BIG-J

20

We had a two-day holiday break that the school had given, and I made plans to hang out with Shreya. Excitement filled the air as I got ready, dressed up in a pretty girl style with my hair down and a touch of makeup. It was a refreshing change from the usual routine, and I was eager to spend quality time with Shreya.

We decided to meet at our favourite café, a cosy spot where we often caught up and shared our stories. As we embraced each other, I couldn't help but notice Shreya's smile of excitement as she admired my outfit. Her words of appreciation made me feel confident and beautiful.

We settled into our seats at the café, savouring our warm drinks and indulging in delicious treats. The lively atmosphere around us was filled with holiday cheer, as people chatted and laughed, enjoying their time off from school and work. Shreya and I caught up on the latest gossip, sharing our experiences and dreams for the future.

As our conversation unfolded, Shreya couldn't contain her excitement about a guy she had recently developed a crush on. She described him as handsome and kind-hearted, and I listened intently, genuinely happy for her. It was heartwarming to see her so elated, and I couldn't help but share in her joy.

After spending a delightful time at the café, we decided to make the most of our holiday break and headed to the mall. The mall was buzzing with shoppers taking advantage of the ongoing sales. We delved into various stores, trying on different outfits, and offering each other fashion advice. The experience was filled with laughter and camaraderie, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

As we ventured through the bustling mall, we couldn't help but get caught up in the infectious energy around us. We embraced the spirit of adventure and spontaneity, exploring different sections and discovering hidden gems. It was a welcome escape from the pressures of everyday life, allowing us to let loose and enjoy the simple pleasures of shopping and friendship.

After a successful shopping spree, our arms were laden with bags filled with new clothes and accessories. We decided to take a break at the mall's food court, treating ourselves to tasty snacks and sharing stories of our favourite finds. 

As the day neared its end, we decided to call an Uber to take us home. However, our plans took an unexpected turn when a group of guys approached us. I couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy about the situation, given that it was nighttime and a group of guys was heading our way. Strangely, Shreya seemed delighted upon seeing them. She dashed towards the group, specifically to one guy, and embraced him tightly. Curiosity piqued, and I cautiously moved closer to see who it was. To my surprise, it was none other than James, and he hugged her back with a genuine smile.

My shock quickly turned to bewilderment as I joined the group and greeted them with a hesitant "hi." While everyone else engaged in conversation, I noticed James looking at me intently, scanning me from head to toe. Just as I started feeling uneasy under his gaze, Shreya grabbed his arm, breaking his attention. She glanced at me and said, "Anushka, this is the guy I was telling you about. He's my partner for the geography project." She beamed with happiness.

Drawing closer to me, Shreya whispered, "Isn't he cute? He's the guy I've been crushing on." Inwardly, I prayed that James wasn't the one she had feelings for. However, the moment she said those words, my stomach sank, and an unpleasant feeling washed over me. Ignoring my discomfort, Shreya held James' hand and declared, "We're going to your house to work on the project." She winked playfully and James responded with a smile, placing his arm around her waist.

Shreya then turned to me and said, "Anushka, I had a great time today. I'll leave with James. Text me when you get home." James maintained his gaze on me, a slight smirk gracing his lips. He stepped closer and whispered in my ear, "You look pretty today," before he and his friends departed, heading towards his house.

I couldn't deny the jealousy that overwhelmed me. It was an unfamiliar sensation, especially since I had a boyfriend. Moreover, Shreya, my best friend, was innocent and wouldn't intentionally hurt me. Sighing heavily, I got into the Uber, attempting to contain my jealousy. I knew I shouldn't be feeling this way, especially considering my committed relationship. With thoughts of Shreya and James still lingering, I headed home and went straight to bed, trying to push the unsettling emotions aside.