A and B

A and B

Anu point of view

God… I forgot to close my windows curtain, Sun sucking my energy

I am not a morning person, I hate to awake early in the morning, suddenly my phone buzzed, it’s a text from that one person, who always send me first good morning and last good night

He is my best friend from my childhood; we went to same school and now same college. I replied him good morning

“Wow, Flash news: Anu woke early”, he replied

“Cause stupid curtains”, I replied

“Whatever get ready, Atom”, he reply with a wink

I hate if he calls me Atom

“You do, Bittu”, I reply with wink, because he hates if I call him Bittu

By the by his name is Bala, my idiotic stupid lovable friend

And this is our A and B story which means Anu and Bala… Nah, Atom and Bittu

****

“Morning mom” I told her when she is keeping baskets in dining table

“Morning Anu, come eat” she told

“What are you wearing”, she asked with disgust

“Why? What wrong with this dress”, I asked clearly confused

I wore loose jeans and big T-shirt which comes up to my mid thigh and kept my hair in mess bun…

So I might look like a guy, but who cares, I like this dress. I am not a stupid girl who obsessed over a pink color and dress like a Barbie girl.

“For god sake, you are 20 now, dress like a girl” mom told with anger

“If you continue this no one will marry you”, she added

I about to protest, but interrupted by male voice

“Real man will love heart of girl not her appearance aunty”, Bala told

“All because of you and her father, because he don’t have son, he let her dress like a guy, now see, is she looking like a gal in any angle? Say Bala”, my mom tone is serious

Bala looked me from head to toe

“No aunty, not even in one angle”, he smirked

“Bittu”, I throw apple in his face, but he catches that easily, forgot to tell he is a star cricketer in our college

“Thanks for the apple atom” he chuckled

***

He started his bike; its 15 minutes travel from my home, Bala is my neighbor so we both drove to school together

He is mechanical and I am computer science, I try to convince him to take computer major, but he was stubborn

Apart from Bala, I had another best friend named Ruby, but she is total opposite of me, she is girly girl, not a tom boyish type, she is a nerd during exams and melodrama queen but I love her, my best friend from school

And Bala had Jo his best Buddy, he is also cricketer and mechanical major, we four kind of grown up together, mostly we were in different world, we hang out together, we watch movie together every time we never let any strangers in our world.

Even though I knew Jo from childhood, we never socialize, he is a kind of play boy, I hate his coolness, we always fight and sometimes I even pulled his hair, Bala and Ruby on other hand would let us to fight until we started fighting each other physically, they were quite enjoying our fight, still we used to have nice hangout until and unless we maintained some 10 cm distance between us

 *****

Bala point of view:

I dropped Anu and Ruby in their classes and came back while Jo is waiting outside the block, till now I don’t know the reason why he is not friend with Anu, they always hate each other, I really want make them in good terms.

Anu is not like an ordinary girl type, she is stubborn girl, tom boyish, always gives sarcastic comments and never gives up anything, and she is intelligent, witty and brave girl. And I am overprotective even though I knew she is brave and all that,  I never let her do anything on her own, I never let her drive, I never let her roam alone, I just need to keep her safe, keep her protective…

And another thing, even though she is boyish, she is very beautiful, she has flawless skin and beautiful eyes, she never did any make up that makes her skin soft and flawless.

Because she never tried to please anyone with her beauty, only I know her how beautiful she is, if she started dressed like a gal, then I am sure,  everyone will stare at her for a whole day and I need to protect her from all evil eyes.

“Hey Bala, I got ticket for Insurgent, noon show”, Jo told

“I thought you hate Anu, but why did you buy ticket for her favorite movie”, I asked with smirk

“It’s just… come on dude, text her”, he quickly turned away

I giggled and texted to Anu

“Hey Atom, insurgent at 1 PM”, I texted

“Really”, she replied I know how excited she would be, she talked about the movie for last few months

“Come soon, we will eat outside”, I texted

“Okay, I and Ruby will be there in 2 minutes”, she quickly replied

“Ruby told she is having class now”, Jo asked

“Yep, but Anu know how to jump from window, and she will make her also jump”, I told

“Ur Atom corrupting Ruby also dude”, he shrugged his shoulder

I smiled, I know he is having something on Ruby, but he never accepted that, so I just wait for the day he himself accepts that

***

“Hey, Bittu, hi Idiot”, Anu waved towards us

I nodded, “Don’t call me idiot, you stupid Atom”, Jo gave her warning look

“Don’t ever call me Atom, you idiotic Jo”, she told with murderous eyes

“Cool tiger, don’t kill him with your eyes”, I patted Anu’s Back

She shrugged, Ruby chuckled lightly

“How did you escaped from class”, Jo asked Ruby

“Anu jumped from the window, but I was scared to jump so Anu gave me an idea, so I went to professor and told him, I was not feeling well, he told me to go home”, Ruby told with light guilt in her eyes

“She made you to say lie”, Jo asked with disgust

“It’s better than jumping from window”, Ruby smiled

I know Anu would do stunt like this, because she was doing this from school, but when I saw her she is rubbing her knee and leaned in my bike

“You hurt your knee?” I panicked

“No, I just slipped while jumping, because of this stupid bag”, she told without any reaction

“Let me see”, I went near her and tried to fold her jeans

She quickly patted my hands and asked “what are you doing”, she asked

“Let me see, how it is”, I told with confusion why she didn’t let me to see her wound

“It’s in knee Idiot”, Anu told with disgust

“So what”, I clearly confused

Ruby somehow understand her, but I didn’t get what is she thinking

“It’s just a scratch, I checked Bala”, Ruby interrupted

“Come on, we are getting late to movie”, Jo dragged me

We both started our bike, Anu sat in my bike and Ruby with Jo, we ate in restaurant nearby theatre and we made it on time

We watched movie, Anu is excited to see Theo James, she liked him a lot, she didn’t even noticed that I ate half of her popcorn

When she noticed that, she poured remaining popcorn in my head gave me devil smile

“Serves you right”, she stuck her tongue out like a baby

I took my ice cream and slapped it on her face, now her face is full of strawberry ice cream

“Serves you right” I chuckled

“BITTU” she shouted and it’s enough to make the theatre to explode

After a few minutes we thrown out of theatres by the security guards

“It’s because of you, why did you ate my popcorn”, Anu yelled

“Why did you pour popcorn in my head” I yelled her

As usual Ruby and Jo enjoying our fight, they never helped us, they let us to fight until we both are exhausted

“You covered my face with that stupid Ice Cream, you know I hate strawberries, I am smelling like strawberry now” she shrinks her nose, I know how much she hates strawberry

“Because of your noise, my ears are bleeding”, I told by pretending like wiping blood in ears

“Because of you, I missed my favorite movie”, she yelled again

“No you started first”, I smirked

She is about punch me, Jo and Ruby interrupted us, “It’s getting late, and shall we go?”

Thank god, otherwise I would be in trouble, I know how strong her hand would be, her face is burning like a fire, I might escaped now but sooner or later I will be in trouble

******

Anu point of view:

He is clearly an irritating idiot, because of him, I missed my favorite movie, and worst part is I smell like strawberry it is really disgusting.

Jo and Ruby started their bike and went since Ruby need to finish her assignment thing; she is having habit of sleeping early

Bala went to parking for bike, I heard some metal sound and found Bala bumped into someone’s car, I laughed and went to place where he is standing

One fat guy emerged from car and pointing fingers towards Bala, oh ho something serious

“You know how costlier my car is”, he shouted

“Cool man, I will replaced it or I will give you money”, Bala replied

“You think I am beggar”, he is yelling again and grabbed collar of his shirt, before Bala protesting it, I went there grabbed his hair and gave him punch in his stomach. He collapsed into ground and yelped in pain. Whether I am too strong or he is too weak, whatever, how dare he kept his hand on Bala

“Easy tiger, you should not punch him like this”, Bala hold my hand

“You moron, why did you punched me”, he shouted

“Why did you keep your bloody hands on him?” I narrowed my eyes

“Wait… are you girl?” he widened his eyes

“You sure, are you girl “he asked again

“You lose your eyesight by single punch”, I asked him

But before he could reply Bala started his bike and I ignored him and sat in bike

“Why he asked me like that”, I asked Bala

“Because your hand is strong”, he chuckled

“No, many asking me this question, what is wrong with me”, I clearly have no idea

“Nothing wrong with you Atom, you are just different, that’s all”, he explained

“Whatever”, I murmured

I really don’t know how Bala is thinking about me, whether he likes me this way, or he wants me look like a girl, I really don’t have any idea. I never asked him that question. Why I felt so embarrassed and shy when he wants to see my wound in knee? He is my friend only right

But wait, why should I bother? He is my friend; he is seeing me from my childhood where this sudden shyness came?  Ah god, I am going insane

I made battle with my inner thoughts… what is wrong with me? My mind voice interrupted when Bala stopped his bike

“What is going on in your stupid head”, Bala grinned

“Um… Nothing”, I told him

“What is wrong with you Atom”, he patted my head

“Don’t mess my hair, Bittu”, I scolded

“Wow, you are crying like a girl”, he chuckled

“For your kind information, I am girl”, I crossed my arms

“Oh, really did you see mirror in your life, go see yourself, Atom” he grinned from ear to ear

He tried to enter into my room, “Get out of my home or I will kick your ass”, I shouted

He is laughing like an idiot and ignored me, he entered into my room

“Before I hit you, Get out of my room”, I clearly irritated

“Your face looks like tomato, because of your anger”, he pinched my cheeks lightly, and I hit his head

“Your head feels like coconut and smelled like rotten tomato and don’t touch my cheeks, Bittu, I will cut your fingers”, I told him with serious tone

He ignored me and pinched me again, “But you really smelled like strawberry”, he chuckled

He kept his hand under his head and lying in my bed, making funny faces

I stuck my tongue out, he laughed again

I started writing my assignment, he continuously irritated me by pinching me or messing my hair and one point I lose my temper.

I throw pillows and he catches that throwing again after food fight now pillow fight and pillow tore; room is full of cotton now, we both realized only when my father knocked my room’s door

“Oh my god, we are in trouble”, I panicked after looking my room

“No Atom, you are in trouble”, he smirked

“What you mean? I will tell dad, you only started fight”, I raised my eyebrows

“Whatever, I won’t be here at that time”, he told

He went near window and jumped from terrace

“You dumb headed idiot” I shouted from my room

But he ignored me and went

******

After cleaning my room, I went to downstairs where my father is sitting, I know he clearly pissed of

“Dad?” I whispered

“Hey Anu, come”, he spot place to sit beside him

“I am sorry dad, Bittu annoyed me so I--- “before I complete my sentence, my dad interrupted

“I need to talk something important” my dad told in serious tone

“I am listening”, I told him

“Me and Bala’s parents thought you both should marry, but I realized you and Bala had only friendship and nothing more than that, you both don’t have intention of marrying, first we felt bad”

“Dad?” I was shocked to hear this

“Let me finish this, but we respect your decision so, we dropped that subject” he squeezing my hand

I nodded and smiled

“Along with Bala’s dad I had another friend, you know that right”, my dad enquired

“Yeah, Raman Uncle right?” I asked him

“Right, Raman came up with proposal today, he is having only son he is working in abroad and he came to India last week, you know----“ ,I interrupted him because I understand what he is about to tell

“Dad, I am just 20 now”, I told him

“Yeah, I know that, just you go and see him, talk with him, if you like him, we will precede this and I make sure they will wait until you finished your studies” he assured me

“I don’t know dad, I need to think”, I told him

“He is leaving tomorrow evening, so just meet him, we will talk about this later”, he pleaded with his eyes

“Okay dad”, I forced smile on my face

I need to tell this to Bittu and asked him what to do? What to wear? How to talk? I don’t know what am I going to do?

“Dad I am going to tell Bittu”, I stand he nodded

I walked to his house and ring the door bell

“Atom”, Bittu’s father opened the door

“Uncle don’t call me Atom”, I told him

He chuckled “what is the matter Atom sorry Anu”

“Where is Bittu? “

“Jo came and they both went for practicing”, he went inside the home “come in” he called me

“No, I am going home uncle, Bye” I came before his reply

I entered my room and searched for my phone then I realized it is missing, I remembered while jumping from window of my class room I realized something fell from my bag, but that time I was thinking about movie so I ignored, it is definitely my phone… oh shit!! I called my phone but it is switched off

Okay I am exhausted now I need to sleep; I slept after a few minutes

******

Bala point of view:

After letting her into trouble, I jumped from her room and came back to my Home; it’s really fun to annoy her

After few minutes, “Hey dude, let’s go for practicing we have an important tournament this week”, Jo told

“Yeah coming” I informed my dad and went with him

After a tired full practice session, I came home with sweat covering my entire body

I took bath and dried my hair

“Anu came for you”, my dad told

“Oh, thank god, she might come to kill me”, I smiled

“Did you annoyed my sweet heart again”, he raised his eye brows

“Dad, you don’t know about her, she is physically hurting me daily”, I told in serious tone

He laughed loudly

“Go see her, I think some think bothering her, she came with serious face”, he told seriously

I called her phone, but it’s switched off, so I wore T-Shirt and went to her home. I greeted her parent’s and went to her room. To my surprise, she is sleeping, she never sleep this early. With this, I know something is bothering her

I stand there for some time, I always annoyed her, I never see her peaceful face, she is sleeping peacefully like baby, and her hair falls on her face. I went near and removed strand of hair from her face and tucked behind her ear. “Bittu, I don’t know what to do?” she whispered in sleep. I chuckled and pinched her cheek lightly and went

I will call her next morning and ask her what’s wrong, I told myself before dozed off

******

Anu point of view:

My mom shook my shoulders and yelling and shouting

“What you want mom”, I rubbed my eyes and yawned

“First close your mouth, today you are going to meet him, you don’t have any dress to wear so get ready we need to go shopping”, she told with excitement

“Mom, I have closest full of clothes”, I ignored her excitement

“I need you to look like a girl”, she told roughly

“What about college, mom”, I asked

“Today is Sunday, sweet heart”, she giggled, shit I forgot

“Fine, let me take bath first” I walked to bath room

When I took bath my mom and Bala’s mom are waiting for me, I need to call him and inform this idiotic thing

“Hi aunty”, I greeted

“Come we are getting late we need to do so many stuffs”, she dragged to her car without letting to speak

“Mom, I didn’t tell Bittu about this” I stopped her

“You can call him later, he had practice session yesterday, he was bit tired and sleeping “, Bala mom told

“Ok aunty”, I really need to tell him

After searching over 2 hours for clothes they finally selected my dress, white sleeveless gown, seriously?? I never wore idiotic gowns in my life before, now it’s time for makeover, I am in trouble

After what it feels like ages, I was finally free from all those torture

I slowly stand and looked myself in mirror, like in movies I didn’t shocked but I feel something different, My white gown fitted perfectly, my hair is straight at top and curled at the end and it looks good, my eyes were big because of mascara totally I am looking  good and first time I saw girl in myself

My mom and Bala’s mom jumped in excitement, clapping their hands, kissing my cheek, oh melodrama queens. We went home, I asked my dad for phone to call Bala

He answered after second ring

“Uncle, Anu came?” he asked

“Yes”, I replied

“Atom, what happened to your phone? Where you went this early? I thought our mother’s kidnapped you. I was worried from morning “; he is talking without even breathing

“Breathe Bittu and come to my home”, I told and hung up

I was sitting with my father and waiting for Bittu

*********

Bala point of view:

After got a call from Anu, I ran to her home, I don’t know what happened but something is wrong with her, her phone is switched off and she is missing from morning, she is not a morning person she never woke this early in week end

When I entered her home my mom and her mom were in kitchen, in hall I saw my dad and her dad are sitting with one girl, the girl look familiar, she is very beautiful like an angel.

I stopped my thoughts; this is not time to admire her and walked to Anu room

My dad called me “Bala”

When I am about to answer that beautiful girl looked me , she smiled at me, she looked very familiar, I know this eyes, I stared at her for long time. I found out, she is cousin of Anu, Anu told me about her, but I don’t know she is this much beautiful and looking similar.

I stared at her for long time, she gave me confused look and after that she gave annoyed look and walked toward me, when I saw her walking towards me, my heart stopped for a bit, there is a lump in my throat and I find it difficult to swallow, why her face is this much familiar… when she was few feet away

Realization hits me, “OH MY GOD, ANU”, I shouted

“What? You are hurting my ears”, she closed her ears

“Wha—um… WH—err—“I find difficult to talk I felt guilty for stared at my best friend

“You didn’t recognize me right?” she narrowed her eyes

“No... Um actually”, I stammered.  What is happening to me? Why I am struggling to talk? Just because she is beautiful or because I stared her before… what is wrong with me? Before, my inner battle is getting its end.  She punched my stomach hardly

I yelped in pain and back to this world

“Why did you hit me?  I want to hit you, you disappeared from morning, I am searching you every where calling you billion times, but now you are hitting me as if I did mistake”, I finished my sentence

She giggled

“I hit you because, you are talking like, you just swallowed anaconda, so I punched. See now you are talking without stammering”, she smirked

“What are you wearing, any occasion”, I asked her

“Yeah, fancy dress competition “she told with sarcasm

“Fancy dress?” I widened my eyes

“My father and your father set up a date for me with their partner’s son and your mom and my mom made me look like a baboon with this stupid gown”, she told

What date? Wait Anu going for date, I should be happy now right? My best friend is going to meet some guy for the first time, I should be happy now, but why I feel some pain in my chest, as if someone ripping my heart…

“Th--- that’s great”, I stammered again

“Oh my god Anaconda came again, I need to punch you again?” she walked towards me

“NO “I protested

*******

I started my father’s car buckled my seatbelt, where my mom and her mom are giving some advices, she barely listening those, when they finishes their lecture they let her to open the car’s door and Anu sat in passenger’s seat, gave wolf whistle

I chuckled and “Seatbelt”, I pointed to wear it

“You are acting like my father”, she frowned

I didn’t talk during travel, but I glanced at her for every ten seconds, she is playing with her fingers and sometimes with her curls of hair. Awkward silence is filling in our car, we never been like this before and I really don’t know what to talk, I recalled what my father told before driving her “take her to that restaurant, he is waiting for her, don’t go with her, they need some alone time” I don’t how will she react if I left her alone with that guy.

 *******

Anu point of view:

Bala didn’t talked while he is driving, his eyes were on road, I on the other hand was nervous and playing with my fingers, when we reached that hotel, he handed me his spare mobile, I looked him in confusion

“Call me, when you want me to pick u”, he told without even looking me

“Excuse me, come again”, I asked in disbelief

“He is waiting inside, go have some alone time, I will pick you up once you want to go home”, he told staring at steering

“You are going to leave me with that guy… right? Amazing, go have fun without me”, I groaned in frustration

“He will mind, if I come along with you, it is not that I am going to have fun, I will just sit in nearby park”, his voice is barely audible

I didn’t reply anything, I grasped phone from his hand and slammed the door loudly and walked towards the hotel.

*****

I saw him sitting near the window, when he saw me; he gave me a friendly smile

He extended his hand “Hi, I am Chandru”

“Hi, I am Anu”, I took his hand and he mentioned me to take seat

“I heard a lot about you from my father, he told you are beautiful, intelligent and brave girl”, he smiled

“Oh, I too heard something about you and you are leaving today right”, I asked

“I rescheduled for Friday, still five days more”, he shrugged

I gave him questioned look, why he postponed his trip

 “I just want to get know you well so that we can maintain long distance relationship”, he told without any hesitation. I really annoyed by his word, anyway I don’t like him, I don’t want him to know me, even though he is talking nicely and all, I don’t like his company . I really bored to death, he is continuously talking about his hobbies, like and dislikes. And sometimes he asked me questions at one point he shoots me with n number of question, after it feel like ages, he let me to eat my food, thank lord

“What is Bittu to you” hearing that name made me to lit my eyes in happiness

“My best friend and why?” I asked him

“We talked for almost 30 minutes, you mentioned his name for gazillion times, your likes and dislikes everything involved him”, he told

“Because he is my friend from my childhood and I spend my most of my time with him, we went same school same college and we are also neighbor”, I explained

“You sure, you are only friends “, he gave questioned look

“What you mean?” I narrowed my eyes

“Nothing, I just asked in curiosity, sorry if it is wrong”, he gave apologetic look

“I am tired, I am leaving now” I am really exhausted

“Ok, I will drop you”, he stand

“That’s ok, Bittu will do that”, I ignored him

“I already texted him, he won’t be waiting for you”, he stated

“What?  You texted him?  You know him?  He told ok?”I shoot him with question

“For all your question answer is yes”, he simply answered

I really frustrated, why Bittu made him drive me, how dare he left me?

Chandru is talking non-stop, will this guy shut his mouth for a while, I felt asleep and I woke when he shook my shoulders

“What?” I rubbed my eyes

“Your home” he pointed my house

“You want to come in? “ I asked for name sake I really don’t want him to come

“No, already late” I relieved from his reply

“Okay then, good night”, I told

“Good night, see you tomorrow “he grinned

No more tomorrow, I won’t see you again, I think to myself and gave him a fake smile

I noticed Bala’s car was parked, he really going to pay for this.

When I entered everyone gathered in room, my eyes searched for Bittu, he is nowhere to find. When I doing my hunting so many voices erupted

“How it went”

“How he treats you”

“You liked him”

“You are going to meet him again”

I send death glare to all, everyone closed their mouth at next second

“Where is Bittu”, I asked

“He is in home, packing”, Bittu mom replied

“Packing for what” I asked in confusion.

“He is having some cricket match so he is going to Delhi for a week” his father replied

He didn’t mention anything about match. He is going for week, really? I just don’t understand what is going on. I hurriedly exited my home, I ran to his house, I hurried to his room where he is standing near windows and staring at sky.

*******

Bala point of view:

After dropped Anu, I was waiting in park; I couldn’t describe what I am feeling now? I am happy or I am sad. I couldn’t face her, I don’t want to leave her alone, not exactly alone anyway she is with that guy, what will he took advantage on her, oh come on she is Anu she will rip his hand if he do anything, my inner conscious reminded me. When I was battling myself in thoughts, my phone interrupted me

 “Yes Dad”. I replied blankly

“Where are you?” he asked

“In park, I just dropped Anu, I am waiting for her to pick up”, I replied

“Chandru texted us, he will pick her up, so you just come” he told

“What? I can’t leave her alone, she won’t forgive me for this” I told him

“Bala don’t over react, she will come with him, just give her space, she don’t want you to pick up” he hang up

She doesn’t want me to pick up, she wants him to pick up, oh nice, and she doesn’t need my company anymore. Amazing…

No, she is not like that, she likes my company more than others…  what is happening to me, she is my friend, she will fall in love with someone one day, she will marry one guy, it is not I am always there to protect her, with that I start my car, came to home

I went to Anu home, there my parents and her parents were talking, when I am about to go Anu’s room, my father called me

“What now, dad” I almost yelled

“What’s wrong? Don’t use that tone to your father” my mom warned

“Sorry “I told

“Bala, we just want to talk something, can you sit and listen” Anu dad asked and I nodded took seat beside my father

“We know, you both are close friends and inseparable, but right now she needed space, Chandru told he  postponed his trip, so he will be here for next few days” Anu father told

“So what is this do with me” I don’t know what they are expecting me to do

“We booked ticket for you and Jo to Delhi, you both go and have fun and come back this weekend , by the time Chandru also left to abroad” my father explained

“Why should I go?” I asked him

“If you are here, Anu will spend time with you rather than him, if she has this week alone time with him, they will understand each other” my mom told

“I know you cared her more, you don’t want to leave her, but this is for own good” Anu mom told with some worries in her eyes

I don’t want to leave her for a week, but if I am here she won’t spend time with him and right now I need to clear my thoughts, I need to away from her, so that I can used to be when she leave me permanently,

**present time**

I am so deep in my thoughts and staring into sky

“Why you left me in hotel” Anu voice interrupted my thoughts

“I got text that you want him to drop, so I left” I replied without looking her

“What? Oh and you came without asking me” she murmured

We didn’t talk I didn’t look her face, I am still staring into sky, what is happening to us, why we both are behaving so differently, she just had date that’s all, she need her space, I should not suffocate her

“Where this sudden cricket match came” she asked more like whisper

“I just got call, me and Jo leaving in an hour”, I turned and replied her

She is in her beautiful gown, her makeup smudged, still she is beautiful

“Oh, you know this is the first time you are going somewhere without me” she told with serious tone

I thought I was the only person, who is affecting by this situation, but she is also affected, we definitely need this break, I need our friendship to be back, the only way is to need some space

“Come on Atom, help me packing” I told

“Do it by you” she told with blank expression

I throw towel in her face, she took it and placed in bed, I thought she will hit me, but she didn’t

“For the first time in history, you didn’t fight with me, Is this because you dressed like girl? So funny” I tried to irritate her

She didn’t reply anything; she sat her ignoring my comments

“For the first time in history, you didn’t give any sarcastic comments, you are definitely corrupted by this gown and behaving like a girl” I grinned

She had some blank expression in her face, what is she thinking, is she sad? Is she mad at me? What is she exactly thinking? 

“Ms. suddenly-changed-to-girl talk something, I am bored” I stand in front of her by keeping my both hands in her shoulders

“This is not my fault if u never seen me as a girl” she swatted my hands and shouted

“You angry for left you in hotel?” I was shocked by her sudden explosion

“Since when did you started listening to other people, I want you to pick me up, not him, I want to spend  time with you, no with him, but you are going somewhere  so called cricket practice without even asking me”, she yelled at me

“This is so sudden Atom, next time we both will go, promise “I tried to convenience her

When she is about to reply, there is a knock on the door, Jo came along with Ruby

“Hey dude, who is this pretty girl”, like me Jo also didn’t identify her

I chuckled but Ruby identify her and asked me in sign language, I mouthed her “yes”, she too got shocked and saw her like seeing some alien

“Hey pretty girl, I am Jo, I am Bala’s friend” he extended his hand

Anu took his hand and crushed his hand and gave her trade mark devilish smile

“Oh my hand, its paining, oh shit, ATOM” he shouted

I and Ruby laughed until we both got tears in eyes, where Anu crushing his hand, Jo is yelped in pain, struggling and fighting for her release. After I helped him, he got released from her grip

“You really a girl” he was still shocked

“Don’t made me to murder you” she simply stated and murder him with her eyes

“Ok, enough we need to go” Ruby interrupted their staring

“I need to get rid of my stupid gown and this makeup, wait for 5 minutes, I will quickly change and come” she told

I nodded Ruby went with her, I took my luggage and walk out of my home with Jo

“What happened? Why this sudden trip without your sweet heart? “Jo asked

“Sweet heart? “ I widened my eyes he shrugged his shoulders.

I told him from the planned date to our parent’s plan of keeping us apart everything expects the fact I was confused. He listen everything and he smiled lightly and shakes his head

“What so funny” I asked him

“You didn’t understand yet?  I know this from very beginning even Ruby knew that, you both only didn’t figured it” he told

“What are you talking about, I didn’t get you”, I asked

When he about to reply, we were interrupted by Anu and Ruby, she change her dress , she wore white tank top and blue jeans, curls in her hair was  now changed into mess bun, yes she is back to normal. We started to railway station. After train started Ruby and Anu went

“What were you talking about” I asked him

“Some love story”, he winked

“Whose love story” I asked

“Are u really an idiot or you are acting like one” he shakes his head

“What you want to know” I am clearly annoyed

“I thought you will understand when you guys will get some maturity, but you are still the same, see now what is happening, we are going to some trip” he told

“You know why I hate her, because she is--- she is “, he added

“Awesome” I told

“Yes” he smiled lightly, I didn’t expect he will accept that, I thought he will tell No she is horrible, but to my surprise he accepted that. I let him to continue

“When she came to our area, everyone liked her, before her I am your best buddy, but when she came she replaced my place, I lost my only buddy to her, she is an apple to everyone’s eye and I know you had something more than friendship, so I slowly understands you, my hatred towards her slowly reduced, but I don’t want to admit that to her, I continuously annoyed her, I really liked to fight with her, because of her I get to know Ruby,  you know that I love her and thanks to your Atom for that” he blushed lightly

I am shocked by his confession of everything, he confessed he don’t hate Anu, he confessed that he loves Ruby.

“I know you love Ruby, but I thought you hate Anu”, I told him

“That is not the point now, what am I telling you is “he stopped

“What” I don’t what is he thinking

“You love her man, you love her more than your life, and you love her without even realizing it” he told in serious tone

I am blank, she is my best friend, I never had any love feelings on her, and we never had that L- word in our friendship what is he talking

“What are you talking? She is my friend, damn it” I yelled at him

Instead of arguing he smiled and shakes his head

“What?” he is really irritating me

“This five days will answer you, I am not in the mood to explain you, good night”, he sighed

Five days? Yeah five days I need to survive without her, will I able to live without seeing her face? Will I able to smile without annoying her? Will I able to eat without stealing food from her? Will I able to sleep without getting punch from her? Oh god, I really need to clear my thoughts, she is my friend only

Not a friend exactly, more than a friend but not love, I was too deep in thoughts

“Sleep Dude” Jo told

I nodded and I am going to have long week

I want to talk with her, but she loses her mobile, Awesome so I am going to spend time without even knowing anything about her, great just great

******

Anu point of view:

It’s been two days Bala left, he occasionally called me from Jo’s mobile, Ruby texted Jo for entire day so I got to know what Bala is doing, I somehow avoided Chandru for last two days like telling I am having special class, exam but today he told he is going to come and he planned for movie tonight, I am thinking how to avoid him today

You know what the movie is Insurgent, even though my favorite movie, I am not in the mood to watch

“Hey, here, Bala wants to talk with you” Ruby told

“Hey Bittu, I miss u so much, when are you coming, when is that stupid match will end” I asked

“Saturday, I will be there, I miss u too” he told but I noticed something weird in his voice

“What’s wrong” I asked

“Nothing Atom, I got cold” he told

“You took medicine?” I asked

“Yeah, so what did u do yesterday, I called your father, he told you had special class” he asked

“I just roamed, first I went to beach then I sat in park, came back” I told

“You are supposed to spend time with Chandru, Atom” he told without any hesitation

How dare he told me to spend time with him, I thought he would feel bad, but he is telling me to spend with him, until now I don’t have mood to go watch movie, but now I am going

“You Know what, I am going to movie tonight Insurgent, because of you, I didn’t see last time, now I am going with him” I harshly told

“Oh” is the only reply he told

“I am going to get ready for movie” I told in order to made him more angry

“Ok bye” he told

“Bye” I replied and hang up

Did I want him to feel jealous?  Shit! What happened to me? Why am I expecting him to stop me? What is wrong with me?  I don’t know, I am confused, only thing to get rid of my thoughts is to go movie with him.

 I told Chandru to pick me up, we went movie and when I started watching, I am thinking about our popcorn fight, smile formed in my face, I couldn’t hide my smile

“You are not supposed to laugh for this scene” he pointed out the screen

“I actually remembered something, so I smiled” I tried to hide my smile

“Is that about Bala” he changed his face

“Yes” I replied

He didn’t tell anything, we started watching movie in silence, when movie over we ate in hotel. We drove home in silence, he never shut his mouth before, but today he didn’t open his mouth, what is wrong with him? Whatever, I am happy he didn’t bore me. We reached our home

“Thanks for the ride” I gave him my genuine smile

“That’s nothing” he didn’t look at my face

“What’s wrong” I asked

“Nothing wrong” he shrugged

“No you are kind of avoiding me” I asked

“Yes, I am avoiding you” he simply stated

“What? Why?” I widened my eyes

“So that I won’t fall for u, if not I will fall hardly for you” he explained

“What are you talking about” I crossed my arms across my chest

“I am telling that I don’t want to fall for you, because you--- nothing, just go “he half yelled

“Because me what, tell me” I narrowed my eyes

“Because you can’t like me, not only me, you can’t like anyone” he told with so much emotion in his eyes

“I don’t have any idea what you are talking about” I shouted

“You are ignorant, you are ignoring your own heart, you can’t love anyone except Bala, and he is in your thoughts, in your heart” he told

I don’t know what to tell him, he is right, Bala is in my mind every time, but that doesn’t mean that I love him. I unbuckled my seat belt and glanced his face, he staring in to the road

“Good night” I told

“Good night Anu, if I am wrong let me know, I will wait for your answer” he half smiled

I nodded

I am so confused, right now I need sleep

********

Bala point of view:

After Jo told me that I am in love with my best friend, there is lump in my throat; I am struggling to even breadth

I missed her like hell, her image flashing over my mind, I want to see her, I want to mess her hair, I want to pinch her, and I really missed her closeness

When she told, she is not spending time with him, I was happy, I was jumping in happiness, but it is replaced when she told she is going to movie, she didn’t miss me like I miss her, she didn’t have feeling like I am having when she told me she is going to get ready for him, I want to shout at her, I want to tell her don’t try to impress anyone but I couldn’t find any words

Who am I to tell her what she will do? I am her friend; at least she is thinking I am her best friend

I am having jealous, sadness, anger a mixed feeling, on the hand Jo having nice time with his girl friend so called Ruby

“Hey” I called him

“Yeah, Dude” he asked

“How could you love your best friend, Ruby is our best friend right? “ I asked him

“What is wrong with loving your best friend” he asked me

“You we are kind of grown up together, everyone know that we are best friends” I try to tell what I want him to tell but I don’t know how to tell

“I understand what you really want to know, she is my best friend, I found that she is my soul mate, you know she understands me more than my parents, she know me better than others, she always have faith in me, what more you want from girl, there is nothing wrong in love with your best friend dude” he smiled lightly

When he finished, I know I am in love; I am in love with my best friend

****

Anu point of view:

Today is Friday, tomorrow Bala is coming hurrayyyy I am jumping up and down in my bed and giggled like crazy

I went to airport to give send off to Chandru

“Call me When you reached” I told him and mean it, he is really sweet guy, if I didn’t miss Bala I really would have nice time with him

“Sure” he gave his trade mark smile

I nodded

When he about to leave, he turned to me

“Like you, Bala also ignorant, so don’t hesitate and make your move, if you really want anything in your life, you should not be scared, Not everyone got their friends as their life partner, you both are made for each other, I am little bit disappointed, but I am happy for you, have a great life ahead and stay in touch” he hugged me

I don’t know how to react but after few seconds I hugged him back,

Whatever he is telling is correct, I am thinking for last few days, talked to Ruby, she told me the same thing.

I don’t know this feeling, this is so foreign for me, but I understand he is my soul mate; this one week was very hard for me, this distance made me realize what he is for me

Yes, I am in love with my best friend, I told myself.

Tomorrow morning he is coming, I have to wake early to pick him up; waking up in early morning is the most difficult thing at the same time thinking of seeing him after a week made me feel excited. I kept almost 45 alarms. After so many alarms with more difficult, I woke up, I squeezed my eyes and yawned for so many times. I took quick shower. Ruby told me she will join with me; we both drove my car to station. I am nervous and excited, because now Bala is not only friend, something more now, I was fiddling my fingers

We reached the station, we are late so already train arrived, and I practically run the entire way until I reached the place where he is standing. For a second I have that feeling, I love him more than anything. It’s crazy to miss and love someone this much, it must be. All I can hope is that he feels the same way

Bala point of view:

I was waited for Anu to pick me up, I know how she hates waking up early in the morning, but she didn’t complain when I asked her. She was practically running towards me, seeing her after a week made me feel excited and also nervous, how will she react if I tell her how am I feeling? What if she didn’t feel the same way as I am? I might lose her friendship. What if she likes that Chandru? I will tell her slowly, I don’t want to lose her in the attempt telling her my love

When we are inches apart, she is yawning even after running, she is still feeling sleepy, she is crazy, I am crazy for her... Shit! When I started telling cheesy lines… I need to shut my sub conscious

“Hey Bittu” she is panting

“Hey Atom” I told her, I don’t know what to tell her

“Hi Ruby, hi monkey” Jo told

Atom gave him trade mark devilish smile, Ruby blushed and said hi

When we dropped Ruby and Jo, we both drove in silence, awkward feeling filled in car, I turned on Radio, it’s playing one song which Anu hate the most, I chuckled lightly and increased volume, to see her reaction

She smirked first, when I again turned the volume

“Will you please off this shit music” she said with anger

“You are speaking foul language” I shake my head

“If u didn’t turn off, I will talk like that only” she smirked

“Since, when did u learn Bad words” I giggled

“Try me” she raised her eyebrows

She started telling bad words, Oh my god; she really learned that, when she is about to tell that word, I really need to shut her, I closed her mouth with my hand. She smiled against my hand and she licked my hand

“You are disgusting” I cleaned my hand with my dress

“I know “she simply shrugged

“Hmm, what happened that day, you know, you went movie with Chandru” I asked by scratching my neck

“We watched movie” she stuck her tongue out

“Oh” how to ask her, whether she like him or not

“We are home” she unbuckled her seat and took one of my bags and went

I took other bags and followed her, she tossed my bag in my bed and lying in my bed, I quickly took shower and thought of asking about all details, when I return she is sleeping soundly

Her hair is messy, her dress is tangled, her mouth is slightly open, I giggled and adjusted her dress, when I am about to take my hand, she clutched my hand, I try to remove her grip, but she is so strong, she murmured something, “I miss you Bittu” when I heard her shaky voice, I was overwhelmed with joy, I found she is also affected by my absence, I was jumped up and down and dancing, she woke up, she blinked so many times, I was embarrassed and scrapped my neck

She chuckled and soon she is laughed like anything, tears came in her eyes because of her laughter

“Shut up” I told with embarrassment

“You know, you sucks in dance” she still laughing

“I know, I know, you sleep, I will make coffee for us” I told her, when I leave the room, I turned to look her

She is blushing, oh my god, when her eyes caught mine, she stuck her tongue out

One minute she is behaving like a typical girl, next minute she is behaving like a child, she is confusing, but I like her latter part, I prepared coffee for both and went to my room, she took my things out and arranged in my shelves, when she about to open my another bag, I suddenly remembered I bought her new mobile, I thought giving her after wrapping it with gift papers

“Here coffee” I distracted her before opening my bag

“Wow, coffee aroma… mmmmmmm “she smelled coffee as if it is a best thing in the world

“Drink before its getting cold” I instructed her

I am going ask her out, and going to tell her how I feel, I couldn’t hide myself for longer, I really want to know, how she is feeling. I don’t want to struggled with this feeling

*******

Anu point of view:

When Bala went to took shower, I was feeling sleepy, I dozed off soon, I felt Bala was sitting near the edge of my bed, I hold his hand, I touched his charm bracelet which I bought him last year, but it was big so he didn’t wear it, but now he is wearing, I smiled and told him “I miss you Bittu” when he was about to tell something I heard thud sound of floor, I quickly open my eyes, Shit! I dreamed, I actually dreamed of Bala.

There Bala dancing like idiot, I laughed until my stomach hurts

“Shut up” he told with embarrassment

“You know, you sucks in dance” I am still laughing

“I know, I know, you sleep, I will make coffee for us” he told, when he about to leave the room, I noticed he is wearing that bracelet, OH MY GOD, so I didn’t dreamt of touching his hands, did I really touched his hands? Then, why he is dancing like crazy? I was blushing when I realized what happened, Bala caught my eyes, and I suddenly replaced by stucks my tongue out

He laughed and went, after that we had little chat and drank coffee, I need to tell him how I feel

What if he thought me as friend and nothing more? I never behaved like a girl, What if he wants a girl like Ruby? When I was in deep thoughts

“Shall we go out” he asked

“Sure” I replied, today I am going to tell him, I can’t hide this feeling anymore

“Get ready at 10, I am having small work, so you will come directly to park, I will join you there” he told

I nodded and went to my home

I went to room, I scanned my room for perfect dress, all are jeans and shorts, T-shirts and tank tops, I don’t have any girly dress, I need to look presentable today, when I was exhausted I found something glittering, that was from dress which my mom bought for birthday.

I was happy that I didn’t throw that dress, it is beautiful gown, but looks too girly, at that time I didn’t need that dress but now I am going to wear, I need to be beautiful, so that I can be confident when I told him my love.

My mom is happy when I told her, I like Bala, she told me she will help me dressing, the most embarrassing thing is Bala’s mom helped me dressing, I was feeling awkward when she kissed me and told she is very happing to have me, both melodrama queens cried because of their happiness, they are hugging and excited

“I have to go at 10, if your show ended means, can u please help me with my make up? “ I kept my hands in my hip and raised my eyebrows

They both laughed loudly and started doing make up, my neck is paining, stupid make up, I am sure this is the last time I am going to do this, he like it or not I am not going to do this again…

Whatever, they finally tried their best to show me a girl, every time I did make up, outcome is worth the pain, and I am really looks good

I asked both of them to keep this from my dad and Bala’s dad, it Is not like they won’t accept, I don’t want to embarrassed again, they will also act like my mothers, I can’t bear to watch another dramatic show by our fathers, already had one big show

When I reached park, I was nervously fiddled my fingers, I sat in our usual spot, some guys look at me strangely, this is one of the other reason I never wore this kind of dress

I saw Bala coming towards me, when he saw me he had some blank expression, he scanning me from head to toe, he didn’t even smile, whether our mothers overdid my makeup, I should ask Ruby before coming here, What if I look like Zombie?

“Is Chandru coming?” he asked

“What?” I am shocked

“Then why are you dressing like this?” he widened his eyes

I didn’t expect this from him, I want to look presentable to him, I tried hard to look like a girl, but he is thinking that I did for Chandru, I couldn’t hide my tears, I bite my lips to stop tears coming from eyes

“Am I looking like Vampire?” I asked

“No, you are beautiful” he blushed lightly

“I didn’t do this for Chandru, I did for you” I told and turned away to hide my tears

“What? For me?” he shocked

“Yes” I still didn’t look him

“Atom” he came and stand before me, I am looking my toes

I didn’t look at him;

“Atom please look at me” he move closer and took my face between his palms forcing me to look straight into his eyes

“You have to know why I love you and why I choose to be with you. You make my days brighter just by being near me; I always have a reason to smile when you are around. Everything feels like its easier, I laugh easier, breathe deeper and feel so much more because of you. You came into my life like this whirlwind, tossed everything around and when it settled back down to normal, my entire world was different and it was amazing, so if that kind of relationship sounds unhealthy to people then I don’t care because I am in love with you, I love you more than anything, I don’t sit and watch someone marry you and take my precious thing from me” When he finished I filled his palm with my tears

This are the words, I am dying to hear, he is so perfect, he made everything easy for me, and I was difficult to find my words.

Because I didn’t tell anything, he got tensed, his hand is shaking

“Please tell something” he whispered

“I love you” is that only thing I could tell now, he gave me the box wrapped with gift covers, I gave him questioning look, and he told me open it. I found I-Phone inside it; I opened my mouth twice and closed

“It’s too much” I gave him disapproving look

“You are worth it” he simply stated

I about to reply he cut me off

“Don’t wear this kind of dress, it makes you look more beautiful then I need to protect you from all monsters, who are staring at you, I love you the way you look normally, I like your normal dressing sense and messy hair, I like it when I mess your already messy hair, so be yourself, real man will love the heart of girl not her appearance” he told me entwined our hands

I nodded stupidly

We went back to home quickly I removed that stupid gown and changed to black jean and red tank top and kept my hair in mess bun

When I went down stairs, he smiled at me

“You look cute “he pinched my nose

“I know” I stuck my tongue out

“You are adorable when you stuck your tongue out at me” he pinched my cheeks

“Stop flirting with me, you are disgusting” I hit his shoulder

“Oh, you back to normal please don’t ever wear that dress” he smirked

“Ever” I shake my head, thinking how stupid I was

“One thing, don’t hit me or punch me, you are too strong” he gave me puppy look

“I can’t help it, I am not strong, you are too weak, be a man and fight me back” I punched his stomach

He groaned in pain, and hugged his stomach

“You are going to pay for this” he about to stand, I kicked his leg he landed in floor again

I laughed loudly

“You are abusing my friend” Jo told when he entered into home with Ruby

I giggled

“What?” he raised his eyebrows

“I know you like me, don’t act like you hate me” I kept my hand in Jo’s shoulders and giggled

“What?” he swat my hand from his shoulders “You are annoying, I never ever like you” he shrugged

“Oh, I thought you liked me” I gave him puppy look

“Dude, she is really annoying, did u by any chance tell her anything? “He gave annoying look to Bala

Bala kept his hand in surrender and told No, Ruby as usual silent and understood what really happening

And this is our story

One girl and guy can be friends forever without love, like me and Jo, like Ruby and Bala, but it is difficult to find your soul mate who know everything about you, who loves you the way you are, who will be there with you during your hard and good times, I am happy that I found my soul mate, I am also happy that Ruby also found him.