The Cricketer's Jockey (#MyStoryIndia) (#MissionDesi)

Chapter 7.

When I arrived at the station, Nuts was waiting outside for me, tapping her right feet impatiently and chewing a strand of her hair. It was usual of her, chewing strand whenever she was on her verge of analyzing things in her mind. I knew that she wanted to know all that had happened ‘on the radio’ and ‘off the radio’. She was a person of details. So, as soon as I got out, she grabbed me by wrist to go inside the office. I stopped her before she could almost drag me there.

“Nuts, let me pay for the taxi first, yaar!”

“Okay.” She let go of my hand as I paid for the taxi.

“So? How is Raman? He sounded ebullient and talked like I have created some magic.” I questioned.

“Yeah, he is happy. Much happier than I have thought. He is waiting for you inside. Beware. The way he is behaving, you might get a hug.” Nuts replied in a serious tone.

“No. That’s horrible.” I stopped walking and looked at her with frightening eyes.

“I know. I know how you will feel. I have experienced those moments too. So, don’t worry. Being a best friend, I will click away the photo when it happens.”

“Nuts.” I slapped her forearm where she just laughed.

“Anyway, tell me what exactly happened. Of course, we heard it all on the radio and don’t worry, we didn’t broadcast it live. Aditya edited some lines. So, you have not made yourself a full stupid on media. Again.”

That was a relief.

I told her everything that had taken place in the morning. She just nodded and when I completed my story, she smiled.

“Bullu, I wish, I was an RJ. Then, a handsome cricketer might have mimicked me. And I would have made him fall for me.”

“Yuck. Nityapriya, don’t you have anything else to talk about. You and your love dreams.”

Truth to be told, how much Nuts acted all lovey dovey, in reality she was a complete opposite. However, she dated a few men, she never looked for love. It was not on her priority list. She loved not being part of 'married at 22' gang unlike her sisters and did not plan to do it in near future. Her mother was furious about this, but her father had freed her to do whatever she wanted to do. He knew very well his daughter was not going to follow their traditional footsteps. So, when I got engaged nine months ago, she had been little furious; telling me it wasn't the age to get married but to find yourself. Now, I knew what she meant at that time. But I never questioned her about her love life and she did the same. She was there when I needed a shoulder, but kept a distance when anyone tried to set her up.

Entering in, I found everyone smiling and congratulating me for such a piece. I did not try to explain them to my side. They would not be going to understand anyway. In their eyes, I had done a great work to get some good scoop. I was only worried about Lakhi’s reaction. He had struck me as a good guy and had already started thinking of me as a friend. But after hearing this, he might be furious. And I was sure Aniruddha would love to hit me with the ball this time. I imagined him standing on a pitch, shooting the ball right in my head where I run around the pitch.

“Bulbul. Raman is waiting for you in his office.” I nodded and walked past.

”Ready for the hug?” Nuts asked before opening the door.

I rolled my eyes and braced myself for what was coming.

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