Knock! .... knock!
I heard a familiar voice call out, "Bro, open the door!"
It was Shakshi — late, as always. Back in school, she was the only one who lived closest to the building yet never made it on time.I still remember our junior prefects used to say "Didi Aaj bhi late bhagwan" and one day when she came on time everyone was like India won world cup.everyone was so shocked that it became a running joke.
I opened the door and said, "Bhai, kaha thi?"And Priyan, even you're late today? Seriously ? You were always the punctual one! Kya asar ho gaya tum par?"bad company bhai.
Shakshi rolled her eyes and snapped playfully, "Hat, aab kaun time waste kar raha hai bol...!
We all burst into laughter — me, Priyan, and Shakshi — just like old times.
Shakshi and I nodded, and the three of us headed toward the car. Shakshi's energy was already through the roof.
"Finally!" she shouted, almost bouncing in her seat she's getting married kitna wait karvaya..bhi shakshi tune toh kitne saal se you have planned for their honeymoon like wtf .
We all burst into laughter, the car filling with our voices and old memories.
"I'm not driving," I said, handing the keys to Priyan. "Please, you take the wheel."
He sighed but smiled in defeat. "Fine," he said, sliding into the driver's seat.
We set off on our journey, the wind rushing past and music filling the silence. A soft romantic song started playing, and for a moment, my heart skipped a beat when I heard that... song "Jhol"...I was lost in the thoughts of ....
Noticing the sudden quiet, Priyan quickly changed the song to "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani." They both tried to lighten the mood, and I laughed along, though something deep inside me still felt strange — a quiet heaviness I couldn't explain.
I tried to act normal — I've always been good at pretending I'm fine.
Shakshi looked at me. "Bro, are you okay?"
I nodded and smiled. "Yeah, just a bit tired."After a while, I began to feel better, until Shakshi suddenly asked, "So, tell me, when are you getting married?"
I groaned. "Oh god, not you too! Everyone keeps asking me that. Can't you find a new question, please?"
She laughed. "Fine, fine, relax—"
And just then, my phone rang.
Oh! Look, your bride-to-be is calling!"
answering the call "Ananya kaha mar gayi thi' said Rohini....Before I could say anything, Shakshi snatched the phone. "Here, talk to your long-lost friend!" she said, laughing."Rohini!" I shouted, taking the phone back. "You didn't tell me you were coming together!"
"Bhai, it was supposed to be a surprise," she said, giggling.Okay fine, now tell me what's going on," Shakshi demanded eagerly.
Rohini paused. "You remember Ankhush's best friend, right?"
"Yeah, I do. Why?" I asked curiously.
"Actually…" she hesitated, her voice dropping. "Actually, what happened is…"
~ To be continued... ~