Ira stepped out of the building, lost in thought. Suddenly, someone tapped her shoulder. She turned to face the person and was met with a bright, cheerful smile.
She was one of those girls who were gossiping earlier. "Hi!" the girl exclaimed.
"Hello." Ira's response was muted, not matching her enthusiasm.
But the girl's enthusiasm didn't waver. Her smile reached her eyes, showing all thirty-two teeth. "I love your name! What does that mean!?"
Ira's eyes widened, taken aback by her extroverted behavior. She forced a smile, feeling awkward."It means down-to-earth." She whispered sheepishly, gazing at the ground.
The girl's grin broadened. "That's beautiful! I'm Navya! It means beautiful and youthful, and it's associated with Goddess Durga!" She chirped enthusiastically, her hands fluttering, mirroring her excitement.
Ira nodded aimlessly, still trying to process Navya's energy.
Navya continued, "I must say, you're so calm and composed. I love it!"
Ira's cheeks flushed. She wasn't used to being the center of attention.
Navya's eyes sparkled like diamonds, her bright smile illuminating her face. "You will go home!?" Her tone danced with excitement, but beneath it, Ira detected a hint of curiosity.
Ira's gaze drifted downward, rubbing the sole of her shoe on the ground, absently. Her forehead lines deepened. "I... I guess so." Her voice barely above a whisper.
Navya's smile faltered for an instant, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. But, she regained composure, her radiant grin returning. "You're so quiet, Ira. Am I making you uncomfortable?" Her words conveyed concern, but her gaze betrayed a glimmer of amusement.
Ira lifted her face, locking gazes with Navya. For a fleeting moment, their eyes connected, and Ira sensed a spark of understanding. She shook her head, her long hair swaying gently. "Ah, no, no. It's—"
"—Okay, I understand," Navya cut in, her swift interruption leaving Ira's words unspoken. Ira's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of irritation dancing in her chest.
Navya continued, her voice breezy, "I talk a lot, I know." Her smile hinted at self-awareness, but Ira detected a subtle undercurrent of defiance.
Ira's gaze dropped, her voice measured, "You're fine, Navya. Really." The silence that followed was brief but palpable, heavy with unspoken thoughts.
"Hey, want to walk with me?" Navya asked, her tone light.
Ira nodded, falling into step beside Navya. As they strolled, Navya's chatter resumed, weaving a tapestry of words that left Ira to her thoughts.
As they walked, Navya's words spilled out in a ceaseless torrent, her enthusiasm radiating like a warm glow. Ira's nods became mechanical, her eyes drifting elsewhere, her expression a mask of polite interest.
"And then, I told him, 'You can't seriously expect me to finish that project in two days!' I mean, come on!" Navya exclaimed, her voice infused with indignation.
Ira's response was curt, her tone flat. "Yeah."
Navya didn't notice Ira's detachment, her monologue flowing unabated. "I know, right? It's like basic common sense. But hey, at least I got an extension."
Ira's gaze wandered to the surrounding buildings, her mind disengaging from the conversation. "Uh-huh."
Navya paused, expecting a reaction. Ira's silence prompted her to continue, her words filling the void.
YOU ARE READING
THE ROLLERCOASTER RIDE
General FictionYou may have heard those lines, "Life is like a rollercoaster, It has its own ups and downs, But it's your choice to scream or enjoy the ride...." Two souls, Ira and Rudra, navigate the ebbs and flow of life in their individual journey. One i...
