Chapter 2

Diya decided to meet her friends at JK Mall the next day. Her friends, Kaia and Ravi, were already there when she reached the mall after school. "Hello, guys." Diya waved at them happily.

"For god's sake Diya! We've been waiting for you for half an hour. You're lucky that we are free otherwise..." Kaia said glaring at her.

"Sorry guys. My school suddenly had a teacher's meeting. I couldn't contact anyone as it was an emergency meeting.". Ravi smiled at her and said, "It's fine, Kaia was just trying to mess with you. Let's go. The movie is about to start.".

After the movie, the friends decided to have dinner at a Chinese restaurant. "Go on, order anything you want. It's my treat today.". Diya and Kaia were surprised by Ravi's comment.

"Did something happen? The thriftiest person I've ever known wants to treat his friends?". Kaia's sarcastic tone made Ravi chuckle. "I got myself a girlfriend.".

"WHAT?!". Ravi was embarrassed by the heads that turned their way after Diya and Kaia's exclamation. "Girls, don't embarrass me. What's the big deal?".

"What's the big deal you ask? Dude, You've been single since your second year of high school. Wow. This is something worth celebrating. This won't do. Let's have a party this weekend. We can invite our high school friends too. It's been a while since we all gathered together anyway. What do you guys say?". Ravi nodded at Kaia.

"I wish to join you guys too but I can't. I have a family dinner this weekend." Diya said. Kaia looked at Diya and asked, "Is this about your marriage again?".

Kaia frowned when Diya nodded. "What's with your family? They are too much. You're not a kid anymore. Why are they forcing you to do something you don't want to?".

Ravi kept silent for a minute then said "Diya, I understand how you feel. But we're not getting any younger. You can't stay alone all your life. Just because your parents' marriage failed, it doesn't mean yours will too.".

"I know. But the men I trust always hurt me in the end. First my dad, after that... leave it. I just don't want to live a life like my mum's. I'll marry when I meet someone who makes me feel like it's worth it even if I end up losing everything." Diya said.

"Okay, enough talking. The food is here. Let's eat first.".

After 2 hours.

"Wow, look at the time. It feels really good to be with you two. Thank you for spending your precious time with a boring person like me." Diya said with a smile after they finished shopping.

"Aiyaa. Of course, who else would hang out with this uninteresting being if not us. But Diya, you really should consider having a little more fun. Go to clubs, enjoy your lif-". Diya hugged Ravi and Kaia goodbye and fled from there before Kaia could finish her sentence.

Ravi and Kaia shook their head at Diya's behavior and went their separate ways after saying goodbye to each other.