Strangers?Or Not? ONGOING

Chapter 19

2014

It was almost Christmas Break. I had mixed feelings about it as we were going to go to Lonavla over the weekend and I was excited about it, but the thought of spending it away from Anquit was sad. Moreover, the feeling had taken over a lot more. I felt like the day when everything will go wrong was getting closer and closer.

Yesterday, after our kiss, it was not awkward. Like at all. I was almost surprised. Our conversations hadn't changed. Except I felt elated on the inside. Like we were closer now than before. Even though technically speaking, nothing had changed in what we knew about each other.

When we met near all the school buses, we had kissed for a second, like a short peck, hoping no one saw us. It was like a goodbye kiss. We had been in a secluded spot, but I almost didn't care about the prying eyes anymore. I was still concerned about the future and stuff but it was ok. I was at peace, with him, the universe. What's more, I think I loved him. Maybe even in love with him.

The realisation wasn't all that shocking to me. I think I knew it before now, but I hadn't accepted it. It felt liberating to finally admit it to myself. I couldn't help but smile at the thought. Admitting it felt a lot like coming home after a long and exhausting journey. Telling him, though, was a whole other thing. Wondering about him distracted me from my depressing thoughts for a while, however.

It was lunch break right now and I was waiting for him in the cafeteria. For a legitimate reason today. I had a coupon. I had found a table and reserved a seat for him as I ate my lunch. He would finish his lunch in like five seconds anyway. And then come join me. I thought to myself giddily.

The creaking of the chair ahead of mine distracted me. I looked up to see his gorgeous face smiling back at me.

Talk about timing

I smiled at him.

"Kya soch rahi hai?" (What're you thinking?)

"Kuch nahi, bas aise hi." I shrugged at him, continuing to eat my food. I was almost done with it anyway. (Nothing, just random stuff)

"Oh by the way, the playlist has 19 songs, " I said, as a way of making conversation.

"For our date?"

"Nahi, bas aise hi shauk aara tha mujhe...Obviously for our date." I said, rolling my eyes. I had found exactly 19 songs to commemorate the fact that we had started dating on the 19th. (No, I did it just for kicks)

"Ohh, that's cute. Maine notice hi nahi kiya." (I didn't notice)

"Blindf," I said jokingly.

"Haa haa, tere hi pyaar mai andha ho rakha hoon," (Yeah yeah your love has only made me blind)

I made a show of coughing, ignoring the warmth that spread through me at that comment, "Jyada ho gaya, rehne de," (That was too cheesy)

"Yeh le paani pee" He offered me my water bottle, a barely suppressed smirk gracing his features. (Drink water, here you go)

"No, thank you," I smiled at his antics. Moments like these made me grateful to be here and know him. It was hard to believe we had come so far. I still remember the days of uncertainty followed by disbelief when I liked him and then found out he liked me too. My thoughts couldn't help but wander to his monthiversary gift and the terrifying reminder that this may not be forever. My fear for the future was really getting the better of me.

"Earth to Ishvika?" He was waving his hand in front of my face, "Kaha kho gayi?" (Where are you lost?) I blinked, snapping out of my trance.

I nodded my head in a no as a way of saying nowhere. He raised his eyebrows at me, suspicious.