till things settle down..."
"Yeah." I agreed. "Thanks for waiting patiently..."
I turned my head and looked at him... He suddenly kissed me!!
A quick one, but definitely on my lips.
"Hey." I scowled.
"What? I can't wait any more." He said.
I just laughed. He left my hug and started walking. We walked to the end railing of the rooftop, and stood there...
"We should go on date sometime." He said. "Do what all normal couples do."
"Like go for movies? Eat at a food court... Walk hand in hand?" I asked. It feels a bit strange to be like that with Arjun. Because we have always done things like those with the entire group. Movie, food-ing etc, all were with the entire group and we had our usual hangouts and all. But to suddenly do all that with just the two of us??
"Will feel weird, right?" Arjun asked.
"Yeah." I totally agreed.
"But you won't dislike it, right?" he asked.
No... I really wanted to spend time with him. With just the two of us, without the group...
"So... Next Saturday – Movie and Lunch?" He asked.
"Okay..." I said.
His hand slid into mine. I felt my heart flutter a bit...
"I want to ask something," I said.
"What?"
"Since when did you like me?" I looked at him. "I mean, don't say from when I moved into the apartment. I know you four boys had your childish crushes on me. But... when did you start to get serious?"
"Hm..." he seemed to be giving it a thought. "When I fought with you."
"Prawns issue." I laughed.
"Yeah. I so hated you back then."
"Hey..." I said offended.
"Seriously," he turned to me. "But hating you, made you feel closer."
I nodded.
"Then can I ask as well?" He asked.
I looked at him, as giving permission.
"Why is it me and not Ishan?" He asked.
"Coz you fought with me?" I proposed... He laughed.
"Well, not just because of that," I said, smiling. "Actually, I think I liked you for a long time."
"Seriously?" He jumped up to a more upright position. "Like 'seriously' seriously?" What the hell? He didn't even know. He was so surprised.
"That lets me down a bit you know..." I said, "that you had no idea."
"Since when?" He asked, looking totally over the clouds.
"Since age 11," I shrugged... Feeling a bit embarrassed to tell him that. "Since you had carried me home when I had injured my knee."
He looked like he was digesting that fact, and looked really dazed.
"Ah... I really didn't want to tell you that." I said, turning my head away from him. Feeling shy all of a sudden. I should not have told him that.
"Hey..." he called.
"What?" I turned to him. "Don't tease me over it now."
"I was not going to." He said. "But..." He put his hand to my waist and pulled me to him. I froze. I knew what was about to happen. And that this was not going to be a quick one...
His lips pressed over mine softly. It actually took my breath away. I could not breathe... Then I closed my eyes. Taking in the feel of the kiss. Arjun kissed me gently first, then it gained more passion. His hand around my waist was pulling me closer. I was getting pressed to his chest... And getting kissed more deeply. I put my hands hesitatingly around his neck. And tiptoed to reach his lips better, as he was taller than me...
When we finally pulled away, we were both smiling.
"That was pretty good, right?" He asked.
"Yeah..." I nodded.
"More?" He asked as if worried if it was okay to ask that.
I nodded and went closer. We kissed again... and then again... Till we were satisfied enough.