Page 186 - Half Girlfriend

'You don't have fever,' I said,

'I'm exhausted, l guess.'
‘Did I stress you out?’ I said. I felt guilty about kissing her.
‘No. I should just go rest.'

She had a coughing fit again, this time more violent.

I helped her stand up and escorted her to the guestroom, ‘Will you
be okay? You want someone here?' I said, She smiled, ‘Nice try, sir.

But I will be just fine,' she said, ‘I didn't mean that. I could wake up
Ma,'

‘No, no, please. I need sleep, that's all. We are going to the school
tomorrow, right?'

'If you’re feeling better.’
‘I’ll be okay. Goodnight, Madhav,’ she said.

‘Goodnight, Riya,’ I said, not wanting to leave.
'Thanks for taking care of me,’ she said, her voice sleepy.

She shut the door. I came back to my room. As I lay in my bed, I

touched my lips. I thought about our magnificent lip-lock under the
stars.
'I love you, Riya Somani,’ I whispered before I drifted off to sleep.