Bond

♡The phone call!♡

I cursed failing to open the door for the second time. I don't curse usually. But today I have a bad mood. Firstly, today is Saturday, our weekly holiday but I had a presentation today. Secondly, I missed my bus so I had to walk. Thirdly, someone poured cold water on me. I don't know if the water is dirty or not. Can't they look before doing something? Then now the door isn't opening. Finally at my third attempt I managed to open my flat door and helped myself in.

This is not the main reason of my foul mood though. The main reason is, it has been a week since I last saw Asha. I want to see her. I went to meet her on every Saturday as I have the day off but she has to go to the school. But I can't today. Because I've promised her I'll leave her alone.

I'm feeling disgusting right now cause I'm drenched with dirty water. I need a shower. I took my clothes off and went under the cold shower. The water felt nice against my skin but it was too cold, as it was the beginning of winter. It reminded me of that rainy night with Asha.

I still remember our las conversation. I took her to her bus but she said blushing slightly,
-It's so crowded. I'm not getting in there. Let's walk.
-As your wish, ma'am.
We walked towards her hostel. She was at ease and very comfortable with me. We talked about various topics. When we reached her hostel I said teasingly,
-Be careful, ma'am. You?'ve just showed your address to your stalker.
-I know that if you wanted, you could've easily found out where I live.
-So, you're showing me yourself?
-I know you'll not come to my hostel without my permission.
-Don't trust me so easily, ma'am. I can be a bad person, you never know.
-Are you mocking me?
-I won't dare.
She laughed.
-Won't you meet Anisha?  She's probably home.
-No, ma'am. I came here for you, not for her. I'll take my leave.
-Quit calling me ma'am.
-Then, what should I call you?
-Whatever you please. If you really want to call me ma'am, you can.
-If I want to call you something like, darling?
-If you really want to...
She said absentmindedly looking at her toe.
-Okay Asha, I'll go now.
She looked at me from the ground when I addressed her with the familiar name. When I turned away, she again called me.
-Uhm... Mr Asif?
-Yeah?
-If sometimes you're really free and don't have anything to do you can come to my school. Um...we can gossip?
-I don't want to gossip with you Asha, but I'll remember that. Take care.
I turned again and started to walk. I know she's looking at me. I can feel her eyes on my back. But I didn't turned to look.

What was she thinking? I thought to myself. I came back to reality when I heard my phone ringing. Who called me now? I wrapped a towel before coming to my bedroom. I picked the phone and froze. How is it possible?  Maybe she dialed the wrong number?  I nervously answered the call.

-Hello!
The female voice said hesitantly.
-Are you sure that you wanted to call me?
-Mr Asif?
-Call me Asif.
-Oh! You answered. I thought you won't.
-How can I not receive your call?
-I thought you were angry.
-There is no reason for me to be angry with you.
-But I thought you are. You didn't come today so I assumed—
-I told you I'll leave you alone. So relax.
-Yeah I know. But I gave you permission then.
-You said if I'm free. But I usually don't remain free. I had a presentation today.
-Hahah... (She laughed nervously.) Yeah right. I don't know why I thought that you'll come.
-Did you wait for me?
-NO!...  I mean no, I didn't. I just thought if you are okay or not.
A smile found my face. She's worried about me.
-I'm fine. Thanks for worrying.
-I..I..wa..wasn't worried.
She stuttered.
-It's okay Asha. You wanted to say something?
-Nothing specific.
-Tell me.
-It's just that, aahh... You remember, that time when you asked us for coffee and I suddenly freaked out and lied that I have to change?
-Yes?
-You wanted to know the reason.
-I think so.
-The fact is (She took a long breath and started again) At that time you said you are good at making tea and I  should try Asif special tea. Remember?
-Hmm.
-I have a bad memory about "Asif special tea".
-Can I know that memory?
-Yeah... I guess.
-Go ahead...
-Asif, my ex-boyfriend was very dominant. One day he made tea for me and said, "Here you go, Asif special tea, hot, sweet and milky. " I said that I don't want to drink tea but he forced me. He wanted to make me drink the tea, he violently forced the tea in my mouth, in the process the tea fell on me. It was so hot that I have burn marks on my chest.
She said the whole story in one breath. And breathing heavily.
-Calm down. I'm not him.
-He...he always was so violent and forceful. He used to do whatever he thought right. I've so many bad memories of him, and whenever I listen to your name, I remember him and I act strange.
-Don't worry. It's all right. I hope some day will come, when you'll hear his name but will think of me. I'll be waiting for that day.
-Hmm?
-Nothing..
-You had saved my number?
-Isn't it obvious? But the strange thing is, you have my number. Did you saved it that time or collected again?
-I saved it.
-Why?
-I don't know. Maybe for today.
I laughed. She joined me.

I put on my home clothes while talking to her. We talked for a while. About different things. Neither of us willing to finish the call.

A/N. I hope you'll like the chapter. They are becoming close. Indeed they both were lonely and need someone. Maybe each other? Enjoy the chapter. Have a wonderful day!