It was promise which stopped me from breaking his teeth. The conversation would have been extended but dad came to my rescue and we returned home. "Dad you are the best." was my first line in car. "No, my daughter is best." was dad's joyful reply. "Stop showing off." Mom sounded annoyed. "Baba, Aai is getting jealous." It feels so good to tease her… "Mom, I am here for you." Om was being over affectionate at time. The whole drive back home was joyful.
After reaching home I was first to make myself comfortable on couch. Wearing heels and acting all good had drained all my energy. I raised my hand "fulfill your promise, I have fulfilled mine." Everyone knew, Me portraying all good, was not easy task and asked for reward, so they must fulfill my wish. Without single ward a bundle of note (money) came into my hand, as I ready to leave mom's voice came "Don't forget about books." As if I care…
Oh I forgot to introduce myself….. I am Rammy Dutta and this is my story.
That night I did not had peaceful sleep. After all it was day full of events, all the events stared moving in mind- negotiating on good sum of money, dressing up as a good, innocent girl, hours in salon, practicing with heels, Oma's performance, and meeting gorgeous & handsome boy and being lectured by him… Instead of making me pleased the thought of Rhythm made me more and more furious.
The next day went peacefully. It was the agreed day of bringing books means visiting his house. Deliberately I woke up late, rushed to bath and without spearing any time went for tuitions. The day was not so busy but killing time with friends is also sometimes important. I followed the same routine for next 3 days.
Then there came Sunday, the day started with mom's nagging "It has already been 4 days, you are giving reasons. It's too late, I have lot of homework, I don't have time….. Do you think I am fool asking you?" Mom sounded very furious. "Ok ok I'll go tomorrow." I was comforting mom. "What tomorrow? Today is Sunday, go and fetch books by today itself…. If you don't go, be ready for consequences." From mom's side that was end of discussion.
The lunch was specially prepared for me pumpkin curry, is it really for humans to eat? "Aai, what is this?" I was almost crying. "Food my dear… today you are only getting pumpkin curry. And others, if you take her side or you touch it then see…" mom was joking as well as threatening. With her warning no one dared to pass me another vegetable and eat silently. No one has courage to cross her words.
I accepted my defeat and said "I'll go at 4. Ok?" I saw a proud smirk on her lips. Being foodie, food has always been my weakness. And she knew how to use my weakness.
It was 3:30, almost time for getting ready, Aai came in my room. "What are you wearing today? Let me see what you have in closet?" as mom opened door the cloths came down like water flowing from cliff. Another round of scolding began with sorting of cloths. In whole heap of cloths mom could not find any single suitable clothing because they were T-shirts, shirts, trousers, jeans, jackets and hoodies and nothing else. Out of all things, she settled on the only top which was feminine and gifted by Sia.
My plan was already ready, so I was set to go but reminded something… "Aai, I don't know the address." Then she handed me a sheet of paper on which address was written, oh my mom is cleaver, but when did they exchanged address? "But are they at home? If not then my going will be waste." Was my sincere question. "Don't worry I have already enquired, they are at home. If you find it difficult to reach, then call this number." The number was written on the back of paper. She is indeed my mom, planed everything in advance. Sigh…
The address was actually difficult to find so I decided to call the number. The call was picked after two rings; I heard the same mesmerizing voice "Hello".
"Hello Rhythm. "Without a moment I heard "Rammya, where are you?" I was stunned by his question. "Wait, you already have my number?" Mom you are too much. "That's not important. Where are you?" I scanned the surrounding and informed him. He explained the simplest way to his house and I followed like an obedient child.
At the ring of bell door was opened by a handsome boy with welcoming smile which could even melt rock. But I being Rammya Dutta would definitely not fall for this smile. It was actually first time seeing him from so close and….