Chapter- 09

Neil:

I was studying, I kept my phone silent since morning my friends were disturbing like saying this & that. It was on a purpose. They knew I had a test to attend tomorrow.

Anyway, I got up from the study table. I checked my phone,got 18 miscalls from them & 3 from Aunt. Aunt generally doesn't call me frequently. I did wonder why. I called her back at first.

She picked.

"Oh Neil,were you busy?", aunt asked picking up.

" Yah,I was. Is Everything okay? Any urgency? "

"Yes,I can not return home today, I got some problems, can you take Heili to your place? I called your mom already,'"

"Yeah,sure. Where is she?"

" She is at home."

"Please go & pick her up,It's almost so late",

" okay..hanging up! Take care auntie. Bye."

I left taking jude's car. He's my neighbour plus a friend. I had to hurry.

I pressed calling bell. She opened.

I took her at home.

My mother wasn't home, maybe would be late.

"Heili, You can stay here,get some water,make yourself at home" I showed her a room beside mine.

It's a guest room.Only a vacant room.

"Hmm", Heili smiled

" There's food in the fridge, Can you please help yourself,It would be best!" I spoke.

"Uhh,Don't worry. If I need,I will" she said.

I went my room,sat for study.

I studied for 2 hours more. It was almost 11. I thought checking her out a bit.

I knocked her door,she didn't reply. I knocked 2-3 more times. She didn't respond.

I went downstairs, opened the fridge. Took a pasta box, helped with microwave, started eating, meanwhile she came from outside.

"Whaaat! Where did you go?" I got frightened.

"Uhh,,,Just wandering around the yard," she smiled.

"No no..why didn't you tell me? It could be dangerous!"

"Ummm, you were studying, I thought I shouldn't show up"

"Not even an issue! Never think that way. How about eating pasta? sit here!" I chuckled.

We both finished the box. It was full of pasta trust me. I never felt hungry like this, maybe cause I had to eat alone. Or maybe because I got accompanied by someone, same thing!!

We talked a lot while eating. I could see her change. She was more comfortable, more confident while she was expressing herself. It felt good. She was laughing, chatting, hesitating & overcoming it. Nice to watch that.

Conversation was like that more or less:

Neil: Heili, Do you feel anxious now that you felt earlier time? Are you any better?

Heili: I feel relaxed now. I mean my day was good. I did my class properly, I did some homework too (with a chuckle)

Neil: A big change. Very positive. Good to see you smiling! Happy for you.

Heili: I am also happy to get a friend like you. I appreciate & also am sorry for my all that rudeness.

Neil: Just don't worry about it. We're amazing!

Neil: So, Do you have, I mean you've ever been in a relationship? I think It's personal lol. Don't answer if you don't want.

Heili: It's fine. Totally no. I never felt that way,I was nerd since my preschool. I never had the chance to look at anyone literally.

Neili: Understandable. If you ask me...

(Heili started laughing)

Neil: What?What did I say that made you laugh? wwwhat??

Heili: I don't wanna ask you if you have anyone. Don't make me ask you please.

Neil: Owww I mean you can! I am handsome afterall. I could be unavailable you know. If you wanna take the chance you can. (I was joking obviously)

Heili: There you go! Look at the gesture! Hahahahahaa.

(Neil & Heili both laughed like mads)

"I am so full, no more eating ", Heili pouted.

I thought the same. " true"

Meanwhile, Mom knocked. I opened.

She got in & smiled.

"Hi, Heili. I am sorry I couldn't look after you. I had been really busy. I got zero break. Have you eaten?"

"Yes,we ate pasta. Thank you very much for your concern". Heili replied.

" No worries,get some sleep then, I am gonna go & rest.so tired" Mom smiled & left.

I & Heili both went upstairs.She came to my room before going to hers. She literally walked all over the room. Took some books, tried reading.

"Can I borrow it?", she spoke.

"Which one? Hmm,sure!"

"Thank you"

Again saying nothing even goodbye or something she left the room.

I started reading again.

Hellow mellow, (clinging)