The photographer's ghost

(In front of the computer)

*Mouse clicking sound echoing in the silent room*

It was late at night. I was going through the pictures I clicked during the trek today.. 

The landscapes were gorgeous— misty mountains, shimmering clouds, but wait a second......I leaned in, squinting at a photo, as if moving closer would somehow make sense of the sight—there she was again, smack in the middle, striking a ridiculous Superman pose.

*frustrated* I spun around. She was lounging on the bed, absently playing with her hair. Noticing my glare, she avoided eye contact and turned away.

*Sighs* I pressed my eyes shut—unable to deal with her right now, took off my glasses, and shut down the computer.

Me *deadpan* : "Move!", I said, standing in front of her. 

She gave me a blank stare but didn't budge.

Me: "Nevermind", I shoved her off the bed. 

Her*On the floor* : "Ouch! Rude!", she rumbled. 

I climbed into the bed, pulling the blanket over my head and muttered, " Ghosts don't need beds."

Her(grumbling): "That's even more rude!", she gets up and poofs away.

I lifted a corner of the blanket, scanned the room, and found nothing. With a sigh, I repositioned myself and tried to sleep.

(Next morning- getting ready for the date)

I stood in front of the mirror, carefully applying my makeup, trying to look at least somewhat presentable. But through the reflection, I noticed her, doing something... well, something wierd.

She was pulling some contorted pose like she was auditioning for an invisible ballet.

I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore her but it was impossible not to catch her antics.

Just as I caught her in the act, she froze and casually plopped down on the bed.

Her: "Wow, you're almost unrecognisable. I mean, look at you completely human and not at all like you're secretly a zombie who just learned how to contour."

I blinked, confused.

Me : "Really? That's the best you can do?"

Her (smirking): "Well what can I say? It's impressive that you managed to look like a human without scaring the guy off... yet."

I rolled my eyes and started packing my things.

Me: "Whatever! Now shut your shit, and let's go!"

I stopped mid-motion, a sudden realization dawning on me.

Her eyes widened. Wait a minute… how am I inviting her?

Me (clearing my throat, awkwardly): "Uh, I mean... I don't want to, but I know you're sticking with me anyway, so... here we are."

She grinned, that mischievous glint in her eye.

Her: "Aw, you're finally learning to appreciate my company!"

Me: "Sure. In your dreams."

Her (confused): "Do ghosts even dream?"

With a heavy sigh I just turn around and walks away, ignoring her as she continued to float behind me, unbothered.

Her (calling after me): "Hey Varu..wait!! Where are you going? I am not done messing with you yet!"

(At the coffee shop)

The café was warm and bustling with quite chatter, the smell of the coffee thick in the air. I sat across him, nervously stirring my cappuccino. He was nice— handsome, polite, the kind of guy who seemed... Normal.

But then there she was, hovering behind him. Ignoring her when I tried to focus on what he was saying, she opened her mouth ruining my focus.

Her (leaning in, squinting at him): "Hmm.. he seems nice, but isn't his nose a little too long?"

Her : "He has got some pretty eyelashes. But that still doesn't cover up those uneven eyebrows."

I press my lips into thin line. He notices me looking behind him wierdly, so he turns around to see. (Oh no! I have to look normal.)

Me(stuttering): "Those paintings... those painting are beautiful right?

Him(turns back):" Ahh! Yeah. Seems like you're into art."

Me(trying to be normal): "I love subjects that needs creativity you know like writing, photography and sometimes paintings too."

Him(smiling): "Oh I too like photographing people..."

Her: "Photography? Really?" She started fake yawning dramatically. "Bet he doesn't even know what aperture is."

I was mid-sip of my coffee when her words hit me, and I couldn't help but laugh, nearly choking in the process.

Him(confused): "Did I say something funny?"

Her laughing at the background.

Me(controlling my laugh): "No. No no...sorry, I just remembered something funny."

Him: "It might be really funny." (awkward smile)

Me: "So uh... You were saying?"

Him: "Yes. I too love photography. 

Also I have been working in graphic design for about five years now."

Her: "Fascinating!" she whispered loudly, batting her eyelashes.

I clenched my teeth, gripping my coffee cup harder than necessary.

Me: "That's...that's great! Graphic design sounds—uh—creative!"

She rolled her eyes, then stood and started mimicking his voice in an exaggeratedly deep tone, "I make rectangles and circles look pretty for a living."

I tried to kick her under the table, but my foot went straight through her—and landed on his leg instead. His startled look was nothing compared to hers as she grinned and stuck her tongue out at me, clearly enjoying the chaos she'd caused.

Me: "Sorry!" I blurted nervously. "I didn't mean to—uh, I thought I felt something... lingering on my leg. I'm so sorry!"

His brows furrowed in confusion, while she, of course, burst into silent laughter, dramatically pretending to wipe tears from her eyes. I closed my eyes thinking it was over for me.

Him: "Hey, it's alright. No big deal. Happens all the time, right?"

He gave me a reassuring smile, his hand hovering over the table like he was trying to calm me down.

I could tell he was trying to keep things smooth, but his confused glance at my leg made me wish I could disappear. Meanwhile, she was still grinning at me from behind him, her hands on her hips like a mischievous ghost.

Her (mocking, with a dramatic sigh): "Aww, trying to woo my sis with your extraordinary acting skills? Nice try, Romeo."

I shot her a glare, but she just stuck her tongue out, clearly loving every moment of my embarrassment.

He started telling me about his college time stories to calm the environment. But before he could finish she tipped the salt shaker over. It fell onto the table, spilling everywhere.

Him: "Whoa, that's weird. How'd that happen?"

Her (grinning): "Oops!"

Me: "I think the table's uneven! Let me clean that up."

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