Once Upon a Time in London

Chapter 12

The first thought that crosses my mind is, what.

I look at him, eyeing him carefully as I ask him, "What are you talking about?" my voice measured.

He shrugs his shoulders, "You like golden boy, make a move."

I shake my head slightly, "No, what are you talking about, he's with Zara."

He leans back slightly, "Apparently they are on their 7th break this year."

"I-" I hesitate slightly before continuing, "doesn't matter, they'll be back together soon."

"Then get with him before Zara does" he reaches for what I presume is the cigarette box he threw away the day before. He pats both pockets and seems to have come to the same conclusion as me.

He eyes me, and sighs annoyedly, "Look I have to go to football" he says, as he cocks his head towards the gym, "You better get going to your class too."

I nod my head absentmindedly, "see you around."

He nods curtly, lips pressed together sincerely before he jogs off towards the gym.

A frustrated sigh makes its way up my throat as I walk towards my free period, suddenly unsure of everything.

"So let me get this straight, Rahul is now helping you get with Jai?" Tina laughs as she sips her macchiato.

"I don't know what he's doing" I say annoyed, biting into the veg sandwich.

"Hmm this is interesting, I'm looking forward to seeing how this plays out" she laughs.

I sigh, "You aren't taking this seriously, I'm certain he's lost his mind" I shake my head.

"Oh definitely, but I thought you already knew this, didn't you claim to loathe his very gut, oh and he's stupidly smart brain" she laughs, earning us a few looks from the people sitting around us.

I lean across the table, pressing my hand over her mouth, shushing her.

- - - - - -

"Anjali?"

I look up to see Mr. Robal smiling down at me, his grey hair combed back, a gentle smile in his kind eyes.

"Yes sir?"

"Your thesis was very well written as always, I'm very proud of you" he smiles.

I smile instinctively, until the next few words leave his mouth, "You too Rahul, your thesis was very detailed and provided a very interesting perspective, I enjoyed reading it quite a lot" he ponders out loud as Rahul walks into the English class.

Rahul is always a little late to English because of Football, which also means that most of the time he's still in his football gear, changing after the lesson during recess. His hair is sprouting in all directions, sweat trailing down his forehead, his shirt is pressed against his torso, I can faintly see the outline of his toned muscles underneath. I avert my gaze, mentally kicking myself for even looking in his direction, until his voice rings out, "Beat you again huh Sharma?"

I look in his direction, only to see him smirking down at me, his eyes sparkling with a challenge, "You wish" I say, jutting my chin forward, raising my head in defiance.

The dimples on his cheeks become even more pronounced as an amused grin spreads across his face, "Feisty today are we?"

I glare at him, seething.

He walks towards the back of the class, leaving before I can hurl another insult towards him.

Tina who is sitting next to me is staring at me curiously, "I didn't know you let him get to you so easily now."