Dog and Cat

A week of college passed.

 I got up and did my usual morning routine. The house was bustling as ever but one thing changed. The mansion was always bright but ever since Vayu came, it was brighter. The staff was super friendly with him. He became Jeev and Kavya's best friend, mom and dad adored him as much.

The only thing that didn't change is my relationship with him. If we were a group we would talk normally. The moment it was us two. The silence was followed. Well, I was never really open to strangers but even though it was a week since he came, everyone opened up to him.

I felt kind of jealous of how everyone opened up to him so easily. Med school was hard, but more than ever I was determined to shine brighter than anyone in the house.

I spent nights learning how to become more elegant, more open, and make more friends. However, at the dining table, the conversation would mostly be based on Vayu's achievements. He was doing an exceptional job in weapon engineering. Everyone would simply ask if I had a fine day and move on. I wanted more attention.

Jealousy became resentment and soon I hardly spoke to Vayu. I hated my nature for being like this but I couldn't help it.

Summer break came close and my dad had a serious conversation with us on the dining table, "Listen, everybody, your mom and I are going to the Maldives for a business trip would any of you want to come? Vayu?" "I would like to come!" I barged in the conversation. "We already booked your ticket Maahi," mom smiled. "Sure! I don't mind coming along," Vayu exclaimed.

Jeev and Kavya couldn't go. They had exams and were very busy. If Vayu went with me alone, I would feel extremely uncomfortable, "never mind, I don't want to go. Let Vayu go in my place." "Maahi, we've already booked the ticket in your name and I won't change it. Vayu wants to come with us. Don't tell me. Are you both fighting or in cold blood?" He asked. I gulped, "no.. there isn't anything like that.." "Well, then it's decided."

My anger towards Vayu is completely one-sided. That too, for petty reasons. There was no point in making a big fuss out of it. 'I'm fucked' is all I thought to myself.

As I was about to change in my nightgown, I heard a knock on the door. "Who is it?" I asked. "It's me Vayu, can I come in?" I freaked out. My room was a mess and filled with books. A few fake bones were on my study table and my anatomy notes flooded my bed. "NO I'LL COME OUTSIDE GIVE ME A SECOND!" "I'm coming in no matter what." What? The audacity this person had. Is this guy dense? Just because everyone loves him doesn't mean everyone is comfortable with him. He should have that much common sense. At least that's what I expect from commoners.

"Woah, you've got quite a mess here." The books which I had scurried to carry fell on the floor. I was embarrassed. "Please exit this room, it's messy here." He ignored me and closed the door. "Vayu..?" I said. He suddenly walked towards me and invaded my personal space of 1 meter. I freaked out. He leaned in and looked in my eyes. "Maahi. Let's talk here."

He sat on the edge of my bed. "Hey! Be careful! My notes are-" "Hmm.. rectus femoris.. sartorius.. how do you learn all of this?" He asked. "Umm... what do you want to talk about that's so serious?" I made a nervous laugh to change the topic.

"Maahi. I know a lot of things about everyone in the family and household except you. I wanted to be clear about one thing. Please don't hesitate to speak your mind about anything to me. Let's be friends." He pulled his hand forward for a shake. I stepped forward with my left foot and grabbed his hand firmly. Even though I tried to exert dominance, the one with a more firm grip was him. After I loosened my grip he pulled me forward.

"Do you think I'm dumb? I totally can tell you don't like me for some reason and something is bothering you about me. What is it?" He glared. I freaked out and jumped back. "What the heck is with you? I've absolutely got nothing against you!" He got up and folded his arms, " you know, I'm an expert at reading the room, we are expected to get along with each other until I get my degree, so let's get along." Suddenly Kavya barged in the room. "Vayu! We've been looking for yo- wait a second.. why are you here?" Vayu smiled brightly which I could totally tell was fake. "Just giving some life advice to Maahi."  Kavya frowned, "Maahi doesn't need life advice. She's a literal walking prodigy like Jeev. Come, my mom's calling you in the laundry room for some help."

Mom was asking Vayu to help her?! But mom always asked me for favors! No wonder she didn't ask me to run errands for a few days. My blood was boiling. Was he my mom's son or am I her daughter? I became furious, " even I'm coming." I stomped towards the storage room. "Maahi? Where is Vayu? Also, what are you doing here?"  "Mom, your precious Vayu is taking his sweet time I'll handle the job. Tell me what help do you need." I saw a basket full of clothes. I assumed mom wanted me to put them in the laundry basket so I grabbed a cloth from the laundry bin.

"Maahi! Those are Vayu's clothes! Don't touch them! I need to ask if he was fine getting his clothes ironed -" Suddenly Vayu walked in, "what are you doing Maahi-" he stopped and looked shocked. Mom looked at my hands and screamed. I looked at my hands and screamed. OH MY GOD, I WAS HOLDING HIS BRIEFS. I  hurriedly apologized, threw the briefs aside, and ran to my room.

I was so embarrassed. How was I going to face him tomorrow?! It was already difficult as it is!

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***