Bride Set off

chapter 7

"Here, let's read this book over there." He took my hand and made me follow to the balcony.

The view was beautiful from there. Cold breeze, hot coffee on side table and perfect couch to read book. This is perfect. My dark academia Pinterest board just came alive, just avoid this guy who is still holding my hand.

He looked around to see me and he realized he is holding my hand for long seconds and he let go of it.

"This is my hiding place. Far away from world, my own little world." He said while handing me blanket.

"Thanks." I said and wrap blanket around.

"I didn't know what genre you read, I just randomly picked this up... I hope you like this." He handed me book and sat at end of couch.

"IT'S COLLEN HOOVER'S BOOK!!!!!" I almost screamed in excitement.

"You like her books too?"

"I love it."

"Glad I picked that then." He smiled.

"Thank you."

"You have read this one yet?"

"Nope! I ordered it two weeks before but it hasn't arrived. I am glad this book is here. Thank you for this."

"I am glad." He smiled.

We read book in complete silence. I glanced at him in between, he is deeply into the book. Irony of my life is that I met him again at this party and I don't know his name. Yet, I am spending my time reading with him. I suddenly remember Jay. They took phones at reception counter, I really want to check phone to see if he texted or not. I am much worried about him.

"It's getting late. Let's go now." He stood up and placed books from where he took. I followed him downstairs.

"I had a good time because of you." He said.

"Same. I weirdly had fun time with you too."

"I am glad. Hope to see you soon."

"Yeah." I stepped out of the elevator.

"Well, Goodnight Bryce. I take your leave."

"Goodnight Micah. Meet you soon." He smiled and left.

I spotted Piku chatting around with people. I don't want to interact with them. I stand behind Piku hoping no one makes eye contact with me. I stuffed my mouth with macrons till Piku noticed me I am exhausted. She said goodbye to everyone and signaled me to leave. I was so happy.

We got our phones and hampers from exit gate. I called Ms. Henna to pick up us. We both waited for her on nearby bench.

"So... You are not going to tell me." Piku smirked.

"What's wrong with you?"

"You and Aron left main room. Everyone noticed you too. We were talking about it."

"You were what ? And His name is Aron?" my brain went blank for a second. People talked about me and him. His name is Aron and I am knowing this now?

"Oh my god! You didn't even know that guy name and you followed him? Rashi, who are you?"

"Wait – Tell me what you people talk about me and him. Also, his details?"

"Not much. I got details of him. He is attending this parties for long time and he is anti-social. He doesn't talk, smile. He just wanders around make his presence at main room and goes straight to library. Today was the first-time people saw him making conversation and taking someone to library room."

"That's not true."

"What do you mean? I heard this all."

"He is social person. He talked to me even at last party, don't you remember?"

"I did remember."

"Also, about him not talking and smiling is rumor. He smiles a lot, trust me. He has this warm smile that made me weird for just not smiling a lot back."

"I trust you, Rashi. I just see things clearly now, Thanks."

"See what clearly now?"

"The way you are trying hard not say represent crush feelings."

"What? That's nonsense. I don't even know his name, not he knows mine. We are just friendly strangers who attend party here."

"Yeah."

"Don't 'YEAH' me. You did this before too. At Sophomore year. You shipped me with that exchange student and made situation awkward."

"I am sorry about that. I sensed something is between you two back then. I was wrong but I am right about you and this guy now."

"No, Piku! I don't want to awkward things again just because you feel and then you don't."

"Geez, relax! I am sorry if I over stepped teasing you."

"Sorry. I just lose it."

What's wrong with me? Why I am getting angry at Piku. It's my phone's on low battery and I am worried about Jay. I just want to go home and charge phone to rant Jay about so many things.

Ms. Henna picked up us and we dropped Piku first. Her parents were waiting outside. Piku will be trouble, I can sense it seeing their faces.

"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Roy, I am sorry we are bit late. We had to make stop at gas station and it was lined up. I am sorry."

"It's okay beta. Just don't make it a habit." Mrs. Roy laughed as if it's the biggest joke she made and Mr. Roy was just waiting for us to leave, so he can yell at Piku for being late. His scary face can tell.

"Hello, I am Henna. I am sorry for dropping late. Your daughter made everyone stunned by her intelligence today."

"Is it?" Mr. Roy said looking at Piku.

"Of course, sir. She is quiet a charm. I am sure you guys are proud of her."

"We are." Mrs. Roy said as she caresses Piku's hair. Mr. Roy seemed to have change of expression, the scary angry face is gone. Wow, Ms. Henna truly knows magic.

"We take your leave now." Ms. Henna nod and smiled to them and I just followed her. I am not good with parents. I am glad Ms. Henna handled the situation here.