Chap 9-smoke
It was day and half journey, from Mumbai to Delhi and Delhi to Kalka. Imlie was looking out window the breeze kissing her cheeks. Night hasld bestowed upon them.
"Imlie khana" Ahana called out.
"I made home made food for everyone" "pav bhaji" she smiled. She looked like somebody who loves feeding people. She had big tin with food enough for everyone. Everybody ate heartily satisfied. Anya was busy talking with Aryan they had met after long am sure they have catching upto do. Raja and Sumit were busy looking at some videos , ahana and her chatted to each other. She found out Ahana was ectastic for this trip because her and Sumit hardly gets time to spend with each other infact their lives are so hectic because of Sumit's profession, they did not even go to honeymoon.
"Enough about me babes, i want to know about you. "
"Are my life is open book am sure Sumit must have told you i work at Bhaskar times as journalist. I live here alone i recently lost my mom ." Her eyes glistened. Ahana kept her hand on her arm as silent empathy "i hardly have friends but now i have feeling you are going to be my bestie" she winked and smiled.
"Of course, me and Pihu-Vinayak wife meet once a week have a lady night . You can join our oh so boring club"
"Dont worry we will spice it up" she laughed.
They continued until 12 am when Sumit called her to sleep. Everybody got up to set up the berth. Aryan and Raja were going to sleep at the bottom, Imlie directly above Aryan and Anya above raja's berth. Sumit and Ahana seats were on the parallel the private two berth.
Imlie was tired and sleep came to her in jiffy.
Around 3 or 4 am Imlie wasnt sure, she woke up to go bathroom. She noticed Anya and Aryan both missing. Hmm. She could hardly open her eyes. Once she was done, she didnt notice them while going to bathroom- they were standing at the edge of the entrance of the train door. Both were smoking and chatting seriously. Imlie went upto them her one yes hardly open. "You two smoke?"
"Imlie, look at you hardly can open your eyes and worrying about us smoking. Go sleep" scolded her.
"Answer me" trying to open her eye.
"Yea"anya answered in matter of fact tone
"Well i hate smoking. You guys need to quit." She grabbed the nastiness (cigrettes)from both of their hands and threw.
"Imlie Stop" Aryan was pissed
"Who gave you right , we can do whatever we want. Pura mood bigad diya. Go sleep "his voice little louder.
Without saying a word, Imlie scurried from there not caring that she has pissed of Aryan. "Whatver, i am going back to my sleep" and she slept like a baby.
In morning after all freshen up, Imlie avoided Aryan gaze . She stole on glance, boy he was staring at her like he was about to stab the fork he was eating breakfast with on her hand.
"Imlie , idhar aao want to talk to you"
She sighed and went him near the door.
She folded her hands across her chest.
"What was that at night?"
"Mujhe smoking nai pasand"
"So its none of your businesss, what i do and dont. You are friend"
"Exactly as friend i gave advice and wahi haq se feka"
"You"
"What" she dared him.
"Look we havnt reached yet and we are fighting Imlie yar. Smoking ek din mein nai jati"
"I know that, you can start from today"she retorted back
"Like i said meri marzi. Thats end of topic. I do not want to fight." He sighed rather annoyed
"Me either" she looked outside.
"Lets go back"
He gave her his hand as if to say they patched up. "Chal"
She rolled her eyes when he wasnt looking.
They reached Delhi and settled in their next train without any incidents. They started planning the rest of the journey.
Day 1 they will rest and then explore the town.
Day 2 drive to shimla , explore along the way
Day 3 snow day
Day 4 explore food joints - raja's idea
Day 5 hiking and camp at mountain top
Day 6- packing and chill day
Day 7-home!
They all promise to stick to plans. Imlie thougbt otherwise knowing how boys aee sometimes!
