Chapter Four - Coffee day!

Next day

It's Friday, the day when she is going out with Govrav. Five days have passed since she has started at this school. But she has as many friends as she had then.

What's worse is Govrav has been ignoring her all week, she have no idea what the evening has hold for her.

Ahana: Lunch is almost over and opportunities to ask him are slipping away. I've been with Prarta all week and it feels like hell. Prarta will be unbearable when she finds out. (Sad)

Hema: Hi Ahana!

She look up and see Rajesh and Hema beaming at her.

Ahana: Oh hi guys! What's up?

Rajesh: We wanted to know what's your and Govrav's plan for today. We are going to show up as a group.

Ahana: Our plans? Well.. I wouldn't know. Sadly

Rajesh: Huh? What do you mean you wouldn't know?

Ahana: You'll have to ask him. Cause I have no idea. We haven't talked in a week. He ignores me.

Hema: He ignores you (furious)

Ahana: Yeah

Hema: No. That is unacceptable. Govrav come here!

Govrav approaches from nowhere. As if he had summoned from another dimension.

Govrav: Did you have to shout? Everyone's staring.

Hema: What's this I hear about you and Ahana not knowing plans about today's get together?

Govrav: What do you mean by plans. We plan to have a coffee. We meet there at Cafe.

Ahana: Why is he look so surprising. Is he really just that clueless.

Hema: Are you planning on picking her up?

Govrav: She didn't ask!

Ahana: Excuse me. How am I supposed to ask you when you've been ignoring me all week.

Hema: Yeah Govrav why had you ignoring her?

Rajesh: The lady has a point. Govrav.

Govrav: All right, all right, Ahana do you need a ride to cafe?

Ahana: I do. Thank you.

Govrav: Okay, I'll pick you up 5.30 pm. Sound good?

Ahana: Perfect

Govrav: You heard her right. Plans made. Are we done here?

Hema: No. Do you have her address?

Govrav: Sort of.

Hema: Sort of, isn't going to cut it! She'll text it to you. Do you have his number Ahana?

Ahana: No.

Hema: Give her your number. You doof.

Govrav: Fine. Stop yelling. And don't touch anything else on my phone.

She take his phone and punch her number and address in his contact list.

Ahana: All right, here.

Govrav: Can I go now please? I gotta report you guys for bullying me.

He goes off.

Ahana: I can't believe you're friends with that guy.

Hema: You're the one who's going to spend a evening with him.

Rajesh: Yeah. You must have noticed by now that he's not that bad.

Ahana: Okay. He's not that bad. But he's is really mean all the time.

Rajesh: I wouldn't say 'mean' may be 'mischievous'

Hema: Don't tell him I said this, but he's only like this with the people he likes.

Ahana: Well he's got an awfully weird way of being friendly.

Rajesh: Because he is shy. But if he does talk to you. It's all insults! I promise it's a good thing.

Ahana: Wow. What an evolved male specimen. Is that supposed to excuse his behaviour?

Rajesh: Doesn't it?

Hema: Anyway, you can hang out with us from today. And you should sit with us for lunch from now on.

Hema: we have been wondering why you are hovering around Prarta?

Ahana: I guess I don't want to impose. Especially when your close friend being so uncomfortable around me.

Hema: It's not imposing. We like you. Govrav does too. I promise. Come sit with us from Monday. You'll see for yourself.

Ahana: Okay. Thanks. I hadn't thought about it. But I have made good friends after all.

Hema: Sure. We'll see you then.

Later that evening.

She changes into her dress and shoes. Aunt Renu and Prarta come to see her in her room to tell their opinions before Govrav arrives.

Aunt Renu: Oh dear, that dress was a great choice. You look perfect.

Ahana: Thanks, Aunty I am not used to walking in high heels.

Aunt Renu: You'll get used to it. Prarta. What do you think?

Prarta gives an appraising look on her. She brace herself for the worst.

Prarta: You'd look better with your hair up.

Ahana: That's not the sort of feedback I was expecting. You think so. I haven't worn it up before.

Prarta: You have a nice face. An updo will show it off better. Well you have to do something with your hair. Besides, I heard Govrav likes it when girls wear their hair up.

Ahana: What? Really?

Prarta: I know all the gossips in school. Ahana. it's true.

Ahana: I don't know. Why would you be telling me that?

Prarta: You don't have to believe me. Just trying to help.

Ahana: It seems like she's trying to be nice for something. Maybe it's for Aunt Renu. Okay, Prarta Thanks.

Aunt Renu: I taught her everything she knows.

Prarta: Right, okay, mom.

A few minutes later.

Prarta: Done! what do think?

Ahana: Wow. It's perfect. Just what I imagined.

Prarta: Govrav is going to flip when he sees you. In a good way.

Aunt Renu: You're looking gorgeous Ahana. that boy who's taking you out should count his lucky stars. But don't fall for him okay!!

There's a honk outside. You look out the window to see Govrav's car.

Ahana: Oh My ride's here. Bye Aunt Renu and Prarta. See you.

Aunt Renu: Remember. Be right back when clock ticks 8.

Ahana: Yes ma'am.

Aunt Renu: I mean it. Your parents sent you here to keep you from pulling all-nighters and getting into trouble. 8pm on the dot.

Ahana: Jeez, what a kill-joy. Do I need to be reminded of my punishment any time I try to have fun.I understand aunty, I promise, I'll be back on time.

Aunt Renu: I trust you dear. Have fun, sweetheart. Text me if you need anything.

Ahana: Ah, sure. I will.

She head out and slid into Govrav's car.

Govrav: Wow. Ahana Is that you?

Ahana: Yes. What's the surprise?

Govrav: Oh, um. It's nothing.

He pauses for a moment and looks away.

Govrav: I didn't actually expect you to wear red. I thought it will look good on you. I was right.

It takes a few seconds to realise what's going on.

Ahana: Oh my god! Is the rudest boy in school shy right now.

Govrav: Shut up! Your hair looks nice.

Ahana: W-hat? Really?

Govrav: Yeah! With your hair pulled up like that. I can see more of your face.

She giggles and turn away, trying to hide her blush.

Govrav: Anyway, let's get going. Why aren't you not saying anything about my dressing.

Ahana: I dunno. You looked pretty good in that ketchup I spilled on you.

She can't help but she laughed at her own joke. As much as he wants to keep a playful frown. Seeing her laugh, makes Govrav laugh too.

Govrav: You seem very well entertained all by yourself.

Ahana: Why do you ask?

Govrav: So, it's typical that you like me.

Ahana: You wish.

Govrav: Maybe I do.

She can feel herself blushing.

Govrav: That dress really looks nice on you, by the way.

Ahana: Huh? Oh.. Thank you. Why does this feel so awkward? Is it because that's the first nice thing he's ever said to me? So... I thought of asking you something.

Govrav: Oh.. here it comes.

Ahana: Here what comes?

Govrav: You're going to ask me. Why have I agreed to go with you?

Ahana: Isn't that fair to ask?

Govrav: Has anyone told you before you talk too much?

Ahana: You don't want to tell me that's fine. But you don't have to be rude!

Rest of the ride becomes silent...