Roommate (ASHAANGI)

Five

"Pesatha da. Call pannuna urgent kukuda edukkamatra" Saesha huffs out in annoyance, crossing her arms against her chest.

"Sorry ma, Enakku kathulavilala. I had something important that day. You know very well" Satya scoots his chair closer to her.

"I know. But still.. It's okay. I forgive you" she sighs, making Satya grin at her.

"So, are you looking forward to your date this evening?" he asks and she taps her fingers on the table, deep in thought.

"Date ah?" she narrows her eyes at him.

"Athan. Harish-"

"Athu innaika?" Saesha dramatically arches her head back, a groan silently leaving her lips.

"Athukkullaiyum maranthuttiya? Na drop pannata?"

"Illa venam. Naney poren. I want to mentally prepare myself for the worst-case" She heaves out a heavy sigh and drops her head on the table with a loud bang.

"Ouch" Satya hisses at her actions and drapes his arm around her shoulder.

"Just tell him you're busy" Satya tries to comfort her and she shakes her head against the table

"No. I have been dodging him for two freaking months. Let's just hear what he has to say"

"That's my girl. If you're uncomfortable just give me a call, okay?" She slowly raises her head and gives him a small smile.

"Thank you" She nods and they get back to their work.

----------

Saesha lets out a breath and enters the cafe. Rubbing her sweaty palms on her cardigan, she spots an empty booth and slowly walks over to it.

'Let's just get over with this already' Her mind speaks and she nods absently.

After a few forceful breaths, she slides into the empty booth and shuts her eyes.

"Mam?" A waiter appears by her side, startling her.

"Uh.. I'm waiting for someone. Will order once the person arrives" she informs and the waiter nods, leaving her booth.

Exhaling, she pulls out her phone from her pocket and tries to keep her self busy with the social media. Opening Whatsapp, she clicks on the new messages and replies to them slowly.

"Hey" A familiar voice greets her and she looks up from her phone to see Harish, standing across from her with his signature smile.

"Did I make you wait too long?" He scrunches up his nose and she shakes her head horizontally.

"I arrived early" She replies slowly.

"Ah right, you're always the first one to come" He gives her another signature smile of his and takes a seat across from her.

"Did you order anything?" he asks, opening the menu placed in front of him.

"No.. I'm not hungry. I'll just have water" She places her hands on her lap and nervously fidgets with them.

"Youre not one to turn down foods"

"Im not in the mood. Please just tell me whatever you wanted to say" She taps her foot on the ground, impatiently. Harish signals a waiter to come over and soon the waiter comes. He quickly orders and leans against his seat.

"Saesha, how are you doing?" He asks and she stares at him, getting lost in his brown eyes. Clearing her throat, she looks away.

"I've been better" she replies, not meeting his eyes.