Her Angel

Eight....

The weight is pulled up.

The endless conversation I am having with Raghav is the happiest thing happened in all these years. The nervousness that came with me here was long gone and I was at ease. There is not a moment when we were in silence, he kept me occupied in his world. I was anything but happy for our reunion.

" You know the most amazing thing, she said I am the most charming boy," Raghav says, telling me about her crush. " I think she likes me too. But I never said to her anything."

" How old are you? Fourteen.."

" Oh, I will turn fifteen next month." He said cutting me.

" Whatever. But don't you think you are still a baby for thinking so much. You like her it's good, just say her then. I hope you are not planning to propose to her. It's silly to think." I tried to control my laugh.

" Yeah laugh at me. I know I sound stupid. I like her. I hate to see her with anyone. So that's the reason I asked her to choose me or the others. If she continues to talk with other boys, I know I can't bear that." He said.

" Poor girl, that's so mean of you. You should have never done that. It's her life, let her rule. You are overreacting."

" Nandini?" Anaya called my name. She took the best time to come. I was doing a bad job of advising my younger brother in a field where I have zero experience.

" Yes?"

" I think I have given both of you enough time, a full two hours. Don't blame me after that I ruin your date. But now it's party time. Come I will show you what fun is." She pulled my hand, taking me to the center. Just one second ago I was thanking her for saving me and what she planned? Getting me in a limelight?

" Guys, give your attention to me. Not particularly to me, but to her."She started gesturing to me. " Welcome Nandini to our club. The newest and the cutest member." She whispered in my ear. " Didn't I tell you that you are cute?" There were hoops and woos and clapping. I was feeling completely dumb standing there. What do you do at times like this? I surely don't know. I was just smiling. Awkwardly!

"Drink," the girl beside me says. I looked down at my hand and realized that someone had placed a drink in it. I mistakenly put my nose against the top, smelling the foul liquid, which burns my nostrils. I scrunch my

nose, trying to ignore the chuckles behind me. I glanced at Anaya. She gave a sorry look, then leaned towards me, " I am sorry I forgot about this in my excitement. It's like a tradition here. Please just one sip."

I looked down at my hand again. What damage can a sip do? Nothing. No worries. I lifted the glass raising it to my lips and took a drink. It felt hot and burned all the way down to my stomach, but I managed to swallow it. It tastes horrible. The group claps and laughs. Surely at me, I know.

After a short time, I can feel the heat in my cheeks and then, later, the small amount of alcohol in my veins that grow with each round that I am dared to take another shot. I oblige, and I have to admit I feel pretty relaxed for once. I feel good. With this feeling, everything seems a little easier. The people around me all seem a little more

fun than before.

I gulped down the whole glass. I heard an 'oh my' from the side. But realized it was Anaya when he snatched the glass from my hand.

"Hey" I complained.

" It's not good. I just asked for one sip. You are done now."

" What was it though? I feel like I need it more."

" Vodka. Don't you dare drink more? Probably it's your first so be careful." She warned.

I didn't argue more. It's surely the drink I think that's getting over me. Though I didn't stop for that. I got a strange, tingling feeling that someone was watching me. No. I am the center of attention, all eyes are upon me, exclude a few. It's surely drinking.

I don't know what was happening around. I was rather afraid. The feeling won't go, and it had now spread throughout my body. It's a strong tingle indeed. I giggled, the alcohol making its way.

" What?" The girl asked. I don't understand why is she standing here. Maybe she wants attention, but help me I don't want her attention on me. I shrugged, not particular if I did.

I scanned the area. I can't help it. I trust my gut feeling more than myself. I searched running my eyes around the circle, watching for any sign. I saw nothing, but then the ferocious eyes held me.

I found him. I found him giving me a strange look. Maybe I think he looked mad or disappointed. I frowned.

"Hey? Tell us fast. With whom will you like to dance first?"

"Manik" His name left my lips even before I think I even said it. His eyes widened with surprise. The only single to confirm my silliness.

Dancing with Mr. Bad? Good or bad?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello everyone!

I didn't get any response on my offer for co-writing. I say I'm awfully sad. Nonetheless, few people reached me for other things than to collaborate.

No! Don't think I am closing the chance of co-writing. It's open as long as this book doesn't end. XD

It's just if anyone is still interested you have to write the bonfire prompt only. I know I wrote it. But this is where your imagination is tested more where creativity is demanded more. To complete the previous chapter(write your own) and message me. If your friends are interested in it, you can tag them too.

For the ones who reached for help or queries or ideas, do know I am always available. Anyone who needs any help regarding your book, I am happy to serve you.

Do not forget I am still searching for a co-writer.

Thank you!