" I am sorry for not giving you time . It's just our relationship is still fragile. I want to make it stronger. I love her and want us to work out . It's not an excuse. Just try an understand. "
" I understand, Neel.but she needs to understand too. She needs to understand that she can't control your life. You have other important people in your life. Your dad, mom... maybe me? Okay maybe she's more important than me but I am still important to you ....right? "
I asked.
" ofcourse you're Neha and you know that. If you were not, I wouldn't be here at this time, I wouldn't bother climbing up a fu**ng window to meet someone if you're not important to me"
He stated rolling his eyes as if it was obvious. I smiled.
" as cheesey as it sounds but it's true that I can't loose you as my bestfriend. I need you beside me through the thick and thin. "
" me too. I want you to be my bestfriend even when we grow old . Oh..I forgot to tell you "
He said while getting up from the bed. He took his bag and returned to where he sat before.
" forget to tell me what ? "
I asked confused.
" I bought pizza "
My eyes widened in happiness as I grinned showing my 32 teeth.
" really!? Thank you so much , Neel "
I said as I took a slice of it and took a huge bite. He watched me as he chuckled.
" easy there. You'll choke. It's all yours. Eat slowly "
" you didn't have to do this . Really.you come to meet me it's enough for me "
" I wanted to do. I knew it will make you happy "
" but I am already happy seeing your face"
I said chewing on my pizza.
" stop talking while eating. Will you ? You look like Halloween pumpkin "
" did you just called me fat indirectly? "
" No, I called you a pumpkin "
" I will let it go this time, cause, you bought me pizza. I can't be mad at you "
" thank god! I was so scared "
He said dramatically . I rolled my eyes at him . I ate my pizza peacefully. While Neel drank some water. I offered him a bite.
" no, thanks. I am full. I had dinner with Sarah before coming here "
" good for you. I don't want to share any way."
He scoffed in reply. I closed my eyes enjoying every flavour of my cheezy pizza .
" Neha "
He called.
" hmm? "
I replied. My eyes still closed.
" Do you know them ?"
He asked. I stopped chewing. I opened my eyes . His eyes were looking directly at mine. I gulped down .
" who? "
I asked as I looked down and took another slice.
" who did this to you "
" No, I already said that at police station "
" I know. But I can't seem to believe that.....you deleted your call history and chat history just the day before that day. We somehow managed to get your call recordings with the help of police . You deleted all of your social media accounts. Am I missing something? "
He looked serious. He had a look that said answer-me-right-now .
" No, you're not. My phone was getting full. That's why i deleted unnecessary things"
I lied. I did because of fear. There was a dead silence for some seconds before he asked me again.
" Neha, is the pervert who chased you that evening Is one of those who did this "
My eyes widened but I covered it as quickly as possible. I acted normal.
" I don't know "
" you don't know or you don't wanna tell me? I want answers"
" there is no use of the answers. "
" and why you think that? "
" cause my parents doesn't want to punish them. And I can't go against them"
" But I can. I can't walk them around freely after making you locked inside , after taking your happiness "
" just leave it Neel."
" why don't you just answer my damn questions? "
" cause I don't want to relive that nightmare. I am not ready to go back to that day."
" if you're not ready then I'll wait. But I want the truth and if you don't tell me then I have my ways"
I glared at him.
" you won't "
I warned him although I knew it wont stop him.
" oh yeah? Believe me, I will "
" Neel, just forget about it . Your exam is coming. You should concentrate on that. Don't waste your time by dealing with my shits "
" can you forget that ? Can you ? It's not only me whose exams are next month.you would've been studying here for exams rather than sitting here and mourning.My career is important. My future is important. My family, my relationship is important. But that doesn't decrease your importance. That doesn't decrease the importance of my friendship. "
His eyes never left mine while he said those words.I sighed. I looked down at my lap and palmed my face.
I crawled toward him and placed my head on his lap. I closed my eyes and exhaled a big amount of air.
" still can't sleep ? "
I moved my head sideways.
" I have to leave before midnight and it's already 10:45 "
" it's okay. You can leave after I fall asleep. Just massage scalp."
" like this ? "
" yeah "
I relaxed as his fingertips massaged my scalp. I knew I was gonna fall asleep soon.
" Neel "
I muttered.
" yeah ? "
" who you do you love the most in the word ? "
I suddenly asked out of the blue.
" my grandma "
" grandma, as in your mother's mother? "
" yeah . She had only mom as her family after grandpa died. But after mom got married she got alone. Mom couldn't visit her often as she had to help dad with his business. She is the one who did my upbringing. I spent my childhood with her. As she got older She used to get sick often and there was no one to take care of her. She was alone.So I decided to transfer here. I loved her and I still do. I miss her . The home feels empty without her. It's been two years she died but it feels like tomorrow when she used to play with me , cook me Rajma, when I used to sleep in her lap"
" you really love her "
I said smiling.
" I do. Now enough story time. It's time for your beauty sleep"
I chuckled.
" yeah, yeah. Good night Neel "
I closed my eyes again.
" good night."