Shades of Life

Sweet Rose

After lunch I spent watching those videos and if I had any doubt I asked Aarav if they were technical and if they were functional I asked Rahul. After office hours, I bid bye to everyone and got into my car.

Today I want to make some dish and treat myself so I have to go to the grocery shop, the one right outside the apartment building. I called mom few minutes ago and she agreed to help.

Today after these weird days has been normal. No scolds from Varun sir and no nervousness so yay!

I wanted to take a bath first before I start treating myself so I went straight to my apartment and took a shower. There is a bath tub so I have to buy some bath salts, bath oils and body scrub. I have to go shopping too, maybe I can go this weekend.

After shower, I wore my fluffy sweats and went to the grocery story. Few people talked to me on the way, as I am the new member to the colony they wanted to know more about me.

They are not nosy though, they asked polite questions.

Some big kids gave me a weird look as I’m wearing Panda fluffy sweats while small kids looked at me in envy. Yeah, I don’t really care how I am looking. I dress for myself, I never do it to impress others.

Smiling politely at the ladies, I walked towards the grocery store waving at the watchman, I have talked to him few times and he is a good man.

First, I took all the ingredients that I might need for the dish. Once I’m done with that, I go on a haul filled with popcorn, chips, chocolate, biscuits, cake and ice cream. My usual.

My trolley was full and was hard to move so I jerked it to the left only to hit someone.

I’m going to get sued some day for sure.

“I’m so sorry” I said looking up to see an elder women with a soft smile.

“It’s okay dear, isn’t it too much for you to carry” She asked in concern looking at my snacks.

I smiled sheepishly at her shrugging my shoulders.

“Is there someone with you or all alone?” She asked grabbing some mushrooms. Ew!

I don’t like mushrooms or paneer.

“I’m alone but don’t worry I’ll carry it” I said waving dismissively.

“Be careful” she said smiling and walked to another isle.

I nodded and walked to the ketchup aisle. I need some spicy sauces.

Grabbing few sauces, I moved to the counter. There was a line at every counter. That kind lady was standing at the next counter. She looked at me and gave a smile which I returned but it soon turned into a frown when I saw someone who came and stood beside her.

Varun sir?

Seeing her attention on me, even he looked at me. Recognizing me, he stared but I turned around as it was my turn.

Is he a ghost? I mean he is everywhere.

Paying the about, I gathered the bags. That lady was right, these bags are very heavy. I might have gone a little over board. How will I carry these 3 heavy bags all at once?

Stupid Akshu!

Cursing myself, I sighed before picking all three bags.

Damn! More than me carrying those, I think they are weighing me down.

With much difficulty, I got of the store. I crossed the road grunting as the bags sling was pressing down on my skin. Next time, think before buying all these at once. I reprimanded myself.

“Hey dear” I heard a shout. Are they calling me?

I looked around before turning back. There was that kind lady walking towards me with Varun sir right beside her.

Shit! I tried walking faster acting like I didn’t hear her but when I heard his voice I stood still.

“Ms. Vashisht” came his hard voice. I think I’ve heard this voice one or twice in my nightmares.

I turned around slowly to see them walking towards me. When they stood beside me, I kept my eyes on the lady.

Man, these bags are killing me. I’m sure skin around my wrist are dark and red.

“Let me carry few of those bags dear” She said with a smile.

I robotically shook my head.

“Arrey, it’s fine. Let my boy carry them then” She asked looking at me, tilting her head.

I robotically shook my head again.

I heard Varun sir sigh but I didn’t dare look at him.

“Your hand must be hurting, give me a bag” She came forward to take them.

“No no, it’s fine aunty. I’ll carry them. They are not heavy at all. See” I said moving my hands up and down with so much difficulty that I started sweating. What the hell is wrong with you Akshu? What was the need to do that?

She looked like she wanted to laugh but at the same time she was concerned about my arms. I dared to take a peek at him to see that he had a bored look on his face.

“Varun, take those bags. That girl’s hands must be burning” She told him to which he agreed and grabbed two bags from my hands and no voice came out of my mouth.

We started walking towards the entrance of the building, few people stopped to talk to Varun sir. Some greeted him, he replied to everyone with a polite smile and nod. We entered the elevator.

“Which floor dear?” She asked me.

“8th floor” I said with a flustered smile. Sir pressed the button and stood beside the lady. She stood between us.

“What’s your name dear?” She asked me with a kind smile.

“Akshara aunty. Yours?” I asked her.

“Rose” She replied with a gleam.

She’s too perky. I like her. I would have gelled up well with her if sir was not beside her.

“Nice name” I commented like a fool.

“Thank you dear, are you having a party?” She asked nodding at my bags.

“Uh, no. They are for me” I said with an embarrassed smile.

 She chuckled and I think I saw sir smile too or maybe I was imagining. Who knows?

When elevator door opened on 8th floor, I turned towards them.

“Thank you so much, I’ll take them from here” I said stretching my hand.

“Nonsense, we will drop it till your door. They are too heavy dear. Lead the way” She said waving her head dismissively. I looked at sir who shook his head and walked out of the elevator and Rose followed him.

Sighing I followed them.

So much for peace.