A Dark Love

Chapter 3

Misha jumped on the bed like a little kid.

"Yoohoo! I am the Mary Kom."

"Stop it, Misha. Stop acting like a kid all of the time. You are 18-years-old, for god's sake. Act like an adult. It's getting on my nerves. The whole world doesn't revolve around you," Panchi yelled at Misha.

"God Panchi, what's the matter with you? Why so hyper?"

Panchi shrugged, "It's nothing."

"Oh, fatso! I know something is bothering you. Now tell me what is it."

Since Panchi was little on the fatter side, Misha always made it a point to tease her about her weight, but even though they fought and bickered all of the time, they were the best of friends.

Panchi sighed and sat on the bed, "When will Dad come out of his suffering? I can't stand to see him like this. It hurts." She had always been a daddy's girl.

"Don't worry, big sis, we will find her soon." Misha hugged Panchi.

"I hope so. Well, it's getting late. It's still a school night, remember? Sleep, okay?" Panchi paused, then asked, "Do you mind if I sleep in here with you? "

Misha rolled her eyes. "Do you even have to ask? Let's relive our childhood." With that Misha jumped onto the bed, and within five minutes they both drifted off to sleep.

It was around 2:00 a.m. when Panchi woke up from her deep slumber.

"Misha! Misha! Wake up. I think some burglar broke into our house," Panchi stated urgently.

Misha jolted awake. "Wow. Are you sure?" All of the tiredness vanished from her eyes, as she was suddenly excited.

"What? "Wow"? Are you mad Mish?! I am freaking out," Panchi whispered.

"Oh, my little birdie is scared. Yaar! I will get an opportunity to show off my karate skills. Heeeye!" Misha bragged.

"Just...just stop talking, okay? Let's go and check."

Misha nodded. They both went out on the balcony together and searched for whoever was out there. But to Misha's dismay, there was nobody.

"I guess my ears played trick on me," said Panchi.

"Yeah, fatso. You need to overcome your phobias."

They went back inside, and once there, they both screeched.

Danish, Panchi's best friend since childhood, was sprawled on her bed. The two had both harboured feelings for each other, but stayed as friends for all of their lives, fearful of getting rejected. A year ago, Danish finally had the guts to ask her out. Now they were engaged.

"Surprise, baby," Danish hugged Panchi. They were both immediately lost in each other.

Misha waved her hand in front of them. "Oh, hello! I am still here. Get a room, you two."

"Come here, my little tomboy." Danish hugged Misha too.

"Well...nice surprise. But you frightened Miss Humpty Dumpty."

"Who?" asked Danish, confused.

Misha laughed. "That's Panchi. You scared her."

Danish busted out laughing. Misha swallowed her own laugh.

Panchi puffed her cheeks. "Danish, why did you come? It's too late. You know that, right? "

"Yeah, I know. But I missed you so much."

"I missed you too, honey." She kissed his cheeks.

Misha gagged. "With all of this sweetness, I might get diabetes soon."