Peculiar Match

"Ahh.... Love! Isn't it the most cliché thing we let ourselves believe in?", Neha smirked.

"Don't try to change the topic and answer my question.", Sakshi was annoyed.

"What question?", Neha raised her eyebrows at Sakshi.

"Has your heart never really fluttered for anyone? At all?", Sakshi pulled Neha by arm.

"I....", Neha was getting carried away.

"You?", interrupted Sakshi.

"....am incapable of such feelings and you of all people know it well.", Neha jerked Sakshi's hand away.

Sakshi could bet her life that Neha was lying; something seemed peculiar about Neha recently. Neha was assumed as the spoilt rich brat by all those surrounding her. Sakshi had often times been warned by her parents to stay away from Neha and that people like her can only invite troubles and worries. Sakshi, however was often won over by the perks of being friends with someone from elite world; these not only included full access to her designer clothes and bags but also a complete insight into the actual lives of rich people not to mention being introduced to eligible bachelor heirs.

Being the youngest child in her family only added to Neha's pre-existing worries: working parents, alcoholic brother, a divorcée sister and an 8 year old wedlock brother from her father's last affair who was often introduced as her distant cousin. Neha drowned herself into partying and venturing, in hopes of escaping the reality.

Regardless, it had been noticed by Sakshi that Neha lacked the enthusiasm to get out, even at college she was more attentive. In fact, her locks were properly combed and she no longer reeked of last night's vodkas. There had been a drastic change of attitude, in a pleasant manner but Sakshi could not really swallow this. Gathering up enough strength, Sakshi had sparked the conversation that Neha, effortlessly put an end to.

A month went by and the assignment grades were announced; surprisingly Neha had gotten an A which threw Sakshi's world into spirals. Sakshi, together with Neha was always the bottom of the class, consequently she always hoped to marry into riches rather than working hard. But after today's results Sakshi, somewhat felt more embarrassed more than ever. Sakshi rushed to Neha's bench as the period bell rang and grabbed her outside by her arm.

"Are we not friends?", Sakshi's sounded disappointed.

"What's wrong? Are you not happy for me?", Neha struggled to loosen the grip on her arm.

"I am happy but I know this is not you. It's like meeting a new person altogether. I might not even want to be friends with this new Neha.", Sakshi let go of Neha's hand.

"You are being illogical!", Neha's eyes wandered the hall, struggling to meet Sakshi's.

"Fine then. Let's no longer be friends. My lack of logic is enough for me, I hope your secrets will be enough for you.", Neha turned to walk away.

"Stop!", Neha held her hand.

"Let go!", Sakshi was honestly done this time.

"There's a guy...", Neha let go of Sakshi's hand.

"Let's go somewhere quiter.", Sakshi took Neha to her house.

Both exchanged a few empty stares as Sakshi's nosy mother tried to cosy upto them for sake of juicy gossip. As soon as she left, Sakshi jumped to Neha's side and cued her to proceed.

"It's m..mm....", Neha stammered.

"Don't shy away now.", Sakshi was annoyed by the tension in the room.

"It's Roy!", Neha bit her lip.

"What? The smart-assed fuckboy?", Sakshi was surprised.

"Don't judge. I won't proceed.", Neha threatened.

"Fine. Go on!", Sakshi sighed.

"He's not what we make him out to be.", Neha's voice softened.