I am a little over 18, ohhhh kk… heavens I think I have mentioned that a million times over, but I just can’t get over it because I have never ever experienced such high, intense emotions. I have read romantic books, seen romantic movies, heard friends talk about their affairs and encounters but never did I think I would find myself in the whirlwind of such emotions. I was absolutely confused and even a little scared of these feelings but despite everything the feeling of being secure, being taken care of was strong.
I wondered if he would just let me go now that I was a little calm or would he get off with me (I wished he would see me home).
My instinct proved to be correct when he got off at my platform with me. It was late in the evening and even though I was out of my la la land I could feel the reaction start to crop up now from the previous episode. Rahul who had been watching me like a hawk decided to drop me home to make sure I was safe (without 21
needing my consent). Once we reached outside we started walking towards my house, not once did I doubt myself or his presence by my side. It just felt natural and right. As we walked alongside it had a feel of normalcy, we were so attuned that neither questioned the other. We just moved in sync with each other.
We still had not spoken to each other, neither before nor since the incident. I continued to walk by his side enjoying the light evening breeze, all was quiet except for the light evening traffic. The air around us had all the settings for a romantic stroll. Occasionally our hands would brush sending a shiver through my body. Only some of the street lights were working (typical Mumbai), and most of the shops were shut or were about to close. There were only a handful of people all rushing towards home. Everything else was quiet and lovely.
I was letting my imagination run wild thinking of declarations of undying love, of kisses and hugs when suddenly Rahul broke the silence shattering all my romantic illusions, I had imagined. I will always remember the first words he spoke to me.
“Have you no bloody sense?” Oopsie! I was stunned because I expected anything but that. I looked at him in surprise but he did not notice my expression and continued to shout at me.
“Don’t you ever think before you act, will I have to always watch out for you? I will be worried sick when I’m not around to take care of you,” he paused for a second and lashed out at me again.