Book-3
Lord Rama once said,
"No one can change the direction of the wind, but one can adjust the sails to reach the destination."
Ishani Raichand.
Intelligent, ambitious, and confident.
Is engaged in a relentless battle against the patriarchal norm...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
I can no longer be just friends.
I can no longer be just friends.
I can no longer be just friends.
.
"Ishani?" Kabir's voice echoed in my ears and snapped me back from the thoughts I shouldn't be thinking. "Where is your head at?" He asked. His small eyes staring at my face with confusion.
"I'm fine." I nod negatively, not being able to understand his question. All I could think of is what Advik said at the hub. I can no longer be just friends. What does he even mean by that?
He doesn't want to be just friends with me?
What more could we be?
"I see you're not wearing the necklace I gifted you." Kabir glimpsed at my neck and memory of Advik removing necklace from my neck played on my head. His tiny brown eyes, messy hair falling on his forehead and innocent face. "Did you not like it?"
"No, I, I like it." I answered, trying not to think about Advik. It's been ten minutes for I and Kabir came to this beautiful restaurant for dinner. Candles, flowers and perfect dinner date any girl could ask for. Except that girls prefer these kind of dates with the boy they like-
"Then why are you not wearing it?" He asked, moving his gaze to my wrists and ears as well. Advik made me take off everything. Earrings, bangles, necklace and even Kamarbanda.
"My, my skin is sensitive to the metal ornaments." I told the truth to Kabir. His stare moved on my face. His eyes pools of black, skin white and face all serious.
"I didn't know that." He said, his tone serious. White shirt, black coat and hair perfectly set backward. All I can think is he is too old for me.
"It's okay." I nod, feeling too pressured for no reason. I have met Kabir before but never alone. It's awkward and highly uncomfortable. Especially with the lehenga I am wearing.
It's beautiful but feels to exposed now that I have no jewellery on my neck and stomach. The almost transparent dupatta is making me feel self-conscious and the loneliness around our table is too silent.
"Tell me about yourself." Kabir said, removing his watch and placing it on the table. His eyes kept staring at my face and I have no idea how to react. If not for Papa's threat, I'd have never joined Kabir for this dinner. "What you like, what you don't."
"There's nothing specific." I answered unable to think for an answer. It feels like an interview and I haven't prepared for one.
"What's your favorite color?" He asked and I blanked. What's my favorite color? Baby pink, maybe. I... I don't know... I, I never really thought about it.
"Nothing specific." I answered again.
"Favorite food?" He asked and I blanked again. I don't know my favorite food either. Maybe, Malpua. I have never really focused on what I liked and what I didn't. I just happened to accept everything that came in my way.
