I ,You & We

5- Welcome

Aiken's p.o.v.
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"I am warning you Tara if you say this again I don't know what I would do to you.",I said.
Tara and I were heading towards the cafe where we had decided to meet. It was near  our College. We often hangout there as it's not much known among people giving us peace and alone time with each other. This cafe serves the most tasty,amazing sandwiches and milkshakes.
Tara has been nervous and hesitant about coming. She has been repeatedly asking if we were sure about her joining. I have  been telling her that we really wish her to join us  from morning but nothing came in my hand except failure.
Tara is really very shy and introvert when it comes to introductions. She feels it very hard to start a  conversation but if someone first starts a conversation, she isn't the same introvert Tara. We have concluded this much about her. She wants to be around people have friends but her tongue just vanishes when it comes to introducing her or starting a conversation preventing her in making friends. We have understood that this loneliness is killing her. So before we will have to arrange her funeral, we yesterday decided to invite her. We all know how it feels to be alone while your  mind is just yearning for someone you can speak to but that same mind refuse to do anything. Observing her for so many days , she can be trustworthy, nice friend.
"Aiken....."
"Not again Tara please. I am tired of telling you the same thing."
"No just listen to me. It can be that they meant another Tara from our University. You choose the wrong one."
Oh god! Now it's getting frustrating.
"No Tara it's you. They specifically told me to bring the one with whom I share the room. Now I don't think we share our room with one more Tara. If there is one then bring her and you can go and sleep in your room crying because of loneliness. You know what Tara, just go back and cry. That suits you more.", I snapped back at her.
Seeing her face,I instantly regretted doing so.
Aiken you are really a jerk.
Now do something and correct your act.
She was turning back to leave,her hand moving near eyes clearly near the tears that were the outcome of my outburst.
I quickly ran towards her and taking her hand made her sit on a nearby bench. Sitting down I said," I am really sorry for making you cry. I really behaved like a jerk."
"I didn't cry."
"Sure you didn't. "
"No I........"
"That's not the point. The point is I am just sorry for being rude. Just come with me Tara. We have noticed your loneliness and we all know how it feels and can understand you. If you want to join us,you are most welcome and if not, again think about it and come with me to join us."
This definitely bought a smile on her face,which she was trying so hard to hide but her lips were just refusing.
"How can I join your group?",she asked with a frown on her face but also excitement and happiness flooding inside her just waiting to pour down.
"Why can't you?",I asked though I knew the answer.
She is boringgggg with the g dragged on and we are coolllllllllllll and special.
As expected same was the reply.
Keeping both my hands on her shoulders seeing in her eyes , letting out a deep sigh I began (don't expect I said I love her guys that would be too  fast),"You are nothing like that and even if you are,people do change when they remain in our company."
"I am nothing special."
"Who said we are?Who said we want a special person? I like normal. We all like normal. At least we are sure that they won't disappear, or we aren't afraid to encounter something extraordinary that is actally stupid. We are normal and common and love to remain so. Being normal is a next best thing because now a days we rarely see normal people."
"Thanks"
"For what? Inviting or for the pep talk."
She chuckled at that.
"For both."
"So what should I say ? But don't  expect more pep talks. I am really bad at that .Welcome for your thanks and welcome to the group"
I saw a tear escape her eyes. I knew that was an happy one. She first slightly moved her hand forward and then again taking it back, bringing both her hands forward and then again taking it back.
Confused whether to shake hands or give a hug. She is really something. Being around Lav,Stacy who would make any boy shy and blush around them, seeing her going all shy is so different.
I quickly moved forward and engulfed her in a tight bear hug.
"We thank our friends like this.", I said in her  ears.
I don't know how much time we were in that position but the time she withdrew, my whole body said is chorus,"Oh no!". Of course in mind. I immediately felt sad. Don't know why............
Shaking the thoughts away, i stood up making her do the same.
"So I am your first friend."
"I may appear as shy,but I did have friends back at home."
"Let me rephrase it. Friend in New York."
"I do have a friend in New York who works with me at the toy store.
"Stop it you know what I mean. First friend in uni."
"Let me think.....Yesterday Kaydon did call...."
I kept my finger on her lips silencing her as soon as my fingers touch her lips. I kept on looking in eyes which had gone all big. It was like undeclared contest of who would blink. Brought back to reality ,I faked coughing.
"So let's get going..",I said not meeting her eyes.
"Ok!"
"How do you want to go? Walk or bike."
"Walking will do."
"So let's get going."
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