Reshma

6

“This time, I’ve bought only a month’s worth,” Ishaan said, opening up a new packet right in front of Reshma. It had been just two days since she had thrown his drugs away, and he had already bought fresh ones.
“God knows where I’ve left those,” Ishaan continued, least bothered at Reshma’s expression.
“Who gave you these?” she asked, her face scrunched up.
“Zubin,” he noticed Reshma. “Why are you giving me that look of disgust?”
“What else can I do? Khatham hua tha na? Toh rok kyun nahi dete?”
“Rokna chahun toh bhi nahi rok sakta.”
“You’ve recently started, isn’t it? It wouldn’t have affected you so much...”
“Maybe...maybe not,” he replied.
Shaking her head, Reshma saw Ishaan put in a few pills in his mouth. She decided to speak.
“How much do these even cost?”
“Why do you want all that?” Ishaan asked.
“Just curious.”
“They’re expensive.”
“Only for rich kids, huh?” then after a pause, “From where do you get the money, even?”
Ishaan looked at her for a few seconds before replying. “My father’s money.”
“Oh. And does he know?”
“No.”
“Then the money...”
“He doesn’t know.”
“So you steal.” Reshma stated.
“If that’s what you call it,” Ishaan said, careless.
“Don’t you think you should buy it on your own?”
“Where do I have my own money? Hell, I don’t even have a job.”
“So get one.”
Ishaan stared at her. “What did you say?”
“I told you to go get a job. Get independent.”
Ishaan laughed. “Look at me! Who would give me a job?”
“You look fine,” Reshma said.
“Yeah. In your dreams.” Ishaan gobbled a few more pills.

~~