Once Upon a Time in London

Chapter 6

I scribble out Rahul's name for the 61st time in my notebook, letting out a groan as the pen rips through the paper.

"Ugh I can't believe Ms, Maetri wants me to work with Rahul" I say exasperated.

Tina picks up my caramel latte and takes a sip, a smile plays on her lips.

I begin pacing the empty locker room, the frustration coiling in the pit of my stomach.

"Looks like we'll be seeing more of Rahul then" Tina says coyly.

I look up at her to find the faintest of red spreading over her face, I stop in my tracks, unsure of what to make of this.

"You can't be serious, you know I loathe him, I don't understand how you like him, he's so...so irritating" I scrunch up my hands in fists, if only he was standing here, I punch the nearest locker and instantly regret it, the pain shoots up my arms and my knuckles turn red.

"Oww" I whimper, vigorously shaking my hands as if that may relieve some pain.

Tina lets out a little laugh, jumps off from the table as she finishes off the last of my latte. I watch as she walks over to the bin to throw away the empty cup. She calmly walks back over to me, coming to a stop in front of the table she was previously sitting at. I expect her to hop back on the table but she gently leans back on the table instead, crossing her arms over her chest. I walk over to her, waiting for her to say something.

"Rahul and I grew up together" she smiles at me, a gentle smile, a reminiscent look in her eyes.

I lean towards her, as if to encourage her to go on.

"Our parents are family friends, they knew each other from way back, they wanted to invest together and expand our businesses" she looks over at me, maintaining her smile.

I know that both her and Rahul's parents are successful business owners, so it's not a surprise that they would want to go to greater extents together. I nod at her, indicating to her to continue.

"As Rahul and I started growing up, our parents found another reason to do a project together. They wanted to take their friendship to the next level and proposed that Rahul and I get married" Tina says, her voice low, a faraway look in her eyes.

My breath hitches, Rahul and Tina? Married?

"I heard them when they decided that you know, and although it wasn't mentioned much after that, 8 year old me got it in her head that Rahul and I would definitely get married" Tina whispers.

I can feel tears pricking the back of my eyes.

"And as we grew up, Rahul and I got more distant, he barely even came over anymore, it was them you know" Tina looks over at me, "it was Rahul's parents that first suggested that we don't go through with Rahul and my marriage plans, Rahul's frivolous nature was evident to all of us, they loved me too much to have me marry their son who is such a flirt" Tina laughs, although I can sense the pain she's trying to hide, she almost looks like she's going to cry.

"My parents agreed too and that was the last we heard of my potential marriage with Rahul" Tina smiles at me, "it's been 2 years since then, but I'd thought of him and only him for 8 years by then, how can I forget him that easily Anjali?" Tina looks up at me, a sad smile on her lips.

"Does...does he know?" I whisper.

"Yes, no, I don't know" Tina replies, "we haven't seen each other out of school in years now, when we do attend the occasional parties at each other's houses, we never talk, he barely even looks at me" Tina finishes.

A thousand thoughts are reeling in my mind, Tina likes him so much, she may even potentially love him, a sharp pain pierces my chest as I think about how Rahul didn't even recall Tina's name when he gave us a ride to school. Tears trail down my cheeks as I pull her in for a hug.

"I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry" I whisper.

I feel Tina nod her head as she hugs me tighter, although I can't see her, I'm certain we're both crying.

- - - - - -

I am going to smash Rahul's head into the table.

I've been sitting here for the past hour to discuss the debate arguments with Eleanor Fabioci and Mr. Rahul Khanna himself. And surprise surprise, we have gotten nothing done so far. This is due to Ms. Fabioci and Mr. Khanna continuously flirting with each other ever since we sat down at the table.

I'm sitting in front of both of them, our books scattered on the table between us. Eleanor keeps laughing as Rahul traces circles on her hands with his index finger, whispering -I presume-, sweet nothings in her ear. I'm afraid the fake smile I have plastered on my lips won't last long if I don't intervene now. I kick Rahul under the table, hard. He looks up at me almost immediately, suppressing a scream. He glares down at me, I only smile sweetly in response.

He turns to Eleanor, "Sweetheart, do you mind getting me a coffee, I heard the canteen has fresh cakes and steaming coffee today."

Eleanor immediately perks up and leaves almost instantly, I watch as she blows Rahul a kiss and walks towards the canteen, there's a subtle sway of her hips as she walks. It almost looks natural, almost.

As soon as Eleanor's out of sight, Rahul glares daggers at me, "What. Is. Your. Problem?"

I can't believe it.

"I'm here to work, not to see you flirt" I hiss as I jab him in the shoulder, leaning back in my chair.

Rahul's glare almost immediately turns into a smirk, he coolly leans back in his chair, crossing his arms behind his head, "aww there's no need to be jealous Sharma, you're still my number 1" he winks at me.

My face feels hot, "You-" I'm about to yell some insult at him when I hear Eleanor's heels clacking against the wooden library floor.

I glare at him as I make a hasty decision, just as Eleanor's about to walk upto the table, I slide into the booth next to Rahul. I feel Rahul stiffen next to me, Eleanor freezes at the head of the table, looking at me.

"I need to discuss something with Rahul" I smile up at her. I'm sorry Eleanor but this is the only way we'll get some work done.

"Oh, of course" Eleanor replies as she slides into the booth where I was sitting earlier on.

I watch as she passes out a coffee to all of us, I almost feel a little guilty as Eleanor passes me a caramel latte, my favourite caffeinated drink, along with little finger cakes she brought a plateful of. She then starts pulling out notes and textbooks from her bag. I'm still staring at her when I feel Rahul lean towards me, he's so close I can feel his breath brush against my neck. I feel the hair stick up at the nape of my neck.

He whispers, "Didn't know you were so eager to sit next to me Sharma, all you needed to do was ask" his voice seemed different, almost as if it were deeper than usual.

However, I barely have time to register his voice when I have more pressing issues to deal with, such as why my face is still red.