Unrequited

Chapter 2

As I entered college (now without wobbly knees, since it had been a week since day 1), I was greeted with the sight of a huge crowd near the entrance of the cafeteria.

I spotted Aisha and we both pushed our way to the front of the crowd to introspect what had attracted so much of attention. A colourful flyer had been pinned to the cork board which read 'FRESHER'S PARTY ON 24TH MARCH, 2020'.

I didn't even bother to read the rest of the announcement as Aisha and I erupted in deafening squeals of excitement. Having done my 10+2 in ISC, which is basically studying college syllabus in a school environment (DUHH!!), I had forgotten institutions organised parties too.

And just like that, we buzzed off to our classes discussing what that day would be like.

The following two weeks, seniors scurried around carrying decorative props, dance practices going on in the auditorium, teenagers hijacking the staircases to practice their songs, speeches and chill. I was in exceptionally good spirits. The excited ambience at college kept me smiling throughout.

"What are you gonna wear Ki?", Aisha and I had reached nickname level, though she preferred Ki to the usual Kia. I liked it. "Its SOOO confusing. I can't decide only. I looked at all the boutiques but they all have something either too flashy or too revealing. Hey!? Do you wanna go shopping? That way it'd be faster." She paused to breathe and laugh. We agreed to go at 6.30 in the evening.

Classes had ended earlier because our seniors had roped in the professors and made them do something or the other. I reached home feeling sprightly.

I filled my stomach with the leftovers of last night's pasta, changed into a white sleeveless top and skinny jeans. I tied a checked shirt on my waist trying to look à la chic, but actually fearing that it would get cold. As I stood, my gaze going from comfortable sneakers to hot heels, Kira chastised me.

"Do not even think about heels!"

"But they look so goo—"

"They hurt and you know it!! Don't get me started Kia."

"But won't they look so good with this outfit?"

"Fine then! But don't come back cribbing to me later when your spinal cord is ready to cave in like a house of cards. And not to mention your DELICATE feet, Kia darling!"

I reached at the agreed mid-point on dot, and found a bubbly Aisha awaiting me. She was dressed in a mid-thigh length yellow dress with beautiful white polka dots. It hugged her figure but made her look glamorous if anything.

We hugged (I mean I hugged but she BEAR-HUGGED AND SCREECHED) in excitement and without any more delay jumped into an auto, eager to start out on our shopping spree.

We roamed the streets of Bandra West, going in and out of malls and boutiques. My feet ached from walking and unwillingly thanked Kira.

*smiling smugly* "Humph!"

Wouldn't it be so embarrassing if people caught me talking to myself. My parents would surely contemplate sending me to a psychiatrist.

Aisha's eyes light up like fireflies as we entered a posh looking boutique. Though it was small it had a variety of women's party wear. Two attendants came up to us asking if we needed help.

Aisha demanded their attention and I was left alone to go through the classy fabric. I ran my fingers through the racks of clothes, touching smooth sequin, soft velvet, slippery silk enough to make my mouth water. (Not literally, but you get the picture!).

I walked from one shelf to another until I spotted something which made me stop dead in my tracks. A beautiful tightly fitting, mid-thigh long black dress with long, mesh sleeves. No sequins, no shimmer, no glitter yet it looked so so so fashionable.