"Why don't you date Stephen?" my sister suddenly asked me , causing me to choke on my food real bad.
We were sitting in our dining table which was long enough to fit six people but no more than that.
I was sitting across from my sister, at the north
end of the table, eating porridge, watching yet another nonsense on my phone when she quipped.
'Oh shut up' my mind responded.
"Umm. What?" My mouth replied between hiccups.
"No. I was just just thinking. It might be good," she replied, absentmindedly. Looking deep into her porridge as if it had some hidden treasure.
Her reaction meant this was one of her epic 15000 useless things to say and forget Instantly.
And I didn't push her.
It wasn't possible.
He is way older than me.
He was her freaking college friend.
And now he worked with her in the same office, although in different departments.
------------------------------
I got up from the bed at 5 AM. Yes I am a morning person.
I saw my elder sister beside me, still sleeping.
I got up and slid my black silk robe on my tiny and slender frame and looked at myself in the cheval mirror* beside our bed, in the dim light of the breaking dawn.
I tied my waist length black hair into a messy bun, with a scrunchie. And tied the robe around my waist. I am not that tall (5'4"), and I didn't have such distinguishing characters like different coloured eyes, or something like that. But I won't call myself ugly for that.
Why would anyone like me?
I smiled at myself and the train of thoughts I had.
I know what induced them. But couldn't get myself to admit it.
...
I got out of the room closing the door behind me so that my sister won't wake up by any noise whatsoever.
Our apartment was a 2bhk, but we reserved the other bedroom either for the guests or for the code of conduct implying no disturbance when other had someone over.
I cleaned the rest of apartment a bit , and washed yesterday's porridge bowls.
And again I caught myself thinking about the possibility which my sister suggested.
Ok I seriously need to stop now. This never happened. I blame my sister for this.
I went on to make some scrambled eggs for breakfast. And toasted two breads keeping two more near the toaster.
I sat on the bench of near the kitchen island.
As I started eating the door of our room opened. My sister came out groggily.
It was 7 AM.
"Morning," I quipped.
"Oh shut up"she was still sleepy as she brewed us coffee. And made her toast. She had already microwaved her scrambled eggs.
I smiled as she went on calling me an annoying tweety bird.
She sat down beside me and ate.
After a while when she completely woke up. She said, "I am sales head from today!! ". Back to her ever amused phase.
I had half congratulated her when she announced that she had promised a party tonight.
" What?" If I die choking someday my elder sister is to be blamed.
"Umm yeah please arrange, moreover u have holiday today"she replied cheekily while sipping her coffee trying to hide behind her coffee mug.
" 100 guests, all college friends, dress for you, please wear something awesome, i will come back dressed at around 6 pm,I am out at 5:30 pm, call me if u need anything... " She rattled off.
.....
I was tensed.
I had to plan a party by 7 pm.
There were so many things to do.
And I loved this excitement as well. The excitement of organising and planning something always was soothing experience for me.
As told earlier I had the snacks ready. My chicken was ready to go in oven for the afterparty dinner. With a pie.
As far as party was concerned I made some pomegranate-glazed meatballs, my sister's favorite, Spicy Roasted Sweet Potato Hummus, and put some shrimp cocktail .
I even went on to order a few pizza.
That always worked.
I was done with the cooking and cleaning by 4 pm. I decorated the snacks on the coffee table in the Hall. And smiled at myself. I have a habit of humming while working.
Finally I did a little twirl and patted myself ever so slightly at this accomplishment. My apartment looked beautiful.
But something was a miss. I sat down on the plush white mat near store room and started checking out things in my mind.
Vacuuming. Check.
Cleaning rooms. Check.
Cooking. Check.
Chilling drinks. Check
Ordering beers for light drinkers. Check
Putting few cushions on the mattress. Check.
Decorating food. Check.
Covering places in fairy lights. Check.
Dressing up. Wait. Dress. Shit.
I looked up at the wall clock above the windows, behind the large sofa. It was 6 pm. I needed to take dresses out. I rushed to my room and started the whole ritual to get ready.
...
(45 minutes later)
Well the end product was good. I was dressed in a ankle length black maxi dress whose slit went upto my upper thigh. It had a deep-neck which perfectly outlined my heavy chest. In the back it was backless till the waist line.
I tied my hair in a messy top bun with wavy strands loose my temples framing my face. I had worn a body necklace.
.....
Being satisfied I went out of my room and heard the doorbell ring.
Now she arrives. I went upto the door all smiles. Today was fun.
I planned to tell her off for being so late then thank her for the awesome day.
I laughed at my own little scheming.
I made a pretty serious face.
And I opened the door only to find it wasn't my usual cheery sister bickering, instead there stood in a black suit, looking oh-so-hot, Stephen.