Look Closer : part 1

The whole day I never thought about the event again. The truth is I stashed it to the back of my brain. The more I thought about it, the more I felt ashamed and repulsed at the same time. All the classes went without any hindrances and I genuinely enjoyed the rest of the day. After all, Dhruv never failed to entertain me and restore my sadness with joy and liveliness. I've known Dhruv for as long as I can remember and he always has been there for me. Perhaps that is the reason I never looked for company anywhere else.

Class ended a little early than usual. As we left school, I tugged at Dhruv's sleeve. " When will your parents be home?"

" Mostly 8 or 9. I don't know exactly." he squinted his pretty eyes at me. " Why do you want to know"

" Okay then it's settled! I'm coming over" I flashed an innocent smile at him.

" And here I thought you just couldn't wait to get home"

" I don't want to. Not yet..." I realized the disinterest in my voice. I immediately changed the subject.

" By the way, How do you not know the time your parents get home?"

He sighed. " By 8 I finish all my works including dinner. So I'll be in my room when they get home. Plus they are super exhausted. They just fall asleep immediately"

From what Dhruv explained, I could sense his loneliness and the distance he felt from his parents. I couldn't blame both of them. I wished they could find time to spend with each other.

We reached his house and he led me to his room. I collapsed on the bed as soon as I saw it. Dhruv had the most comfortable bed and it made me relax completely. Dhruv sat at the end of the bed and watched me silently.

" You know right...that you can talk to me about anything. Anything at all." I sat up with the support of my elbows and saw the concern on his face. I nodded. As much as I hoped to tell, I couldn't bring myself to it. Maybe I was afraid he would look at me differently than he did now. I just knew I wasn't ready.

" Oh and also do not fall asleep on my bed. I can't carry you all the way to your house." He pinched my toes and I threw a pillow at his head.

" Owww...that was uncalled for" He threw the pillow back at me, hitting me right in the head.

" You just chose death" I immediately lunged at him and both of us wrestled on the floor. We were laughing and tickling each other each other so hard that we were gasping for air by the end of the fight. I was belly laughing and he burst out laughing just looking at me. We were still on the floor, panting. I then laid down on the carpet and closed my eyes in contentment.