Of Mosquitoes And Madness
Chapter 3
Walking alongside Sanyukta, with her clutching at a flaming torch (stubborn bint, wouldn't let me near the thing) and him at the squeaky clean steel plate, Randhir pondered over the confusing antics they had been up to for the past hour.
His feud with the buzzing pests; the sudden appearance of Miss I-Smell-My-Hands-When-They're-Dirty carrying a plate laden with food; the hilariously bizarre conversation with said girl; the inopportune scrambling of his brains, followed by him practically drooling over her (in his justification, Sanyukta Agarwal looked...fetching...when she laughed. Ahem. Not that he noticed! Not at all); her unexpected invitation to join the rest of the team's temporary abode; his reluctant acceptance...
The confusion's giving me an effing headache!
"Sanyuk--OI! Get that thing away from me!"
Taking a frantic step away from the crazy imp brandishing the torch like a sword (okay, exaggeration, but she brought it too close to my face, dammit!), Randhir tried to calm his rapidly increasing pulse.
"God, I'm so sorry! You...you startled me!"
"You don't look sorry!"
"What would you want me to do? Wash your feet to satisfy your bruised ego?"
"Now there's a thought..." he grumbled.
"Randhir. What'd you startle me for?"
With aggravation battling for dominance in her eyes, the blaze from the torch illuminating her deepening scowl, Sanyukta was a vision to behold and Randhir found himself tongue-tied. How was it that this lunatic, complete with her competitive tendencies and feminism and that damned nosy nature, was able to leave him grasping for words?
The silence must have stretched too long (a first for them, surely) as she, with a shake of her head, turned away to continue down the lane.
"Why'd you do it, Sanyukta?"
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Sanyukta came to an abrupt halt, the question, uttered almost nonchalantly, hanging between them like a monkey on a mango tree.
I really need to update my euphemisms. God!
"Why'd you bring me the plate of food? Why'd you invite me over? Why are you--"
"--doing this? I just am, Randhir."
"What kind of a dumb-ass answer is that?"
"The kind that you'll understand, dumb-ass."
She tried to suppress her chuckles, watching him take a deep breath to suppress his retort. She was having too much fun on his expense, thoroughly enjoying their war of words. He, however, seemed to be irritatingly sombre, his clenched fists betraying his agitation.
"You are a part of the team, Randhir. And we do not abandon one of our own."
"What are you, the Mamma Bear?"
"Hilarious."
"I aim to please."
"What a retard," she grumbled.
"Why did you really do it, Sanyukta?"
"I did what I should've! What was right."
"Is that it?"
"What else was it supposed to be?"
For a moment, Sanyukta glimpsed disappointment hidden in his impenetrable eyes. Or so she thought, as in the next instant the usual guard was back in its place.
"Nothing. Absolutely nothing."
With that, Randhir walked away, a deliberate shove aimed at her (aching!) shoulder, heightening her ire.
Such a drama queen.
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Hugs and kisses to all those who read and 'liked' the fic. You all just made my day! :*
Bindi
Udne Ki Aasha
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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