Yes, I Ran Away! (Now Available on Amazon)

Chapter 2 - New York

—New York—

I was finally here. I was here in New York, standing on its land and breathing in its air. The air of New York.The air of freedom.

The journey was quite good. The man beside me, named Axel, was a fun guy. We had a good time talking, we even exchanged numbers but I am sure we will never call each other. Whoever calls a person you met on a flight anyway? Some meetings are just one-time charm and twice a charm is not really needed.

I looked around myself. Everywhere there were big buildings, bigger than I have seen in Delhi. This city breathes life into me. It is busy, but it is beautiful. A modern-day heaven made of steel and concrete. Perfect.

I waited for Amber, my friend while I looked around myself and soaked as much as I can of New York. 

Amber, as usual, was late. We both were in the same school and had a strong bond. And a strong understanding of each other's quirks. Being late was one of hers. It was already thirty minutes, and she was nowhere to be seen. She not even picking up my calls. I don't understand why people like her carry a phone, what are you gonna do with it if not pick or make calls?

I was frustrated, but then I heard a high pitched voice "RUCHI!!!!!"

I looked back already knowing who the owner of the irritatingly excited voice was.

"Hey, Am!" I let out a similar irritating voice while hugging her. A friend is not a friend if he or she is not a bad influence.

"Come on. Tell me all about your escapade in the car!" She was so cheerful, how? 

We hopped in her car and drove towards her apartment. And while I was in the car, she left no chance of grilling me out of all the details of my escape. I told her everything and all she was interested in knowing was about the two men I met during my 'amazing' journey.

I blatantly declined to talk about them. I do not need memories of two confused crushes to follow me into my new life. 

We finally arrived at her apartment and gosh it was big! She told me that it was a gift from her fiance.

 Her fiance is gifting her an apartment and I don't even know how mine looked like. I almost laughed at the irony. 

We entered further into her condo because that's what it was. It was huge and it was beautifully decorated. I could see Amber did the decor herself. It was her style to mix pastel with bright. I don't know how the girl does it, but she really aces the otherwise horrid combination.

The furniture was minimal but tasteful. Expensiveness reeked out of it, I felt like puking money on her Kashmere carpet.

"So, how do you like it?" She asked with a hopeful look.

"You are kidding me, right? Last time I checked you were neck-deep in debt. This place is fantastic!" I said, not really believing my beloved friend's luck. I was very happy for her, but I cannot deny some jealousy which made its way into me. It should not be there, but then how else do I prove that I am actually a human and not a robot?

"Thanks, it's all my fiance you know..he wanted to gift me this condo before we get married." She said with a shy smile playing on her lips. And my heart swelled with joy for her. My life was a wreck at the moment, but that does not mean I cannot be happy for her.

Seeing your best friend fall in love with someone who actually deserves it and loves her back equally well; it is a beautiful feeling. Human friendships are twisted but they have their moments, like these. Simple, beautiful and happy.

"I am so happy for you, Amber! You have gone through a lot, you deserve all the happiness!" I hugged her, not being able to control the flashback of all the hardships she had faced in life.