Hues Of Dusk

Chapter 18. I am watching you

(🚨 Long chapter ahead 🚨)

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"When will you be back home?" Dad asked.

"Before 9 pm."

"Be careful. If there's any problem, call me or your mom."

"Yes Pa. Now can I go?"

"OK."

I waved my parents goodbye and hailed an auto. I told the driver the address and he put the meter down. It was not easy to convince Dad to let me go to the club which was actually a cafe. When I told him I was going with Nikhil, he asked me a lot of questions, more than when I went to Parth's party.

I told him Nikhil was a good guy and this time I knew what his father's profession was. Dad got enthusiastic when I told him Nikhil's dad was in Army. He told me to invite his family to our home since we lived in the same area.

Dad really respected defence personnels. He said he wanted to join armed forces too but couldn't because of a medical condition. In the end, he agreed to let me go. Problem solved.

"We have reached madam," the auto driver said.

"Thank you." I paid him and he drove off.

"Nice place," I commented as I observed the cafe.

"I thought you won't come," Nikhil said as I entered and he spotted me.

"You got good taste. I like this place."

The interior was dimly lit and had a cozy feeling to it. We sat beside a window and checked the menu.

"I knew you would like it," he said.

I smiled at him. Was this a date? No, Sandhya. Don't think like that.

"What do you want to order?" he asked and I told him I would have an American Latte.

He called the waiter and placed our orders. We began talking and I got to learn a lot of things about him. He had a good sense of humour too.

We drank our coffees and ordered some sandwiches. They were delicious. I am going to bring my girl gang next time. Surbhi will definitely love this place. Nikhil clicked some pics and showed me. He was a nice photographer too.

"You want to tell me about you and Ved?" he questioned and I gave him a dead look.

"Why did you bring him up? I was enjoying so much and you had to spoil it," I complained.

"You really don't like him."

"Feelings are mutual."

"Wow. What happened?"

I told him how Ved used to bully me in school and Nikhil laughed at some incidents. I informed him how the teachers used to ignore his pranks everytime and would do nothing about it. I was relieved when my father got transferred.

"I hope you both won't kill each other." He expressed his concern.

"Can't guarantee about that," I replied.

"What about Ayush?"

"He was stuck between us, always trying to be a peacemaker. Now he also hates me."

"I won't force you to go in details," he said as he noticed my sad mood.

"Thanks."

"You aren't getting late, right?" he asked.

I checked the time. 7:53 pm. I shook my head. We chatted and it seemed so easier to be in his company. He told me he wanted to join Air Force after college. I was impressed. Like father, like son.