Page 129 of Storm
“Why? And what would I tell her as the reason for it? That it’s just because I have a boyfriend now?!”
I tried hard to keep my temper and my voice low, as I retorted furiously,
“Sani how can you be such a foolish baby to not understand, that girl is all wrong.”
I hated myself the moment I said it. But it was too late, as I saw her face get masked by hurt.
I opened my mouth to apologize, but Sani did not let me.
Getting up she said in a curt voice,
“Because Rose was concerned seeing my Professor’s attention on me? Why won't she be, when she does not know anything about our relationship! Just because she is jealous of me being better in studies, for that I should break the years old friendship. She was my first friend in college Aariz. We have had our ups and downs for years now.” Sani shook her head, eyes glazed with tears, “You shouldn’t be dictating my choices. Even if I'm an immature and foolish person in your eyes...I am what I am.”
“What?! Sani no...”
She moved away from the table, walking out of the restaurant.
Damn it!
Clearing the bill, I ran out of the restaurant and found her on the sidewalk, looking for a cab.
“Sanu listen to me. Please just listen for a minute.” I pulled her towards my car though she struggled a lot in my grip.
Trapping her between myself and the car door, I clutched her shoulders,
“Try to understand, you are too important for me! So I worry about you. I can't see you bottling up your feelings. You cried today. All because, Rose made you think rubbish about your feelings...Made you feel that I might have belittled you. I am sorry love, but that’s the context in which I uttered the word foolish. Because you are too good and innocent to understand how she...”
My saying that word again, made Sani's already glassy eyes, flow with water. And it killed me.
I cupped her face, wiping off her tears and gulped down the heaviness in my throat,
“In fact, let’s just not talk about her at all. It was my mistake and I'm sorry. Please forgive me. Don't let her or my stupidity, spoil our day. Please sweetheart.”
Sani just nodded giving me a weak watery smile. I gently opened the door and made her sit inside the car.
“Let’s go for shopping?” I glanced at her hopefully while driving.
“Just drop me home please.” Sani murmured staring out of the window.
I stopped the car around a corner and turned towards her, forcing her to look at me,
“Sanu I'm so sorry. Please trust me when I say I really am feeling very sorry for the word I uttered dear.”
She cupped my face crying softly,
“Don't apologize anymore. I hate this fighting. Please.”
I nodded eagerly,
“I don't wanna fight with you either.”
Sani then left my face and gazed at her lap, looking so vulnerable that I engulfed her in my arms. She was almost on my lap now.
Tears dripped down her face uncontrollably, which I kept wiping off while she spoke on my chest, in a breaking tone,
“I have always been social. But still a private person when it comes to opening up to people. I don't trust easily. So I don't get friendly with just anyone. With those whom I do...Their friendships are important to me.”
“I completely understand. And I'm so sorry.”
