Thick tears were making their way down her fair face one after the other but the girl didn't even acknowledge their presence. She was silently crying, comfortable in her own space. Her attire had turned me off her but something inside me made me approach her.
The Other Side
127 “Anything wrong?” I asked, tapping her hand. Her skin was cold and my fingers felt like they were being immersed in Arctic waters. I guessed the air-conditioning was too strong for frail people like her. She seemed to ignore me, so I repeated the question a little more politely. No response again.
“Had a fight with your guy?” I asked shifting a little closer and almost immediately she turned her head. Gosh, she had arresting eyes. She glared at me, warning-like and then seemed to relax.
“What's your name?” I asked. She ignored me again. I wasn't the kind who gave up so easily.
“Anyway, my name is Salim,” I introduced in my most
impressive tone. She rolled her eyes upon hearing that. For the first time, she smiled. Her smile was by far the best feature about her, soft red lips parting to reveal perfect white dentures.
“What's your name?” I asked again, signaling for a drink. “Aarusha, you can call me Aaru,” she said offering her hand. She seemed warm then and her touch gave me a comfortable feeling. “Oh, you were so cold earlier but… I guess they must have increased the temperature of this place as the rainy night sets in… or is it just me?” I switched mid-way sensing an opportunity to flirt. Her cheeks changed colour on hearing that and I nodded, gratified.
“Drink,” I offered as soon as the next shot came in. “No, thank you. I don't drink,” she said.
“Coke?” I asked.
“No, I'm fine. Thanks,” she said, placing her palm on my hand. I didn't want to force her so I shut my eyes and drowned the drink in one go. When I opened them, she wasn't on her seat. I stood up and saw around but failed to spot her. I scanned the crowd and immediately my eyes focused on her in the dancing lights, thanks to her attire.
I pushed my way through the mass of bodies and intercepted her.
“Hey, going already? The party has just begun,” I said. She just smiled and toyed with the corner of her dupatta.
“Care to join me for a little gig?” I asked extending my hand. She did not reply but placed her hand in mine and I pulled her back, showcasing some moves on the way. We joined the crowd as a new track bombed in our ears. I found her slow yet graceful in her movements. Ignoring the music, we just danced for fun. I heard her laugh for the first time as I did a Mithun-like push of the hip. I held her hand and pulled her close, her face an inch from mine. Not many times I would look a girl in the eye but with Aarusha, it was different. I just could not take my eyes off her. I erased the inch of a distance by placing my lips on hers, my breath striking the scent of roses. I ran my hand through her curls, the fragrance of which was like that of the first rains, pleasant and earthy.
I parted her lips, trying to absorb her in. I could almost feel her petite breasts rubbing on my chest. My hands hugged her waist, pulling her closer. Abruptly she pulled back from me and stared into my eyes. The tears were resurfacing.
“This is not right, Salim,” she said, moving back.
Before I could say something, Aarusha turned and sprinted towards the exit. I immediately followed her and we came out in
The Other Side
129 the parking area. The rain had stopped, leaving little pools of water in the mud. “Aaru, Aaru… wait!” I shouted, suddenly feeling like she was someone I had known for a long time. I caught up with her, intercepting her path again.
“I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to do that, it just happened. Please forgive me,” I blurted for the first time to a girl. She stared at me and after what seemed like an eternity of looking in her eyes, she nodded, a slight movement of her head.
“Thank you, let's go back. We're having so much fun,” I suggested, taking a step towards the pub and expecting her to do the same.
“No, I should get going. It's late,” she said, looking up at the sky.
“So soon?”
“Yes, I have to.”
“You'll go alone at this time of the night? It's not safe. Let me drop you on my bike.”
“No, thank you. I'll be fine.”
“I insist, koi shak?” I said, repeating the Mithun-gig. Her laughter soothed my anxiety.
“Alright, let's go,” she said and accompanied me to the bike parked ahead. She sat with her shoulder touching me. Although I was not expecting her to sit with her front touching my back, the weird thing was that not once did the thought of taking advantage of the potholes cross my mind.