Chapter Five
ALKA
Our first week at the Sareen house, passed by in a blur, quite eventfully, I thought. It was not boring, no not at all; on the contrary it was so much fun here. There would always be something or the other going on here but the most enjoyable was the dinner we shared last night with our newly shifted neighbours. Unlike us, they had not shifted from some other state or place in India; rather they had come back from New York after eighteen long years. I envied them.
It was a family of five. The eldest of the house being Mrs. Aswani who insisted that we call her Gran like her grandchildren did. She was a tall woman with a jolly face and long silver locks. Seeing her I felt like she was a fit and young woman and could easily handle a household without sweat. Then there was her son; a filthy rich businessman who ran a chain of seven star hotels and went by the name Mr. Abhimanyu Aswani. Uncle was a very kind man with warm eyes and a welcoming smile. His height was as good as 5'11 with a strong build. His wife, Ms. Sarah Aswani, was a woman I admired. She was average heighted and her western outfits made her look younger than her age. But the way she carried herself was what anyone would find pleasing. Everything about her was so elegant, from her wide smile to her black-brown mane of hair.
Their kids were still a mystery to us as they had decided not to attend the dinner, which by the way, is really rude, but who am I to judge. Anyways back to the present, uh, they are still arguing over a dress. I rolled my eyes at Anu's stubbornness. Where on one hand Devyani wanted her to wear some good dress on her first day to college, Anu was in no mood to comply. Minty aunty had strictly warned her, that she would not be allowed out of the house until she decided to ditch her plain suits.
"Anushka! I won't be seen hanging around in college with a girl who wears full sleeved suits in this month of the year." Devyani whined.
"I am not, and I repeat, I am NOT going to wear that, that thing in my lifetime." Anu pointed disgustedly to the body tight, netted beige top that Devyani held in her hand. Okay, maybe Anu is right in her shoes but she should know by now that arguing with Devyani is useless.
"Anu" I sighed. "Darling you are going to wear another pink tank top underneath it, so why fret? Just wear it." She looked at me as if she was trying to figure out which spell I was under. "Ugh, fine, I'll wear it, but only this once." She relented and Devyani cheered victoriously. Now finally that Peeya had left for school and my sister were ready, we could go down and have some breakfast.
Devyani's small heeled belles clicked against the floor as she excitedly skipped down the stairs. This girl, I winced, is going to smash herself into a wall or something, someday, I thought as she banged into Neel making him fall along with her. She groaned and he looked up at her, if I did not know any better, then I would say that they were into each other. We helped them up and their usual banter disrupted my peace.
I helped Minty aunty serve and noticed the different reactions that people had at the new looks my sisters possessed, more specifically, Anu. Papa looked a little shocked as he had never seen his daughter in such clothes but he did not comment. Sareen uncle said "Oye Hoye kudiyon, you both look like you are all set for a life in Delhi." Minty aunty looked pleased with the way they dressed and told them not to fiddle with it; again it was directed at Anu.
Neel looked from Devyani to Anu and back as if he was trying to decide who looked better. "You Shastri sisters confuse me. One moment I find a very sober looking Anu and the next, she is like she is in for the kill." Devyani haughtily turned away making Neel smirk as he had purposely ignored her. "What do you mean by that?" Anu asked, her forehead creasing in confusion. "You..." Neel started but was interrupted by the look Rajat was giving him. Oh these slangs, I need to catch hold of Devyani and get her to tell me the meaning of all this.
"He just means that you look different." Rajat offered her a smile. "Good different or bad different?" Anu asked. "Well dear, I am sure that you would get your answer as soon as you set a foot into the college." He smiled mysteriously, straightening his uniform. Now, you must be wondering why Rajat is dressed in his uniform early in the morning. Well, you see Rajat being an air force officer, Squadron Leader to be exact, also conducts the NCC at St. Xavier's, the college that Neel, Devyani and Anu will attend.
"Minty darling, give me one more of those mouthwatering paranthas." Sareen uncle said. "No, two is enough." Aunty retorted.
"Huh, we are Punjabis my darling, no compromise in the matter of food." He laughed well naturedly. "Yeah, I can see that." aunty mocked by patting his stomach causing all of us to laugh and Neel to spit out the water he had been drinking.
"Mom!" he whined. "Anyways it is time to leave for college, don't want to be late on your first day." He poked Devyani and she swatted his hand away. Papa got up and hugged them farewell and I followed.
"O' fauji, mauji, I expect you both to keep my girls safe and ensure that they are well treated. Oh you have my permission to punch the guys' eyes in if they dare look at them the wrong way." He patted their backs in high spirits.
"Yes sir!" they saluted.
"Betu, be careful and don't talk to strangers okay?" Minty aunty hugged Neel who looked embarrassed. "Mom, I am twenty two, not a baby!" Devyani giggled and Anu and I suppressed our amused smiles.
"So, Minty darling, I guess this is it." Rajat hugged his mother as she lightly slapped him. "Say that again and you will have a tighter slap." She said as she hugged him back pouting a little. Wow, these boys shared such a cute relationship with their mother.
I wonder if it would be the same if I had a mom. Would she kiss us goodbye and hug us when we would be back? Would she treat us like little girls always worried for our well being? I was only ten when she passed away and her memories with me were always sweet. I missed her so much but I was so much luckier than my sisters. At least I had memories of her, as for Anu and Devyani, they were only seven and six when mother died. And what about Peeya, she was just a three year old toddler!
I closed my eyes as my sisters and the Sareen boys left, mourning the untimely demise of my beloved mother.
ANUSHKA
My eyes widened with every passing moment as I took in the huge campus, which looked more like many huge buildings collected and placed up in a neat arrangement. The college, Neel was supposed to attend was St. Xavier's but this place did not seem to be the one he described. It was much bigger and much grander.
"Welcome ladies and uh, never mind. Welcome to the St. Xavier's Elite Academy." Neel motioned to the huge campus. "Wow, simply wow." Devyani breathed. "But weren't we supposed to be in St. Xavier's College?" I inquired. "How did we reach this Elite Academy?"
Rajat laughed, after returning from the gate where he had handed the car keys to one of the guards to park their car in the parking lot towards the backside. The man saluted and was more than happy to oblige to his request. "Well, surprise, surprise, you will be in this Academy and not some simple college." I scowled "You better not be pulling our legs." He made an innocent face and bent down to my eyelevel. "Am I laughing?"
"Well, what are we waiting for? We have got to grant this place a chance!" Devyani chirped. "What chance?" I asked but was ignored as my sister dragged me into the building that was located in the centre of the campus. Neel offered me a sympathetic smile and walked away and Rajat winked as he turned away into another direction.
As she pushed the huge wooden doors open, cool air hit my face. It seemed like every room in this building was well air conditioned. When I looked up, my eyes met the sight of complete luxury. The floor was carpeted red and the walls were painted in a warm cream color. The room was lit up in a golden glow owing to the huge pearly chandelier on the ceiling and small torch lamps on the pillars. Does this place use tube lights or is everything lighted up by fancy lamps?
A lady sat behind the massive, polished wooden desk going through some forms. We walked up to her and she smiled kindly, her hazel eyes welcoming. Even though she seemed to be in her thirties, she wore tight blouse and blazer and I guessed with a pencil skirt. Her short brown hair was pinned back, revealing an angular face.
"How may I help you darlings?" her soft voice rang.
"Oh, um, hello, we are the new students here and we just wanted to get our schedules maybe?" Devyani replied politely.
The woman laughed. "Oh dear, no need to be so formal with me, I am Miss Rosaline but call me Rose. Ah, yes I remember, four students were to join today, you must be the two sisters." She skimmed through some papers "Yes, Devyani and Anushka Shastri, right?" I nodded "Yes, I am Anushka and this is Devyani, it is nice to meet you, Rose." I was nervous as it was an instinct to call anyone older than me with respect but I had no plans on annoying this sweet woman on my first day.
She laughed lightly and dialed someone on the phone. After a small talk she addressed us again. "The principal would be seeing you in about ten minutes, so I suggest that you girls go and meet him then come back later for your schedules."
We thanked her and left. The only room this building consisted was the reception and its back door led to the maze of corridors flooded with students, one of which would lead us to the principal's office. After looking around and asking around for five minutes I sighed impatiently. "I think letting go of Neel was not such a good idea."
"What are you talking about, these people are so awesome. And the boys, well they are staring Anushka madam so you better hold yourself together proudly. Ah, I can already sense some jealous stares." Devyani chirped and I rolled my eyes. "And that is why I did not want to wear all this. We have to make friends, Devyani, not boyfriends or enemies." I warned but the girl was too high in her clouds to hear me out.
After another five minutes I wished to smack everyone. I wanted to smack the boys who were staring and approaching us with flirty comments or roses, where did they get those? I wanted to smack the girls who glared at us, passed away taunts and tried to make fun of us. But most of all, I wanted to smack Devyani for being so nave and entertaining these sick people. One of the boys even came up to me and proposed, declaring his love at first sight for me.
"Devyani, for goodness sake stop all this shit. We are lost!" I shook her out of her dazed state.
"How do you know?"
"Because we are standing near the freaking back gate of this place." I felt like screeching but that wouldn't do me any good because the next second every person in the hallway fell dead silent and a voice of screeching tires reached my ears.
People say that they don't care what car they drive, as long as it works for them. But those guys are liars! I mean, who wouldn't want to own a car that turns more heads than a bikini beach bash? My eyes widened, guess they would just fall out of their sockets today! There in the center of the yard, stood a royal blue Corvette Z06 2015. The glossy body glinted under the sunlight and the shaded glass hid the owner of this beauty. Okay now you would ask how I know all this car name and stuff but when you have Devyani, a car lover, as your sister, you get to know many things that you don't learn every day.
When I say all eyes, I mean ALL eyes, were on the classy car as everyone held their breath when the doors swung open. It was like time slowed down and all you could hear was the anticipating heartbeats of the people around you. As the door smoothly opened a crack, out of the passenger side, stepped out a creamy white leg, with six inches high red pumps adorning her feet. As the girl stepped out, she turned herself around so that only her back was in view to us as she leaned against the car. Her black hair was long and extremely curly, but not the bushy ones, it rested in perfect curls caressing her lower back. From what I could make out, she wore a blood red, figure hugging dress that ended at her mid thighs, flaunting her long legs and curve of her hips. I clenched my fists, I already felt underdressed.
Then the door of the driver side opened up. And slowly the boy, or should I say young man stepped out of the car, straightening to his full height which left people amazed. He was almost as tall as Rajat, but so different. He did not possess the heavy build that Rajat did; rather he was leaner yet had amazing muscles. I could only see his upper half as the car blocked my view, but what I saw did not disappoint me in the least. His black hair with slight golden shade, spiked up naturally straight, without the use of any gel. His eyes were shaded due to the yellow aviators he wore but that just added to his looks. Those perfectly set lips curled into an arrogant smirk and that strong jaw with slight stubble did not cease to amaze me. He wore a thin yellow tee shirt that hugged his torso leaving nothing to imagination.
As he walked around the car, the girl turned around, her hair whipping her uncovered shoulders. Devyani breathed in tightly. The girl was simply beautiful. Her eyes were thickly lined, making them pop out and I could make out the bright red of her lush lips even from afar. I would not deny the fact that I was burning green of this girl. Jealousy is not so good.
They shared a look that showed that they were used to having this attention. Her blood colored lips twisted into an arrogant smile as she walked in, her heels clicking against the marble steps. The guy followed, staying close to her as he reached up to remove his glares and let them dangle off of his v-neck. His eyes squinted as they adjusted to the sunlight.
"If she is his girlfriend, then I have a murder to plan." Devyani breathed dreamily.
"She is his sister." I said flippantly breaking the deadly silence and causing some girls to cheer. "How do you know?" I sighed at her unaware state. "If you would take your eyes off of that boy for one second then you would surely notice the resemblance and the way they are around each other."
I clenched my fists and pulled my sister along. We were standing in the middle of the corridor like clowns and we were supposed to be in the principal's office. She struggled but I was not going to make a fool of myself and let the principal down. I pulled harder, trying to get the girl to move away but it was as good as punching a bobo doll.
"Anushka..." she whined, trying to free her arm.
"Devyani, come with me right this instant or else..." I threatened. It just took a moment for the crazy girl to yank her arm away, making me stumble. Someone kill me already, if this person was not here to catch me, yet again, then I would have cracked my head open against the steps on one side of the open corridor.
I clutched the soft fabric of his tee shirt as I peeked through my lidded eyes. My breath hitched in my throat. Damn, those eyes. I gazed into the beautiful light brown eyes that were dark around the iris rims. They flashed with emotions and I could not look away as I tried to decipher them. There was shock, confusion, arrogance, smugness, and admiration. Why would someone look at me that way?
I blinked once, and then twice and finally his eyes travelled down. Lower and lower and they halted. A smirk formed on his lips slowly stretching wider as I looked down to what he was looking at. My neck strained and eyes popped as I noticed my top had slipped up, exposing my belly button and that is exactly where his hand held me, around my bare waist. Hey, wasn't this top supposed to be a slim fitting one?
A gasp escaped my lips and I pushed him away into his sister. Anger flooded me, how dare he? He thinks he can do anything if he is rich? I will give him a piece of my mind, he needs to be brought back down to earth. "What the hell? How dare you touch me? Yes I was falling and you saved me alright but that still does not excuse your behavior and I'll make sure you are punished for this. You rich boys think you can do and get away with anything huh? Well welcome to earth!" I yelled and girls gasped while the boys cheered. Devyani was trying to apologize profusely for my outburst which annoyed me to no end.
"You little..." his sister moved as she hissed but he held her back with a smirk.
"S'okay! Happens with some people." His deep voice would make girls go gaga over him. "See you around Kitty Kat." He murmured in my ear and blood rushed to my face. Before anyone could see, I dashed into the opposite direction, my bag clutched to my chest.
My heart raced as I sat in a corner trying to calm it down. What was that? How can a simple gesture make me blush so red? So many questions raced in my mind and I knew the answer to none of them. But before anything, one question nagged me the whole time.
Who is this boy?
Forgive me for taking so long but today you guys can't complain! It's my BIRTHDAY!! And this is a gift from my side with a virtual hug for all of you Cupcakes!
Cricket
