Page 32 of Storm
Oh God, I was right! This is useless drama. I do not need it. I do not need him. I had a good life, one without complications, before he stormed in it. I can just go back to that life. Thank-freaking-God!
I told myself, “I did well by ignoring Aariz for the entire week. He would also ignore me now, which he must. Otherwise, he does not know me. I would hail storm in his life, if I had to endure one more teasing stare or awkward question from my classmates! They look at me as if I get some special privilege from Aariz.”
And, why did I still feel uneasy looking at his expressions? As if, I had hurt him somehow by avoiding him. What is happening to me?!
Arrggg!
Frustrated with confusion, I picked up my phone and dialled Zee. He was the one I should blame, and the one who could help me figure Aariz out. As Zee was the person, because of whom I had met Aariz in the first place.
Besides, Zee was a good laugh. I was sure, I would feel much better and relaxed once I had talked to him. But, I needed to be careful, and not tell him anything much about Aariz in college. They were friends after all. I did not want problems between them because of me.
Zee picked up the phone on fourth ring and greeted me with a smile in his voice,
‘Hey Sani Tani was sup?’
‘Zee...’ It felt good to hear a friendly voice.
It made me relax and forget my guilt for a while...The guilt of having hurt Aariz unintentionally, that I could not stop feeling.
A few seconds of silence later, Zee spoke in a serious voice,
‘I am a psychiatrist. Not one of those docs who hear your breathing to find out what’s wrong with you.’
‘I know that.’ I was confused where he was going with this.
He chuckled,
‘If you know, then why are you just breathing into the phone instead of talking? What happened?’
I sighed heavily,
‘Nothing. I was just
bored, so...’
‘You did not go to college today?’ He turned curious and I, uncomfortable.
‘No. I'm not in the mood. Can we please just talk for a while? I have missed you.’ I really had.
‘Of course we can. I have missed you too. I have missed how you are always so open about your feelings, without worrying about sounding senti.’ Zee said sweetly.
Not wishing to let him know my thoughts were going over and over his best friend, I tried to distract him by jumping the gun at him instead,
‘Why did you go off me for more than a year without any explanation?’ I seriously was puzzled about it.
‘Hey! I did explain.’ Zee revolted.
I rolled my eyes,
‘Yeah, that you are a fool. It is a fact Zee. Not a real reason.’
‘I don't know about it myself. Someday I might tell you. For now, you tell me why you’re so off. Why did you skip college today?’
Talk about turning tables...
I passed his question, saying vaguely,
‘I have just woken up.’
