Unwelcome Emotions

S02- Last Chapter

but quickly grabbed my collar, and her lips pursed against mine.

I was speechless as our lips touched and slowly, closed my eyes. She touched her nose to mine, adoring me with her love, and held my warm, blushing cheeks and

She leaned in for an actual kiss—our lips almost touched again—but then Prateek opened the car door, and Agni pushed me toward it. Ouch! My head and back started aching. Poor Prateek was scared. he quickly shut the door in a panic.

She looked at me with a serious face and said, "Sorry."

"Why? I'm fine," I lied, even though my head was hurting.

"You should go. you're going to be late. ...( she took another minute to continue this sentence) That was my first time, so that's all I know...(another pause) I still have more steps to learn."

I forced a smile and, feeling ridiculous, replied, "No problem."

I checked my watch, waited a bit, and then stared at the car ceiling, not knowing what to say. Finally, I said, "Well, I know all the steps... we have one hour."

She looked her toe, seeming a bit shy, and my heart started racing. I asked her, "Do you love me? Hate me? Can you say something?"

Agni looked up and made eye contact, making my heart race. "Japan is very far, and you don't visit India often. Just give me your number. one call a month is enough for me. I can manage."

Nervously, I said, "Why number...Just take my phone... wait, why my phone and and..."

"shhhhh" she said, placed both hands on my shoulders, and then hugged me. her eyes are emotional. "I'll miss you. Mubark ho! you're my first love." I didn't say anything, feeling a bit sad myself, as if we wouldn't meet again.

She continued, saying, "When we hug, I feel tickle but....(pause) only from your touch..." and finally she smiled. I felt my nervousness melt away, so I poked her stomach, making her laugh, "Neetu, no, stop! NO stop"

Prateek, who was outside, covered his ears and muttered, "Oh God, what am I hearing?"

Then he called, and I answered, "What's wrong, idiot?"

He replied, "What am I hearing? ... Control...bitch"

"Yeah, totally... You can hear us?"

"Yep, LOUD and CLEAR"

I got out of the car and playfully tapped his head. "We can't do this in a car, everyone can see us...feels weird, you have brain?."

Prateek teased, "This car isn't for your lu....love..."

Agni got out too, smiling at Prateek. "Pakyaa, you'll never change! Tomorrow I'm finding a girlfriend for you."

Prateek replied, "Nah, I already experienced love. no need for more. I'm happy as she is. Neetu's happiness is my happiness." (He is feeling broken, but he is smiling.)

I asked, "By the way, Agni, I never asked—what do you do? Are you married?"

Laughing, Agni replied, "Yes I have 20 kids too! Married? Already? ...I'm a dentist."

"My teeth will be safe with you." I joked. She smiled back, "Shutup! And what about you?"

"I did my MBA. Just managing in Japan... you should come visit sometime."

"Well, you should come to India sometime."

Prateek, watching us, said, teasing, smiling. "Both of you, stop staring at each other. I'm still single."

"Aww," we both said together.

Seeing his grumpy face, we both burst out laughing. Then, realizing it was time for me to leave, I picked up my bag and walked away without looking back. So many memories created in such a short time—it all happened so fast. Prateek was heartbroken but genuinely happy to know my true feelings. Agni was a stranger. I am so excited to meet her again and again. How I could fall so easily? especially for someone who'd been single for ages.

"Two days later, I looked at my white shirt, now marked with Agni's handprints—they looked so beautiful against the fabric. I put it on and hugged it tightly, thinking, 'Love really is beautiful.'

I caught sight of my smile in the mirror; it felt like I'd never seen myself this happy before. Tears filled my eyes as I whispered, 'More beautiful than I ever imagined.'"