CHAPTER 12 : FRESHERS PARTY

Roma

How could he? Eliana is Vicky's girlfriend. I know they don't get along but how could he agree to it?As much as I have known, at this university if one brings a date to the freshers party it implies they are either official couples or are on their way to be one. Since at this college, due to its strict boundaries and hurdles, such parties are the only time and place where one can have a romanticised convention.

NIKHIL : They broke up. (Did I said that out loud?)

NIKHIL : Yes, you did.

I : Nikhil, its totally your choice with whom you want to go but..

NIKHIL : But what?

I : Just be careful. She is not a good news.

NIKHIL : Do I look like five who can't take care of himself ?

I : I didn't mean that Nikhil. I am just concerned for you. Isn't that what friends do?

NIKHIL : Advik and Tanya are my friends too. They didn't come after me. You did.

I : They wanted to, but…(I had nothing to say. I didn't really see how they reacted to Nikhil's action. I just felt he needs me, so I ran after him. Will he be hurt if I tell the truth?)

NIKHIL : I ain't complaining Roma. I am trying to clarify you. Best friends hold a different place at heart in comparison to…(There was silence around us. So silent that it almost hurt my ears)

I : We should head back to classes. (I turned around and left to the classrooms, though I knew I can in no way possible be able to concentrate)

Tuesday went by in no time. Girls getting excited and happy when their crushes asked them out, some boys were happy to get free and unlimited food, some were excited to shake their booty to the beats of the music whereas my mind was occupied with Nikhil. The anger in his voice when he acted friendly, the hurt in his tearful eyes, the sudden possessive attitude provoked in him. Nothing made sense. When I joined for this university I fanaticised everything to be perfect. I thought that everything in life will be smooth. Am I being twirly? Or the things happening already.

Nobody knows who is my date. I don't expect them to react in a positive way. But I hope they will give me a chance to explain why I had to do it. Now I am all ready and prepared waiting for the clock to strike 6pm and I will head for the party.

Nikhil

My purpose of coming to this university was destroying Vicky. The reputation and appreciation of studying in one of the topmost college was always just a sidelined perk. Right now I am standing at the college entrance waiting for Eliana. A big hoarding says "WELCOME BATCH 20##" that is beautifully decorated with warm yellow lights and fresh green leaves with lavender scent. The music is loud enough to be audible till the entrance. I am wearing a tight plain white shirt with crimson red jacket and black jeans. I have everything that any random 18 years stud guy would wish for. Never in the wildest dreams I imagined that I will be a whining teenager that I was 3 years ago. I had never thought, I would be craving this much for Roma.

ELIANA : Ready handsome? (I got startled. I think she came when I was lost at mind for Roma)

I : You know why are we here right? Please don't expect anything else. I don't do dating.

ELIANA : We have all night to decide that darling. (She said that ruffling her hair and tried to sound sexy. I rolled my eyes at that. She was just another Cassie. Money, status and popularity is all she needs)

She was wearing silver high sexy heels, a short body fitting glittering golden party wear and subtle makeup. She looked good but equally overdressed and not so impressive. I am not being judgemental, when your mom is a make up artist and father is fashion designer, it's one of the most common things to be acknowledged about.

ELIANA : Done checking me out? (I cringed at that)

I entered into the party and tried to loosen up myself. I wanted to have some fun and then I noticed Advik and Tanya so went up to them with Eliana. Tanya had her red hair straightened, was wearing a torquoise one piece till her knees with a black band on her waist with black hills. She looked really eligant. Advik matched her with torquoise jacket and black shirt with black pants.

I : Hey guys, I…

TANYA : Out of literally everyone, you had to ask her!!? (Ok, Tanya isn't happy with my choice. I mean who could)

ELIANA : What the heck does that suppose to mean!? (She asked with a frown and high pitch)

ADVIK : It means that Nikhil could clearly have done better than you. Also don't you dare again talk to my girlfriend like that.

ELIANA : Aren't you gonna say anything? Your date is getting insulted here. (I mentally rolled my eyes at that. There goes her attention seeking nature. Is it really difficult for women to stand on their ground? No, not all women. Certainly not my Roma. She always puts the damn badmouthed in their place)

ADVIK : Nikhil ! Stop delusioning, will you! (I snapped back to realism where Eliana was sending me daggers and though Tanya had a frown, she also had a real and genuine smile on face. Maybe she knows what I was thinking)

I suddenly felt an invisible force to turn around and look at the person who joined the party behind me. Who else could it be than my Roma. She was wearing high Red Hills, not as high as Eliana but still were perfect for her. She was wearing a crimson red, slightly lighter than my jacket shade, one piece. It was till her knee length and was sleeveless. At the left hand side near her heart, she wore a golden heart bronze. She had dyed her hair chocolate brown with curls in the end. Beautiful and every it's synonym was an understatement of how she looked.

ROMA : Hello dears.

TANYA : The formalities can wait. First reveal your undercover date. (Even I straightened myself hearing that. I too needed to know whom she chose over me)

ROMA : He is not undercover, alright. He is a really sweet and a gentleman. (Why is she defending him?)

ELIANA : Why are you all getting so excited? It must be some regular. Maybe even someone worse than that. I mean who would like to go with this bitch.

I : DON'T YOU DARE UTTER A WORD !! (I roared so loud that even the musicians on stage stopped for half second to make sure there is no tiger around. Everyone looked shocked)

I : Don't show me those tearing eyes. They are as fake as crocodile. You cannot insult and disrespect all my friends and expect me to behave. You are no longer my date. Go and fetch for someone else to be your dog. (She ran away out of embarrassment and I turned to Roma)

I : Am really…

ROMA : It's ok. Tanya and I have set foot with her ample of times at hostel.

I : You look drop dead gorgeous Roma, you just…

SOMEONE : Don't eye on my date young lad. (Some guy said it from opposite direction with hearty and friendly voice)

We all turned around and noticed the same guy we met the other day whom Roma was dared to get the number of. How could this guy ask a girl out whom he knows hardly for 24 hours! Roma moved towards him and nudged his arm playfully with a small smile. That's when I was hit with Advik words

"Miss the opportunity and regret for life".