A GIRL LIKE YOU

38

"I miss you so bad." Ansh said and I smiled.
"You already said that twice."
"I know. I'll be there in an hour to pick you up."
"Okay."
"Okay."
"Ansh?"
"Huh?"
"Are your sure about this?"
"Kiara baby, I already told you my mom and dad are cool. I told them everything over lunch and they're more than happy to meet you."
"You told them everything? As in everything?"
"Yeah I told them how we feel about each other."
"What? Why would you do that?"
"Because Anya already knew. One way or another it was going to come out. So I told them first."
"Ansh, what your parents must be thinking of me?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that they must be thinking what a- I don't know- slut I am, jumping from one guy to another."
"Shut up Kiara. Don't use that word! Ever. You are not it. You understand me! My parents don't think like that."
"Are you sure?"
"God, woman I'm going to fuck your brains out when I see you."
"What?!"
"Yes! You need to let go of this stupid insecurity that you're carrying."
I can't believe he just saw right through me. Its all my insecurities talking.
"And I'll fuck those insecurities out of your pretty little head, hard."
He's never been this callous.
"Ansh..I-"
Shit! Shit! I was about to say I love you. Shit! Are you insane Kiara? Its been what? A week since we are living togther. We haven't even discussed shit about our relationship. We just agreed to see as we go.
He'll think I'm a nutcase if I tell him I love him. Over the phone!!!
Am I stupid?
"You what Kiara?"
"I-I can't wait to see you." I blurted out.
"Me too. Get ready." He said and hung up.
I put my phone against my chest and sighed. My emotions are all over the place.
"You love him."
Aaliyah. Preceptive little bitch.
I turned around to find her standing in the doorway of her room.
"I thought you gave me privacy."
"I did. But then I thought, whatever. I gotta see you when you talk to him."
"I have to get ready. You sure you don't wanna come?"
"I don't. I'll come next time. This time it's about you."
I smiled and went to rummage through my clothes, that I brought to find something decent enough to wear.
"You're not going to answer my question?"
"I didn't know you asked one." I said and avoided her eyes as I went through my clothes.
"So what, if you love him? Why are you hiding it?" She said and walked and stood right in front of me. I looked up.
"Because, its weird."
"What's wierd?"
"I never felt this way Aaliyah. And it's wierd because how long has it been?"
"So what? Is there a rule book which says you can't fall in love before a timeline of two months with that guy."
"No! But it makes me look like a teenage girl. It makes me look like someone who is confusing love with lust."
"Are you kidding me? For someone who has been in love, trust my words. I know love when I see it."
"You haven't even seen us together yet, Aaliyah."
"I don't have to. I can see it all over your face."
"Really?"
"Uh-huh."
"What if he doesn't feel that way?"
"Kiara...let go of these insecurities. Own up to your feelings. And for God's sake tell him." Aaliyah said.
"So soon?"
"Ugh. Fine. Tell me this."
"What?"
"Does it feel like you've known him 20 years instead of 20 seconds?"
How does she know?
"How do you know that?!"
Aaliyah smiled and gave me the look that said, 'there you have it lady.'
She left the room and I got ready to see Ansh's family.
I don't know if I'll tell him about my feelings. All I know is that I can't wait to see him.

***
"He's here." Aaliyah walked into tye room as I gave my lipstick one last touch.
"Okay." I said and took a deep breath.
"It'll be awsome. Don't worry."
I turned around and hugged Aaliyah.
"Call me everyday. Let me know when you decide to come back for good okay?" She said as I released her.
I am still putting away the thoughts of seeing my parents.
"I will." I said and picked up my bag as I walked out to find Vivaan and Ansh talking.
What is it with guys? They see each other and they talk. I mean you two don't even know each other.
"Hi." I said as Ansh looked at me and smiled.
"Hi." He said and came to take the bag from my hand.
"Take care of my girl." Aaliyah said as we made our way towarss the porch.
"She's my girl too now." Ansh said and winked at Aaliyah.
"Really?!" Vivaan's eyebrow shot above his hairline.
"I'll tell you later." Aaliyah told her husband.
We bid our goodbyes and Ansh pulled away from the curb.

"You look hot." Ansh said staring at me intensely.
"Look ahead!"
"I can't."
"Ansh!" I shouted. This time he chuckled and looked at the road.
"By the way, I think Preeti might be joining us."
I looked at Ansh in confusion.
"Preeti and my sister, they're pretty good friends. Even before everything. And they still are friends. So..."
I looked away. I don't like this. I'm not a possessive bitch but come on. The feelings she has for Ansh were visible all over her face that day when she came. I know I owe her for going with my lie but it still bothers me. I love Ansh and I just don't know if I'll be comfortable around her, now that I know everything.
"Kiara?"
Oh I've gone quiet on him. I looked at him and smiled.
"Yeah. Thanks for the heads up."
"Are you jealous?"
Okay. He is more perceptive than Aaliyah.
"No! Why would I be?" I squeaked.
"Really? Not even a little bit?"
"No." I lied.
"I would've been crazy jealous if I were you." He seems hopeful now.
He wants me to be jealous. How stupid Ansh.
"I don't have anything to be jealous about. I have you, she doesn't." I said confidently.
Ansh beamed at me and took my hand and kissed on its back.
If only I could relate to what I just said.
I'm crazy jealous, Ansh.

Ansh pulled up in fron of the big, 3 storeyed, white house with a huge porch and garden in front of it. It looked so homey.
We got out of the car, Ansh led me in without knocking, the door was open. The sweet smell of the house filled my inside and it felt like I could cuddle in here. My house was never like this.

...