Sweet and Salty ~ (GxG) (Book 3: The Sweet and Sour series)

Dropping Hints

Tasha waved at her friends waiting outside the principal's office. She visited college after three days' leave with Devjani assisting her as a guardian. Mallika's prescribed medicines had helped with her morning sickness but she was still having difficulty with her suddenly changed taste of food and random mood swings.

After Satyavati made up with Tasha and apologised for ever proposing the abortion her next concern was Tasha's college. She knew Tasha was not ready to attend college with a baby bump that would become obvious within a few months. Besides, she had made some good friends she was answerable to because they genuinely cared for her and Tasha didn't want to loose them.

Considering all possible scenarios and Mallika's suggestion that Tasha should not stay seated for longer hours since; Devjani decided to pay her principal a visit. She had arranged medical certificates from Sristi stating that Tasha was diagnosed with fatty liver. That would grant Tasha required leaves to get ample rest and Devjani knew her friends would be more than willing to help her in studies whenever needed.

"When was it detected?", Dahlia asked with pure concern.

"I had severe stomach pain that evening and mom got me checked", Tasha bit her lip averting her gaze from Dahlia's soulful eyes. Her friends had constantly been in touch with her in the past days she skipped classes. They whatspped her the notes and even wanted to drop by her place. Tasha felt so bad lying to them.

"You are one for always eating healthy. Even I get grossed out with how you gobble down ramen and vegetables. Talk about luck", Kiara hugged Tasha's waist casually, her hand gently resting on Tasha's belly.

'That's one of your godmothers love', Tasha talked to her child in her mind as her cheeks turned pink.

"Guess a little too spicy prawn curry didn't do much good to my liver either. You guys should cut some of those chicken nuggets and wings from your everyday snacks as well", Tasha poked Kiara's cheek.

"Look who's talking. the girl who gained fat in the most unnecessary part of her body", Arni faked an expression of awe and the friends started laughing.

"But seriously, will you be okay?", Dahlia grabbed Tasha's hand and squeezed it. Her eyes still full of concern for her friend.

Tasha bit the inside of her cheeks holding in the urge to pull all of her friends in a group hug blurting out the truth and replied meekly, "Don't worry. I will be fine. The doctor put me on some strong meds. I would be needing loads of rest though."

"Don't worry about the classes. We will be filling you in with the notes. Ask us for any reference books you need. We will deliver it to your home. You just stay put and get all the rest you need", Kiara assured.

"And we will drop by your place for group study sessions if your health permits it", Arni smirked.

Tasha pulled all of her friends in a group hug saying how much that she loved them. She felt too guilty to lie so bluntly while they were trying so hard to encourage her. She knew it was not the right time but she also knew she needed to come clean to them as early as possible. Maybe she should start by dropping small hints to them.

Just as Tasha thought about dropping hints Dahlia made a chance for her by asking, "How is your girlfriend coping up with your health issues? She must be worried sick."

"Well she is", Tasha smiled remembering how flushed and nervous Satyavati looked everytime she puked while her morning sickness kicked in, "Even when she is busy with her packed routine she takes really good care of me."

"You are one lucky idiot. Even your in-law loves you so damn much", Arni pointed towards the principal's room inside which Devjani was having a word with her principal.

The friends kept joking about Tasha's mysterious knight-in-armour as Tasha bashfully revealed how she had been taking really good care of her since she got sick.

After a while Arni suddenly elbowed Dahlia, "Hey, did you tell Tasha about Lavender or not?"

Dahlia's face instantly flushed as Tasha curiously enquired, "Who's that?"

"Lia's girlfriend apparently", smirked Arni, "You are no longer the only one that has a mysterious love interest. Lia is in the race too."

"The heck you have been hiding all the juice from me!", Tasha grabbed Dahlia by her shoulder and asked playfully.

"Come on guys. We have just started talking. It's not even serious", Dahlia tried to defend herself, even though her lips couldn't contain a smile of pure contentment.

"This is insane. Who is she? How is she? How did you guys meet? Oh my god. Show me a picture already", Tasha asked in the same breath.

"Whoa whoa..Easy girl easy...", Dahlia playfully smacked Tasha's head,"You heard of Beehive? The new online messaging app? We started chatting in Beehive last week and it kind of clicked. We haven't shared pictures yet and I don't even know her real name. She is just fun to talk with."

"She may as well be a HE", Kiara stuck her tongue out.

"It will be a shame if she is though", Dahlia winked, "She is really cool and we vibe really well. She even wants to meet someday."

"I'm happy for you Lia but Arni does have a point. Be careful. You have to make sure she is who she really claims she is before you get too deep with her. It's hard to trust people", Tasha held Dahlia's hand tightly.

Before Dahlia could answer, Devjani walked out of the principal's room.

Tasha introduced Devjani to her friends. Devjani patted all of their heads before inviting them to drop by for coffee some day. Tasha was glad that Devjani asked them. One more reason for her to coax Satyavati to let her friends in on her personal life.

"We should leave now. It's about your time for the medicine", Devjani ushered Tasha and turned to her friends, "It was nice meeting you girls. The invitation for coffee stands anyday suitable for you."

The girls greeted Devjani and pulled Tasha into a tight hug one last time before parting ways. As Tasha walked away Devjani held her hand and squeezed it lightly.

"They seem like good people. Don't loose them", Devjani whispered.

"I don't wanna", Tasha whispered back and held Devjani's hand tighter as her other hand roamed to her belly. She knew with Devjani supporting her convincing Satyavati about coming out to her three besties would be ten times easier.