Iridescent

CHAPTER 28

As soon as I reach Amy's door, she thankfully opens it. I'm glad she didn't dress up fancy. Mum doesn't like it and for some reason, I really want mum to like Amy.

Amy is wearing a plain red shirt with bell-shaped sleeves. It somehow goes well with my orange t-shirt and black jeans.

"Let's go?"

"Yeah."

Mum and dad are waiting outside the house for us.

"Your mum is a nice lady, right?" Amy asks.

"Yeah she is, don't worry. Here she comes, "

I wrap my arms tightly around her, breathing in her familiar, comforting scent. Dad follows next. After we pull away, he ruffles my hair and pats my back.

"It's been a while, " he says.

"I know, dad. I'm sorry."

He looks at Amy and looks at me, raising his eyebrows.

I wrap my arms around her shoulders. "This is Amy. The neighbor I told you about? This is her. She helped me get over Rupali."

"Then you are definitely special, " dad says and envelops her into a hug. "Thank you so much for helping him, when we failed."

"It's no problem at all. Really. I'm glad I could help."

"Okay, my turn." Mum pushes dad away and pulls Amy into a right hug. "You really are beautiful."

"I told you, " I tell mum, but she ignores me and continues talking to Amy.

"Let's head inside, shall we?"

Mum is treating Amy like she is a princess and almost ignoring me. She shows her around the house and talks to her as if she is the new puppy at home. Okay, I understand mum likes her, but she has to talk to me also, right? I try hard to control my irritation. But when she continues to ignore my presence, I lose the control.

"Mum! Dad! Talk to me also!" I whine.

Mum rolls her eyes. "Twenty-eight. He is twenty -eight. Look at him, acting like a five-year-old. Okay, Jai. What should I talk to you about?"

"Whatever you were speaking to her, " I quickly answer.

Mum and Amy exchange smiles.

"Alright. Where did you get your nails done, Jai? They are so cute and shiny!"

Oh.

"Um, never mind. Continue talking. I'll talk to dad."

All of them laugh. "He is always like this. Attention seeking. But when he actually gets the attention, he wants to shy away." Dad laughs.

The doorbell rings.

"I'll go open. It's probably Aditya and the others." I start toward the door.

When I open the door, I can see only Shlok, Tara, Vihaan and Rupali.

"Where's Adi?" I ask.

They roll their eyes and go into the house. "You'll see."

When I turn to go back, a heavyweight falls on my back, causing me to lose my balance and fall to the ground.

"Hello, Jai!" Aditya screams in my ear.

Shlok snorts and the others roll their eyes. Amy looks on, clearly amused.

I push him off me with as much power I can muster. This guy is going to be the death of me.

I get up slowly, praying I don't have a fracture. Thankfully, there's no pain. Then, I look at him. He is laying on the floor, hands folded behind his head, a shit eating grin on his face. When I glare at him, the grin reduces, and he stands up.