The Boxes We Are Put In

Chapter 26

Wednesday came around faster than expected, and that meant that Nikhil should be back in Bangalore. Still no text or call. And somehow, I had stopped caring, I was still angry. But I did not check my mobile every five minutes. It is his loss. Whatever... I am not dependent on him. I don't care AT ALL.

Technically I should be calling Arya to let her know I am back, even if she knows that I should be back. But.... I don't feel like it. I wish I can avoid confrontation. Whatever happened in the past, with the parents and everyone in the picture the marriage is happening anyway. I have to convince her to shift back to Trivandrum as well.

Now that I thought about all of this, I felt stupid again for stretching the fight. Eventually, somebody has to call. And this time let it be me. I called her...

"Hm?"

"Busy?"

"No. Tell me..." Such a professional, cold voice.

"So... I came back."

"Okay..."

Okay?? Okay? Huh?

"So... Working late tonight?" I asked.

"No. Why?"

She is acting so prissy. I don't want to do this tonight. "I am. So... I can't meet. See you tomorrow or someday."

"Okay," she said.

Again, okay??? "Okay. That's all. Bye," I hung up. She can be such a bitch sometimes.

He hung up. Irritating jerk. I set the phone away. But at least I won, he called first. My phone blinked.

Darshan: Dinner tonight?

I did not see him after that night and did not call or text either. I just felt weird. But a part of me was saying I overreacted. I mean, it is not like he tried to kiss me or anything. Nothing actually happened.

Darshan: Come on. You actually owe me 1000 rs.

Darshan: nevermind if you are meeting your guy

Arya: I am not.

Darshan: Then thank you for the dinner. I will pick you up at 8.

Arya: I didn't say yes.

Darshan: After many serious contemplations we had mutually come to a very concrete conclusion that – 'u deserve a life'.

I chuckled.

Arya: Fine.

If I meet him, I can keep his alcohol consumption checked as well.

"I have a challenge for you," I said as I walked to Darshan's bike. He looked at me with interest, "Stay sober for a week. I will get you my mother's unniappam."

"Hm..." He stood back, to consider. "And how do you suppose you will check to make sure I am sober for a week?"

Right. I was going to trust his honesty. But... I wonder.

"Want to live with me? In my house?" he asked, joking. "You can easily keep tabs."

I rolled my eyes.

While driving Darshan called back, "So if I do stay sober... do I actually get the treat?"

"Yeah," I called over, for that I had to move closer. "Are you going to?"