Aap Koun Hai? PT 1

Falling 🌠

Before I knew it, we reached my chawl.

He takes a good look at it, the dark, eroded bricks, rusted jalis and green infested gutters.

His eyes blink, and disgust crosses his face. The confusion shadowing his features tells me exactly what he thinks about my home.

"This... is where you live?" He drawls.

I press my lips, gulp and nod.

He stares into space, deep in thought.

I don't know what he is trying to comprehend after hearing my answer. But don't bother. I have to leave before someone sees me with him, otherwise ma will feed me an extra beating today.

Before my hand reaches the door, he rushes out the car first, and then runs all the way to my side just to open the door for me.

I am baffled at this sudden gesture-but remember it's only an act.

And for some reason, disappointment pricks me at that thought.

It shouldn't be. We both made it clear that this isn't real.

But he is too good of an actor.

His head tilts indicating me to get out, and it is only then I realize how long I've been staring at him.

Red invades my cheeks once again as I quickly climb out, and he shuts the door behind me. I can only hope he didn't catch me blushing.

His arm leads me back around the car where in front is my chawl and I am about to leave when he calls me back once more.

"Wait Payal!"

I wince, squeezing my eyes. Now what?

Unwillingly my feet lurch in their tracks. I curse inside. Why can't he just let me leave? Ma is going to murder me if she sees me with him, and probably kill him too.

But there is no other choice.

He opens his car, pulls out a document, and hands it to me. I grab it quickly and skim the pages before meeting his dark eyes.

"What's this?" I ask, struggling to process a word.

"It's a document detailing everything-how we came together and what you need to know about me: my likes, dislikes, and basics."

His explanation makes my eyes widen. Electricity bolts through me as I try to control the jitters in my hands. Information is valuable, but I mask my eagerness with feigned annoyance.

"D-do I have to memorize all of this?" I ask.

"Yes," he replies, flipping through the document. "Give me your phone so I can add my number. Then you can send me your basic info."

My mouth is numb, unwilling to give up any information about myself. But it's dark, and I want to go home, however, I don't even have a phone.

"Who doesn't have a phone?" he chides. "Give me your email."

I want to retort but hold back, reminding myself of his power. I provide my email, and he notes it down before giving me his, which I choose memorize.

While I do so, I also examine the area, hoping that no one is watching-but they are. Dark figures in the jalis peep out at this strange car and me. They all know who I am, but I pray that the lack of light won't allow them to recognize me. Though, with the streetlights above us I doubt that is the case-but at the very least, I hope ma isn't watching.

When he finally finishes writing down my email, I immediately try to run.

I can't wait too long to get caught.