Then I went to the kitchen to make some tea and Manasa followed me to help me out. I simply took a backseat and just helped Manasa with all the stuff when she started making tea.
Once the tea was ready, we came towards the hall and saw Nancy and Neha standing on the balcony connected to my hallway. Arpita was inside the room freshening up and changing.
Out of all the girls, Nancy was very open-minded and started talking about all kinds of stuff and her plans for Manali. During all these, she also spoke about having good liquor. Suddenly, the room went into a silent mode while Neha and Manasa were glaring at Nancy she slowly looked at me.
I got that she was not supposed to tell me that, but I acted naturally, smiled at her, and told her it was okay. Then I asked if they have enough liquor to carry or need to buy anything from Chandigarh. By then, everyone was shocked and even Manasa and Neha were looking at me. I told Manasa that it was okay and I had tried everything and I rarely drink at an office party or with friends. But I told her to keep it from my parents.
She smiled and told me, “Anna, you have changed a lot” to which I replied, “You changed a lot too, Manasa.” But by then, Nancy started laughing and told us that Manasa had strictly warned them not to talk about these things and projected me as a very orthodox and good boy. I smiled and asked her if she wanted to buy any liquor from Chandigarh as it was cheap here and also asked her who all used to drink. For that, she said that she was a good drinker whereas Neha and Manasa used to drink, but it was hard for them to hold their liquor after 3-4 pegs.
Arpita was a non-drinker and the one who made sure to look after everyone. I just smiled and then we started discussing the whole day’s plan of going out to visit Sukhna Lake and Rock Garden, then buying the liquor and coming back.
After having breakfast, all of them started to freshen up and by 12, we planned to go out for lunch followed by shopping at Elante Mall, then Rock Garden, and finally Sukhna Lake. This time, to my surprise, Nancy came to me on my bike and all the others took an auto. I didn’t think much and Nancy was very open, she held my waist from the beginning, and I was enjoying the feeling too. Towards our journey, she started talking and pulling my legs.
Nancy: Rahul, do you have a girlfriend?
Me: No I don’t.
But she was not ready to believe me and started teasing me again. By then, suddenly I took the initiative to ask her –
Me: Are you single?
For which without answering my question, she questioned me back.
Nancy: Are you checking my status quo now? And what if I say no, will you make me your girlfriend? (followed with a laugh)
Me: Since you were pulling my legs, I thought of returning the favor (and laughed).
Nancy: What? Am I not good-looking or Mr hero is mad that I didn’t allow Manasa to come with you? I can see how you look at her.
Me: What? Manasa is my sister.
Nancy: She is just a distant cousin, and don’t give me that shit. I have seen you checking Manasa out.