CHAPTER- 5: MY BELOVED ISN’T MINE, AND I’M NEVER HIS

I set about the day jaunty, love bubbling from within. I had a dream about us last night, probably because he was the last thought on my mind before I fell asleep.

DREAM:

     We were a squad of six, two men including Advik and four women counting on me together. Advik and myself had known each other for years now, right from the early ages. We held something special more than love, a highly platonic affection and adoration towards each other but never dared to confess, not even a single time.

Two from our gang were already a couple in love, Pooja and Prathap. They were about to get married in a month and in order to celebrate the couple we planned for a party at a roof top restaurant.

Madhina another interesting character in our gang was always fond of Advik. She tried all possible techniques to make him fall into her trap, nevertheless he always tried to ignore her since he wasn’t much into her.

Abiding to a certain circumstance where she threatened him that she might commit suicide if he wouldn’t accept her love, Advik said Yes.

I distanced myself from him, but couldn’t eliminate the emotions I had for him.

So on the due day, we gathered at the place where we decided, cosy Restaurant that I’ve ever been to. The entry pass for each individual was priced 1000 bucks, Prathap (the groom) had paid the wholesome amount on all our behalf.

I didn’t have the adequate amount the other day hence during the weekend once I gathered the right amount of money, then I had transacted them to Prathap. He rang up to me stating that Advik had already paid for me on my account.

I was bewildered, he didn’t let a word that he was about to do so. And he didn’t have to do such an act. I didn’t want to ping him, asking Why. I simply sent him the money through gpay.

My w******p was left with oodles of messages from Advik left unread. I know he must be asking why I had returned the money and more. I didn’t want to get into the chat. Anyway, we were meeting the next day for a hangout, all six of us. I thought I could speak to him in person there and then explain my part of not being comfortable of him paying my expenses.

The next day when I meet my comrades at the park, there’s already an issue addressed; Madhina posting him questions on why he had a soft corner for me and why he had deliberately paid my expense.

He seemed perplexed at the center surrounded by friends throwing questions at him. I stand behind him when he opens up about the love he has for me. When Madhina's eyes are filled, he says enough of all this. The truth is I love her and only her.

And then he goes, I’ll tell her today. It’s already late. Pooja immediately says you’ve already said, she’s right behind you listening to all that you’ve confessed.

When he looks back at me, he’s already crying. Without a word, he kissed my lips deep under the star studded sky. Everybody around us cheering and clapping.

With that I jolted awake on hearing the buzz of my alarm.

I returned home after college with an excitement to let Advik know that I had dreamt of him. I thought this would be one of the means to make him understand that I love him.

I had a few assignment to finish. Meanwhile my mom sat next to me for a chit chat, we usually do this every evening during tea.

Advik’s a nice guy right? Career oriented, well mannered and good looking.

I was wondering why she had been telling me all this.

Had the neighborhood aunty spied on us and blew into my mother’s ears? Or did she happen to guess seeing us giggle and talk?

Which Advik ma? I asked her, as if I knew too many with the same name. I didn’t want to enrage in her any doubts regarding us.

Your friend Advik, idiot. The one who resides in our apartment. Whom else would I speak of? She says.

Okay, so why are you bragging about him all of a sudden? I didn’t make an eye contact when I said this to my mother, because I was obviously blushing, my head tilted down looking into the tea cup.

He’s about to get engaged next month. I heard from his mother this morning while I happened to meet her at the Portico. She personally invited us. You should have known this earlier since your friends with him.

I was devastated. I didn’t utter a word. I placed the tea cup on the table and left silently. I was afraid if the tears would spill.

I rang up to him. He answered for the first ring. Are you getting engaged next month?

“ Aah, yes. What’s with that? We left the movie halfway yesterday, wanna bump in tonight?”

Before he could finish, I hung the call.