The Proposed Deal

◍ IV. Girls

/AUTHOR/

//Mumbai, India

"Vandy!" Aishwarya called out, rushing toward her friend, concern flooding her features. As she approached, Sakshi's eyes widened in alarm, and she knelt beside Vandita's still form. Panic surged within her as she gently shook Vandita's shoulders. "Oh my God, V! Please, get up!"

"Aish! I... I swear I didn't hit her hard. It was just a cushion!" Sakshi's voice trembled with fear, a quiver that betrayed her façade of bravado as Aishwarya rose to her feet, her determination palpable.

"I know," Aish replied, licking her lips nervously. She sprinted toward the dining table, her hands shaking as she filled a glass with water. The sound of splashing echoed in the room, matching the frantic rhythm of her heartbeat.

"Vandy, uth na yaar! Look, I'm really sorry!" Sakshi choked on her words, desperation threading through her tone as Aishwarya returned, crouching beside Vandita. Gently, she cradled Vandita's head in her lap, her fingers brushing through Vandita's hair. "Vandy," she whispered, patting her face lightly, hoping to elicit a response.

Sakshi cupped her own face in her hands, feeling the warmth of tears begin to spill down her cheeks. "This is all my fault," she murmured, overwhelmed.

Aishwarya looked up, determination returning as she picked up the glass. With steady hands, she took some water into her palms and sprinkled it lightly over Vandita's face, praying for a reaction. Suddenly, one of Vandita's eyes fluttered open, revealing a mischievous glint. "How was my acting?" she grinned, her smile infectious even in her dazed state.

Aish's expression shifted from shock to annoyance, and with a swift motion, she pushed Vandita off her lap. "You scared us half to death, you drama queen!"

Sakshi's jaw dropped as she took in Vandita's antics, now sitting up with an exaggerated smile plastered across her face. "You little—!" she began, only to be cut off as she delivered a playful punch to Vandita's shoulder. "You BITCH!" she screamed, a mix of anger and relief flooding her voice.

Vandita chuckled, her laughter bright and carefree, but Sakshi was already standing, turning to grab her bag from where she had dropped it by the entrance. "Oh no!" Vandita exclaimed, leaping up and wrapping her arms around Sakshi's waist from behind. "I'm sorry, Sakshi! Please don't go!" she whined, making her best puppy-dog face.

Sakshi squirmed, attempting to break free from the grip. "Leave me alone, you gorilla!" she protested, pushing Vandita's hands away from her waist. "Vandy! Get away from me!" Her voice rang with frustration.

"No, no, no! I'm really sorry!" Vandita tightened her hold, panic creeping into her tone. "Aish, help me! Stop standing there like a statue and do something!"

Aishwarya narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms with an air of authority. "Please, V, just let her go. Sakshi's not leaving," she said, her tone stern yet playful.

"Who the hell said I'm leaving? I'm not!" Sakshi shot back, scowling at Vandita, who leaned in closer, her expression earnest.

"Pakka?" Vandita pressed, her voice softening, almost pleading.

"Hell yes! Why would I leave? Now, get off me!" Sakshi insisted, the irritation in her voice unmistakable.

With a dramatic sigh of relief, Vandita released her grip and flopped back onto the couch, dramatically rolling onto her side. "Thank God! I thought you were really going to leave!"

Sakshi ignored her theatrics and walked over to the other couch, placing her bag on the center table.

"Well, you both looked so funny! Sakshi's face was priceless!" Vandita cackled, clutching her stomach as she laughed uncontrollably.