Feeling The Greys (revised version)

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟒. 𝐀 𝐌𝐀𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐒

𝐬𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐲

I wasn't kidding when I said I'll pick her up. I also wasn't kidding when I said I'll throw her over my shoulder. I will. If the situation demands, that is, if she throws tantrums.

'My mumma this. My brother that. My family can't. My family won't. My family'—blah blah blah.

I've had enough of such excuses from her and now I don't think her family is the problem. She is. Hiding behind her family's shield, spitting out excuses for not having fun.

I went easy on her with her excuses and her pathetic attempts to avoid me these past three days. Faking smiles when we crossed paths in the hallways, ignoring my presence in the lectures, ducking out whenever the topic of tonight arose. I let her get away then but hell nah, not tonight.

I bet the girl never had any actual fun. Fortunately, it's about to change tonight.

To say I was excited would be an understatement. I was more than excited. The bubbles or butterflies or whatever these girls call them, flying in my stomach gave me some girlish feelings. And I don't know the reason behind this.

Is it because Shivi is going to her first college party with me?

I pressed my foot on the brakes, halting the car in front of her building. Pulling out my phone from the front cabinet, I opened our text thread. I chuckled seeing she still hasn't replied to my earlier texts.

I started typing and hit the send once done.

Shrey – 'Still not coming?'

I waited a few minutes, tapping the phone on the steering wheel when my phone vibrated with a ping.

Shivi – 'No.'

Shivi – 'The answer will be the same if you ask the same question for the millionth time.'

Smirking, I replied,

Shrey – 'Even if I geographically change my location?'

Shivi – 'Huh?'

Shrey – 'I don't back out from my words Shivi.'

She took her time responding to that. The three dots beside her picture danced, disappeared, danced again, disappeared and danced again. This went for five minutes, until finally my phone vibrated—this time not with a text. An incoming call.

Shivi.

I cleared my throat before accepting the call. "He—"

"Last time I forgot, but this time I am going to file a restraining order against you. I'll make this area forbidden for you. You will legally never enter my area! Get out. Now!" Her voice came muffled but gritted.

I stifled my laugh. "I didn't see your name while driving into your area. Not even a single sweet shop went by your name. I didn't spot any 'Shivi Mitthaiwaala' on my way."

"Shrey." She warned.

"Look Shivi, I spared you when you fed us all those bullshit but I'm done now. I just don't get why you don't want to come. Is it something else? Someone you don't want to be around?"

"I don't get why are you so stubborn! Why can't you go without me? Is someone paying you to bring me?" We both laughed. The only difference—mine was genuine.

"No one is paying me to bring you, Shivi. What's so wrong with teenage parties? You get you drink, dance, eat, mingle and what not. You can make friends." I suggested.