Half Girlfriend- I lose but I never quit!! part11 page9 16 jan

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December04

@December04

Voyager

Posted: 9 years ago

#31

Part 7

'A girl in the hostel?' Ashu slapped my back.What a stud.' My hostel mates had come to my room. Fat Ashu sat on my bed, making it creak like crazy. His back slap still hurt.

Ashu, Raman and Shailesh had become my core gang in Rudra. Geet couldn't be with me all the time, and when she couldn't, I hung out with these guys.

'How did you find out?'I said.

'I can still smell the perfume,' Raman said and sniffed like a cartoon character. Everyone laughed.

All four of us came from Bihar or Jharkhand, and none of us were the 'classy' types you find in Stephen's. For instance, nobody in Stephen's would say they watched Bhojpuri movies. We loved them. We liked Hindi music, from Mohammed Rafi in the sixties to Pritam in the here and now. We didn't understand English music beyond one song by Michael Jackson"Beat it'. Of course, we never admitted all this to the rest of our classmates. We nodded our heads every time someone mentioned a great English movie or brought a rock CD to class. 'Yeah, yeah, cool,' we said.

'Nonsense. Geet and I came straight from the basketball court. No perfume,' I said.

'Even a girl's sweat smells like perfume,' Shailesh said. I threw the basketball at his head. His rectangular-framed glasses flew to the floor. He screamed and held his head in pain.

'You're trying to kill me or what?' he said. I placed Shailesh's spectacles back on his nose.

'Stop talking like that about Geet,' I said.

'Oh my, protective and all,' Shailesh said.

Among the four of us, Shailesh's English was the best. Of course, he preferred Hindi like the rest of us but he could pass off as a real' Stephanian when he spoke in English.

'So, are you guys in a relationship? Things seem to be escalating,' Shailesh said.

'What?' I said.

Ashu laughed.

He's f**king with you,' Raman said. He had just learnt the F-word. He liked using it. A lot.

Did anything happen?'Ashu said.

I shrugged.

What?' Ashu said. Dude, did you just do it with the BMW 5-series Geet Handa?'

Nothing much happened,' I said.And stop it, all of you.

Is she your girlfriend?' Shailesh said. Half the college talks about you guys.'

I don't know,' I said.

'You don't know?'Ashu said.

She's not sure.'

And you?'

I kept quiet.

You love her?'Ashu said.

I smiled at Ashu. He had asked me the most stupid question.

Did I love her? Did the earth go around the sun? Did night follow day?

Gone, you are so gone. I can see it on your face,'Ashu said, patted the bed, inviting the others to join him.

My single bed groaned as three boys lay down on it. They stared at the ceiling. As self-styled relationship experts, they offered advice.

Be careful,' Raman said,of this kind of girl.'

What the...' I said, irritated. What kind of girl? And remove your shoes from my bed.'

I sat on the study table and snatched up the basketball again.

Rich ones. They need toys for time pass. Don't be a toy,' Raman said.

Toy? I'm her best friend. Besides, she's different. Not money-minded,' I said.

You know who her father is?' Shailesh said, adjusting his glass.

Some big-shot businessman?' I said.

Handa Infrastructure.Your lady's dad and his brother have a five-hundred-crore business,' Shailesh said.

Ashu and Raman whistled.

Five hundred crore!' Raman said.Why is she here? Why does she need to study at all?'

I threw a cushion at Raman.

'Shown what a backward Jharkhandi you are? You remind me of villagers back home. People could study for other reasons, no?'

'What reasons?' Ashu said, craning his neck towards me.

'She's figuring herself out. Her dreams, passions, desires...'

'Does she know your desires? Her best friend who wants to do her on his creaky hostel bed.'

Ashu started to move side to side to make the bed creak more.

Everyone laughed.

'Shut up, bas***ds,' I said.

I needed real advice to make sense of what was happening in my life.

'She's invited me home for her birthday party.'

The three sat up straight.

'Can we come along?'Ashu said.

No'

'You're useless,' Raman said.

'The point is, should I go?' I said.

'What?' Raman said. 'Of course you should.Where does she stay?'

'Aurangzeb Road. Where is it?'

'One of the richest areas. In Lutyens' Delhi.'

'See? That's why I am not sure if I should go.'

'Why not?'

'She'll have her clan there. Everyone is going to see me.'

'And you're afraid of that?' Ashu laughed. I would be, if I were you.'

Shut up, fatso,' Shailesh said. Listen, you have to go. If you want to get close to this girl, you have to meet these people one day anyway.'

They will judge me. I can't dress or talk like them.'

What nonsense. Just wear a nice white shirt. Borrow mine,' Shailesh said.

I kept quiet.

Better get it over and done with,' Raman said after a pause.

What do you mean?' I said.

Boss, her rich and classy Marwari family is never going to approve of a villager. You, me and the rest of us here know that,' Raman said.

The boy is a state-level basketball player and studies at St. Stephen's College. Isn't that something?' Shailesh said.

Raman smirked.

Still a Bihari farm boy, no?' he said.

I trembled. The image of rich judgemental parents in a giant bungalow flashed across my mind.

You're killing his confidence,' Ashu said. Damn, he loves her, okay?'

So?' Raman said.

She came to his room, no? Ashu said. Maan, boss, she came to your room right? Knowing you're a Bihari?'

She wants to visit Bihar,' I said.

There you go.' Ashu said.

Raman rolled his eyes.

Go to the party. At least you'll get free food,'Ashu said and patted' my back again. Fatso hits so hard, it hurts for days.

Quote

kabslocks

@kabslocks

Rocker

Posted: 9 years ago

#32

Nice update. Maan's friends got to know about Geet being in hostel. They are teasing him. Maan told them about her inviting him for her birthday. His friends suggested him to go.

Quote

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December04

@December04

Voyager

Posted: 9 years ago

#33

Part 8

I took two buses to get to Aurangzeb Road. I couldn't find any regular houses there, only massive mansions. Each building looked like an institution, not someone's private home.

'100, Aurangzeb Road.' I saw the sign etched in gold on a black granite plaque. Concealed yellow lights lit up a nameplate, which merely stated Handa'. I had borrowed Shailesh's blazer and shirt. I adjusted my clothes.

Evenings in October had started to turn chilly. I approached the guard.

What's your name?' the guard said in a Bihari accent. He held an intercom phone in his right hand.

Maan, Maan Jha. I am Geet's friend.'

The guard eyed me up and down. He spoke into the intercom. Geet madam's friend. Shall I send him in?'

The guard paused. He looked at me.

What?' I said.

Wait. They will respond and approve.'

Isn't there a party?'

Yes, in the back garden.The maid has gone to check.'

In college I underwent no layers of security to meet Geet. I felt awkward standing and waiting so I made conversation with the guard. Are you from Bihar?' I said.

Yes, from Munger.You?'

Dumraon.'

And you are Geet madam's friend?' he said. I heard the condescension in his voice. A low-class can smell another low-class.

Same college,' I said. The guard gave me an approving nod. He could now understand how Geet could be friends with me.

The intercom rang.

Go,' the guard said to me, as if he had received clearance from air traffic control.

I stepped inside. A maid gestured for me to follow her. Five expensive cars"an Audi SUV, two Mercedes Benz, one Bentley and Geet's BMW"-were parked in the compound.

I entered the house, and found myself in a large living room with a shiny white marble floor. Glittering chandeliers hung from the fifteen-foot high ceiling. Three sofa sets, upholstered in expensive silk, were atranged in a U-shaped configuration. A teak and glass coffee table occupied the middle of the room. This is what a real palace would look like if royals actually had any money. I thought of my haveli, with its peeling walls and cracked floors. Forget chandeliers, we felt lucky if we had less than five-hour power cuts.

Suddenly, in this lap of luxury, I felt lonely. I missed home, my hostel room and my mother, all at the same time. It is funny how class works. The moment you are placed in a higher one, a part of you feels terrified and alone.

Come this way,' the maid said as she saw me stand still.

We reached the back garden. Loud music and a waft of cool breeze greeted me. I saw the manicured, basketball-court-sized garden lit up with small fairy lights. White-gloved servers manned a buffet and bar counter. In the right corner, water shimmered in a small swimming pool. Most of tile eighty-odd guests had gathered around the pool. Everyone was dressed as if they had just participated in a fashion show.

People chatted in small groups. Everyone seemed extremely happy.

I looked around for the tall girl who bad invited me. However, this party had several tall girls, a lot of them on account of their three-inch heels.

Hey, Maan!' I heard her voice.

I squinted to find Geet waving at me from a distance. She walked towards me. She wore a wine-coloured dress which ended six inches above her knees. She had applied light make-up. Her face looked even prettier than it did every day. She wore dangling diamond-and-white gold earrings, with a matching necklace and bracelet. She had dark red lipstick on, making her lips appear fuller than usual. I couldn't believe I had kissed these same lips a week ago.

She hugged me like she always did. It felt odd to embrace in front of so many people.

Why so late?' she said.

Took a while to figure out the bus routes.'

I told you I would send the car. You and your ego hassles' she said. Anyway, come.'

She held my wrist and pulled me towards the crowd. We walked towards the pool where her friends stood.

Garima, Ayesha and Rachita.You know them, right?' Geet said.

Yes, from the cafe.'

Of course,' Ayesha said. She brushed her hair away from her forehead.The three girls wore expensive dresses and giggled at regular intervals for no apparent reason. Geet introduced me to another girl in a black dress.

This is Yamini. We were best friends in Modern School,' Geet said, hugging Yamini.

We were. I hear you are the best friend now, my competition,' said Yamini, blowing a curly fringe out of her eyes.

Shoo, Yamini,' Geet said and turned to me. She's teasing you. Both of you are my buddies.'

I hated that word"buddies. Buddies felt like a pair of stuffed toys placed next to each other, with no romantic spark whatsoever. I had thought after our first kiss that Geet would be more open about us.

I handed over a present to Geet.

Oh, thank you,' she said.But my birthday isn't until next month.'

She opened the present without asking me.

What is it?' she said as she fingered the fabric inside, trying to make sense of it.

It's a shawl,' I said. I didn't have much money to afford a big gift. With winter coining, I thought this would be a nice present. Besides, it was within my budget of five hundred bucks.

So thoughtful. This will keep me warm.' Geet said with a big smile on her face.

'I hear you play good basketball. Can you beat her?'Yammi said.

I try,' I said.

He's being modest. He plays state level. Going to be college captain soon.'

Handsome college captain,' Yamini chuckled.

A waiter brought over a tray of snacks.

What's that?' I said.

Sushi,' the waiter said.

I had never heard that word before. I looked puzzled,

'It's fish on rice.' Yamini said.

I extended my hand to pick up a piece.

Raw fish,' Geet said.

What?' I said and recoiled from the tray.

The girls burst into laughter,

It's okay, Japanese food. Even I don't eat it,' Riva said.

Your family is vegetarian, right?' I said.

Yes, but our guests are not. It's for them. Come, let me introduce you to some people.' Geet grabbed my arm.

Hey, Geet, one second,' Ayesha called from behind.

Geet excused herself and went back. I saw the five girls chat with each other in an animated manner. At one point, everyone apart from Geet laughed; she didn't seem to find the joke as funny as the others.

'Sorry,' Geet said as she rejoined me.Are you having a good time?'

Fancy house you have,' I said as we walked to the other end of the garden.

My dad's and uncles' house, you mean.'

Still, great place.'

Thanks,'she said.Are you having a good time?'

'I'm with you.That's how I define a good time.'

She smacked my back with her hand and smiled.

So, who am I meeting?' I said.

Dad, Mom and some of their friends.'

Dad and Mom?' I said.

Every guy has a fear of meeting his girl's parents. Apparently, there is a scientific term for it"soceraphobia.

We reached the bar. A distinguished-looking couple in their early fifties stood with guests.

Geet's parents held a glass of champagne each. They looked like those people in the Titan watch ads. They wore well-ironed clothes with immaculate accessories. Everything they had on was designer, including their smiles. Geet's father wore a black bandhgala and gold-rimmed glasses. Geet's mother wore a gold coloured silk saree.

Geet, there you are,' Mr Handa said. He put his arm around his daughter. Rohan's been asking for you.'

Geet extracted herself from her father's embrace and moved aside one step.

Hi, Rohan,' she said. When did you arrive?'

Rohan was a handsome man in his mid-twenties with gelled hair. He wore a black formal suit.

Two minutes ago.The parlour took so bloody long to finish my facial,' Rohan said with a heavy British accent.

Rohan Chandak, I learnt, had come from London three days ago. He and his mother were staying at Geet's house for the duration of their one-week trip. The Chandaks and the Handas both hailed from Jaipur, family friends for three generations. The Chandaks had a hospitality business in London. I presumed, like the Handas, they were rich.

Never mind, young man,' Geet's father said and patted Rohan's back. We are so proud of you, beta.'

Mr Handa recited the story of Rohan's father who had died two years ago. Rohan had taken over the hotel business at a young age and was doing extremely well. Geet and Rohan seemed to have heard the story too many times before and looked embarrassed. Mr Handa went on for three minutes. I checked it against my watch.

It's okay, uncle,' Rohan said.I just do it to make my mum happy and proud.That's all.'

Geet's mother stood next to her husband throughout. Like me, she had not said a word.

So, at just twenty-four, running six hotels in London with four hundred rooms, and planning the seventh. So proud of you, son.' Mr Handa repeated, finally ending his tribute.

I put on an expression of extreme awe and appreciation, as seemed to be expected of me.

Not that my daughter Geet is any less. Let me tell you...' Mr Handa said. Geet interrupted him.

Dad. Stop,' she said, somewhat rude and abrupt, considering she was speaking to her father. Mr Handa smiled and let Geet speak. Dad, I want you to meet Maan, a good triend of mine from college,' Geet said.

Mr Handa looked at me. He paused for a second before saying hello. I had worn Shailesh's best blazer and shirt, but it still didn't match the clothes of the other guests. Mr Handa, with his impeccable taste, had noticed my less-than-designer outfit.

Hello, Maan,' Mr Handa said. He shook my hand in an extrafriendly way, as if to compensate for the doubts of a few seconds ago.

Good to meet you, sir,' I said, my insecurities forcing me to say sir'.

Maan what?' he said. Indians have to know your last name to place you,

Maan Jha,' I said.

Jha,as in...'

Bihar. I am from Bihar,' I said, familiar with the upcoming question. Mr Handa didn't answer.

Geet broke the awkward silence.

And that's Mom,' she said.

Geet's mother smiled and folded her hands. I wished her with a namaste too.

A waiter arrived with a tray of drinks. Rohan took a beer, Geet picked up a glass of wine and Mr Handa helped himself to a whisky. I didn't know what to take so I waved a no.

Nice party, Handa uncle,' Rohan said.

Mr Handa lifted his glass for a toast. Mrs Handa made an eye movement to indicate that some important guests had just arrived"-someone incredibly rich or powerful, or both. Mr and Mrs Handa excused themselves and sidled off.

Geet smiled at me. I smiled back at her, trying my best to fit in.

So you guys do college together, innit?' Rohan said. His British accent made it hard for me to understand him.

Yes, different course. Same college.' Geet said.

Rohan was an inch shorter than Geet and five inches shorter than me. However, his age and confidence made us seem like kids answering his questions.

Basketball, that is wicked,' Rohan said.

Wicked? Why wicked?' I said.

He laughed, as if he didn't mean it in a bad way. Even Geet smiled.

'What?'

Nothing. It's such a British English thing,' Geet said.

I guess I didn't understand British or English things.

How do you like India?' I said, crying to make conversation.

Grew up here, dude. I left ten years ago,' he said.

I wondered if ten years could completely change a person's accent.

Stephen's, eh? Top college. You must be pretty damn smart,' Rohan said to me.

I entered through the sports quota,' I said,

Geet's eyes shuttled between both of us. She watched our man-to-man equation. He was six years older, insanely rich and far more accomplished. He also had a fancy accent, gelled hair and lived in London. I was nothing compared to him. Yet, there was something jerk-like about Rohan Chandak. Or maybe it was just my imagination. At least I'm taller, I told myself to feel better.

Geet, babe, you only got guy friends? Or you have some lovely ladies to introduce me to?'

Plenty. Come to the poolside.' Geet said.

Yeah. Don't make me hang out here with the oldies.'

Geet and Rohan turned towards the pool.

Hey, Maan,' Geet said.

Yeah?'

Stop looking so lost.'

We rejoined Geet's gang.

Ah, so this is where the loveliest ladies in Delhi hang out,' Rohan said.

Why couldn't I think of clever lines like that?

Geet introduced Rohan to everyone. Rohan held each girl's hand for a second, lifted it and said a pleasure to meet you' or something like that. It was too much, if you ask me. However, the giggly girls liked it.

So you are the London hot-shot,' Yamini said.

From London for sure, madam, but not a hot-shot,' Rohan said.

Everyone laughed. I think when rich guys say something, girls find it extra funny.

Wait a minute, guys,' Rohan said as he took out his phone from his pocket. Yes, Mummy ji. Everything okay, right? When will you be here? Everyone is asking for you... Okay, don't be too late.The party can't start without you.'

I watched Rohan's face as he stepped aside to take his call. It glowed, perhaps due to the facial he had mentioned, or maybe it was just his mother's voice.

You ladies like to party? Is there a nightclub for afterwards?' Rohan said when he came back.

There's Agni at the Park,' Ayesha said, playing with her hair.

I wondered why on earth anyone would leave such a fancy party and go anywhere else. However, rich people like to have options and try different things.

You've known Geet a long time?' Rachita asked Rohan.

Since she was a little girl,' Rohan said, I used to be able to lift her easily.'

Hah. I was two, you were eight, Rohan.' Geet said.

Yes. Let me try that now,'

Rohan put his glass down. He bent forward and took hold of Geet's waist. Geet was too startled to protest. A surge of anger ran through my entire body. My fists and face tightened up in a primal response.

Leave her alone, you bas***d, I said in my head.

Rohan lifted her off the ground. The girls giggled. He placed Geet back down. It all lasted only two seconds. However, my insides continued to burn long after it was over.

You are the quiet type, mate,' Rohan said to me. What's up? Need another drink?'

Yeah, I need to drink your blood.

Rohan beckoned to a waiter with drinks and passed me a beer without me asking for it. I didn't need a beer. I needed to whack this NRI's head like a slam-dunk shot. I needed alone time with Geet. I needed another accent.

I chugged the beer down in one shot. I did it to assert my fast-diminishing manliness in the group. Everyone watched me in surprise.

Mate, that's rough. Go easy,' Rohan said.

Geet understood I wasn't being myseif. She looked at me as if to hat the matter was. I turned the other way to avoid eye contact.

The girls gathered around Rohan. He told them stories about his adventures at Indian airports.

'Maan, can I talk to you for a second?' Geet said.

We stepped away from the group.

*

We sat opposite each other on plush white sofas in Geet's drawing room. Two waiters hovered around us.

'Can't we just...' I said and fell quiet. A waiter brought us a tray of spring rolls.

'Maan, so many guests. How are we supposed to be more private?'

'Yeah, fine, I understand,' I said. I picked up two spring rolls. Besides, I will see you in college on Monday, right?' she said.

I nodded as I ate the spring rolls. A part of my frustration came from hunger. I felt better after the snack.

I understand how you feel. In some ways, even I feel like a tourist at these parties,' Geet said.

What?'

It's not real. All this. I've lived with this fakeness all my life,' she said.

And why did you speak to your dad so rudely?'

Did I? Whatever. He's another fake.'

C'mon Geet. Don't talk like that.'

You hate it here, don't you?'

No, I'm fine. What a grand house you live in. I still can't get over it,' I said, in an attempt to change the topic.

I hope it doesn't affect us. I'm still the same Geet who plays with you on the dusty court,' she laughed.

What is "us", Geet?'

Us.You and me. Our friendship.'

Geet, we are more than friends.'

Are we?' She looked at me as if genuinely confused.

I've never kissed anyone before,' I said.

'Maan.'

What?'

People can hear us.'

Nobody can hear us.' The loud music in the garden ensured nobody could hear anything.

We'll talk about this later.'

You never do,' I said

'I will, I promise. Please cheer up now.'

What's with Mr London? What was he lifting you for?'

Geet laughed. Oh, Ro. Ro is an old buddy. He's mad.'

She even had a nickname for him, Ro. It means cry' in Hindi. I wanted Ro to ro.

Are you jealous?'

Not at all.'

Yes, you are.'

Whatever, let's go back in.'

She stood up.You liked my parents?'

I nodded.You can't say you didn't like someone's parents.

Good. Come, let's go in before they start getting ideas.'

Ideas? What ideas? I wanted to ask her.

We walked into the garden.The music drowned out my thoughts. The younger crowd danced around the pool. Rohan danced with Geet's friends. He called out to us. I wondered if I could pretend to dance and kick Ro into the water.

Of course, I didn't do that. I refused to dance. I couldn't embarrass myself in front of this crowd. In Dumraon, we danced like mad people. We played loud music and moved our bodies frantically. Also, men and women never danced together. Here, Rohan danced with each girl for a few seconds. Sometimes, he would hold their hand while dancing, and the girl would be all giggles. What is so funny about a rich guy holding your hand? He even held Geet's hand once. She twirled around him. My internal organs twirled inside me. I couldn't do anything but look away.

A waiter came up to me.

Are you Maan jha, sir?' he said.

Yes,' I said, surprised he knew my name.

I am from Dumraon, too.'

Oh, how do you know I am from there?'

'The guard outside told me. Nice to meet you, sir. Feels like I've met someone from home.'

The waiter spoke to me for few minutes, shook my hand and left.

Geet raised her eyebrows from the dance floor, wondering what I was doing with the waiter. I shook my head and smiled.

There are things some people can never understand. There's no point telling them

Quote

kabslocks

@kabslocks

Rocker

Posted: 9 years ago

#34

Awesome update. Maan went to Geet's mansion for party. He was allowed inside only after conformation. He met Geet and her friends. He felt odd in those super rich people.

Quote

Taahir

@taahir004

Achiever

+ 10

Posted: 9 years ago

#35

Fantastic Update

Maan been at Geet's party it has to feel weird for him its like its another world

he gifts Geet a shawl and I actually liked the fact that she appreciated her gift

she calls her life as fake and Maan wants to know why she was rude to her father

but again she says he is fake

Quote

December04

@December04

Voyager

Posted: 9 years ago

#36

Part 9

'Even I have no f***ing idea what sushi is,' Ashu said.

It's Japanese food. How the f*** are we supposed to know? Do they know our litti-chokha?' Raman said.

He dug his fork deep into the mound of biryani piled high on his plate. We were in the dining hall for Sunday dinner and a post-mortem of Geet's party.

Sushi is no big deal. The bigger deal is she didn't make you feel special,' Shailesh said.

He adjusted his spectacles and drank a glass of water. Shailesh, always the straight talker, had silenced everyone with his statement. The sound of cutlery filled the awkward silence.

Trouble, brother, trouble,' Shailesh said, after a minute.

'But she kissed him,'Ashu said.

Toys. Told you about rich people and their toys,' Shailesh said.

I ate my food. My friends further analysed the situation. In my heart I knew Geet didn't see me as a toy. We had a connection. But my heart can be over-imaginative and stupid.

I'll talk to her,' I said.

What? Enough talking. Now do,' Raman said.

Do what?' I said.

Raman shook his head. Everyone smiled.

Listen, Maan, I don't want to break your heart. But you do know such a girl is beyond you,' Raman said.

What do you mean?' I said, putting my fork down on the table.

Look at them. Look at you. You forgot your aukaat or what?'

Raman had spoken in a flat, controlled voice. However, it hurt. It hurt like he had taken his blunt fork and jabbed it into my chest. It hurt because he didn't think I deserved Geet. It hurt because he had spoken the truth.

Why does she hang out with me all the time?' I said. She can have all the rich friends she wants. In fact, she does.'

You are the new exotic creature in her life. She's bored with everything else,' Raman said.

Are you always this pessimistic?' Ashu said. Only the fat kid supported me. I transferred the gulab jamun from, my plate on to his.

The statistical probability is low,' Shailesh said, in his academic voice.However, my friend Raman should know that love does happen between classes.'

If this is love, why is she avoiding a relationship?' Raman said. He stood up to leave. He had finished his dinner and what he wanted to say.

Ashu thanked me for the gulab jamun. Raman has no experience with girls. You are doing well. Take it slow. Everything will be fine,' he said.

What do you think, Shailesh?' I said.

Of the four of us, I trusted Shailesh's judgement the most. He topped the class and was the most well-read. Of course, like us, he had little experience with women. He drank another glass of water.

Yes, don't rush it. However, don't stall it either,' Shailesh said.

What does that mean?' Ashu said on my behalf.

Keep it slow, but keep escalating,' Raman said.

Escalating? What? How?' I said.

What's the clearest sign a girl likes you?' Shailesh said.

She spends time with you?' I said.

Wrong,' Shailesh said and stood up as well.

So then?' I said.

You know the answer. Now do it,' Shailesh said and left.

*

What do you want to talk about?' Geet said.

She had worn a lemon-coloured chikan salwar-kameez to college that day. We sat under the big banyan tree in between classes. Her hair blew in all directions in the afternoon breeze.

Thanks for the party,' I said.

You are welcome. Like I told you, it isn't really my scene but my parents wanted to do it.'

Geet, that's your world. It was me who didn't fit in.'

I can fit in, but I can't relate to it. I'd rather have a meaningful conversation over chai than catered sushi with plastic smiles.'

How's Rohan? Sorry, Ro,' I said.

He made quite an impression on you. He's cool, no?'

See, you find him cool. That is your world; I said.

He's over the top and a bit of a show-off. But at least Rohan's fun. The rest are all boring businessmen who only talk money and property.'

Go have fun then,' I said and looked away from her.

She tugged at my elbow.

Anyway, forget the party. Eye contact, please.'

Eyes squinting against the mid-morning sun, she draped her yellow dupatta around her face. She looked like a bunch of yellow flowers. I had to be firm. I ignored how cute she was, lest it weaken my resolve.

What did you want to talk about?' she asked again.

The kiss,' I said.

Geet giggled.I can't believe I am the girl and you are the guy. The guy wants to talk about it.'

Very funny. Now can we discuss it?'

What about the kiss? You forced it on me.'

Her answer stumped me. I didn't know what to say.

I... I did it because...' I fumbled for words.

Yes, why? Why did you do it, Mr Jha?'

Because I...I love you.'

Geet burst out laughing. I didn't like her laughter this time.

Can you please be serious? Your casual behaviour hurts me,' I said.

She composed herself and sat cross-legged under the tree.

Okay, fine, Maan, I will be serious. I laughed because I don't think you are in love with me.'

Oh, really? How do you know that?'

Have you been in love before?'

No.'

So how do you know it's love?'

Her confusing words left me tongue-tied.

How do you know it's not?' I said after half a minute.

I know it is not, We are both too young, inexperienced but curious. Sure, we like each other. But love? Please.'

'Geet, you have no idea how much you mean to me. I would do anything for you. Anything,' I said.

Our eyes locked. For a few seconds, even the articulate Miss Geet Handa didn't have words.

Maan, you mean a lot to me too. But...'

But what?'

I am not sure if I want a relationship right now. With anyone.' How does one answer that? I had no idea.

I don't mean that much to you then,' I said.

We hang out all the time. Aren't we almost a couple?'

So what's wrong with the next step?'

The bell rang for class. We stood up to leave.

What's the next step, Maan?' she said, as we walked towards class.

I scratched my head to think of an answer.

Become my girlfriend.'

Oh. And what does that involve? Getting physical?'

Maybe. That's often part of it.'

She smiled and shook her head in an all-knowing manner.

We stopped as we reached our respective classrooms.

Please, Geet,' I said. 'Please be my girlfriend.'

Is this a proposal?' she said.

If that's how you see it.'

I'll think about it.'

You'll tell me after class?'

She grabbed my shoulders and turned me towards my classroom,

*

Geet didn't come to college the next day. I briefed my friends-cum-relationship-experts about the proposal while eating lunch in the dining hall.

Shailesh felt I had come across as desperate. Ashu thought I had handled it well.

Well, did she tell you her decision afterwards?' Raman said,

No. And today she is absent,' I said.

See? Desperate. She's skipped college to avoid you,' Shailesh said.

To avoid me?'

Shailesh shrugged.

You better get an answer,' Raman said.

You better do it with her,' Shailesh said. Everyone fell silent.

Do what?' I said. The boys guffawed.

You guys are sick.'

She's using you. Time pass until a real guy comes along,' Shailesh said, picking his teeth with a toothpick.

Ignore Shailesh. Find out why she's absent. Message her,' Ashu said.

Should I? She's supposed to answer my question,' I said.

The boys didn't answer either. I came to my room after lunch. I had a mobile phone now. Even though expensive, I would use it sometimes to call Geet.

I composed a message. Did not see you in college. Everything OK?

I deleted the text and re-typed it three times. Finally, I pressed send.

The worst wait in life is waiting for someone to text back. Geet didn't answer for an hour. It felt like a week. After that one hour,

I sent the same message again. That way, it would come across as a double delivery rather than me being desperate. It is funny how, when friendship moves towards a relationship, every message requires awareness and strategy.The second message went, disguised as a screw-up of Airtel.

She didn't reply for another hour. I wanted to call her. It felt lame.

I had proposed to her. The least she could do was give me a reply.

I also felt scared. What if she said no? Maybe her silence meant no. What if she stopped talking to me? Panic gripped me. I wondered if proposing to her was the worst mistake of my life.

I decided to call her. I typed her number six times. But I did not press the green call button. I didn't have the courage.

My phone beeped. I had a new message. I opened it.

Am sick :( . Viral fever. Resting at home.

Relief coursed through me. She had sent back a normal, harmless message. I wanted to ask about the proposal, but it felt like a bad time. Unsure, I froze. Why don't they teach us how to talk to girls?

Get well soon, I sent after rigorous analysis and deliberation in my head.

Thanks, she said.

Miss you, I typed. Before I could think I pressed send.

She didn't respond for a minute. It felt like a decade. Had I messed up again? Was it not the right thing to say?

Then come home. Cheer me up.

Her message felt like a thousand red rose petals on my face. I checked my timetable. Damn, I had four important, un-skippable classes. I couldn't go.

See you in an hour, I said. Classes can wait. Love can't.

Quote

kabslocks

@kabslocks

Rocker

Posted: 9 years ago

#37

Nice update. Maan is discussing about party and hisrelationship with Geet with his friends. Everyone gave him different suggestions. He proposed Geet to become his girl friend. Next day she is absent. He messaged her. She is having viral fever.

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APARNA TAMBE

@aparna3011

Sparkler

+ 4

Posted: 9 years ago

#38

NICE UPDATE

WHY MAAN IS COUNTING OTHER OPINION IN BETWEEN HIM N GEET

Quote

swapna.p

@swapna.p

Rocker

+ 3

Posted: 9 years ago

#39

nice update..
waiting for next update..

Quote

Taahir

@taahir004

Achiever

+ 10

Posted: 9 years ago

#40

Its a odd and at the same time a tough situation for Maan

he knows that Geet is rich but he should take her words serious

when she says she can fit into those parties but its not her clearly indicates

that she is not the snobbish type and neither is she someone that wants money first

yes its important but she does not make it the soul reason of her happiness

while Maan's friends are giving good and bad advice but surely she is not using Maan

as she herself tells Maan if both don't know about love than how would he know that

he is in love

after Maan proposes Geet she is absent the next day and his friends tells him that she must be avoiding him or trying to tell him that she is not interested but when he messages her

yes he also has a fear but she says she is ill

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Half Girlfriend- I lose but I never quit!! part11 page9 16 jan - Page 4

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