THREADS OF DESTINY

INSECURITIES

The school day meandered towards its end, and the sun cast a warm glow across the familiar corridors. Laughter echoed as Natasha, Aditya, Vansh and I walked towards our classroom, engaging in the usual banter. Little did I know that the seemingly lighthearted conversation would unravel layers of insecurities and perceptions.

Natasha, with her mischievous grin, turned to Aditya, breaking the casual rhythm. "Hey, Aditya, what if Divyaanka propose to you?"

"Hell nahh... I'd prefer staying single than dating this 5ft shorty with noodle hairs and these big specs. Hell naah!!! She seems like a real-life cartoon," Aditya retorted, making exaggerated faces.

As the conversation continued, i was not paying attention to what they were talking as I couldn't shake off the hurtful remark. I wondered if Aditya's words were merely a joke or if they revealed a deeper sentiment.I am his bestfriend if he thinks like that maybe others too but my curls and height are not under my control right? I thought as I couldn't help but feel a pang of insecurity.

"Ohh... but don't worry, that day won't come, you idiot," I responded, my tone light but unable to fully ignore the sting.

Natasha chuckled, breaking the momentary tension. "Aditya, you're such a drama queen."

Aditya, still oblivious to the impact of his words, chuckled along. "Yeah, yeah, just imagining a cartoon character proposing to me... I am 100% sure I would laugh so hard if this happens."

Our footsteps echoed in the corridor as we reached the classroom. Natasha, seizing the opportunity to add her flair to the situation, whispered, "Dekhle, Aditya bhi yeh sochta hai tere baare m... mujhe nahi lagta koi ladka milega tujhe... I think you are not worthy of love, babe," she chuckled.
[See...Aditya also thinks this about you...i don't think you will find someone]

"Tu thodi si pagal hai kya, Natasha? Aditya ka opinion baaki sabhi ladko ka nahi hai, or mujhe koi farak nahi padta, ye kuch bhi sochee!! Or haan koi toh hoga he jo mujhe mere man ki wajah se pasand krega... bss baat khtm," I retorted, frustration seeping into my words. How dare she question my worthiness of love?

As I reached my desk, I noticed Aditya engrossed in a conversation with a girl. Vansh sat alone, lost in his thoughts. Trying to distract myself from the turmoil within, I approached Vansh.

"What are you thinking, dude?" I asked, attempting to shift my focus.

"Tujhe bura laga na?" Vansh asked, catching me off-guard.

"Noo... I don't give a fuck to what he said. I know he is like this only," I said, attempting to brush off the concern.

"You sure?" Vansh's gaze held a hint of concern.

"Ofcourse....Kisse baat kar raha hai ye?" I deflected, avoiding any further discussion.
[Who is he talking to?]

"She is from a different section, and dude is flirting with her," Vansh chuckled.

"Uski checklist se match ho Rahi hai ye ladki... haina?" I couldn't help but ask, noting the girl's features.
[She is his type ..right?]

"Ohh Divyaanka... why are you thinking about his checklist... leave that," Vansh advised, sensing my discomfort.

"Meri checklist toh puchi nahi tune," Vansh teased, lightening the mood.
[You didn't asked about my type ]

"Okay... tell me what kind of girl you like," I asked him.

"Wese toh wahi mera bhashan ki inner beauty pasand h but uske alawa, I have a thing for beautiful eyes and dimples and short height," Aditya confessed, unaware of the irony.
[Well as I have said that inner beauty matters but apart from it ]