Heart wrenchin adoration, Part-11

“Oi wake up!” An-all-too-familiar voice  interrupted my bizarre dream where I was being chased by an angry Payal with a bat in her hand, hurling choicest abuses at me, awakening me  a bit, though I was still teetering on the edge where the line between reality and phantasm  remains blurred. 

I rolled over, nuzzling deeper in my warm bed, and curled up into a ball contentedly.

“Holy Heavens! What are we going to do with this modern avatar of Kumbhkaran?” Someone said exasperatedly and moments later I was bereft of the warmth of my quilt.

“What the! What’s going on?”I blurted irritably, turning over to lie supine so as to look at the face of the culprit who had dared to disturb my sleep.

“Finally! I was beginning to wonder whether I’ll have to call a band party to wake your highness from his majestic slumber!”

I blinked groggily, trying to chase sleepiness away and  a freckled, bespectacled face loomed in my view.

“Hey buddy! How ya doing?” Anvesh Mehta asked cheerfully grinning at me so hugely that I felt assured that his cheeks ought to hurt!

“Ugh! Is this the way to wake someone up, An?” I asked irked, scooting over to pull my quilt back.

“Well, it is for more- than -sound sleepers like you.”He commented in a matter-of-fact voice, still smiling at me goofily.

Anvesh Mehta was my second bestest friend  just like Aman.The three of us were chuddy buddies, quite inseparable, joined to the butt so much so that spotting one without other two was as rare as fulfillment of promise by Indian politicians ! Anvesh and I were the well-known trouble-makers of our school and Aman was our life-saver, always saving our necks whenever we landed ourselves into trouble. In fact, our English Teacher, Mrs. Nandini Ghosh had  even christened us ‘3 Idiots’ in a moment of amusement, drawing semblance with the famous trio of the blockbuster!

“When did you return?” I asked, adjusting my pillow in a comfortable position.

“Just now. So, what have you been up to lately?”Anvesh queried and I wondered if he was meaning to have it construed some other way. 

“Nothing terribly exciting! What  about you?How was your trip to Amsterdam?”I shot.

“Dude it was kickass! Even a non-architecture buff   like me was absolutely mesmerized with the place. Those Kirks, Chapels and Museums!  Its amazing!” Anvesh rhapsodized enthusiastically.

“Sounds Interesting!” I quipped amusedly.

“Undoubtedly! Speaking of which, I’ve heard that the same can be said for you too or rather what you’ve been up to at least!” 

“What do you mean?” I asked quickly, though I had a fair idea of what he was getting at. I had to remember to kick Akash and Aman’s butt!

“Look at this poor, innocent boy! He is so ignorant!...Arnav, stop acting . I hear, that you seem to have found quite a good friend in Payal’s sister, khushi. You two seem to have hit it off!” Anvesh grinned cheekily.

“I don’t know who has fed you this rubbish, Anvesh.But, you are mistaken. We both are just good friends!” I stressed, denying his assumptions.

“Oh is it? Then I must say I’m glad because I’ve heard that she is quite a beauty! Maybe, if I befriended her and spun it out a bit, I may end up having a gorgeous girlfriend!” Anvesh said happily and I flinched. His daydream painted a picture in my head and I was rendered horror struck! I immediately grabbed my pillow and threw it at him.

“Don’t be ridiculous Anvesh! You and khushi, just forget it!” I growled angrily.

“Why not? Why are you so troubled when you don’t have even modicum interest in her?” Anvesh retorted.

“I’m not troubled! I’m just saying that khushi...well she is not your type...I mean not the one. She is very innocent and...this...I mean...”I stuttered hopelessly, not knowing how to justify my denial without giving myself away, but I was interrupted with a loud laughter.

 `

“Seriously dude! J...just look at your face! So worked up!....Just relax...I’m not getting any ideas regarding her. She’s all yours!” Anvesh gasped, between paroxysms of guffaws. He rolled on my bed, snickering.

Before I could utter another word, or even feel relieved at his words, the door burst open and Aman came striding in already clad in his uniform. 

“You guys are still lolling about! Just look at the time. Its already 7!” He said incredulously, waving his wrist watch under our nose.

“What ? Its so late and I didn’t even realize! All because of this Anvesh. Lousy, old brat!”I spat  and bolted for the door, with Anvesh on my heel, cursing.

The day had begun!