LOVE SO FAR

A Candid Sunday

The next day was Sunday, so I got up late as usual. Grandma was cooking breakfast; I went to the kitchen and made coffee for myself. As usual, Grandma scolded me for getting up late and I consoled her. I spent half of the day by spending some time on Facebook, watching TV, and reading books. Then I felt really bored being at home, so I called my friends, but they were all busy at their houses. Later my mom called me and asked about my farewell, and I told her everything, except for Krish. Then I cleaned my room and took a shower. That evening, I thought of calling Krish, but a sense of girl's ego stopped me from doing it. So, I called Neil and asked him to come over. After some time, there was a knock on the door and I knew it was Neil. I opened the door and invited him in.

"What happened, Loo? You're looking a bit down," he said as he sat beside me.

"Nothing, yaar," I lied.

"Are you sure?" he looked uncertain.

I remained quiet for a moment and leaned on his shoulder. He understood that something was bothering me. So, he decided to take me somewhere to relax my mind. We went to Marine Drive, the only place Neil and I would go whenever we felt down or happy. I sat on one of the black rocks, folding my arms across my chest, staring at the sea waves. Neil came towards me with two cans of Red Bull.

"Here, have one," he offered.

"Thanks," I took one from him.

"So, tell me, what's been bothering you?" he asked, looking out at the waves.

"I don't know, Neil. I'm feeling so disturbed nowadays," I said, still gazing at the sea waves.

"Hmm," he nodded.

"I've never felt like this before. I can't concentrate on anything. I don't know what kind of feeling this is."

"Loo, I think you're in love," he said, smiling.

"No, Neil," I denied, even though I knew it was true.

"Come on, Loo. Tell me who it is."

"Neil, I told you there's nothing like what you're thinking," I said, feeling myself blush.

"Oh, Looshin, you're blushing," he teased me.

"Shut up, Neil," I tried not to blush.

"Okay, then tell me. Do I know him?" he wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

"You know him," I finally admitted; I couldn't hide anything from him.

"Really?" he widened his eyes.

"Yeah," I nodded.

"Is he from our school?"

"Yeah."

"Hmm, can you at least tell me the first letter of his name?" he was eager to know.

I wasn't sure how he would react when he found out that I had fallen for Krish. After our argument about Krish, we hadn't talked about him again. So, I was uncertain about whether I should tell him or not. After much confusion in my mind, I decided to tell him.

I gathered my courage and turned towards him. He was still looking out at the sea waves.

"Neil?" I swallowed.

"Yeah," he turned towards me.

"I... I have..." my voice trembled.

"Loo, I know that you have feelings for Krish, but you're afraid of how I'll react when I hear this, right?" he still stared at the waves hitting the black rocks.

I was silent for a moment, surprised that Neil had spoken out what I was thinking. "How... how do you know that?" My voice trembled again, but this time with excitement, not fear.