Is forever for R.E.A.L?

Chapter 9- Funfair

Diwali Vacations had started. It had been two weeks since we brought Lucy with us. We took her with us for strolls everyday. Though we had a huge pile of homework, procrastination got the better of us. Once, while we were all hanging out, we saw a poster.
“Diwali Celebrations Fun Fair.” Ashish read it aloud.
“Wow. That’s amazing. We should visit this.” Rehan said.
“Yes. It’s been years since something like this happened.
“Yeah. Also most people of our school would be there!” Esha exclaimed.
“But how does it matter? We don’t have much friends except each other.”
“I don’t know about the three of us, but Ashish would certainly look forward to meet Ravi.” Rehan said and nudged Ashish.
It was already known about Ashish’s crush on Ravi since we saw Ravi’s name in Ashish’s diary. Also the very mention of Ravi made Ashish blush like crazy.
“Uhhh.... We should leave for our homes now. It is my lunch time and my parents would be worried.” Ashish said to avoid being teased even though he was enjoying it.”
As I reached home, I realized I didn’t have any good enough clothes for the fair. Earlier, looks and clothes didn’t matter to me much. But since I had this huge crush on Esha, I started getting more alert about my dressing style and looks. I didn’t realise when my saved money were spent on purchasing clothes and shoes. But now, there wasn’t enough money left.
 I couldn’t ask dad because I knew he would refuse. But I couldn’t go to a place wearing baggy jeans or my father’s ink stained shirt. There was only one last way left. I had to steal some money from my father’s wallet. It wouldn’t be stealing. I will rent a shirt and then return it back after the fair. That can be done. Also taking money from a father is not stealing. I am just delaying to inform him that I borrowed some money from him.
Next day,  from a nearby shop I rented a shirt for a day and gave the shopkeeper the entire amount. When I return the shirt to him, he would give back the money subtracting the amount of the shirt. I was reluctant in the whole process because Dad didn’t like such places and I had to take great care of the shirt. But impressing Esha and winning her over was my first priority then. I don’t know about love but lovers are no doubt blind.
 
“Wow. Look at Larry. Someone is looking dashing.” Esha remarked as I reached the meeting place. I blushed as she said that and a tiny spark of hope ignited.
I had decided to propose Esha that very day. I had the best outfit I could afford(even though temporarily). And Esha seemed quite impressed. This could be the start of our relationship. People at school could be pretty shocked at the fact that Esha was dating me. But I had stopped listening to them and I knew Esha too would not pay heed to their talks. She loved me too much for that. Or else she wouldn’t give compliments every time we met. She was pretty impressed by me and often told Rehan and Ashish to learn from  me. My daydreams were interrupted when Ashish arrived.
“Ravi is going to be flat today. St. Thomas’s hottest boy is going to propose him.” Rehan said.
“Isn’t that a over-exaggeration?” Ashish smirked.
“Obviously. That title goes to me.” Rehan said acting as if he received a prize.
“Buzz off. Let’s go Larry. They are highly mistaken.” Esha said.
“What about me.” I asked.
“I guess that title rightfully belongs to you. Each and every girl is going to be flattered by your appearance. I am sure your future girlfriend is going to be too lucky.”
Her words made my hopes get high. She is hinting that she wants to be my girlfriend. I never imagined my crush would like me back. This day was going so good.
“Hey there’s Ravi. Call him here.” I said as I saw Ravi near the entrance. Ashish waved him and he came over. After a small conversation, they both left on their own. Just Rehan was there with us but he seemed distracted. As I opened my mouth to confess, Esha asked me to bring water for her. I assumed it was because she knew I was going to propose her and she would kiss me. I too drank some water as I saw Ashish at a corner trying to tell Ravi. Ravi was bound to say yes. They would be a happy couple. Just like me and Esha. Rehan too would date some pretty girl from the school. We could help him. Then we all would be in a relationships. All would be so good.
However what I saw when I returned was the worst.