Chapter 9

                                    

                                          

                            

                                
                            
                              
                                  
                              
                              
                                
                                  
                                  
                                
                              
                             
                            
                            
                          
                          
It's been weeks since the freshers party, but I can't shake off the memory of the kiss she gave me on my cheek. I was both happy and surprised, feeling warmth rise to my face while I just stood there, stunned, for a couple of minutes. Through the rearview mirror, I saw her enjoying the breeze on her beautiful face, swaying gently with the wind.
"Ishaan," my mom called, bringing me back to reality.
"What's wrong? You're not eating your food. Where are you spaced out?" Mom asked as she chewed her meal.
"Y...yeah, Mom, I'm eating," I replied, taking a bite.
"Today, I'm going to the supermarket," she said, glancing at me.
"What?" I tensed up, dreading another trip with her.
"Don't worry, I won't ask you to come with me! I'll go alone," she chuckled at my anxious expression.
"But Mom, it's Saturday, and it gets crowded. Will you manage by yourself? I can join you if you want," I expressed my concern.
"No, sweetheart, you need to rest. You've been going to college every day and handling assignments. You must be tired! I can handle it; after all, I am your mother!" she said confidently, giving me a reassuring smile.
"Okay, but please keep your phone with you! You always forget it, and it drives me crazy!" I pretended to be stern.
"Yes, sir!" Mom laughed back.
After dinner, I headed upstairs while she went to the supermarket. I noticed my guitar on the stand; having not played it for days, I picked it up and stepped onto the balcony.
'Guzaara Ho Tere Bin Guzaara, Ab Mushkil Hai Lagta
Nazaara Ho Tera Hi Nazaara, Ab Har Din Hai Lagta'
Suddenly, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I took it out and saw it was Vikas.
"Hey, Bhai, what's up?" he boomed from the other end.
"Hi, just playing my guitar!" I replied, fiddling with the strings.
"How was the freshers party with Vidhi?" he asked playfully.
"It went well, we won a few tasks, it was a blast!" I recalled the kiss moment.
"And how about you and Shivani? Did you make a move?" I teased, noticing his embarrassment. He has been trying on her for ages.
"Bhai... she's my girlfriend now!" he replied shyly.
"Wow! Congrats! I got myself a bhabhi!" I exclaimed, and he chuckled.
"I gave you your bhabhi, but where's mine?" he jested.
"I don't have a girlfriend, Vikas, you know that!" I replied flatly.
"Yeah, but it's about time you get one, or at least get away with Vidhi!" he whispered the last part, but I chose to ignore it. Glancing at the wall clock, I realized Mom had been gone for two hours.
"Vikas, I'll talk to you later about this," I said and hung up. I tried calling Mom, but she didn't answer; after a few rings, it said her phone was off.
Feeling anxious, I decided to go find her myself. Just as I headed downstairs, the doorbell rang, and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.
I opened the door with a smile, which quickly faded when I saw Mom injured, with bandages on her elbow and forehead.
"Mom, what happened? Are you okay? Why do you have bandages? I'm getting worried!" I fired off a flurry of questions as I helped her inside, sitting her on the sofa.
"Ishu, relax! I'm fine; it was a minor accident," she reassured me, downplaying it.
"WHAT?! RELAX, MOM? You were in an accident?" I exclaimed, feeling tears prick at my eyes.
"I was crossing the main road and didn't notice a speeding bike coming towards me, and it knocked me down. Just some minor scratches, that's all!" she said gently, holding my hand.
"Oh God! Why didn't you answer my calls or texts?" I half-yelled, frustrated.
"Sorry Ishu, my phone died," she said sheepishly.
"From now on, I'll go shopping with you, even if I hate it!" I whispered, kissing her hand.
"Thank you, beta... wait, where is she?" Mom said, looking towards the door.
"Who?" I asked, confused.
"The lady who helped me and got me medical attention!" she replied, getting up to go outside.
She returned with someone, and to my astonishment, it was Vidhi's mom! We were both shocked to see each other.
"Ishaan," Auntie said with a smile.
"Do you know him, Prerna?" she asked in surprise.
"Yeah, he's Ishaan, Vidhi's friend and classmate," she said proudly. I bent down to seek her blessings.
"Thank you so much, Auntie, for helping my mom," I expressed gratefully.
"Oh, no need for that, beta; she's like my best friend now, right Puja?" Auntie said, sharing a half-hug with Mom.
"Absolutely," Mom chuckled in agreement.
"Well, Puja, I should get going! Vidhi and Tanush must be worried about me," Auntie said as she started to leave.
"Prerna, wait! You have to eat something before you go!" Mom insisted, following her.
"No, please, another time. I'm already late," Auntie requested.
"Okay, but you must come for dinner tomorrow at my house with your family! I'm not taking no for an answer!" Mom insisted, eager to host.
"Agreed! We'll have dinner at your house tomorrow," Auntie replied, smiling.