𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒊𝒅𝒆

PART-17

Sitting on the open rooftop stairs, Ira gazed blankly at the twinkling stars and the shining moon. She wrapped her arms tightly around her hooded body, trying to ward off the chilly night air, but unable to shake off the icy grip of her thoughts.

New year… what's new? Same sky, same earth, same torture, same life, sa— no. Maybe it's worse. More toxic air, more tainted water, more corruption, more commotion, more depression. Yeah, that's the only difference.

She drew in a deep breath, feeling the cool air fill her lungs. Her thoughts continued to whirl, a tangled mess of emotions and anxieties, as she sank deeper into her introspective haze.

"Ira!"

Nakul's voice pierced the surfacing stillness, forcing her lips to press into a thin line.

"Ira! Where are you? Come downstairs. Fast!" he yelled again, his voice growing louder, bouncing off the concrete walls of the stairs.

Ira's lips remained sealed, but her eyebrows knitted at the sound of his approaching footsteps.

Is he stupid? I've got ears. If I'm not responding, it means I want some space!

"Blacky buffalo!" Nakul bellowed angrily as he huffed and puffed his way up the stairs. "Can't you hear me the first time, idiot?!"

He collapsed onto the steps two levels below Ira, dumping a black plastic bag beside him with a soft thud. "I'm sweating bullets in this freezing cold, all thanks to you!" he shot her a withering glare.

"Then why don't you try some yoga instead of blaming me, you cheap hulk?" Ira shot back, sarcastically. "You’re turning into a bloated football!"

Nakul wrapped his arms around his waist, grasping the hem of his hoodie. Pulling it over his head, he let out a contented sigh as he settled into a more comfortable position.

With a lazy flick of his wrist, he tossed the hoodie into Ira's lap, then stretched his arms overhead, arching his back in a languid yawn. "Looks like something's wrong," he said, a teasing smirk playing on his lips.

Ira tossed the hoodie onto the railing with a sharp, jerky motion. The fabric settled against the rough concrete wall. "Nothing's wrong," she spat, her voice low and tight.

Nakul climbed two steps higher, settling comfortably behind her. His eyes sparkled with mischief, and with a quick, playful swipe, he slapped the back of her head.

Ira retaliated with a swift slap on his knee. "Can't you just leave me alone for once?" she snapped, eyes flashing with irritation. "Just give me some peace, okay?"

Nakul gently tugged her hair, tilting her face toward the sky, and nodded several times with a cheeky smile. "Tell me, and I'll leave. Simple," he shrugged.

Ira jerked her head away, teeth gritted, knocking his hand off her hair. "Fine, stay then," she spat. "Just shut up and don't say another word."

Clamping his hands down on her shoulders, he suddenly yanked her forward, making her stumble near the edge of the stair. Ira's eyes flew wide, her arms flailing for balance, before he steadied her – a triumphant grin spreading across his face.

Her body remained rigid, mind racing to process the sudden jolt. Then, in one swift motion, she sprang to her feet and spun around. "What the hell?!"

"Scaredy cat!" Nakul taunted, his grin widening, showing off his perfectly aligned teeth.

Ira unleashed a flurry of wild punches at him, while he laughed even harder, raising his arms to block her blows. "Sorry, sorry!" he choked out between coughs.