The Book of Life: Sweet Poison

2. Gorgeous

A year later.

"Pari, could you bring me some things from the shopping complex?"

I took off my headphones as I heard the voice of mama.

"Yeah, sure. Give me the list and the money... what the... "

The list was quite controversial, might I say.

1. 1kg apple

2. 2kg potato

3. 1kg onion

4. 5kg custard apple

5. Saurabh's favorite chips

"Mama, what is this? 5kg! Seriously? I told you not to eat it that much..."

I had a frown on my face as finally mama stopped chopping the vegetables and turned to look at me. She walked a few steps and gently grabbed my shoulders. I know that face of hers...

"Pari... its not just for me, its for everyone. Okay?"

That soft voice, those sweet words. That face is one of manipulation. Sweet manipulation. Its quite rare to see mama make that face, but her love for custard apples is the kind of love everyone wants in their life. Nonetheless, I'm not someone to be phased by such petty tricks.

"Everyone who? Only you and Sakshi eat custard apples. I will only bring 1kg. I'll buy more next week. Bye."

I walked out of the house with my keys and the money. It's better to avoid some conversations and save your precious time.

"Yah! Pari! Listen to me!"

I laughed as I unlocked my bicycle.

*************

"1kg custard apples please!"

I've bought almost everything mentioned on the list. The only remaining thing now is Saurabh's chips. I reminded myself of all the things I have to do at home as I made my way towards the shop.

"Hey, Pari! Are you here for the chips?"

Gupta uncle said knowingly as he put 3 packets of chips on the counter.

"Yes, uncle. Here's the money. Thank you!"

Opening one of the packets, I walked to the nearest park. I'm in some dire need of fresh air.

"Wow, the flowers look so pretty!" I said to myself, sitting on a wooden bench. I really like talking to myself, specially after the incident. It might seem weird to others, but its like I can listen and understand the words of my mind when others cannot. I haven't really been socializing much after he went to prison. The teachers also act weird towards me. Its like they try to understand me, my situation, my life, when they really don't. They show me the sympathy I never needed. It isn't really their fault either. After all, they think what they've seen and heard is the truth.

But, not everything you see is the truth, you know?

Tring,trrring,tringg.

I'm brought back to my packet of chips as I hear the calming sound of windchimes.

Wait, windchimes? In a park? I look around to find the source of the sound and that's when my eyes fall on something, or rather someone.

I look at the girl sitting in the middle of the park, surrounded by beautiful kinds of flowers. She looks young, maybe around 23. she wore a beautiful light blue gown, and had dark black hair, but she doesn't really look Indian. If I could see her whole face...

My eyes grew wide when she looked at me. A pair of ocean blue eyes were staring right back at me. She had a huge smile on her face, like she was enjoying every moment of her life. Like she was inviting me to join her happiness. I didn't look away. She didn't either.

She was damn gorgeous.

Stop staring at her! I reminded myself when I realized we've been staring at each other for too long. I gave a small smile and bowed my head to her. She just looked back towards the flowers.

Congratulations, Pari! you've successfully embarrassed yourself!

With that I looked away and stood up with the packet of chips and started walking out of the park.

"Hey!"

I turned around at the voice and saw that pretty girl standing in front of me. Not only was she beautiful, she's also very... tall.

"What's your name, little girl?"

"Uh oh! Its pari!" Why are you so startled, Pari! Calm down. Calm down.

"Pari as in angel?"

"Y-Yeah." Stop being so awkward!

"Gosh, what a sweet name you have! It really suits you."

It doesn't.

"Oh yeah. Thank you."

"Anyways, I brought this for you." I look at the bag in her hands and realize.

Was I really going home with just the chips? I totally forgot about the fruits and vegetables. Mama will kill me if she saw me being this careless.

"Oh, thank you. Seems like I forgot about it completely. I'm really sorry to cause you this trouble!" Stupid pari. Really stupid.

"Oh its ok, its ok. Alright, I'll take my leave now."

"Thank you, have a wonderful day!"

I silently stare at her walking away. Not only is she beautiful, but also seems to have a good personality. Both of which I'll probably never achieve. But, now that i've talked to her, she seems really weird. I feel really weird looking at her. It feels really weird that right now, I have nothing in my mind but her. Its really weird because I don't feel the fresh air anymore. Instead, I feel suffocated. That's when....

Did I not notice this before? How is that possible?

I watch her walk away as I see around 20 butterflies flying around her. Also, I now noticed the huge tattoo on her back.

The tattoo of a butterfly. A black-blue butterfly made of crystals.

Who is she?