Game

Sana's POV

Sana: I wonder what it's like to be one of them. You know, one of the cool kids.

I stare out my bedroom window at the party booming next door. All of the in-crowd is there.

Including my hot, handsome neighbour, on whom I have a crush since the time he's my neighbour, Kabir Raisinghania. He's the one hosting it.

My bestie, Ishneet, rolls her eyes at me. She's never been one for the party life.

Ishneet: If you wanna be there so bad, just go over and talk to him.

I look at her and scoff.

Sana: I could never do that.

Ishneet: You're both in the same music course at college, right? Go over and start up a conversation about that.

Sana: Yeah, right. "Hey, Mr. Hot and Mysterious Pianist." "You've probably noticed me before.." "I'm the nerdy girl playing the guitar at the back of the class."

Ishneet takes note of my sarcastic tone and rolls her eyes again.

My gaze is diverted once more to Kabir. He's standing on his porch joking around with a bunch of the pretty people.

Then he stops for a moment...and looks my way.

That's when he catches me staring. I duck and hide immediately. I hear laughter from outside.

Sana: Ugh, how embarrassing!

A few minutes later

Ishneet: Stop hiding already. He probably didn't even see you looking.

Sana: But what if—

I'm cut off mid-sentence, by a knocking sound. Coming from outside my bedroom window...I peer out.

Kabir's bedroom is adjacent to mine. He's standing there right now, tapping on his window to get my attention. And he's holding a sheet of paper.

It says: Wanna come over?

I look behind me to check that he's not talking to anyone else. And then I point at myself and mouth, 'Me?'

Kabir smiles and nods. He scribbles on his notepad. Then he holds it up.

It says: Are you coming?

I inhale a breath of confidence and nod.

.

At the party,

I am getting nervous her! This is my first party ever, ever in my 21 years!

And I was invited by KABIR RAISINGHANIA! This is a really big deal. Things like this never happen to girls like me.

Kabir: I'm happy you decided to come. I always notice you in music class.

Sana: You've got to be kidding me, right?

Kabir: Why would I be kidding? I used to play guitar when I was a kid. My parents sort of pushed me into it.

Sana: Mine too! I'm happy they did, though. I found out that I can express myself through music...way better than through talking.

Kabir chuckles.

Kabir: I feel you there.

Before I can begin to enjoy myself too much, though—Our batchmate Ragini walks over to Kabir, while totally ignoring me.

Ragini: Kabir, baby, I've been looking all over for you.

She places a freshly manicured hand on his muscular bicep, but he brushes it off.

Ragini: Why don't we continue our game of truth or dare on the portico?

Kabir looks at me.

Kabir: Are you in?

Sana: Sure, why not.

Ragini throws daggers at me. But instead of scaring me, it exhilarates me.

Is it possible that a girl like Ragini is jealous of me?!

We walk outside and join the others already on the portico. The same group of people I was staring at earlier...

Ragini: Sana, you go first. Truth or dare?

I pause. If I pick dare...there's no knowing what she might make me do.

Sana: Truth.

Ragini thinks for a second. There's an evil look on her face.

Ragini: Do you have a crush on Kabir?

My cheeks immediately burn with embarrassment.

Ragini: Your face is telling me you do have a crush on him.

I stay silent and look to the ground.

Ragini: Come on, this is a game of truth or dare. You picked truth and now you have to answer the question.

I gulp.

Sana: Yes.

Ragini laughs. But in a condescending, you-don't-stand-a-chance way.

Ragini: Isn't that cute?

I look to Kabir to see if he's laughing too. But he's not. Instead, he has a reassuring smile on his face.

Ragini catches us looking at each other. She does not seem impressed.

Ragini: Kabiru baby, it's your turn. Truth or dare?

Kabir: Truth.

Ragini: What is the real reason you invited Sana over tonight?

Kabir: To get to know her. She seems like a cool girl.

Ragini scoffs.

Ragini: Please, Kabir. You can't lie in this game. Tell her the truth.

Kabir clears his throat and shuffles in his seat uncomfortably.

Sana: What's the truth, Kabir?

Silence. I feel a knot forming in my stomach. Then Ragini turns toward me.

Ragini: Kabir only invited you because I dared him to. Not because he likes you, but because it was a dare. I wanted to see what a loser like you would do a party. I thought it would be funny.

Kabir: That's enough, Ragini!

Tears begin to well up in my eyes. I look at Kabir.

Sana: Is this true?

Kabir stays silent. He can't even look at me.

I feel so humiliated. I look directly at Ragini.

Sana: Why would you do that?

Ragini: I saw you and Kabir staring at each other earlier, when you were standing at the window. I wanted to size up my competition, but it's pretty clear I don't have any. I'm bored with this game now.

With a flick of her hair, she walks away. The others follow her.

Except for Kabir. He's still standing next to me.

Still silent. He looks at me.

Kabir: Sana...

Sana: Don't.

Without uttering another word, I storm out.

.

The next day

I awake to the sound of my 8 a.m. alarm. I press snooze. Not today, world.

A few minutes pass, and I am awoken again. But not by my alarm.

By a knocking noise, it's the same knock I heard last night. Ugh, it must be HIM.

I turn to the window...Kabir is standing at his bedroom window. And he's holding a new sign.

It says: I'm sorry.

He drops the sign and holds up another sheet of paper.

It says: Please let me explain.

I scowl at him and pull the blind shut. Does he really think I'm going to forgive him?

He might be hot—But he's not *that* hot.

I throw some clothes on and head to the front door. As I open it...he's standing there.

Kabir: I really am sorry.

I push past him, ignoring his words.

Kabir: Please, Sana, just hear me out.

Sana: I don't need to hear your lies or excuses. Last night, you were a total idiot.

Kabir: I know it might seem that way, but I can explain. Yes, I admit it was a dare for me to invite you over. But there's a reason I went along with it.

I fold my arms across my chest. Waiting for his explanation.

Kabir: I wasn't lying when I said I wanted to get to know you. I've wanted to invite you to one of my parties for so long, but I was worried you would turn up your nose. At some dumb party boy like me.

I narrow my eyes at him. Trying to figure out if he's telling the truth.

Sana: What about Ragini?

Kabir: She was out of line last night. I'm not going to invite her over again. She brings the whole vibe down. I'm sorry she was so rude to you.

Sana: Why did you go along with it?

Kabir: It seemed like the perfect opportunity when I got the dare to talk to you. I know I seem confident. But deep down inside....I was afraid to talk to you. I never thought a good girl like you would go for a guy like me.

Sana: Do you think I'm stupid? Do you really expect me to believe that you're actually into me?

Before I can say another word...

He interrupts me...by pulling me close and kissing me.

I melt into his kiss as his hands wander through my hair.

Kabir: Now do you believe me?

I can't help but smile. Nobody can fake a kiss that good.

Kabir: Are you busy tonight?

Sana: No.

Kabir: Then why don't you come over? I can break out my old guitar.

If anyone can help me enjoy playing it...It's you.