Is forever for R.E.A.L?

Chapter 16- Stay away from him

“They are my friends. I don’t have anyone except them.” We heard Ashish’s voice from outside his door.
“Everyone knows you in your school. You are popular there. You have so many friends.” His mom said with her voice becoming louder with each word.
“They are not my friends. They don’t even know me properly.”
“They will. Give them a chance.”
“Why don’t you give my friends a chance? Why do you hate them?”
“I don’t hate them. I just don’t like that Rehan guy.”
Esha and I stared at Rehan hearing this. Though his expression was solemn, he didn’t like where the mother-son conversation was going. I didn’t like it too.
“Why?”
“He is a muslim.”
“So?”
“So stay away from him. All those people  are terrorists. One fight with him and he will plunge a dagger through your heart.”
“Are you mad? What are you talking about? He is nothing like that. You can’t judge a person by his religion. That’s wrong.”
“Why? How can you believe him?”
“Because he is my friend and I will trust him till the end.” Ashish said and we could hear him come closer. He left his house and he was shocked to us outside his door.
“What are you three doing here?” Ashish asked after a while of awkward silence.
“We were worried about you. You didn’t come to meet us so we thought to check on you.” Esha said with a look of concern.
“Can we go somewhere else? I want to tell you something.”
“What?”
“Just come with me.”
We walked upto a nearby tea stall on the road and ordered one cup of tea for each of us. I guess we didn’t stop at a cafe because it could bring some bad memories for Rehan.
“Tell us now.”
“I assume you heard everything.”
“Not everything but from the point where your mother specified why you shouldn’t hang out with me. I am dangerous.” Rehan gave a smile but we knew it was sarcastic not genuine.
“I am sorry about that.”
“You don’t have to be. I am the terrorist.”
“Shut up and listen to me first.” Ashish snapped.
“Calm down and say everything.” I said wondering if they would consider my advice.
“My mother’s brother died in the Kargil war. I know it’s not right but my mother has a bitter opinion about Muslims since then.” Ashish said in a low tone.
Even though I felt bad hearing this, a part inside me was confused about the reason of Ashish’s low tone. Was it due to the seriousness of the situation or my advice? I mentally shunned myself from thinking about these things.
“Oh. I am sorry for your loss.” Esha said and hugged Ashish.
“I am sorry I screamed at you without knowing the reason.” Rehan said with a apologetic smile.
“It’s okay. Your reaction was obvious.”
“But if it’s a problem, I won’t hang with you guys. I don’t want to create any trouble.”
“Stop being so emotional.” Esha said.
“Yes it doesn’t suit you.”
“I was serious.”
“No need. You are not going anywhere.” Ashish assured him.
“Okay.” Rehan said but I could still see the uncertainty on his face.
“It’s farewell next month.” Esha said in a excited voice.
“Imagine Esha in a saree.” Ashish said to our laughter.
“Shit! We have to buy blazers too.” Rehan said.
“Yes. I completely forgot.” Ashish agreed.
“I don’t have money for buying one.” Rehan said in a dejected tone.
“Dad has two blazers in his wardrobe. I think it will fit us.”
“Hope so.”
We walked towards Ashish’s home while talking about the farewell and various things.
“I will leave now. Your mother won’t like me talking to you.”
“You are coming to my home with me. I will make it clear to my mother that I am not going to stop talking to you.”
“You don’t have to. It’s not a big issue. Just let it be.”
“No! You three follow me.”
We reached Ashish’s house and Ashish rang the bell. It took a while for his mother to open the door but as she opened it and we entered the house, she slapped Ashish. As Ashish’s mother waved his diary with Ravi scribbled on the diary and Ashish’s feelings for Ravi etched by ink on the pages in the front, we realized Rehan was not the reason of the slap.
Trouble was back now.