Long left her old self Behind

Soon Reeva was done with her shower and Ritika had already chosen clothes for her. It was a baby blue colored T-shirt paired with a white coloured skirt . Though it was a cute combination and felt comfortable but for Reeva it felt still awkward because the skirt ended up just above her knees and she felt it was only suitable to wear it indoors but then again it is Mumbai. At Nashik her mother always tells her to wear full length clothes especially in front of men. So she would never wear those short clothes in presence of her father and brother.She would only wear shorts at night but when she attained he puberty she wore full length night pajamas as it was very time consuming and she was lazy to change into full one again.She hailed from a typical middle class family and so was Ritika.

Ritika bought her freshly brewed coffee and they enjoyed it on the balcony while gossiping .

Soon Ritika took her to eat Vada Pav [1]

famous snacks in Maharashtra and even India.The stall was small but it was actually very clean.Reeva ordered two for each of them. In less than 10 minutes they were served with piping hot vada pav alone with mint and tamarind chutney[2] ,deep fried green chillies and peanut coconut chutney.

Reeva was all smiles after eating this simple dish which made her day.Her mood was upgraded which made Ritika laugh .

"Ahh really you have not changed even today food is a medicine to change your mood eh .Little glutton."

"Mmm but it was really tasty."

As they were about to leave they heard a voice which was hoarse and lazy but very magnetic and cheerful.

"Oyeeeeee, Ritz, where are you running wait!!!!"

Soon she turned towards source of voice and she saw a boy in T-shirt and boxers who was 6 feet tall and had tanned skin.His hair was luscious and stood up like a bush on his head and had a pair of playful black eyes.The guy put on an heart breaking expression patting his fist on his chest.

"Www Ritz how can u do this to me I just went for a short trip and you replaced me ."

Seeing him Ritika went to him and hugged him .

" Awww my lil champ she is just our new friend."

Reeva : What lil champ he seems 24-25 and is 6 feet tall

" Oh common let me introduce you both.

Reeva this is Rocky he is actually our neighbour . Don't mind me he is just a little crazy.``

Reeva just replied with an Oh and ignored them.

But just as Ritika was about to introduce Reeva a certain man already had his hands on Reeva's cheeks and was pulling them which literally made Reeva cry.

"Awwww so chubby"

Seeing this Ritika finally pulled Rocked and slapped his head.

"STUPID MAN you'll scare her."

"Oops sorry ! But you know I just can't resist chubby chics and she is so cute."

" Okay now she is Reeva and she is little sister to me ."

" Hey lil chubby Rabbit."

Reeva had long hid behind Ritika as Rockey approached her to shake hands not even wanting to touch his finger.

Ritika interrupted and told Rockey that they needed to rush as Reeva was tired from travelling but Rockey insisted on treating them to tea.

Reeva maintained an arm length distance from Rocky as he was flirtatious and very playful .They were really vexed because Rocky was ranting about his trips and how they enjoyed it ,how beautiful girls were etc etc.

When they were at doorstep Rockey playfully pulled her pony and Reeva finally lost her temper and gave him her loud roar "psychopath".

As soon as they entered their flat Reeva collapsed on the sofa and Ritika went into her room. Reeva took a plushie on the sofa and hugged it and released a tired sigh.Staring at the ceiling fan she thought of her day today . A different environment , everything was just different making her overwhelmed.The people here and the way they talk ,their living standards will she be able to fit in here.She had this dream and she wanted to just achieve it but she suddenly was st loss how to start.She shut her eyes tightly as if she do that she will forget her worries and when she open her eyes everything will be sorted.

Ritika came out so that she could show Reeva her room but when she entered the living room she saw Reeva's figure lying on the sofa with her scrunched up eyebrows and tightly shut eyes.She was well aware of what she was thinking. She saw this reaction coming from her as she too had reacted in the same way when she came here.

Today when she met Reeva she could see that innocence and her crystal clear eyes. She too owned this innocence once but then those crystal clear eyes turned cold and innocence was replaced by a brave and easygoing front .Would Reeva would be able to accept these changes .She actually felt that Reeva should not go down the path she went in.But then dreams are dreams .

She recalled the conversation from film 'Badri ki Dulhaniya' where the main character Vaidehi asks her sister

"Toh kya udne ka sapna chod de?"

[So should I give up on my dream of flying high?]

To which her sister replied

"Khush rehne ka sapna delh Viadehi Khush rehne ka."

[Dream to be happy Vaidehi.]

But her sister didn't realise that her happiness was actually in her dreams and Vaidehi still chose her dreams.

All she could do was either protect her or to help her mould into this lifestyle.

But somehow she was afraid to face Reeva.Would Reeva would accept the changed her? The Ritika Di Reeva knew was gentle , sensible and epitome of a proper girl but she has long left that side of her behind. At the end Ritika sighed and went into the kitchen and chugged down chilled water .She finally felt calm when she felt coolness in her throat.

[1] Vada pav - Its a famous snack of Maharashtra . Vada is simple patty of potato and is covered with gram floor batter and served with bun.

[2] Chutney- Its a dip.