Hues Of Dusk

Chapter 90. Number 5

I was really excited to accompany my volleyball team to the Inter College Sports tournament. Last two weeks were completely hell - good kind of hell - as I learned a lot under Usha Mam's mentorship and Payal's leadership. Both of them were awesome and supportive of the new members.

Since it was the last competition for Payal, who was a third year student, she wanted us to give our best but have fun too without any stress. When I informed about my selection to my parents, they praised me and encouraged me to keep playing and enjoy myself.

So, that's what I did. I would go to gym in the morning, then college, practice most of the day, visit gym again to complete my shift and then go to Zoya's house to check up on her family. And as expected, I always saw Katherine there, but unlike last time, I didn't suspect her of anything wrong. I had realised that I could actually trust her and when she offered that she would look after Faiyaz's family in my absence, I couldn't express my gratitude in words.

At least there was someone I could share my burden with and not worry about what would happen behind me. Karthik was also doing well with his dance sessions and kept giving me updates; Shreyas was working along with him on his music track.

That was okay, but what bothered me was the fact that I always saw Rashi with Shreyas. I knew she was his classmate, but something didn't fit well. Whenever we were in the same place, I noticed her staring at me, and I felt as if she wanted to say something but was in a kind of a dilemma.

Divya congratulated me for making it in the volleyball team, and Tanya also exchanged a few words, but Rashi didn't say anything - I wasn't expecting her to but.... I didn't know why I was feeling really weird and sad vibes from her whenever she looked at me.

I knew my mind would go in an overdrive and currently, I didn't have time for it. My hands were already full and if all of that wasn't enough, I had to deal with Ayush too on a daily basis. He was usually absent on most of the days, but as he was in the soccer team, he was coming to college regularly and annoying the shit out of me.

I wanted to strangle him when I learned that Ved never got the chocolates I had placed for him on his desk; he wasn't even able to give me much time as his best friend was adamant on making my brain explode with all his murderous glares and taunts.

"Stress is not good." Ved poked me in the middle of my forehead.

I swatted his hand away and turned my head to look at something else. In the morning, I was trying to get him alone to ask him for some advice, but he was busy showering his attention on Ayush only - as if he wasn't doing it since our childhood days.

"Look. I bought your favorite Milkybar and Melody chocolates," Ved said and showed me his bag.

"Give it to your boyfriend," I taunted.

Ved pursed his lips and glanced around him. I narrowed my eyes when he kept checking here and there as if Ayush would catch him cheating on him with me. Ved sighed and shifted closer to me.

"I have talked to Ayush, okay? He doesn't mind if I talk to you," Ved informed.

I raised my eyebrows in surprise. "Who are you kidding, boy?"

"Believe me, Sandy Pandy. I know I was the one who always told you to stay away, but I can't ignore Ayush also." Ved pouted.

"What is the actual problem, Princess? Come on, you can tell me - if you can't reveal everything, then at least give me a hint."

Ved twisted his lips and thought for a moment. I didn't disturb him, but the way his expressions were changing at lightning speed, I deemed it best to quell my curiousity. It was crystal clear that he was uncomfortable and forcing himself to answer me.