More than you can imagine#YourStoryIndia

CHAPTER 5

(Edited)

ANXIETY

That's what I felt the entire week and I haven't decided anything yet. Neither have I decided whether to tell about tanmay to anyone nor what to wear tomorrow for the first day of my 12th grade class. Yes our classes start early than colleges and since my 11th grade teachers decided to held our oral exams after written, I didn't get much of a holiday this year. But we all friends enjoyed at the mall the other day before starting for another year. We did window shopping like every other teen, took selfie's at every corner and glutton at food court. But this time we also did something different. We went in a shop tried on different clothes and took a photo with it in trail rooms and then left without buying the dress. All the nearby staff were glaring and whispering at us. But it was so much fun. I'll never forget that experience.

I also met avni,my best friend most of days this week but couldn't find the right time or enough courage to explain about how I met him or rather Who. It's kinda funny if I think it from others point of view. She even questioned me sometimes upon my odd behavior but I dodged it every time. Many a times I decided to just forget about it and I had too, until today.

I wait impatiently with an emotionless face outside Mr. And Mrs. Rathod's house along with my entire family. I try to smile and keep it that way otherwise my family will know something's up. The whole week I've been dreading this moment and I still can't believe that it's happening right now.

My heart comes in my mouth as their door opens and I realize I'll have to see him again and act as if I'm seeing him for the first time in front of family. I so dislike acting. It was once my dream to become an actress. I sigh inwardly at my 'Childhood dreams'. But I assure myself that I've to just pretend and not act, just pretend.

How difficult can it be?

Wearing a dazzling smile Mrs. Rathod welcomes us in her house. Complimenting my mom for her attire which I had chosen earning me a sly smile from my mom as she guides us to her living room.

"Oh you look so lovely Krittika darling." she says giving me a once over with a kind smile. I smile back thanking her. I look down at my dress which mom forced me to wear. It was a casual sleeveless, knee length navy blue color dress with small polka dots all over it. I agreed to wear it only because of the color blue. The climate of their living room was quite tense as two unknown families came together for a meet and greet.

Mrs. Rathod breaks it with introductions my mom following the same soon. And suddenly out of nowhere Mrs.Rathod brings out a small wrapped box and extended it towards me. My mouth feel open and I looked at her. She just smiled and said, "You really have no idea what you've done darling,take it, you deserve it, dear." she says handing over the box to me. I looked at my mom for help but when she nodded I silently took the present and thanked her genuinely smiling at her. "It's just an idol of Lord Ganesh as a remembrance of your kind and valiant nature. Not everybody has the guts to do what you did dear." I didn't expect that at all. All my family members were also surprised and seem pleased.

"Thank you for your kind words aunty but I didn't do anything big. I just did what felt right." I told her slyly and after that both the mothers in the house instantly started chatting away like teenage girls.

Whilst Mr.Rathod approached my father and praised about me. My mood instantly lifted. Being praised by some stranger for a good deed you did, feels good. I couldn't help but notice the stress marks on Mr. Rathod's face as he talked. His narrowed wrinkled eyes hidden behind dark circles as his eyes twinkle while his cheeks slightly slack. As if noticing me gawking at him he gave me a kind fatherly smile and said, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you Krittika. This dinner is in the honor of your bravery and kindness, which is organised by my wife but I personally want to Thank You for what you've done for My family. I wish to grant you a present dear, if you may allow, Sir." he turned for the answer towards my father.