Page 158 - Half Girlfriend
P. 158

‘I’d rather not talk about it. At least, not now.’

                I clucked impatiently.
                ‘What?’ she said.
                ‘Nothing. This is so you. The freezing up. I do know you, Riya,

           even if it was in the past.’

                ‘If you know me, why do you push?’
                ‘Who pushed? I met you after years, so asked you. However, I

           have no right to anymore. So, sorry, madam.’ I became silent.
                ‘Don’t be like that,’ she said.

                I looked away and spoke again. ‘You shoved a wedding card in my
           hand and disappeared. I run into you after years and I shouldn’t ask

           you what happened?'
                ‘You should.’

                ‘That is what I did.'
                ‘Fine, I’m sorry. And I’ve already apologized for the past. Madhav,

           look at me.’

                I turned my gaze back to her. I could only be mad at Riya for so
           long. She smiled. I maintained a stern expression.
                ‘Would you like to be friends with me?’ she said.

                I hate it when she says that. What the fuck is that? Is it an

           invitation? Is it a consolation prize? Is it a peace treaty?
                I remained silent.

                ‘I live in Patna.You come here often. We could be friends. Would
           you like that?’ she said.

                That was another thing I hated. That I always let her decide when
           to be friends or when not to. I had no power to refuse her.

                ‘Yes, I would,’ I said.
                ‘Great. I would like us to be good friends, too,’ she said. ‘However,

           I have one condition.’
                I rolled my eyes.There is always a catch with Riya. What is it going

           to be this time? Have no expectations?
                ‘Say it,’ I said.

                ‘Don’t ask me the same question twice.’
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