PLAYBOY[Manan's Ff]

chapter 8

Manik's POV

We all had practice for a while and left for the washroom to freshen up. These days, Kabir and others are talking behind my back and are sometimes leaving me, which is odd, but I ignore it. I don't think they turn their backs on me. I trusted them with my life for all the support and affection. Even if they show their backs, I don't leave them.

I tried to confront but they say don't think likewise. We are best buddies. Kabir ushered me in his usual self, always making me feel bright and happy.

In class when she asked pointedly about the match. I know matter travels faster than a person. I don't know why, but my friend's behaviour changed from the day I got on this bet. So I don't want to talk about it. The time went fast. After school, we went to Kabir's house, our hangout spot. It was a Mansion secured with modern technology. It has a garden in front and have large pool in the backyard. Kabir was a prince living in the castle which would have anything on his fingertip. But their parents give everything to show off their status I felt. But the relationship between them was on thin lines, whenever we were at home, they had never been there, and as per him, he never talked about them. We had a small party to cheer ourselves up. Then I want to leave. Seeing me tired, Dhruv insisted that he'd drop me home on his bike. After all, I'm tired, so I didn't protest. I asked him to come in when we reached home. When we were about in, the aunt called him to come home,, so he went away.

Even if he comes in, there is no one to talk with except Grandpa, which I don't want to introduce. Thinking about all this, I went home and went straight up the stairs to rest. But when I hear Nandu asking for me to dinner even I don't want to have.....I see my mom in her for a second; my mom always says something or other to make me eat with her. Sometimes, she doesn't eat until I come home. So I reluctantly agreed.

I freshened up and realised Dhruv hadn't come in, or else he'd definitely know that she was my neighbour. I got down to eat. After eating, I went to bed, but only Mom was in my mind. I took the picture in which I was placing my shoulders around them and smiling widely at the camera. Back then, seeing these photos, I smile happily. But now tears are welling up. I tried hard to resist my tears not to fall. I stared at the photo until she came in. I don't know why but she somewhat enlightens my mood. Maybe the reason might be me comparing her to my mother.

Sometimes her words really are funny, just like kids' words. For me too, sleep is afar thing now. So I accepted her interest in watching movies. It might deviate my thoughts. The cinema started, and my situation was worse seeing a protective, caring mother like mine in the movie. When she asked the same thing that she had been asking in the morning, which I didn't want to answer. If she does this again, I'll definitely break before her. So I choose the best thing, getting up to leave.

But she holds my hand with pleading eyes. I sat down, not wanting to hurt her. After a few minutes, she talked about the Kabir's and Harshad's enmity, which shook me off. I know Harshad don't like us, and also, my friend's change in behaviour is now clearly understood. When I'm deeply involved in a movie. she again wants to know something. How much I try, she can't stop asking....so I let her ask... 'suddenly, who is this Aliya she came up with?'.....After all her description I understood she was her friend whom I talked to back then..! How can this turn up like this!? I want to clear this issue with her friend I marked this myself. Then I heard the most hilarious joke that I have ever heard, 'Manik' me having a fan club in school. Seeing her excitement, I asked the most obvious question, "You are too..." expectantly. But her answer and actions are opposite. I understood and smiled seeing her cuteness. I don't push further. She slept watching the movie.

I don't know what to do..! After all, She was asleep on the sofa inconveniently. I went up to my room but watching the cool climate, I came down. I tried to awaken her, but as she was sleepy head, she didn't wake up. Now I had two choices: to leave her here on the sofa, which was uncomfortable to sleep, or to tuck her into bed. I chose the second option to tuck her in bed; after all, she should attend school tomorrow. I took her in my arms and tucked her in bed. She was really weightless compared to her appearance. I felt she was completely different from her true self, wearing loose trousers and tops, unlike her friend. I went to my room and slept peacefully.

I got up early, but she was not in her room or in the house. I understood she had left for her home. I got ready, had my breakfast, and went to practice. After practice, I confronted my friends about Harshad as an excuse, saying why everyone was suggesting to be safe. If you want me to be friends with you, just spill out what I should know. They were taken aback but assured me that they would open up once the match was over. But they, too, insisted on being suspective if I found anything odd. Harshad will go as far as he wants something. I want to know the absolute reason behind this all, but they're again not opening up. I frustratedly went away leaving them.

On my way,, I bumped into the last person I wanna meet now. The exact person who made me meet my new friends and also messed up my perfect friendship with them.
"Yes, you expected right". It was Harshad.

His mocking grin made me much angrier. "Are you ready for a match?"I think you're..." he mocked me up with a grin. 'If you lose, don't forget about the bet ', he said mischievously.

"I never lose, that too in bet. NEVER", I assured confidently.

"You'll lose. Don't worry, I will show you the taste of it. I'm so glad if I'll be one to teach you losing" he started rambling made me laugh.

"Seriously. All the best to you''I said reflecting his mocking grin.

With my grin, he abruptly held my collar and made me raise my hand to punch him. Then I heard the voice of one and only Kabir with my friends coming to us. Until now, I didn't notice we had an audience.

Kabir came before me when Harshad again mocked saying Losers and all the sh*t. "Don't worry, Harshad, let's time decide it, 'Abi cinema Bhaki hai Dosth' in a Bollywood style made us chuckle.

In time, the first bell rang, informing us about class time. I went to class with Shyam and Rithik(my new team members study in the same class as mine and became good friends)and like always, she came late.

She came and sat down silently. "What happened..??"I asked with concern. "Mom is too tired today. I asked her if I'd take leave for her, but she didn't want me to, "she broke down, leaning her head on the table. Suddenly, all turned to our side; I glared at them and made them turn away. Miss. Laila came in to save the situation. When Madam called her for attendance, she rubbed off her tears and answered.

"I then patted her shoulder; we can go if you want during the break, making an excuse. Ok!"I asked her in a concerned yet very low tone. When she nodded. I made a plan telling her to ask our teacher to get permission, say any excuse and wait for me after the break. As she went, I went to the coach asking for help to buy some things. He helped me inform Miss. Laila. She was waiting for me when I went out.

We went to her home. Aunt is in bed looking tired and pale. She was having a high fever when I came to see her condition. Seeing us,  she tried to get up, but I said not to worry, "Why are you here during your school time, Nandu?" she asked in a concerned tone. But I answered before her, 'She is concerned about your health, Aunty!! How can she concentrate on study, when you are like this?!'.

"I'm all good. She tried to sound good, but her condition didn't help".'Mom, just this time, I'll go to school every day from tomorrow,' Nandu said with a sad tone. To which aunt agreed and asked, "Just Today".' Just Today Mom' Nandu assured. Then she went to the kitchen to get her veggie soup.

"Aunty, can I go and get a doctor?"I asked with concern.'No need beta! I had taken my medicines It's just due climate and work. There is no need for a doctor,' she said.'But Aunty, we can't neglect health; it might be good if the doctor checks,' I said. She chuckled and said'' I'm a nurse, but Thanks ...I am really happy my Nandu is having a good friend like you. Please be with her like this always", she asked expectantly, showing her hand for the promise.

Just within a month everything changed, I have friends who care for me and I can lean on. I promised her and made myself an oath to care for Nandu with my life as a friend.

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