THE LOVE BIRDS [COMPLETED]

12. PANCHI

The whole day I couldn't get Vihang out of mind. It was annoying how this was becoming a regular thing for me. The last thing I want is to think about that jerk and yet all I was thinking about was what he said earlier. After Sid told me about the dinner I decided to stay back and catch up on my play rehearsals as I was already behind because of all the Aryan drama going on lately. And I thought it would take my mind off everything.

 I directly went to Sid's house with him because he had a fight with Abheer and was too upset. "Awe look at you both, probably laughing at one of your inside jokes." Sid commented instantly as we entered and saw Vihang and Vartika laughing. For a second I was shocked at what I just saw. Vihang laughing. In all these years I have never seen him smile let alone laugh. Watching him like this took me back to the incident he was talking about earlier today.

"I'm telling you that girl is bad news. Stay away from her." I heard Vihang say this to Sid. I was finding Charu aunty because she said she'd help me wear sari for the fresher's party. It was one of my Dida's sari but I didn't know how to drape it so I asked aunty for help and she was more than happy to do it.

 I pretended that I didn't hear their conversation because I already had some idea that Vihang doesn't like me. I ignored it and went to the party with Sid coz I didn't want to spoil his mood. At the party when some seniors tried to bully Sid I started a fight with them. "Nobody makes fun of my best friend" I said and started hitting those two guys with my bag. 

 They ran but some teachers caught us and reported to the dean. We were about to get suspended when Vihang pulled some strings and got us out of this mess. "Thank you Bhai you are our hero" Sid said hugging Vihang. He acted as if he cared for me in front of his brother when I already knew the truth. "A villain disguised as a hero. That's what you are. I know you hate me so next time don't act like you care about me." I told him after Sid left.

"How are you Panchi beta? Why do you look so weak?" Charu aunty's voice bought me back from my trip down the memory lane. She hugged me and ran a hand through my hair. Both uncle and aunty love me as their own daughter. Charu aunty reminds me of my Dida. She is the kindest and the sweetest person I've ever met. I always wonder how someone so grumpy like Vihang can be her son.

 "I'm good aunty. How are you and how was your trip?" I asked her and gave her a warm smile. After the initial greetings I offered to help but she said everything was already done. Vihang left soon after Sid stormed out in anger. "Panchi can you give me hand with this?" Vartika said and I went to the kitchen. She told me to clean some plates and left. Aunty was already gone to console Sid,  so it was only Vihang and I in the kitchen. 

"you know it's creepy to watch someone like this." He said without making any eye contact. In a span of short I have learnt a lot about him and still there was a weird tick in my stomach to know more about him. I rolled my eyes. "please you are the last person I want to see right now." I said continued to work ignoring his smug smile.