Page 53 - Half Girlfriend

‘Good observation.’

I looked straight into her eyes. She did not look away. Even though
I had zero experience with girls, I could tell this was a good sign.
‘What?’ she said.

I leaned forward to kiss her. At the last moment she moved her

face away and I ended up kissing her cheek.
‘Madhav Jha,’ she said. ‘Behave yourself.’

She said it in a firm voice, though without the anger she ha shown
that day on the lawn.

‘I am behaving like myself. This is what I want to do.’
‘All you boys are the same,’ she said and slapped my wrist.

‘You’ve experienced all boys?’ I raised my eyebrows.
‘Shut up. Okay listen, before I forget, I have to invite you to a

party.’
‘Don’t change the topic.’

‘Don’t stick to one either,’ she said and extracted herself from my

grip. She shifted into the study chair.
‘Come here. Near me,’ I said.
‘No, sir. I don't trust you.’

‘Really? Your best friend?’

‘Who is not behaving like a friend,’ she said, emphasizing the last
word.

I lay back on the bed in a sulk, dangling my legs. I picked up
basketball from the bookshelf and spun it on my little finger.

‘I said I want to invite you to a party. Are you paying attention?'
she said.

‘Why do you want attention from someone you don’t trust?’
‘Next Saturday, my house. At 100, Aurangzeb Road,’ she said

palms resting on her lap.
I sat up on the bed.

‘Your house?’ I said.
‘ Yes, the party is at my place.’

‘ You’re making me meet the parents?’