AAHARA

SPRAINED.

We all kept walking when I saw an ice cream shop. It was calling for me. So, I stopped walking to stare at it. I was in my own Ice Cream Dreamland, when a deep voice broke my daydream.

"You want some?" I looked up and realised that it was the guy, whose hand I had been holding. He was looking down at me with a small smile.

I turned towards Bhiaya and he was also staring down at me. So, I gave his hand a little squeeze. He understood my signal, then nodded his head and a big smile grew on my face. I dragged both of them with me into the ice cream shop. While I heard a lot of chuckles in the background. I have no idea how I dragged those two hunks inside the shop but I guess, the prospect of ice cream energised my tired body.

Once inside I quickly started scanning all the aisles. Should I take my usual or try something new? I was looking through everything when my eyes fell on a chocolate ice cream cake, then it was decided. While giving me my order, the man behind the counter looked terrified. Like he would prefer passing out rather than being here. So, I looked back only to realise that the reason for his turmoil, were five scary men giving him death glares.

The prospect of having ice cream had distracted me so much that I totally forgot about them all. I sighed and went to them.

"You all won't eat?" I asked no one in particular. Yet all of them shook their heads. I crossed my hands and pouted. I won't eat alone. I went ahead and ordered them all different flavours. I know they said 'no' but a little ice cream won't hurt. When I got everything and was about to take my wallet out, a credit card had already been shoved in the man's hand. I looked back to see who it was. Kain Bhaiya. Well, it's okay. I get free food.

I took one cup and shoved it in Bhaiya's hand, doing the same with the others. All of them looked at me but I only shrugged. I got out of the shop and everybody else followed. We were walking slowly, silently enjoying our ice creams when I saw a park. I soon found a bench and sat down. Everybody doing the same, some sat next to me while others sat on the edge of the fountain, opposite us.

We were all silent, enjoying the treat and the cold breeze blowing. Then I realised that I didn't know anyone's name.

"Bhaiya are they your friends?" I whispered hoping nobody would hear but all of them did since everyone was so quite and I cringed mentally. Stupid me.

"Yup. We go to the same college Baby. I am Sage." He smiled and winked at me.

"Didn't I tell you not to call her Baby." Bhaiya growled again. Yet he was ignored by the former. I could only praise his courage in my head for such a brave act.

"I am Rayan." The one whose hand I had held earlier said. I smiled at him and he just stared. Then he lifted his hand and patted my head. My smile only widened at that.

"Hello Kiddo. I am Harsh." I smiled at him too and he smiled back. Then I looked at the last one but he didn't say anything.

"Oh that's Ray. He doesn't talk much. Don't mind him." Harsh Bhaiya said. So, I looked at the man in question and he nodded his head, in confirmation. Then they all started making small conversations and I joined in once or twice. I finished my ice cream before everybody, as they were all busy talking. I leaned my head on Bhaiya's shoulder, feeling sleepy and drifted off. Yet before falling asleep completely, I felt a hand wrap itself around my waist protectively.

I was woken up by a gentle shake. I opened my eyes and looked at the intruder ready to kill, when my eyes fell on Dada. I jolted up and looked around, only to realise that I was in my room. Dada chuckled.

"Kain brought you here. He said you fell asleep on your way back. Today is my turn. We are leaving in 20 minutes." He said while caressing my cheek. Then he got up and left. It took my disoriented mind another minute to comprehend what Dada said and went it did. I ran into the bathroom to get ready.