• the infamous Cockroach has arrived•
Sitting on the chair, I swirl my glass of chilled orange juice, condensation dripping onto my fingers. My parents exchange uneasy glances, their eyes darting away from me.
Watching my face for the first time? Haven't you seen my face before, Mom, Dad? Sadly, you have!
I roll my eyes and glance at my brother, standing stupefied as if it's not me but him getting robbed.
Nonetheless, I settle into my chair, relief washing over me. Honestly, it was a good conversation - the kind that gives you bad vibes, but still, it wasn't that bad. I ain't too disappointed, for now.
Averting my gaze from Ankit, who padded in my direction, I swallow my cold drink. Fourth! I'm at a loss. Social anxiety suffocates me. I need something to rely on. Perhaps my cheesy smile didn't give up, but my expressions would. I was exhausted after the office and now this Sharara. I'm a zombie inside.
Sensing Ankit's long strides and anticipated excuses, "Save it," I bristle, heading to the buffet and leaving him baffled.
The aroma of spices, fresh, and sizzling dishes wafts through the air. My stomach growls. I grimace, looking around, and see a fashionista brunette staring at me scornfully.
Same Girl, same.
Shamelessly, I scan the options when a voice echoes.
"We'll eat, uncle, no hurry. Liar," someone teases from behind. I spin around, and my pulse quickens. Two cocoa eyes lighten with amusement. My breath catches.
Aditya Shrivastav's eyes sparkle.
"Y-You... here?!" I exclaim, trying to sound casual despite my racing heart. After all, it's been almost half a year since I last saw him in person. And truth be said, once a boy, today looks so manly.
Damn, I knew I saw his silhouette and would've beckoned him too if not stuck with that handsome man.
Aditya's eyes crinkle at the edges; a sly smirk curves his lips. "I didn't know I was expected."
"You were... uh... not." My eyes gleam, taking in his appearance when his slight smile dropped.
"Not interested in talking to you either." He breaks eye contact, pushing the sleeves of his blazer up.
My gaze darts to his shaved jawline. Did I say he's looking handsome? Not like actors or models but like... a Man, perhaps?
"Looking nice in your original color, but how did the Cockroach land here?" I comment, eyeing his brown tuxedo.
"Since you changed your identity from a Lizard to a Green Crocodile." He pointedly waved a finger at me.
"Why? Am I that beautiful and twinning-worthy?" I tilt my head to the side, my right hand cupping my chin. I blink with puppy eyes. His ears turn pink.
"Neither interested in rotten crocodiles nor in talking." He shivers, as if even the mere thought haunts him, and makes his way to the desserts corner.
My lips part, but no sound emerges. The audacity!
I stride toward him, grinding my teeth. "You just did!"
He swivels around, flashing an evil grin. "You agree you're a crocodile?" I press my lips together to contain my reaction.
Where are the curse words when I recklessly need them? He leans in, blinking innocently.
YOU ARE READING
Stuck Together
Horror"I will never marry" Despite her resolution, when society starts badgering Naina to get married, she's forced to confront the dreaded 'S' word-Settlement. Since the start of her life, she's feared settling for someone who's just like the men in her...