Finding Him and Me

Chapter 38 - Getting To Know Him

Splash.

"Ah!" I exclaim angrily as a shower of water droplets wet me. "The. Hell. Arjun. What's wrong with you?" I burst out.

"Talk." He utters one single word.

"Fine!" You asshole. I humph trying to brush off the drops of water from my clothes. "My name is Alia Malhotra. I'm a cottonian, dancer. Favourite colour red, favourite song Crazy in love, because it truly drives me crazy in love. As if that song was made for me. Then, let's see...." I take a breath and after that there's no going back, I'm on roll, momentarily forgetting to be mad at him. "I love love love the smell of vanilla and jasmine. Prefer winter and monsoon season over any other. Dancing in the rain makes me so happy. Like a dream. You already know reading is my first love. Zara Larsson is probably my most favoured music artist. Her songs connect to me and talk to me. Holiday destination - Pondicherry, Maldives and Seminyak, in that order. The beach just excites my soul. I believe that my heart is yet held captive in the carefree streets of Bali. The small cafe's and beach clubs, by the pool listening to Lana Del Rey." As I continue blabbering like the silly little girl I am, Arjun keeps his eyes transfixed at me. Taking in every word.

"Wow." He booms.

"Hahaha! Okay now enough of me. Tell me about yourself." I smile wildly hugging my knees and blushing. That wasn't so bad.

"Hmm. Arjun Khatri. Hate my second name by the way." He pauses for a moment as we both chuckle. "Born 15th April, Shilpite. Basketball is my hobby and Hockey is my strength." So he does play Basketball I wonder biting my lip. "Really passionate about building houses. Favourite colour grey and light blue, song Stitches. Shawn Mendes is spectacular. I like spring and Winter. I would choose poetry over novels any day. Shakespeare is my favourite writer, because he got shit like no one ever did. He's the Jesus of Literature hands down. What else?" He stops to think and runs his hand through his hair, not in exasperation, like every other time, but softly. Its hot. "I want to travel to Australia. But until now my most cherished vacation was to Italy. It's god's home." He states, clearly reminiscing amazing memories.

The two of us fall silent. I suppose just letting everything settle into a special turquoise hat box with a bow in our minds. Or atleast me. I recline further down and lie down on my side, supporting my neck on my hand. "You know," I start and he immediately looks at me, "you're not that much of a prick." I say and look down to hide my face.

"Flattered." He snorts at my half compliment.

"Don't you feel cold in that thin t-shirt?" I ask randomly.

"No." He shakes his head.

"You'd look good in a  sweater." I whisper and smile.

"Reealllyy?" He wiggles his eyebrows and teases me.

"Maayybee." I counter making him laugh and shake his legs in the water.

"Tell me more." Arjun asks oh so sweetly.

"Careful what you wish for Mr. K I might not stop blabbering, better still, expect the same from you. Prepared to spill your guts? Are you?" I ask in a particularly throaty voice.

"Prepared alright. Fire away Miss M." He grins copying me. I wanna curl into a ball and roll.

"Hold your breath, you're about to learn all of me." I dramatically say. He continues the little act and takes a deep breath. "I'm the only child, and the only daughter at home. My dad's brother used to live with us, but they shifted out when I was 6. His sons, my closest brothers, mean the stars to me. The most caring and overprotective people I'm surrounded by. Then there are my best friends Noor and Tara. Better than what I could I ask for." I pause at a loss of words. "I don't know Arjun. Just ask me questions, that'll be easier." I confess.