spring rolls.
'Madhav, so many guests. How are we supposed to be more
private?’
'Yeah, fine, I understand,’ I said. I picked up two spring rolls.
‘Besides, I will see you in college on Monday, right?’ she said.
I nodded as I ate the spring rolls. A part of my frustration came
from hunger. I felt better after the snack.
‘I understand how you feel. In some ways, even I feel like a tourist
at these parties,’ Riya said.
‘What?’
‘It’s not real. All this. I’ve lived with this fakeness all my life,’ she
said.
‘And why did you speak to your dad so rudely?’
‘Did I? Whatever. He’s another fake.’
‘C’mon Riya. Don’t talk like that.’
‘You hate it here, don’t you?’
‘No, I’m fine. What a grand house you live in. I still can’t get over
it,’ I said, in an attempt to change the topic.
‘I hope it doesn’t affect us. I’m still the same Riya who plays with
you on the dusty court,’ she laughed.
‘What is “us”, Riya?’
‘Us.You and me. Our friendship.’
‘Riya, we are more than friends.’
‘Are we?’ She looked at me as if genuinely confused.
‘I’ve never kissed anyone before,’ I said.
'Madhav.’
‘What?’
‘People can hear us.’
‘Nobody can hear us.’ The loud music in the garden ensured
nobody could hear anything.
‘We’ll talk about this later.’
‘You never do,’ I said
'I will, I promise. Please cheer up now.’