High School Romance Revisited

Chapter 12 - The Ex

"Deepa, Deepa wake up," Chitra's voice broke into my bad dream. It all felt like a dream but deep down I knew it happened last night. Mahen's anger and my pain were all at a high peak. I didn't want him to know all those reasons to avoid anymore unpleasant situations but indirectly it was causing me more pain than I had ever expected.

"What are you doing here?" Chitra asked. I turned away and replied, "I had a fight with him."

"Well that I figured out from your swollen eyes. But even if I tell you repeatedly you won't let me interfere," Chitra said sitting beside me. 

"Chitra, Koushik may not be my best friend like you and Rai but he is still my friend. I cannot do this to him."

Chitra rubbed her hand on my back, "I understand and that's why I didn't tell anything to Koushik. But for your good I want you to promise me that you won't go anywhere near Mahen during my wedding. It's best you two maintain a distance." I remained quiet. Chitra shook me gently, "Promise me Deepa you will stay away from him." 

I nodded. She smiled, tied my unruly hair in a knot and handed me a bottle of water, "Come on get up. It's already lunchtime. Rai has packed your things, we are leaving after lunch."

"What? Lunchtime?" I can't believe I was sleeping for so long. I splashed water on my face and left it to dry off naturally. Walking towards the house with Chitra I spotted Himesh with Koushik and Mahen loading the luggage in the van. Didn't making any noise I went inside the house while Chitra remained behind talking to Koushik.

Stepping into the room I heard Elora and Sanjana pestering Rai to disclose about her new project with a Mumbai production house. Noticing me Elora asked, "How was the long morning walk for which you skipped breakfast as well?" I frowned at Rai and she winked. I guessed it was Chitra and Rai who covered up for my long disappearance. 

"Refreshing!" I forced myself to smile.

"Nice. I hope you will be having lunch with us," Sanjana said.

"Yes, I'll just take a quick bath and join you downstairs."

"Oh no we are not having lunch in the dinning room. Mrs. Sanyal has set up a buffet in the garden. There will be some baul gaans and santhali dance as well," Elora informed. 

[Performed by group of Santali women and men, this folk dance form is another cultural attraction of rural Bengal.]