Story of a Night

Chapter 2

I don't know how I should react right now. And she didn't give me time to do so.  
She immediately says,"Let us start from the introduction. I am Khushi Chopra and you are?" 
"Rishab.", I say with irritation. 

I don't want to know her or talk to her. But I have no idea why I am listening to her.
She says,"Hmm..I am in love with your guitar strokes. I want you to teach me guitar." 

"There are many teachers and music schools here. I am not a tutor. I can't teach you anything."
I pull a few notes from my pocket, put it on the table and say, "You can take a cab after finishing your pie. I am leaving and don't you dare follow me." 
I rush out of the dinner. 

I need a drink so I enter an old bar. It is deserted with only a handful of men. I ask for a drink from an ugly looking guy with a thick moustache.

I was just hoping that she finally left. I was hoping she safely left. And I got my answers in a few minutes.

I hear her voice,"I am not leaving you until you teach me how to play guitar."
She is back, standing behind me.
"I will keep following you. I will stand here and talk to you non-stop till you say yes."

I grab her arm,"Get lost. Just get lost."
She stares at me,"Teach me guitar. And I will be out of your sight. I won't disturb you ever again."

I shake my head and get out of the bar. I keep walking towards the main road. And she follows me. I really don't get why is so adamant. I can never teach anyone. I am not that good. I am not good at anything. I couldn't even be a good human being. 

Suddenly I hear a noise and I look back to see her on the ground. She had dashed with a motor bike. I rub my temples and go back. 

"Are you alright?"
She looks up with misty eyes and nods her head. I give her my hand and help her stand up on her feet. I nod at the bike rider who had got down to check her. It was not his fault and I ask him to leave. I help her walk up to the bench nearby and make her sit down.

Her knees were scraped a little. I bought a bottle of water, dampened my handkerchief and dabbed it over her bruise.
"Drink some water."
I say to her as I pass her the bottle.

After sometime she feels better and I ask her, "Are you sane? I mean you are running after me in the middle of the road just to learn guitar. Is that so important? I mean you could have had an accident with any car."

She snivels and says,"I only want to learn it from you."
I stand up out of frustration, "That's what I am not getting. Why me?"
"Because, I felt a connection with you. I felt your pain. I felt your music talking to me."

I was speechless. Nobody had said anything to me like this before. Nobody had felt my pain through my music. I stood there staring at her.

"Can't you just be my tutor for a night? Only for tonight. Please. I only have this night to do whatever I want. Please teach me." 
Her statement left me confused.
"What do you mean? What is your problem? See you seems to be from a good family. It's not safe to be in these places at night. Let me call you a cab. You go home."

I go out to call a cab and she says holding my wrist,"I am not going home alone. Please teach me guitar. I won't bother you again I promise. I need this. This is the last thing on my bucket list. I will tag along with you if you don't listen."

What the hell! Where am I stuck? Is she a psycho?

"Listen, give me your number. I will find you the best teacher. I promise. Now go home."

Maybe this will work, I thought.
She screamed, "No! I don't have time for that." 

I know if I try to leave, she will still come after me. She is a stubborn girl. I can take a taxi and leave. However, I can't do that, it's not safe to leave her alone in this place. She might be crazy but I can't just leave her stranded on the road now. I have to think about her safety.

I rub my temples again.
 One night. I can spare one night.
I think.

"Fine. I will teach you."