FROM DARE TO LOVE (Editing)✔

CHAPTER 15

Year 2000,

One year passed. I and Ruchi are now sixteen and like any sixteen-year-old our hormones are raging and our curiosity getting better of us. We begin doing some researches, exploring the unexplored, the taboo. But neither me nor Ruchi had guts to actually do anything in practical.

One night, Ruchi and I are studying late in the night and we both are getting bored when Ruchi breaks the silence

'Dude, how does it feel to kiss a guy?' she asks looking at wall in front of her. I frown

'I don't know and I don't want to know either' I say. Honestly, more than getting turned on I feel repulsed watching mushy stuffs, kissing and making out it looks disgusting especially the way they show in moves, the 18+ ones.

'You know, Jeana? The one in X-C...she has done it' Ruchi says

My eyes widen and I am really interested in this piece of gossip. Ruchi goes on to tell she heard her talking to her girlfriends in class. I enquired who is the guy, Ruchi shrugs. Cha! She doesn't know the main thing.

'I wish I find my man too' Ruchi swoons

I shake my head in disbelief 'You are so desperate to lose "it"' I chuckle

Richa blushes. 'And you?'

'No ways...I am not interested.' I say flipping through my chemistry book. I want to focus on my academics, my grades have fallen. This time even Adnan was not on my side when my parents were scolding me. I don't want to disappoint them especially Adnan. Boys are good to drool from far; I don't want to go too close to them.

One month later, its Valentine's day once again. Since, we are sixteen, Adnan agrees to take us to the party. I and Ruchi were really excited, this will be something really different and never-seen before experience for us. Since Adnan is taking us I had to dress in a short green Kurthi and black churidar. I had to tie my hair too. Adnan's protective elder brother mode is switched on.

This has back-lashed at Ruchi too, as she also has to wear a long full sleeved dress. She glares at me like she will murder me through her eyes.

Nevertheless, I am excited. Dad is going to drop us, I Adnan Ruchi and Riad. I am amazed that we all fit in one car. To my bad luck I find myself squished between Adnan and Riad. My arms pressed against Riad's and I kept a scowl throughout the journey.

As we stand outside the auditorium where the party is happening we could hear blasting music. My dad is still skeptical but Adnan and Riad coaxes him, he only agreed when Riad had assured him everything is fine. Riad has an image of a perfect boy, everyone believes him because he is a saint. I am happy that dad agreed, for a moment I thought we will be returning home. Ruchi held my hand tightly and we look at each other nervously and excitedly.

Once inside, our eyes widen seeing the ambience. It's no less than a disco, this is first time for me and Ruchi. I wish I can be free and dance like a care-free bird. Adnan held my hand and when I look at him he gestures me that he is watching me.

I nod.

'Let the girls be, come yaar' Riad says to Adnan and they go towards the boy gang. I smile at Riad who smiles back, I am glad he understood and cares enough to give us girl's some personal space.

Ruchi held my hand and takes me to the counter where everyone is being served drinks.

Since I and Ruchi are below drinking age, we have to be happy with soft drinks. Ruchi makes faces as she sips her Coca-Cola. I am not complaining. But I can't tolerate her sad faces and so distracted her by pointing at a handsome dude who just passed by us. Ruchi is distracted.

I see Jeana dancing with Abhay, they are dancing really close to each other. I wonder if Abhay is the guy she has done "it" with, if she has done it.

Ruchi nudges my arm and I look at her raising my eyebrows, she gestures to her right and I find Riad looking at me, as I look at him he quickly looks away feeling embarrassed. I roll my eyes.

I look back at Ruchi and frown seeing a naughty glint in her eyes, she has this glint whenever she has some "toofani" "naughty" ideas. I ignored her and continue to sip my drink, 7up.

'He loves you but never has he tried to impose his love on you...you are lucky' Ruchi says. I scoff, like I care but I am glad he isn't some obsessive psycho lover.

'I think he deserves a kiss...kiss for his patience and selfless love' Ruchi winks at me. My mouth drop opens, with the shock of her statement I almost dropped my glass.

'I dare you, kiss that fatto football'

'I.... kiss that chasmish fatto...that football' I say looking appalled at my friend.

Ruchi giggles and insists me to go ahead. I keep refusing, no way in million years will I kiss him. I don't even want to look at him, forget kissing him. Yuck, Yuck!

'I double dare you...' said my friend, Ruchi. Oh, no! she didn't...she didn't just give me a double dare.

I bit my lower lip, she has double dared me. Now I will have to do this.

'On his lips' she adds

I silently begged her but she was adamant 'Chicken! Chicken' she triggers my ego. I turn my head and look at Riad and the boy gang.