THE LOVE BIRDS [COMPLETED]

10. PANCHI

Just as I parked my car that dad gifted me as an apology for forgetting my twentieth birthday, I went straight for my play rehearsals where Sid was already present. Last night after Sid dropped me home, I was drunk and alone at home because dad was out on a business trip so I couldn't sleep overthinking everything. As a result I woke up late with a severe hangover and missed my morning classes. 

When I entered the theater everyone was staring at me for some reason. Although by now I was used to this behavior since my breakup but today it was different. "Its because of Aryan probably don't worry." Sid told me and I suddenly remembered what happened last night. "I'll be back soon. Sid please handle the situation here for me." I told Sid and ran straight to the student council office. I knew Aryan would try to talk to me again so I had to file a complaint before he does something stupid. I told everything that happened to Jyoti ma'am who filed my complaint and gave me a copy so that I could submit it to the principal's office.

At the office I saw both Aryan and Vihang waiting for principal ma'am. Both were injured like they were in a fight. I froze and a shiver ran down my spine at the thought. "What are you doing here Panchi?" Vihang's voice reached me. I looked at him and my hand automatically went to the wounds on his face. I don't even know when tears formed in my eyes. 

"Don't worry little sparrow I'm fine." Vihang told me and held my hand which was cupping his face. Principal's assistant called them in and I went along too. If Vihang was in any trouble because of me I had to help him. "Ma'am before you say anything I want to tell you it's not Vihang's fault." I started blabbing as soon as we entered the office.

 I told Mrs. Sehgal everything including the complaint. She suspended Aryan and left Vihang with a warning to not get into such fights. Sid and Dhruv were already waiting for us. Aryan's friends were also standing at some distance. I noticed Dhruv's was injured too. I instantly knew what would have happened. 

"You better look out for yourself and this gay brother of yours. This bitch will destroy you both."Aryan said to Vihang and he held Aryan by his collar. I was about to step in front of them when Sid held my hand. Thankfully Nihal sir, the sports teacher came and stopped them both. "Vihang what do you think you are doing? Aryan aren't you suspended? Do you want me to get it extended?" after sir scolded everyone Aryan left with his friends and I turned towards Vihang.

I don't know why but I wanted to make sure that he was fine. I was angry at all of them for not telling me about the fight. But I chose not to bring it up right now "Is it hurting?" I asked Vihang rubbing my thumb over his bruised hand. I know we both hate each other and he must be hating me even more after this. But there was a weird ache in my heart watching him like this.

 "I'm fine sweetheart don't worry. I won't even hesitate to walk on fire for you." He told me while his other hand was cleaning a tear from my face. His touch felt comforting like I wanted to melt at his one touch. We both were looking into each other's eyes and it felt like time had stopped for the both of us. 

This was all so weird but in that moment everything felt so perfect. "Um I think we should leave before coach comes back." Dhruv said when we both looked at him simultaneously. Sid and I also went back to rehearsals. "Why didn't tell me anything about the fight last night?" I asked Sid on our way back to the theater. I questioned him before he could point out that little moment between Vihang and me. I was so annoyed at Vihang for indulging into some stupid fight with Aryan but I just couldn't say anything after what he said. "I also got to know today morning when I reached home."

Even after the rehearsal everyone was looking at me weirdly. I had only one class after lunch so I decided to skip it and spend my day at home. I texted Sid and was heading towards the parking when I saw Vihang playing basketball. Something compelled me to watch him play. He definitely looked hot playing the game. I cleared all my thoughts and made a mental note to never open that folder again.

 I wanted to thank Vihang and clear all the misunderstanding about the past two days. An extra player sitting on the bench saw me and came running. "Hello ma'am I'm Ritik from second year. I'll call captain as soon as the game finishes." He told me and left to call Vihang. Something clicked immediately and I realized why everyone was so different today.

 Everyone thinks I'm Vihang's girlfriend now. I thought I made a mistake coming here so I turned back to leave when Vihang held my wrist and stood in front of me. "What happened little sparrow? Leaving already. If you wanted to watch me play you could have said so. You don't have to hide and watch." He said and pulled me towards him.

 If my brain was dysfunctional for a second and felt something for him, it was gone right at this moment. "I have no interest in this stupid game of yours. And don't you have a girlfriend to give all these cheesy nicknames you come up with." I told him and took a step away from him. He reminded me why I hated him so much. He again stepped closer to me and I could clearly see his swollen eye. "I thought you were my girlfriend sweetheart." He told me looking into my eyes.