Akash's
Yes, I'm drunk. Otherwise, why would I be lying next to Meera for the past thirty minutes… just staring at her?
And especially at her lips?
For the last half an hour, I've been asking myself the same question again and again.
I inch closer. She's hugging a pillow, but I casually steal it away and hug it instead — now I'm close, way too close. Close enough to feel her breath on my face.
What are you doing, Akash? I scold myself. You lied to Neha and ran away from her place tonight. She's your girlfriend, the woman you're supposed to spend your whole life with… and here you are, wanting to kiss the girl who only ever demands a divorce from you. A girl who has absolutely no interest in you. And still—you want to kiss her?
My mind says No.
The alcohol in my veins whispers Yes.
I lean down, almost kissing her… when Meera suddenly places her hand on my chest.
My heart jumps. Damn. If she wakes up now, my dead body will definitely be found on the floor morning. I gently move her hand away, create distance, and mutter to myself, What the hell, Akash? You tell your girlfriend to spend the night with you, and then you run away to… this? Smoking and wine are clearly ruining my brain.
"Control yourself," I order myself and drag my shameless body to the couch. Somewhere in the process, my T-shirt comes off.
---
Morning.
I wake up to find Meera leaning over me, placing a white sheet on my bare chest. Her face is close to mine. Too close.
A wicked smile spreads on my lips. These days, teasing Meera is my new favorite hobby. I love watching her squirm.
But the fun doesn't last long. As usual, she brings up Neha and divorce again — "What will Shruti think?" Blah, blah. I'm fed up. So I lie. Yes, about her father's medical reports. It's wrong but I do it anyway.
And yet… I'm smiling when I leave the room. Because in my mind, one thing is clear: This divorce will only happen when I want it to happen. I'm the pro player in this game, Meera. Not you.
---
In the living room, Aunty frowns.
Aunty: "Akash, don't you think those shorts are a bit too short?"
Rohan: "Yes, I also think bhaiya has worn Duggu's shorts.
I smirk.
Me: "Rohan, in a few days you have your entrance exam, right? Third attempt, isn't it? The way you're going, Looks like you will fail this year too".
Meera quietly heads to the dining hall, eats breakfast, and tries to slip away.
I step in front of her.
Me: "I'll drop you."
Meera: "Why?"
Me: "Just said I'll drop you."
Uncle appears before she can argue, and Meera is forced to stay silent.
In the car, I lean over to adjust her seatbelt.
Meera: "I can do it myself."
I ignore her, buckle her in, and start the car. Silence fills the air for a while.
Me: "Want to listen to some songs?"
Meera: "Okay."
Me: "Old songs, right?"
She doesn't reply. I switch one on anyway.
🎵 Ek main aur ek tu, dono mile is tarah…
She glares at me.
Meera: "I don't listen to songs like this."
Fine. Next song.
🎵 Aise na mujhe tum dekho, seene se laga loonga…
This time, she bursts out laughing.
I slam the brakes.
Me: "why are you laughing?"
She keeps laughing.
I stare at her.
Me: "You look… really good when you laugh."
Our eyes meet. Slowly, her laughter fades, replaced by sadness. She turns her face to the window.
Meera: "Drive. And don't play any more songs."
Me: "What happened?"
She doesn't answer.
The rest of the ride is silent. She gets down at the school gate, doesn't even glance back, doesn't say goodbye. And I sit there, wondering — What the hell was that?
---
Back home, my head is still stuck on the morning's car ride incident. By noon, I can't take it anymore. I text her:
Me: "Meera, should I come to pick you up?"
She replies instantly.
Meera: "No. Enjoy your weekend."
Suspicious. She never replies this fast.
Me: "Are you in class?"
No reply.
I call.
Me: "Where are you?"
Meera: "What?"
Me: "I'm coming to pick you up."
Meera: "No need, Akash."
Me: "papa asked me to."
Silence. Then just one word.
Meera: "Okay."
I get ready to leave. Just then, Neha calls. Her voice is soft, emotional — she's upset about last night.
Neha: "Akash, please come today. I need you."
Me: "Not today, Neha. I'll call you later."
Neha: "Where are you?"
Me: "Going somewhere."
Neha: "Where exactly?"
Me: "Driving. Will call you later." Click.
My brain is a mess. I don't know how to explain this to her… or even to myself.
I pick Meera up after school.
Me: "Are you okay?"
Meera (meeting my eyes): "Yes. I'm fine."
I don't believe her. I stop near a restaurant.
Me: "Let's grab lunch."
Meera: "No. I'll eat at home."
Me: "Come on, Meera. My favorite word isn't no. I'm hungry."
Meera: "Then eat. I'll wait in the car."
Me: "I meant together. Just lunch. Nothing else."
Finally, she agrees.
We sit down, I manage to lighten her mood, and soon she's smiling again. That's when disaster walks in.
---
"Hi, Akash."
Neha.
My stomach drops.
Me: "What are you doing here?"
Neha: "Came with friends. I called you earlier, remember? But you were driving. Anyway—" She looks at Meera and smirks. "So this is your wife?"
I freeze.
Neha (smiling cruelly): "Akash, I must say… you said she wasn't beautiful. But honestly, she's even uglier than I imagined."
My eyes drop to the table. Shame burns through me.
Me: "Neha… enough. Go join your friends."
Neha: "Relax! Seeing her actually makes me feel better. She has no style, no charm. Honestly, she's just… ugly."
Meera's chair scrapes back. Tears shine in her eyes.
Meera: "You should spend your time with beautiful people, Akash."
She leaves.
Me: "Meera, wait—!"
But she's gone.
Neha grabs my hand.
Neha: "Forget her. Sit with us."
Me: "Why did you have to say that?!"
Neha (shrugs): "Because it's true. She's plain, simple, nothing special."
Me (firmly): "She's simple. But not ugly. Enjoy with your friends, Neha. I'll see you later."
I pull my hand free and leave.
---
I keep calling Meera. She doesn't answer. I message. No reply.
By 4 p.m., I've been waiting at home for over an hour. She still hasn't returned.
Finally, she picks up.
Me: "Where are you? You didn't come home."
Meera: "I'm with a friend. I'll be back in the evening."
Me: "Which friend?"
She names the one person I least wanted to hear.
And just like that — my world spins out of control.
---