Natasha

One might brand me as a compulsive liar who kept her boyfriend in the shadows. Trust me, I contemplated telling Rithik a million times. But then, he would pine for my upcoming absence. So much so that he'd tell me to reconsider at times. And that was when I said 4-5 months. Imagine how much the actual truth would impact him. I didn't have the heart to. Not in his sorry state.

I was barely present for his welcome party. I simply clapped for him in the background and smiled his way. Rithik noticed that and called me out. Instead I hugged him and thanked the stars he was safe and sound.

* * *

"This is Chanel Quinn. She's my good online friend from Boston whom I met once. Reach out to her after you arrive. She'll help you settle in," Ayesha explained, showing me an Instagram picture of a red haired Hispanic woman with long curls.

"Thanks, Ayesha." I said, sharing a smile. She proceeded to show me a bunch of other pictures from Chanel's Instagram account. A few of them featured a light blonde woman. "Who's this cutie?"

Ayesha let out a chuckle. "I think her name is Kylie. She's Chanel's friend."

Just then, Khushboo appeared in our peripheral vision, faking a cry. "Ugh, I can't bear to look at your room right now. It's all empty."

"You were the one who insisted since you wished to move out this year. I had to shift all my belongings back to my home," I said, shrugging. We walked back to what used to be my beloved nest. Now it was just a plain-ass block with four walls.

There was a pregnant silence.

"I think I should go before any of us starts crying like a hyena," Ayesha said, her eyes already appearing glassy. She turned around, composing herself while Khushboo and I laughed. The three of us hugged and wished each other best before Ayesha left for her office. I had a strong urge to thank them for being the first female friends in my life, despite not being perfect. Nah, too cheesy! As if friends did that shit in real life.

It was just Khushboo and me now. Khushboo enquired about Ayesha's firangi friend. I showed her pictures from her Instagram public handle.

"Damn, hot stuff! She's voluptuous."

"Nah, her friend is more."

"You must be blind then," Khushboo rolled her eyes and the next moment we laughed out loud. I admitted how I'd miss our lesbian jokes. "You are so lucky. You'll get to see all sorts of exotic women out there."

"No, you woman fanatic. Think about men. Possibly British men with their saucy British accent. Ah, just thinking about the diversity gets my titties in a twist." I humored while holding my chest though I dropped my hands when Khushboo noticed that. My smile died as she regarded me with a deadly look.

"You really are breaking up with Rithik then."

"I have to, Boo. I've thought long and hard about it. If it wasn't for his accident, I'm damn sure things would have remained strained between us." I sighed heavily. "Besides, he doesn't deserve a partner who can't make up her mind about marriage. It's too big of a commitment for someone like me and I don't even know why..."

"You can try explaining it to him. I'm sure he-"

"No, Rithik won't get it! We are too different in that regard," I cut her off. He is full of promises while I have nothing noteworthy to offer. I thought. "Please console him if possible. Tell him I'm a heartless two-faced bitch or any crap to get over me. Tell him he deserves better."

"Sure, I'll use this golden chance to badmouth you all I want," Khushboo answered sarcastically while walking away with a thump. "Stupid woman."

A few minutes later, I was at the door with my luggage and bag. The rest of my belongings were at my home. Khushboo sighed right behind me. She was busy fidgeting with her fingers, avoiding meeting me in the eye. It wasn't her first time behaving weirdly like this and honestly it was pissing me off.

"Okay, that's enough!" I snapped, making her look my way. I took a step closer, gesturing with my hands. "If you ought to say something then fucking say it. I'll be leaving anyway, so it's not like we can do anything about it. Say it!"

“I-” Khushboo started but then swallowed away as if it was hurting her to say it. I urged her until she spoke again. “I need to confirm something. No, I've been wanting to confirm something for a long, long time and I can only do it with you.”

“Do it with me?” My brows knitted. “Do what?”

“Kiss you!”

“What?!”

“What?”

My jaw dropped while she covered her face, drowning in a pool of embarrassment. An awkward silence fell, followed by another then another. Everything clicked. Her issues with her ex-boyfriend; Her identity crisis; Her suggestive lesbian jokes; along with many other hints that I couldn't see or chose not to.

“D- do you like me?” The words sounded foreign to my own ears.

“No, hell, no!” Khushboo looked like she was about to cry. “I don't harbor any romantic feelings for you. I wouldn't have supported you and Rithik as much if I did. However, I won't deny I find you alluring and attractive. I want to know if what I feel is a fantasy or a reality. That's why I'm asking to kiss you once... Just think of it as a favor for a friend you've lived with for the past three years.”

“Um, can't you choose a girl from a dating app or something?”

“I tried that. Went on a date with someone. She was nice and hot but I couldn't feel any vibe between us... I kinda have a crush on someone from the office but it's not like she's attracted to me. Its so hard finding someone who feels the same as you in this straight world. God, I really wished I wasn't like this...”

In that short time, I noticed Khushboo's expressions morph from anxiousness to excitement as she kept talking about herself. In the years I'd lived with her, I've never seen her this animated before. It didn't seem like it popped out of nowhere. You could tell she suppressed this side of her all along, scared of the eyes of judgement. I recalled days when she would confine herself in her room. Several days in fact. How alone she would have felt, having no one to rely on.

Just like me in the past. Only different circumstances.

I sucked in a sharp breath and closed my eyes, successfully
stopping her from rambling. I could do this. It was just a kiss anyway. Her voice was hesitant. “Yu- you sure?”

“Fuckin' kiss me before I change my mind.”

And the next moment, Khushboo held my arms, bringing me closer. I swallowed and tightened my fists. She was taller so I had to raise my head a little until I met a pair of soft plump lips, accompanied by a feminine scent. I felt little to nothing which wasn't surprising. I knew I didn't swing the other way. Still, I kissed back a little for her sake. I exhaled a breath when it was over.

Then something wild happened.

She grabbed my face from the back of my head and stole my lips in one ferocious kiss. Her other hand squeezed my butt taking me by shock as my eyes flew open. I could feel her boobs squishing against mine. She parted a few seconds later but not before licking my neck, making me shiver.

I hit her arm and hugged myself. “Way to take advantage of me, bitch! I feel violated.”

She ran a finger over the length of her smiling lips, her eyes ablaze. “I told you. I find you hot and alluring. That was certainly a treat though I'd have loved it more if it was mutual. Thank you anyway. You are a good friend.”

I recalled the times she checked me out in my bikini or made a sexy comment. Who bloody knew! She was definitely a sucker for women.

A couple of minutes passed as I went to the bathroom for a loo break and washed my face (sorry Boo). Strangely, none of us could look in the eye. I spoke anyway. "Well, I hope this cleared your doubts if you had any."

“Yeah... just go...”

“What's with you? Aree, wait. Stop!” I protested as Khushboo pushed me towards the door. That's when I noticed her eyes marred with tears. I felt bad for leaving her in such a state but it couldn't be helped. I touched her shoulder, giving a smile. “Hey, Boo, look at me. It's okay. It's fine.”

“You're not wrong.”

That was enough to make her look at me. As if I'd just acknowledged her existence. We bid goodbye for one last time before I exited the building for good. That was unexpected. Never in my wildest dreams, I thought things would end up like this.

I was about to take a cab back home but something changed my mind. Or rather a certain face.

I had to see him one last time.

* * *

“Oh my fuck, did that seriously happen?! Unbelievable!” Rithik cracked out loud, slapping his leg when I recited a very unfunny incident between me and Khushboo. Now when I thought back, I wanted to scratch my nails to a wall. Sadly, he didn't share the same sentiment as his eyes gleamed with amusement. He even turned on Spotify to play a song that would have certainly suited my situation. He sang along, mimicking a girl's voice with a creepy smile, "I kissed a girl and I liked it. The taste of her cheery chapstick~"

“Well, I didn't like it!”

His smile didn't waver. “Damn, why didn't you call me? I'd have donated one lakh just to wash that steamy show. Just thinking about it is turning me on.”

I squinted my eyes in disbelief. “I'm amazed you aren't offended by the fact that your girlfriend cheated on you.”

“I hardly call that cheating, babe. More like charity. I know you did it for her sake.” He reasoned, waving a dismissive hand then smirked. “Besides, I'm already aware of your cheating tendencies. Remember when you kissed a random guy that resembled Virat Kohli one night?”

“Come on, we were hardly dating back then.”

“Oh, and when you hooked up with that Kunal freak behind my back? You slept with him for days.”

“We were on a break! A hookup break. Almost.”

“Don't sound like Ross,” He threatened but then he let go of his pretence, pulling my cheek instead. “Chill, I was joking. I don't want us to part on a bitter note so... Natasha?”

I was determined to break up with Rithik but I was doing the complete opposite as I embraced him tight. He sighed, giving in. It was a shame he couldn't wrap both of his arms around me as his right one was still wrapped in a compression bandage. Still, nothing felt as homely as being surrounded by his presence.

“Don't cry, babe. Its just a matter of few months. Time will pass like nothing and we will be back together, just like this.” Rithik said, caressing my head. His words only made me cry harder. For fuck's sake, why did I want to break up again? Shouldn't love be enough to sustain a relationship?

But you need to fix yourself first.

Urghh!

“I love you. I will always love you no matter what,” I sniffed, cupping his cheeks after we parted. “I'll probably break your heart in the near future, but please be strong and remember this. Please be happy.”

“Oi, why are you speaking like this? Is there something I should know?” He said, his face marred with confusion. But I told him there was nothing to worry about and everything would be fine. Before he could question further, I rose to give him one long kiss, first on his lips then neck. It certainly felt good to feel a man's lips again. He only leaned down for another kiss while his left hand ran squished my ass cheeks. What's with people grabbing my ass today? “Way to distract me, you vixen. Now I'm in the mood for something else.”

I shot him a deadpanned look. “You know we can't have sex like this. Neither your right arm nor leg is healed yet.”

“Yeah, but it's been so long.”

“You got that right.” I sighed. Soon we intertwined our hands and eventually to each other's crotch. “It's okay. We can fuck each other properly later on.”

Wait, why am I saying this? I'm breaking up with him, remember.

“Of course, but don't you know the saying- ain't nothing like the present. Let's do it.”

“No way! Are you serious?”

His hand was already inside my top, cupping my boob. "As serious as my hard member under. Give it a try, please.”

And try we hella did. Never did sex felt like a chore until today. Sure, Rithik pleased me in ways he could, but undeniably I had to do the most work. I helped him take off his shirt, helped him get into position. We ended up guffawing because of it.
At first, we tried spooning. However, it only worked for a while until Rithik's body decided to betray him. Even though he was trying to hide, I caught the times he winced in pain whenever he moved his injured hand or leg. I told him to give up, but he was persistent, no surprises there. Ultimately, I had to bend over my ass at the edge of the bed while he fucked my pussy from behind. Then we helped each other orgasm with our hands and mouths. The whole ordeal took forty minutes.

“See, it was worth it, wasn't it?” Rithik spoke while lying beside me while I made a face. He chuckled. “Come on, atleast you'll remember something like this.”

“Oh yeah, I will.” I giggled harder. I ran my fingers through his face. “Now close your eyes. I know you're tired.”

He shook his head, despite yawning. “No, I won't. You'll leave. Just like you left me at the hospital one time.” He scowled.

“Again with that? I already apologized, na.”

“You did. Just don't leave me, hmm,” Rithik blinked his eyes slowly while also pulling me to his chest, his head resting above mine. I complied, circling my arms around his torso. Soon his mumbling was replaced by soft breaths. He had been taking multiple medicines, including painkillers and antibiotics as a part of his recovery so no wonder he felt tired. I peered at his sleeping face and sighed.

This was harder than I thought.

A part of me wished I hadn't said yes to his proposal a year ago. Maybe then, it wouldn't have been as painful. If I really had to ditch him one day, it would have been better to do so then. No, instead I fell into the pithole, too. The worst part being I was still grateful about it. I got to experience love in its most naked form.

I remained under the blanket of his warmth as long as I could. In an imaginative world, I'd have given up every shit and situation to be with Rithik. That's how much I loved him. Every cell of my body told me so.

* * *

Later on, I informed Rithik I was leaving. He only shook his head in acknowledgement and continued sleeping. I heaved a sigh of relief after I exited the garage door as if I'd just completed a Herculean task. I continued walking down the street until I spotted Mister Rakesh Arora- Rithik's father at a grocery shop. I stopped by to greet him this time.

“If it isn't my son's infamous girlfriend? Everyone in our relatives knows about you now. Some are even eager to meet you while others... Ah, never mind.” He stopped laughing to face me seriously. “You should really stop with the formalities now. Call me Papa instead.”

My face fell. “I'm sorry I never meant for this to happen. This has become even more troublesome now. And I don't have the right to call you that. I'm sorry.”

“Oh,” Mr Arora's face fell as well, dunno why. He might have noticed my sullen expression as he ushered me to step outside the store. “What's the matter, child? Is anything troubling you?”

Why did he have to be so kind? Like father, like son. Tears threatened to fall but I quickly blinked them away. A lump formed in my throat. Damn, I couldn't take this anymore. I brought my palms together, bracing myself. “I need to talk about something, Mister Arora. I have lied to your son.”

***

I returned home after a strenuous conversation with Rithik's father. Obviously he wasn't pleased after what I said, but what amazed me was how he tried to reconsider my decision. That he wanted me to stay with his son. Even adding that he would convince his family to approve our relationship. Just how much did he favor me? All I did was visit Rithik and took care of him a little. His last line caught me off guard.

“Yes, it's true I don't know you that well, but I can tell you care for my son. And that something's bothering you. Obviously you must have thought a lot about your decision but I don't appreciate the way you're doing this. You're running away, child.”

Abhishek said the same thing, too. Why couldn't they understand? I hugged my arm, my fingers clutching to the sleeve of my shirt. “Yes, I am. I'm being a coward. But that's because I don't have the guts and energy to confront him now. I don't want to hurt him.”

“What I'm saying is,” Mr Arora took a tired breath. “Nobody knows you, but Rithik does. You can rely on him, just as he relied on you. You underestimate him. But most of all, you're underestimating yourself.”

We didn't exchange many words after that. He simply mumbled about how they would have to tend after his broken heart, too while I apologized profusely. He also stated how he wouldn't break the news to Rithik since he didn't like meddling in between. I appreciated that honestly.

The taxi ride home was depressing. Most of the time, it was just me gazing at the roads of Mumbai and shedding silent tears as I reminisced something about Rithik. Even the streets reminded me of him- Our long bike rides, our quiet evenings at Marine drive, eating at a restaurant, our conversations. It was as if he had left a mark on the whole city. My chest felt heavy by the time I reached my family home.

As for my family, they were behaving just as I predicted. Thanks to my fabulous job project abroad, there were a lot less disputes between me and my parents. My parents were a bit skeptical at first. The idea of their daughter being continents away was scary, but I convinced them how I would be provided for and even let my father talk to my boss. My mother was neutral though. I bet a thousand bucks she was secretly rejoicing that she wouldn't have to see my ugly face for a year. While congratulating, she said- 'Must be easy for you to achieve something like that. You've always been ambitious after all.'

“Piece of cake, Ma,” I replied sarcastically.

Sahil and Mitali on the other hand, were envious. Going abroad was a long time dream for the three of us. We used to argue against the country of choice for our first trip abroad. Mitali wanted to visit Italy, Sahil wanted to see Egypt while I wanted to visit Sydney.

“Well, none of our choices came true. I'm going to Boston, not Sydney.”

“Atleast you are going somewhere,” Sahil argued. “Didi yaar, meri setting karwa do apni company me. (Sister dearest, please get me hired in your office).”

I narrowed my eyes. “Since when did I become your Didi? You never called me that.”

“Since today.”

“I got this opportunity solely based on my hardwork and luck. I suggest you do the same.” I said, showing off my tongue while Sahil crinkled his nose, showing disapproval.

“Atleast bring some souvenirs for us,” Mitali intervened, pouting. The conversation soon turned unrealistic as they expressed what each of them wanted while I explained how I wasn't their private genie. I glanced at their happy faces and couldn't help but wonder when. When was the last time the three of us had a fun conversation like this? Especially with Sahil. I couldn't remember.

“Here, you forgot this,” My mother said, handling me a can of homemade pickles. I knew she was an expert in making aam ka achar but still, her gesture genuinely shocked me.

“Thanks, Mum,” I said, smiling and fitted the can in my duffle bag. Meanwhile Sahil helped me in bringing my luggage downstairs while my father waited in our Swift car. I took one last at the slightly aworn out red building and smiled. Was it weird that I was feeling more thrilled than sad? I stole a glance at my family who were all smiles for once. I recalled the sappy moments I spent with them in the past month.

Maybe this distance will make our hearts grow fonder. One can only hope.

I settled down in the car after bidding goodbye to Mum and Sahil. I almost had the urge to hug them but hesitated. Mitali decided to accompany me and Papa on my way to the Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport. Papa confirmed everything with me first as we headed to the entry line.

Mitali was already in tears as she hugged me tight. Her voice was low enough for us to hear. “Although Sahil bhaiya and I were complaining, I know in my heart that you deserve this the most, Didi. You can finally live your dream life, away from us.”

I blinked my stinging eyes away. “Thank you, dear. Though I don't wish to live away from you.”

“Maybe we could live together in a separate apartment once I get a job.”

“Sounds like a good plan.” I said, sharing a blissful smile and hugged her once again. I kissed her face. “Take care, Mitali. Love you.”

“Love you too, sis. Keep updating me.”

“Don't forget to switch on your international number once you reach,” Papa reminded me as he approached us closer. “You have your boarding pass, right? And passport?”

“Yes, Papa. It's all in my hand,” I said, fanning my boarding pass in front of me. I was about to add something else when I noticed his hand reaching towards me. My body reacted instinctively as my arms tightened and my eyes closed shut in fear. I was almost shaking but then, I felt his hand patting my head gently instead. I opened my eyes to see my father's puzzled eyes but a second later, he smiled down on me.

“I'm really proud of you, beti. Jeeti raho.”

Something knocked the air out of my lungs as my father's words gnawed in my heart. I kept looking at him like a dunce. And rightfully so, as it was something I never expected to hear yet always wanted to. My reaction itself seemed to surprise him as Papa asked what was wrong.

“Th-thanks...” I managed to say, despite the lump in my throat. I suppressed the best I could to prevent from crying right there and then. We shortly parted ways.

Or atleast that's how I made it appear in front of my father. I dragged my luggage to Terminal 3 and spotted a tall man in black jacket, foolishly waving his hand towards me.

“You came!” I said to Abhishek and shook his hands violently.

“How could I miss my best friend's vidai?” He joked. “I even paid Rs 200 to enter these premises.”

“Of course. You are here to see off Natasha Patil after all.” I proudly pointed to myself, making him chuckle.

“So, did you manage to finish your business with him?” He asked and I could tell who he was talking about even without his name. My face fell.

“Way to ruin my mood, asshat!” I slapped his shoulder. I proceeded to take out an envelope from my peach bag. “No, I couldn't do it. I'm a big time pussy. Which is why I left the rest to this crappy letter and you.”

“No, no, no, please don't place this heavy responsibility on me. Don't bring me into your drama. Your boyfriend's going to be madly pissed,” Abhishek denied profusely. “I'll give this to Khushboo instead. She'll give it to him.”

“Uh, I was thinking that too, but...” I said, recalling what-the-fuck kiss in the morning. I shook my head. “I couldn't find the right time to give it to her. Besides, I don't want her to read this. It's personal.”

“And you're okay with me reading it?"

“There's nothing in there that you don't know already. Please do this for me, Abhi. Please!” I joined my palms. When he finally took the envelope with his head hung low, I squealed in delight and kissed his cheek. “Thanks. You're a real life saver. I'll miss you.”

“Nah, you won't,” Abhishek stated proudly, but then he looked at me like how a teacher looked at his dear child, full of adoration. He put a foot forward to embrace me completely. “Be proud of how far you've come, bacche. You've done so well and I couldn't be happier for you. Go, live your best out there. Live for yourself.”

“Really? Do you really have to give such a speech?” I spoke although my eyes were glassy as we parted. “Thanks though. I couldn't have done it without you, Abhi. You've always anchored me.”

“That's what are friends for. Chal ab bahut natak ho gaya. Futt yaha se. (Okay, now enough of this melodramatic. Piss off at once)”

“Yeah, I'm leaving, fuck you! Take care. And don't peek into that letter, alright.”

“Oh, I'm peeking right now,” He said, opening the letter when I stopped him. Shortly after, we parted ways.

* * *

After going through excessive rounds of checks and formalities, I reached the terminal to show my boarding pass to the counter. My heart was thumping wild with anticipation as I dragged my purple luggage to the jet bridge, connecting to the plane. The plane that would soon take me to Boston.

The USA, motherfuckers!

Just as I settled down on my designated seat, I received a call from Rithik. I picked it up as I was free this time and informed him of my fake whereabouts. An image burned into my mind. An image of Rithik sitting next to me, travelling to Boston together. I pushed that thought away and slapped my cheeks.

Eventually, I switched my mobile to airplane mode and took a selfie. A selfie depicting a woman smiling like a nasty dog.

I could no longer feel my cheeks. I was smiling that much. I might sound like a cold-ass bitch but even my supposed break-up with Rithik couldn't stop me from feeling giddy. The thought of what awaited me, filled me with newfound happiness and confidence. For once in my life, I was looking forward to something.

Boston, here I come.

* * * * *

Hope you liked this chapter. What are your thoughts? About Natasha's new journey that awaits her and her decision regarding Rithik. Don't be A silent reader. Do vote and comment.