Haunted By Unknown

36. doubt

August 22nd, 1990

This day turned out to be a surprising and shocking day. I have never thought I would witness my best friend hurting others or the way she smiled while hurting them. Yes I know I have to explain from the beginning.

Vinnu and myself walked to the college after going to temple. I took deep breath while walking in the college. Few classmates greeted me and had a little chat. I wasn't interested but talked with them as it would be rude. My heart wanted to search him but my mind warned about vinnu standing next to me. After the bell rang we hurriedly entered the classes.

The classes were dull though I was happy to see prithvi sitting in next row. Vinnu caught us staring at each other but her pride made her feel that he's checking her out and not me. I thought of shouting at her but remembered she's my best friend and men never ignored her.

I wanted to tell her about him. I thought of sharing my feelings with her in the lunch but ended up in listening to her who spoke about gopi the whole day. I played with my locket for many times but she was too much busy speaking about gopi and not notice the gift I got yesterday.

We came out of the college and walked towards our home. I could feel him following me without turning back. Vinnu as usual pulled me closer and walked along the street. But we were surprised to see prithvi going in front of us. Both of us looked at each other believing he would stop and turn to us to propose.

My heart beat double it's speed and I could feel myself taking deep breaths. He walked forwards and stopped when ooha turned back. I felt my brain freezing at that moment. They both talked like they know each other too well. And their laughter filled my ears.

"So he was staring at his cousin all the time? I thought he was flirting me" vinnu let out her tiny fears run away from her. But I felt my eyes burning and threatening to spill the tears out. Vinnu who did not observe me walked forwards till we reached our homes. She hugged me wishing me once more and went into the house. I stood at my gate crying silently for believing a liar.

"Are you crying? " I heard his voice. I turned slightly and saw him standing next to me. I turned my head again and opened the gate.

"She's my sister nandu" he spoke. I did not listen to him believing he is cheating me.

"I can't follow you since her brother spotted me yesterday"

"Oh! So you thought to forget about her and find a new girl?"  I asked him in anger.

"Even if we (prithvi and ooha) love each other we can't marry nandu"

"Why?"  I asked  as i was puzzled not knowing where this discussion is going to.

"Because she's my young sister and I only love her as my little sister. I can't believe you are jealous to see me with my sister" he said grinning at me.

"I don't believe you" I said though it was a lie.

"Why don't you come with me to the park?" He asked shocking me. I stared at him who only smiled at me genuinely.

"You would either be in your home or in the college. At least give me some time to spend with you" he pouted. I have reluctantly walked with him. In few minutes we were greeted by ooha who came to us with big smile.

"Once again happy birthday nandana" she wished me.

"But I will never be a messenger between you. Remember that! " she said and walked away. I looked at him quiet shocked as I feared she helped him before for some other girl.   (well she's not ready to hear about some other girl in his life)