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1199 Words
Later on, I was seated on a bench with Manu. I was going through a book while she scrolled on her phone. “Look at this, Rani,” she said, showing me her phone. “This is the dress I’m planning to buy for my birthday.”
I took her phone to properly check out the dress. It was a pink beaded white Anarkali with a stole, displayed on a mannequin.
“This is beautiful. I like it,” I said.
“Should I order two? I want us to have the same dress,” Manu said.
“Are you kidding me? Should we wear the same dress on your birthday? Who is the celebrant? People will get confused,” I stated.
“Yeah, that’s true. But you can wear a different dress for my birthday and still have this one,” she suggested.
“Then order two,” I affirmed. “Wait, am I mistaken about your birthday? You were born in November, right?” I asked.
“Yes!”
“And we’re in February.”
“Yes?”
I laughed. “You’re preparing for a birthday that’s nine months away?”
“But I like the dress.”
“You’re funny. This dress might be outdated by your birthday. Stop kidding me,” I said, chuckling.
“You’re right. Anyway, I’ll still order the dress, but not for my birthday.”
“Better!”
“Rani, what were those bad guys trying to do to you at the gym earlier?” Manu asked.
“Don’t mind them. It’s Sidd. You know Sidd isn’t right in the head.”
“But I didn’t see Sidd there,” she said.
“Would you see a killer at a crime scene? He started the nonsense and then ran off. I wish I could just make it even with him.” My tone tightened at my last statement.
“What exactly is going on between you and Sidd? Why the hate?” Manu asked.
“We’re gradually building an enemy record,” I replied, smiling mischievously.
“Enemies?” Manu chuckled. “You don't want to become a man's enemy. Except you, everyone else seems to like Sidd. In short, some girls are ready to break their arms and legs to be close to him. You’ve got to stop, Rani.” she said.
My forehead creased as I looked at her. “Are you on my side or Sidd's? He started the whole thing."
“I'm on the side of you not getting hurt," she patted my shoulder.
On Friday, I was walking across the campus courtyard, sipping coffee and listening to music on my phone. Sidd was coming my way. Since we had settled our retaliations, I didn’t think he’d pull another stunt. I tried walking past him, but he elbowed me, spilling my coffee all over me.
“Oops, my bad. Clumsy me!” he chuckled.
I looked at my dress. I was wearing white, for pity’s sake. “Sidd!” I groaned, trying to clean the mess. “What have you done? I’m wearing white. Can’t you see?”
“Aw! I didn’t notice,” he said mockingly. “What are you going to do now? You might need a change of clothes.”
“I have a lecture at 1 pm. You’ve ruined my dress! Am I supposed to sit in the lecture hall like this?” I nearly cried. It was 12:35 pm already. I couldn’t leave campus, and who brings a second outfit to campus on a normal day?
“I didn’t think about that. Anyway, suit yourself, okay?” he mocked and tried to walk away. I grabbed his arm, and he halted. I flitted to his front.
“Where do you think you’re going? Am I supposed to wear this? You caused…” I paused. Sidd was wearing a jacket. I stared at him. He raised an eyebrow, confused about why I stopped.
“Come with me,” I said, pulling him along. I couldn't pull him, to be honest. He just followed me, but I was sure to hold his hand to seem like I was pulling.
“Where are we going?” he asked.
When we reached a corner, I stopped. “Take off your jacket,” I ordered.
“You must be joking. You’re not wearing my jacket. I forbid it,” he said.
What did wearing his jacket have to do with forbiddance? After all, he caused this mess. If I demanded it, he’d never agree. I had to act differently.
“Sidd, please,” I said, using my most earnest voice. I held his hand. “They’ll laugh at me. I know you’re not as bad as you act. You’re a kind person, and you wouldn’t let a girl be humiliated. Please,” I begged, letting my voice break.
He looked at me silently. Something flickered in his eyes, but it was too quick to describe. “Fine, take it. But make sure to return it after the lecture, okay?” he said, taking off the jacket.
I nodded. He handed me the jacket, and I put it on over my ruined shirt. I flipped my hair aside, adjusting the jacket.
“How do I look?” I asked, a warm smile appearing on my face.
“You look like nothing I’ve ever seen,” he said.
“f**k you!” I spat, then ran off.
“Crazy girl. Return my jacket after class!" He called after me, but I ignored him.
After the lecture, I headed home. If Sidd wanted his jacket, he’d have to beg for it.
“Whose jacket is this?” Manu, walking beside me, asked.
“It’s Sidd’s,” I replied.
“Really?” Manu exclaimed, smiling.
I knew what she was thinking. “He ruined my white shirt with coffee, so I snatched his jacket.”
“Aren’t you supposed to return it?”
“He’ll have to beg for it,” I declared.
On Sunday, I went shopping at the grocery store. I wanted to prepare something special for my mom. It had been a long time since I cooked. While I was picking items, Sidd appeared. I tried to ignore him, but he blocked my way.
“I got you! Where’s my jacket?” he asked.
“What jacket?” I feigned ignorance.
“Do you have a short memory? You tricked me into giving you my jacket and didn’t return it. Where is it?” he asked, lowering his voice.
“I burnt it,” I said casually, picking up food items.
“You what?” he asked, following me.
“I said I burnt it. When I got home, I realized it belonged to the same person who ruined my shirt. I got angry and burned it.”
“You must be joking. Rani, where is my jacket?”
“If you start yelling, people will stare at you and think you’re crazy, which is true. And the store owner might ask if they sell jackets here.”
“I want my jacket back. Do you understand?” he said and walked away.
I chuckled and continued shopping.
- Writer
