Is forever for R.E.A.L?

Chapter 12- That's what friends are for

“Ashish, I need your help.” I called Ashish with a hope that he will help me.
“What happened? How can I help you?” Ashish asked with a genuine tone.
“At the day of fun fair, I didn’t have  anything good to wear. Also, I was in the illusion that Esha likes me back and in the verge of impressing her, I stole money from my Dad and rented a shirt for the fair. But in the fight with Rehan, the shirt ripped in several places. I got to know today that the money was for my fees and without paying the fees, the school will rusticate me.”
“What the hell. Are you mad? Why did you even take the money without asking? You could have asked me. I would have given you something to wear.”
“I wish this thought had crossed my mind at that time but there is no option now. We can’t go into the past.”
“That’s true. But remember I am there if you need me.”
“Yeah, I will. But do you have any solution to my problem?”
“There is a way.”
“What?” I asked with hope brimming in my eyes.
“We could stitch the shirt. They won’t know it has been stitched maybe.”
“Do you know how to stitch?” I asked. Though Dad knew how to stitch, telling him about this was the last option.
“No. But Esha does.” He said to my disappointment. This made me regret my few days old tirade more.
“So? She won’t help. I am sure.” I said.
“You should at least try. This is a serious issue. I don’t think Esha would hold her grudge over your education.” He said making sense.
“Thank you so much. I am glad you are my friend.” I said with all honesty. Ashish supported me when no one did. I hoped Ashish got his dream boy soon because he deserved all the happiness in the world.
 
I left for Esha’s house as soon as I kept the phone. I was feeling quite discouraged but that was my regular emotion. Feeling diffident was one of my drawbacks among hundreds of others.
As I reached to the address Ashish gave me, I was amazed. I knew Esha was rich but I didn’t imagine her living in a bungalow. As I walked upto her house, I saw Rehan’s shoes and Lucy outside the house. I understood that Rehan is with Esha and this reality even though not surprising shocked me to the core. I didn’t want to think about them anymore and I thought I would tell Dad the truth about the shirt.
As I turned to leave, I saw a familiar face in a car coming from a distance. I realized it was Esha’s father and Rehan and Esha would be in trouble if her father found Rehan in his house. I took Rehan’s shoes and Lucy with me and dropped them behind the house. I came back and walked upto Esha’s father.
“Uncle! Uncle! Would you like to take membership in a country club?” I asked him in a voice loud enough to reach Esha and Rehan as I saw the windows were open.
“I don’t want to. And you don’t need to scream your head out.” He stared at me with a stern expression.
“Please sir. My father owes them money and I need to pay them doing this. Your small contribution can help me a lot. I beg you.” I wailed in a loud voice and it worked when I saw Esha peer out from the window.
“Buzz off. I don’t care about you. And who allowed you to come near my home? I will complain to the people who sent you or lodge a police complaint.
“Sorry sir. I am really sorry. I don't want to cause any trouble. I will leave.” I said assuming Rehan would have left by now.
I returned back and about an hour later, I saw Esha and Ashish outside my house. Ashish had told them everything but even though Esha forgave me, it didn’t budge Rehan. His trust was broken and restoring it would not be easy.
“Give me the shirt.” Esha said.
I ran into my room and found the shirt. However I didn’t realise the receipt of renting from the shirt's pocket fell down to the floor. I hurried down to Esha who started sewing it.
“You know Rehan is really disappointed in you. I, too was, but what you said to me didn’t hurt me much as I had heard it enough. What hurt me was that you said that. I forgive you but Rehan would need more time. You know it’s your mistake so you should give him the time.
“Yeah. I know.”
“Thanks for today. I appreciate what you did.” Esha said smiling at me.
“That’s what are friends for!”
 
We walked to the shop and entered.
“We are here to return the shirt and get the money back.” I said with a ting of happiness. Everything will be sorted now.
“You can’t return it.” The man at the counter said to my shock.
“What? How? What do you mean?” I asked with a horrified expression.
“There is a 48 hour return policy. It’s been  more than that. You can’t return it now.”
“This was not told but. You should have told us before.” Ashish protested.
The man didn’t say anything but pointed to a banner. 48 hour return policy was written in bold letters. I was so excited in renting the shirt, I didn’t notice the banner. Everything was being messed up.
But the worse was yet to come.