Tanmay--
Shreya called first. Said a few things. Before I understand and reply, she hung up the call. It just reminded me, how in past when we played matches together at school, she was always like that. " Be at the court (Academy) for practice at 2 pm. If you keep being late, I will ask coach to change my partner." Always bossy and so disciplined.
But why... Is she interested in my offer... I don't think so... Then is she interested in me (such thought itself ridiculous, she never give damn about person like me, in past she always made face like she about to puke when she see us together ( me & my ex), during practice, her only goal to achieve consistency as coach said for whole game. Btw, it's fine. Adrenaline rush is good. Atleast when I am playing , I only think about the game. Suddenly my phone rang. My best friend is video calling me. This guy is annoying. ( My friend, aakash lives in Mumbai, works at MNC company.) I answered call.
Tanmay- is this good time ? You should be sleeping by now.
Aakash- Aunty gave me good news. My friend has gained some basic awareness and he actually going out and meeting people.
I laughed. Well-wishers.
Tanmay- Nothing special. He got rejected by first girl only.
Aakash- Really? You must have started talking about your sad love story. Btw who's the girl, aunty sent me photo but I couldn't download.
Tanmay- No she already knows. My love story. You remember Shreya " The great badminton player" from school,
My friend's expression changed, as if he's interested....
Aakash - Wow.... really...she was a quite Beauty but intimidating and Unapproachable. Tanmay you should try hard. I mean...
Tanmay- one minute...beauty huh ? You just got married two months ago, I will complain to Sandhya ...you beauty creep.
Aakash - hoyyyy....no ways... Are you insane...I am not interested in her but During school time she was popular among boys but no one ever succeeded. Once she beat chirag so badly, he ended up with plaster on his neck and leg. After that topic was closed forever.
I got shocked. Like anything related to Shreya in school, I thought I never missed it. So...
Tanmay- What ? I mean that chirag always with his gang of 3-4 boys. Those guys were so annoying even principal was tired of them. They hurt Shreya ? Together? I mean she beaten him, didn't they attack back ?
I really get worried. They were rascals. All the bad words can be used for them.
Aakash - You are worried for her now...wow...you guys got some bond...are you interested in her or what ?
Tanmay - cut the crap and answer you ***.
Aakash - why you're so desperate now... It's over, I see you don't care about person got plaster but you're worried about her safety....this is risky...are you in love again what...dude you fell in love so fast...
Tanmay- I got free pass of this conference to occur in Mumbai, well I was planning to invite you but as you're being so annoying...
Aakash stopped talking crap, and finally.
Aakash- Fineee...you always do that. Trust me your second lover was firstly attacked by four of them, but her father and coach were near by only. By time they reach her she already beaten chirag this hard, all three of them about to run but luck was with her. And also all thing recorded on camera. But as her father you know... He's good friend of Director dean. So it wasn't discussed that much.
I strangely felt relieved. Even though we were not close. She's good friend.
Aakash - You are so easy. You fell in love again.
Tanmay- Shut up you crazy. Don't call her second lover. It's just a concern. Now I am gonna cut this call and sleep. Go away.
Aakash- Tanmay.... Tanmay.....
I cut the call and throw my phone away. Too much Shreya today. Or anything related to marriage.
-------Weekend--------
I reached at academy (Court). It's different location then our school time. But it's more advance, nice building, well maintained and well equipped. I dialled Shreya.
Shreya- Very good. Mr. Late latif, you're on time breaking all your past records..
She spoke from behind and I turned around.
Tanmay- I changed my inspiration...
I teased her. She made a face.
Shreya - Talk whatever necessary.
Tanmay- But I am not happy. What's with this dress code? I was hoping you might wear a skirt.
She looked at me intensely as she could kill me with her gaze.
Shreya- Ahan, are you sure you didn't broken up because of your desires to watch other women in particular clothes?If you're here to make this pathetic jokes, you go back. I can't assure your safety.
I laughed.
Tanmay-Ouch. That hurts. But Yes, Last night I just heard your story. Ms. Superwoman and her adventures.
Shreya- Now I am regretting to invite you. You're more annoying without your ex. Speak in language people can understand.
It's very fun to irritate her.
Tanmay- You invited me. Yes. Ok I will tell you about adventures. But what's your reason? Why is this meeting happening ....You know marriage is not possible...
Shreya- No. Agreement. Tell me about that more. But after the game ....
Tanmay- are you interested in that ? Whoa...you literally made scene first time...
Wow... she's interested in that.
Shreya - am I not allowed to hear it, unless I agree?
Tanmay- No. We can discuss. It's upto you only. I might be clown or love fool but not pathetic. I know it will affect you more than me in this society. Still, we can make it easier.
Shreya - Good then. Let's talk after good game. Get ready, I am not going easy on you just because you haven't played in a while.
Oh, no... My wrists and ankles will definitely hurt. Meaning of her good game.
Tanmay - shreyaaa.... careful...
She was walking backward, talking to me, not paying attention, A helper was moving past with a tray near dustbin, everything happened so fast
We straggered sideways, instinct took over, I reached for her hand and pulled her towards me, her hands landed on my shoulders, and our faces inches apart. She stopped speaking looking at me in shock, but neither of us moved, I can feel her breath, the way she froze, I realised my grip on her waist is tight, we same time just get away....
Shreya -What are you doing? Are you
Trouble magnet or what ?
Tanmay- Oh really, So now, it's on me again, look that way , I saved you to from touching garbage bag.
Shreya- Whatever. Let's go.
(What the *** happening...and what I am doing even, I smelled that perfume, and for what I was maintaining that gaze, why I couldn't look away...and her cheeks got red...i couldn't just ignore that, I remembered what Aakash said... Second lover...No... Never... We are good friends...but I couldn't deny, with that physique ofcourse she's popular. Not only in school but everywhere Maybe.)
And game started. For first few minutes Shreya didn't look at me in eyes. She played quietly .But after that she played like beast. Her player mode is on. I was just trying to keep up with her.