The Love Voyage

Chapter 12

Izna's POV

I heard Adhrit banging on the door loudly. Despite my attempts to lock it, his continuous, aggressive knocks made it impossible to do so properly. Annoyed by his behaviour, I finally opened the door.

"What is it?" My pitch matching with the that infamous colony street dog.

He looked at me, his eyebrows arched, as if he is assessing my audacity, through his expression alone.

"I didn't know you were mute, Adhrit. Thank God. Finally, no more of your annoying blabber."

"Keep talking like that and we'll miss our train," he said, smiling sarcastically, arms folded across his chest,far too comfortable for someone whose train was currently at Tirodi station, exactly five miles away.

My eyes went wide in panic.
I immediately shoved him aside and sprinted across the field barefoot failing even P.T. Usha-arms and legs flailing, taking long jumps in the name of running. But hey, at least I was trying. Unlike that shit face behind me, laughing, holding his stomach, still standing at the same place.

I turned back between a mid long jump sprint just to glare at him-and fell flat in the middle of the field, both legs perfectly apart, performing a flawless gymnastic split.

If someone ever knew how to respect themselves, their name definitely wouldn't be Izna Burman.

Adhrit came back with my shoes, his face full of mocking sympathy, pity dripping from his expression, and stretched a hand out in front of me like a final act of mercy.
I glared at his hand and tried getting up on my own.

"Don't bother, Simone Biles must be ashamed of that perfect 180°" he said, winking. "Quite flexible, I admit."

I slapped his hand away, with the same leg that had just ruined my dignity.

"I didn't know you were so perverted," I sneered."Should've understood it when you were laughing like Tatya Vinchu chasing that kid, Poor kid." I added, shaking my head in pity.

"Don't you dare feel bad for that kid," he snapped, suddenly fierce, like I had betrayed him by siding against his honour.

"Why?" I asked lightly. "Illegitimate child?"

He went quiet. Obviously offended.

I offered a peace handshake, stretching my hand out. Instead of his hand, I got my slippers shoved into my palm and his scoff-as if shaking hands with me was below him.

To say my blood boiled would be an understatement.
It boiled and evaporated.

I wore my shoes and started half jumping, half walking.the only way I can walk fast. And before you judge, that's exactly why I've never participated in a race.

He followed me quietly, observing me with that judgmental yet amused glance.

I suddenly turned around, took a deep breath, and charged at him.
"Before you laugh at my jogging style,this is my way. This is how I was raised. This is me being me. And I will do what an independent woman does to save her dignity, to save her time, to save-"

I was cut off when he stepped into my space.

Too close.
Too close for someone I have just started considering a friend. Too close for someone annoying as hell. Too close for a pig like him.

He placed his fingers on my lips.
"Shh."

His dark eyes locked onto mine, intense, unwavering, pinning me on the spot. His face was inches away. Our hot breaths mingled, my words dissolving on my tongue.