Broken Bubble

"Madam, which one? Red or pink?" The beauty parlor assistant asked me.

"Aren't they both too bright?" I squirm.

"Neon nail polish is the current trend now." She smiles.

I sigh deeply and choose the pink one. I was new to all this. This was the first time I was pampering myself to this extent. I had got a deep scalp massage, a fruit clean-up and a gold facial done. My skin had never felt this supple before as I closed my eyes and leaned back on the most comfortable chair ever. The assistants scrubbed my feet and polished my nails delicately. Two hours later, after procuring a huge dent in my pocket, I walk out feeling completely rejuvenated and awesome. I walk up to my yellow vespa and look at myself in the rear view mirror. I did look nice. I smile and strike a pose for a selfie. It turns out to be real good and I decide to post it on Instagram later. I place my hands carefully on the handle and ride back home.

Today was the day. After three whole years Jai had finally asked me out for dinner. Oh, how madly I was in love with him. Jai was my best friend and everything I have ever wanted. We had met at a common friend's party and had hit it off instantly. By the time he dropped me home that night, I was head over heels in love with him. I never confessed this to him, nor did he say anything. We stayed best friends and I continued to hide my feelings fearing that something might go wrong. But last night, he had called me in a sense of urgency.

"Wassup Jai?" I asked cheerfully.

"Samira... There is something I have been wanting to tell you." He paused with every word.

"Tell na then." I chide him.

"We have been best friends for so long. I want you to know this...." He stopped.

My heart skipped a beat. I felt goosebumps through out my body and my breathing got heavy.

"Yes Jai, continue." I whispered.

"Not like this. Can we meet for dinner tomorrow?"

I wanted to do a somersault in the air right then.

"Sure. Where?" I grinned from ear to ear.

"Some place nice. Hmmm... Olive beach?"

I almost died and went to heaven that minute. Olive beach was a place I had only seen in magazines and TV. It was a posh place and the food they served was said to be top class. I had expressed my desire to dine there during one of our casual conversations. I could not believe that he had remembered that!

"Wow, great!" I said happily.

"Good. I'll pick you up at 7 then."

"Done." I said and hung up.

I couldn't sleep a wink last night. Today morning I woke up with a smile. After lunch, I had rushed to the parlor. I checked myself in the rear view mirror again and I was pleased. I reach home soon and rush to my wardrobe. I look up at the clock. 6 pm. Great, I have plenty to time to get ready. I choose a black dress with a pink bow at the waist. Matched the nail polish perfectly, I thought. The straps of the dress sat snugly on my freshly scrubbed shoulder as I rubbed on some body glitter. I look into the mirror. I decide to let my hair loose and do my eyes boldly. After a third coat of mascara, I'm satisfied. I decide to keep my lips simple and just dab on some strawberry lip balm. I check the time again. Ten minutes to seven. After a final spray of my favorite perfume, I wait for Jai to pick me up. I hear the car honk soon enough. Since no one was at home, I lock the door, take a deep breath and walk out confidently in my black heels.

Jai is visibly pleased to see me. He watches me open mouthed as I feel a sense of pride.

"Wow, you look awesome." He smiles.

"Thank you!" I say feeling delighted by his reaction.

He opens the door for me and we set out to Olive beach. We make small talk throughout the commute and I see that he is enjoying himself. He looked different today. I see that he also has worked hard for today. He even wore cuff links! I sure was a lucky girl, I thought. We reach there soon and I learn that he has booked a pool side table. I'm thrilled as he pulls a chair for me. I feel like a princess as I settle down and watch him look at me.

"So? What is special?" I ask with a wink.

"You will know in a while." He assures me.

The waiter brings up two glasses of wine and it tasted like heaven. I said a silent prayer inside for making this happen.

"Samira, how long have we known each other?" He holds my hand in his. I reciprocate.

"Three whole years." I see something in his eye that I have not noticed before.

"So, do you trust me?"

"I'd trust you with my life, Jai" I meant every word of it.

"Oh Samira, how do I tell you this?" He fumbles.

"Let me help you. I feel the same Jai." I hold his hand tighter.

"What are you trying to say?" He gives a confused look.

"The same thing you want to say Jai." I say with a straight face.

"So you know?" His eyes open wide.

"Of course I do!" I say with a smile.

"And you are happy?"

"Obviously dude, I'm thrilled!" I'm tempted to kiss him now.

"Oh Thank God!" He heaves a sigh of relief.

"Are you happy?" I ask him.

"Of course Samira! I'm in love, what else do I need." He smiles happily.

"Its an awesome feeling right?" I reach for his hand again.

"Oh, you bet! Let me go get her then. She's waiting at the reception." He gets up to leave.

"She?" Its my turn to look confused now, but he has already left.

In a minute I see him walking towards me with his hands around Sheena, my younger sister.

This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

~ Soumya