I hadn't been able to sleep in a while. The situation was no better even after Edwin's text. However, there was one change - the excitement. I was so excited to be finally able to meet Farhad but that doesn't mean I didn't have apprehensions. I was worried at the same time. In fact, I had no idea about what i was going to say to him but I knew that I had to see him. I promised him, didn't I?
I booked my flight for the very next day. Harsha and I reached back to my place in the morning. Harsha immediately crashed on the bed. I couldn't sleep well. My mind was full of thoughts racing like Shinkansens in Japan. I made some coffee for myself and decided to go meet Edwin once before I left. If not anything, I, at least, had to thank him. I took Harsha's car and drove to Edwin's home. I parked outside the door. And there it was right across the porch. The same door which Edwin had slammed into my face. I still didn't have any idea about what Edwin meant by losing Farhad that day. Maybe Edwin would be in a better condition now that he knew Farhad was in Delhi. I had to check out. I gathered my courage and stepped out of the car. The cool morning air set up shivers in my body. Whenever I met Edwin, the guilt curdled my blood in the veins. I wish I could erase that night from my life and turn things back to normal. I didn't even want to go to the party. Maybe I should have left early. In fact, I wanted to. It was Farhad himself who forced me to stay.
"Hey Ansel! Where are you going?" said Farhad.
"I don't think I feel good. My head hurts a little bit." I screamed over the loud music.
"What? Come on. Come here." Farhad pulled my hand and started leading me inside. Farhad was very drunk. It was the project end party thrown by Joseph. Joseph was the coordinator between the robotic and architectural arm of the project. Basically, he was this rich spoilt nephew of the hotel owner who was good for nothing but there at his uncle's sweet will. He would just throw parties and feel useful. I didn't like the whole idea of such a party which is part of the reason why I wanted to leave early. But Farhad was literally dragging me inside towards the bar.
"Here! You love LIIT, don't you?" asked Farhad handing me over a drink from the counter.
"Farhad! I don't want to."
"It's the end of this project. For me." He made a puppy face. I really didn't want to drink but I thought a drink wouldn't hurt much. 'Swim Good' by Frank Ocean played in the background and Farhad was dancing to the groove. I finished my drink quickly. Actually, that's how I drank LIIT.
"You'll have to drink one more for me, Ansel!" Edwin came from behind with another LIIT.
"Hey Edwin! I better not. My head hurts." I said. My resistance was withering away fast. Edwin pushed it into my hand. I didn't resist any further.
"Yay! That's my boy." said Edwin patting my back. Edwin had become a friend over time. Farhad, Edwin and I worked together frequently. But Edwin had this air about him. He always picked on me. I wouldn't argue being conscious about Farhad. I was sure he didn't mean any of that.
"Do you want to eat something?" Edwin screamed over the music.
"I think I should eat something." said Farhad.
"I'll go get something. Come with me, Ansel! We'll get something. Farhad is sloshed."
I looked at Farhad. He was almost tripping. I offered him a chair and went on with Edwin to get food. Thankfully, the sound was bearable in the food section of the venue. There was nobody except Edwin and me there.
"Isn't this awesome?" asked Edwin.
"Yeah! It's a great party."
"No! I'm not talking about the party."
YOU ARE READING
I'll Be Around
Short Story(Boyxboy) Ansel is on the lookout for Farhad, his love, who is hiding from him. His journey to Farhad takes him through some beautiful old memories and new realisations. And that journeys changes Ansel and makes him ready for confronting his fears a...