7

VEDANT

She really thought that I wouldn't be here on her last day of her freedom? Absolutely wrong. Because I know it was amusing to see her shocked face a little while ago.

But she did one dangerous thing….

That red saree she wore and those soft curls were falling beautifully on her shoulders as she looked like some kind of fairy.

A beautiful yet defiant fairy.

I saw her with her friend from a distance. So close that I could sense her fake smile she wore for them, even her heart screamed with fear but she wouldn't back down until she burned me.

That's what I liked about her. Her fire. Her defiant nature.

I know she would take a stand for herself.

Strong woman. I loved it.

As my eyes scanned the hall, the principal greeted me politely.

“Do you need anything Vedant?”

“Nothing sir for now, you have invited me, that's enough for me. I truly appreciate it.” I smiled a bit

“Six years Vedant since you left Kolkata. And now you're running your family business like a king.”

“I had to. You know sir, I missed everything, the endless bunks, cracking jokes, eating from the same plate, just everything. Now it's so polished and sophisticated.” Nostalgia pricked me

“Yeah we all feel. It happens. So when are you marrying? You're thirty.”

Something stirred in me at the sudden question.

My gaze automatically drifted to Idhika, laughing with her friends

“Maybe someday…. when she agrees.”

I softly

The Principal’s eyes knitted together at my answer. He said nothing, only shook his head and left silently.

I sent a quick message to her —

“Sweetheart, enjoy your night happily. I won't bite.”

And I looked at her from a corner.

She had seen my message but didn't reply. Only to glare at me from a distance.

I let a slow smile tug at my lips.

I typed again

“Keep glaring at me and tomorrow everyone will know you're my girlfriend.”

The message was read but again no reply

I could feel her anger across the hall as if she would kill someone…probably me.

She ignored me.

She walked to the food section, grabbed a plate and started to pick the items one by one until her plate was full.

And then she walked towards me like she owned the hall. And she gave me a fake smile.

I was genuinely amused at her action.

“You're so eager to announce that I will be your girlfriend. Haha. So why don't we start from today?” She gestured at her plate

I raised my one eyebrow. Bold enough to ruin me.

“Perhaps I have to share my food with you. Right, so that people could understand that we are couples.” Sarcasm dripped into her voice

I smirked.

“Sure sweetheart. As you wish.”

Again she gestured at her food.She wanted me to bite her food.

Why so eager sweetheart?

Was this your any stupid idea?

Did she lose her mind?

She was ignoring me before and then she was sweetly asking me to take a bite of her food.

Absolutely felt trapped.

Was she playing a game or a show?

I slowly took the spoon from her plate.

“Ah huh take a bite of this.” She pointed on a particular food item

My eyes flickered to the food item gradually

Kosha mangsho! It meant that she wanted me to take a bite on the spiciest recipe?

Nice game sweetheart.

I took a piece of chicken with a spoon which was cut into small pieces neatly and gently took a bite.

The spice started to burn my tongue as I chewed the piece with a calm manner.

My eyes started to water but I didn't want to lose, especially in front of her.

“So how is it? Do you like it?” Her voice was laced with sassiness and sarcasm

“Of course. Even though I love it.” I lied

I couldn't tolerate too much spice but her fake sweet tone was making it more interesting. Like she did this intentionally but sweetheart I always win.

No matter what.

But I ate this only for her. Just her.

“Why does your face look so red shona?” She spoke with her ultimate fake tone

But Shona?

I wanted to get angry at her question but I was clearly amused by that shona.

“Shona?” I asked curiously

“Practicing, from tomorrow your life will be hell with sweetness.”

I smiled genuinely.

“Look forward to it, sweetheart.”

This was getting more interesting like moth to flame. I accepted this challenge Idhika.

Let's see who won or who got ruined. Waiting.

AUTHOR

As the night wore on, the music across the hall started to burst in loud sound. All the students were enjoying, dancing, taking endless videos which would be their last memory of something special and they could never create this.

Idhika also joined, forced by Preity. But she did not dance as if it would burn her skin. She considered dancing a sin that burnt her. Although she never danced after her state performance when she was eighteen.

Vedant watched her carefully from a distance. His curiosity pricked in. Why didn't she dance? He started to question himself. Was that because of him or something else?

Though it bothered him more than anything. Her face was pale when Preity dragged her into the dance floor but she didn't even dance. Not even flinched.

“Why aren't you dancing my sweetheart.?” He muttered in his breath

In a pan of seconds, Idhika's eyes met his, it felt like a garden of roses were blooming all at once. It sensed like a flow of rivers trespassing the stones. Like the cool breeze touching the soft grasses.

Both felt something in their heart but the ego between them started to dominate more.

Idhika walked off in the middle of the dance. She felt anger, frustration, fear, insecurity…all at once.

It was like something was craving her flesh from the heart. She was extremely unhappy about the situation.

Vedant followed her more precisely, feeling rushed to her as if something big happened or she was just ignoring his presence.

“Idhika!” He called after her

But she didn't even turn around.

He tried. Twice.

Then he snapped.

“What's your problem? Can't you listen?”

“My problem is not your business.” She sounded angry

“Everything about you is my business. Don't forget.” He leaned on, almost his breath fanned on her face

She wanted to argue but nothing came into her mind.

“Look, I'm exhausted. I'm going home. Don't disturb me tonight.”

She started to leave but he blocked her path.

“You can go but you will go with me.”

“What? Are you mad?” She was fuming

“Yes, I'm. Nights are not safe for girls and it's almost nine o’clock. Understand?” He was concerned

“Since when did you start caring for me?” She questioned

“Since I saw you.” He just breathed

“Bullshit. I don't give a fuck about it.”

“Idhika! Come otherwise consequences will be different.” He meant it

“Are you controlling me?” She yelled at him

He didn't even raise his voice.

“I'm not. I'm just stating facts. You're an educated girl. You know how Kolkata is not safe anymore. And I'm trying to be a gentleman. So don't try to provoke my anger. And …I know you can protect yourself but someone needs to help you too”

That sentence made her shiver as if she had woken up in a different dimension. Only to her eyes soften for a bit. She considered this proposal and said okay.

They both took their seat in the car and tightened their seatbelt.

The engine of the car started to come alive as he sped forward. Idhika looked away, her eyes were in the window of his car. The tension between them was high but neither of them dared to speak a word out of their ego.

The car slowly stretched down when they reached her home’s door. Idhika quickly pulled off her seatbelt and got off from the car immediately as if she stayed a little, she would burst into emotions.

Before she reached her door steps, a smooth voice of his spoke

“See you tomorrow, Ms. Future fake girlfriend."

She turned around, her face was mixed with shock and anger. Because this was the first time he spoke like a gentleman.

“Yeah? I hope you rot in your karma, Mr. Future fake boyfriend.”

“Yeah? Thanks for your hope.” He chuckled

“Don't get any ideas in your head because I will ruin your life and it will happen from tomorrow until you lose yourself.” She spoke as if she was determined

“I am glad that you will ruin me if you take an oath like this.”

She didn't say anything.

ng. Just silence made him understand. His car started to pull back until he was nowhere in front of her.

When she got into her room, she laid on her bed and sighed deeply.

“Tomorrow will be a different day.”