Echoes of Young Love

Chapter 2: All grown up (Shriya's pov)

POV: SHRIYA (19 YR OLD)

I'm 19 now, and today I just wasn't in the mood to attend classes. It was Saturday, September 3rd, 2022—ugh, the weekend! But here in India, especially in the southern states, college runs every day except Sunday, and it's from 9 to 4! Who would want to stay that long?

So, my friends and I decided to skip college, and yes, we managed to pull it off! Skipping classes in an Indian college is no easy feat, but somehow, we made it work. I got a cab and headed home, and right as I arrived, I saw my parents also coming back. As we walked into the house, my mom said something that stopped me in my tracks.

"Aunty has come from the USA, and she's coming over to our house. She's bringing her sons too," my mom said, leaving me speechless.

I asked her why she'd bring her sons along. (I didn't mean to be rude, but it had been years since I'd seen them! It was going to be so awkward—ugh, what was I thinking!) "Come on, you're all around the same age. You should meet them, make some friends! They'll be here by 4 o'clock, so go get ready," my mom replied.

I dashed to my room, and the whole time, my mind was replaying memories from a year ago.

FLASHBACK ONE YEAR AGO:

I was scrolling through Instagram when I suddenly came across Abhishek's profile. "Oh my gosh, it's been so long since I've seen him!" I thought to myself as I opened his profile. It was public, and he had a story up. I clicked on it and—wow—he'd grown up so much so tall! Now he had muscles everywhere, which surprised me since I've never really been into muscles; I care more about personality, honestly.

I've never been in a relationship or had a real crush, though I have plenty of celebrity crushes, haha. But, seriously, is it even legal to be this attractive?

After that, I'd casually check his stories every now and then—until one day, when he posted a story in a couple's pose with a girl. I don't know what I felt, exactly, but I didn't feel good I felt sad and gloomy, So, I stopped watching his stories and never followed him again. 

The pose:

    PRESENT :

I shook my head, got ready, and believe me when I say I don't usually enjoy putting on makeup and staring at myself in the mirror for hours—like, why not just be natural? But today, I had to wear makeup, and I stood in front of the mirror for at least an hour. Then, I went out and asked my mom, Why are they coming over again and again? Her response left me speechless. She said, Why? Are you feeling shy? And, of course, she told my dad I was feeling shy too! Ugh, Mom! Why would she say that?

I decided to just go to bed. I couldn't face them yet. It was already 3 p.m., so I took a nap, but they arrived at 4 sharp. As soon as I heard them, I started panicking. I was actually feeling shy and nervous for the first time in my life. Mostly, I was 90% nervous because, well, I'm chubby, and I can't shake the feeling that nobody would like a girl like me, even though everyone says I look pretty. I don't have a "puffy" look, but I am chubby—it's hereditary, nothing unhealthy about it, but still, I hate it sometimes.

So, my dear beautiful roses what exactly did Shriya feel??

What would you do if you were in her place??

And so far how's the story?? leave your thoughts in comments section and lemme know.

                                                                             Have a good day :))))))