04
As the days went by, my birthday crept up on me like a familiar ritual. It was that time of the year again when I'd call Meher over to my place, just like I had for years. Our little tradition had become a staple in my life – just the two of us, hanging out, sharing stories, and enjoying each other's company.
The plan was the same as always: she'd come over, we'd spend the day chatting about everything and nothing, munch on some food, and maybe play some games or watch a movie. After a night filled with laughter and good company, she'd crash at my place, and we'd wake up to a lazy morning.
To be honest, my feelings about birthdays were always a bit mixed. I wouldn't say I loved celebrating another year of life, but at the same time, I didn't dread it either. It was more of a neutral thing – a day like any other, but with cake and maybe a few more expectations from others.
With Meher around, though, the day always felt a bit brighter. Her presence made the day special in its own subtle way. We didn't need grand gestures or big parties; our simple, low-key celebration was enough for me. And as long as she was there, I knew it would be a decent day.
As Meher stepped into my house, I got up to greet her, excited to start the celebration. But, true to form, my feet seemed to have other plans. Before I could even reach her, I tripped on the rug and stumbled, landing on the floor with a thud. Meher's eyes widened in surprise as she rushed to help me up, a mix of concern and amusement on her face.
I dusted myself off, rubbing my elbow, the familiar sting of a minor scrape a reminder of my birthday jinx. It seemed the streak was still intact. With a sheepish grin, I stood up, brushing off the embarrassment. Meher's presence was reassuring, and I knew the day would go on despite the rocky start.
Meher
"Hey, you okay?" Meher asked, her voice laced with concern as she steadied me with a gentle hand on my arm.
Sara
"I'm fine, don't worry," I said, brushing off her concern with a wave of my hand and a reassuring smile.
Meher
Meher's eyes sparkled with amusement as she asked, "Is it your little jinx again?" Her voice was playful, but her gaze lingered on my scraped elbow, concern still evident in her expression.
Sara
"I think so," I replied, rubbing my elbow again, a wry smile creeping onto my face as I glanced down at the scrape.
Safiya
"Oh, Meher, you're here," my mom said, her face breaking into a warm smile as she greeted Meher. "I'm so sorry, but I have an emergency at the hospital – my mother is unwell. Would you mind keeping an eye on Sara for me? I'd really appreciate it," she asked, her voice dripping with sweetness and politeness, a stark contrast to the stern tone she usually reserved for me.
Meher
Meher smiled warmly and said, "Don't worry, I'll take care of her. You can trust me on this," her reassuring words aimed directly at my mom, who nodded in gratitude before turning to me with a completely different expression.
Safiya
"Okay then, I'm leaving. Bye," my mom said, waving at us with a bright smile before turning to leave, her demeanor switching back to its usual sternness the moment her back was turned to Meher. As soon as she was out the door, she would likely revert to her usual self, but for now, the facade of the doting parent remained.
Meher
Meher waved back at my mom with a friendly smile, saying "Bye, see you later!" as my mom disappeared out the door, the warmth in her voice a stark contrast to the tension that would soon fill the room once we were alone.
Meher
Meher let out a sigh, her eyes rolling good-naturedly as she turned to me. "Talking with your mom sure takes a lot of energy," she said, a low chuckle escaping her lips. "And that smile of hers? It's really sweet, yet creepy at the same time," she added, her voice barely above a whisper, as if ensuring my mom was truly out of earshot.
Sara
"Yeah, let's not ruin the mood," I said, flashing a smile at Meher as I shook off the lingering tension. "Happy birthday to me, right?" I added, trying to steer the conversation toward more lighthearted territory.
Meher
"Oh, yeah, happy birthday," Meher said, wrapping her arms around me in a warm hug. As we hugged, she pulled back slightly to examine my elbow, her brow furrowed with concern. "Is your elbow okay, by the way? You did fall down quite hard," she asked, her voice soft with worry.
Sara
"It does hurt, but it's not something I can't handle," I said, shrugging it off with a small smile, trying to reassure Meher that I was fine, even though the scrape on my elbow throbbed slightly with each movement.
Sara
"Want something to drink?" I asked, heading toward the kitchen and gesturing for Meher to follow, my tone casual and inviting.
Meher
"Hmm, what are you gonna give me? Juice, soda, or maybe some tea?" Meher asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she leaned against the counter, waiting to see what options I had in store.
Sara
"Water," I said with a smirk, my tone dripping with playful sarcasm as I handed her the bottle, clearly implying that was all she was getting.
Meher
Meher's lips curled into a pout as she shot back, "Why'd you even ask when you're just gonna give me water?" Her voice was laced with mock annoyance, her eyes sparkling with amusement despite her scowl.
A low chuckle escaped my lips as I swung open the refrigerator door, revealing a stash of cold drinks. With a sly smile, I pulled out two bottles of soft drink and tossed one her way, the bottle flying through the air with a soft whoosh.
Meher
Meher's hands closed around the bottle with a soft clink as she caught it, a grateful smile spreading across her face. "Oh, thanks," she said, her voice warm with appreciation.
Meher
"So, what's the plan for today?" Meher asked, popping the cap off her drink with a soft hiss, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she took a sip, waiting for me to suggest something.
Sara
I shrugged, a helpless look on my face. "I don't know, do you have any ideas?" I asked, my tone casual, leaving the decision entirely up to her.
Meher
"How about a drama?" Meher suggested, her eyes lighting up with interest as she leaned in slightly, her tone hopeful.
Sara
"Drama? No, thanks," I said with a dismissive wave of my hand, a hint of a smirk playing on my lips. "I'm not in the mood for tears."
Meher
Meher's fingers wrapped firmly around my wrist as she tugged me toward the living room, her smile unwavering. "No way out, you're watching with me," she declared, her voice firm but laced with amusement, pulling me along with an unyielding grip.
Sara
I asked, still being dragged, "So, what's the drama about? Please tell me it's not another sappy romance," my tone laced with skepticism as I eyed her, waiting for her response.
Meher
Meher's smirk grew wider as she said, "Nope, today's pick is something entirely different," her eyes sparkling with amusement, hinting at a surprise.
Meher
Meher's grin turned mischievous as she announced, "We're watching a girls' love drama," her voice low and playful, daring me to react.
Sara
I raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing on my lips. "GL drama? You know I'm not exactly a drama fan, right?" I said, my tone laced with dry skepticism.
Sara
"Hey, how about we ditch the drama and watch an anime instead?" I suggested, a hopeful glint in my eye as I looked at her, searching for agreement.
Meher
"Nope, you're watching this drama with me, no backing out," Meher said firmly, her eyes sparkling with a playful challenge.
Sara
I pouted, "Not fair! Is it my birthday or yours?" I asked, pretending to sulk, trying to negotiate my way out of the drama.
Meher
Meher's face lit up with a sly smile as she offered, "Alright, deal! We'll watch your precious anime on my birthday. How's that sound?" her voice dripping with amusement.
Sara
I narrowed my eyes slightly, my voice firm. "Promise?" I repeated, seeking confirmation, my eyes locked on hers.
Meher
Meher grinned, extending her pinky finger. "Pinky promise," she said, her voice filled with playful solemnity, waiting for me to hook mine around it.
Sara
I hesitated for a moment before sitting down beside, still looking a bit skeptical, then leaned back against the couch cushion "Alright, let's get this over with," I said with a smirk, picking up a throw pillow and hugging it.
Sara
"Stop grinning and sit down already. And what's the title?" I asked, my tone laced with mock impatience, eyes fixed expectantly on hers.
Meher
"Us," she said, her voice firm and matter-of-fact, as if daring me to argue with her choice.
Sara
"Us? Sounds like a snooze fest," I said, my tone dripping with sarcasm, already dismissing the drama before it had even started.
Meher
She rolled her eyes good-naturedly, "Come on, give it a shot. It won't bite... unless you're allergic to feels," she teased, nudging me playfully with her elbow.
With a triumphant smile, Meher clicked play on the drama "Us" and plopped down beside me on the couch, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as the show's theme music filled the room.
Sara
"Think we'll get through it all today?" I asked, my tone flat and unenthusiastic, not exactly bursting with excitement about the prospect.
Meher
"Uh-huh, 12 episodes, 45 minutes each," she said, a mischievous glint in her eye, as if daring me to back out now.
Sara
"Okay, if you say so," I said with a shrug, resigned to my fate as I settled in for the long haul.
As the show's intense plot unfolded, Meher would occasionally nudge closer, her eyes drifting toward mine with an unnerving intensity. I brushed it off, attributing it to her quirky nature. When the hunger pangs hit, we paused the series and stretched, the sudden silence a welcome relief as we headed to the kitchen to grab some lunch.
We settled into our seats, the aromatic biryani my mom had 'lovingly' prepared filling the air. I added a refreshing touch to the meal by pulling out a bottle of chilled fresh juice from the fridge, and we dug in.
eclipvzze
This is Biryani by the way, in case you don't know
eclipvzze
If any of you are planning to visit India, you must try this food - it's like the best in the country. It tastes different in each state, but it's all tasty, especially the Kerala biryani. You should at least try making it at home; I'm sure you won't regret it.
Sara
"When did you get hooked on GL and BL dramas?" I asked Meher, curiosity getting the better of me as we ate our lunch.
Meher
"Me? Last year," she replied with a casual smile, her eyes sparkling with a hint of amusement.
Meher
"You and your BL and GL manhwa obsession – when did you start reading those?" she teased, her voice laced with playful amusement as she raised an eyebrow at me.
Sara
"7th grade, I think," I said, a hint of sheepishness creeping into my voice as I recalled my early discovery of the genre.
Meher
"7th grade? But you were just 12 then", Her eyes widened in shock, a look of utter incredulity crossing her face.
Sara
"So what if I was 12? I found it and I liked it," I said with a shrug, a hint of defensiveness creeping into my tone.
Meher
"How do you feel about it, though?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity and a touch of amusement.
Sara
"About the manhwa?" I replied, raising an eyebrow, unsure what else she could be referring to.
Meher
"No, I mean, like, guys loving guys and girls loving girls?" she asked, her eyes locked on mine, curious about my thoughts.
Sara
"In real life, it's just different, I guess. But in manhwa, it feels…. cute," I said, trying to articulate my thoughts.
Meher
"You're not a fan of that drama either?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with interest and ....hope, maybe?
Sara
"Honestly, no, I'm not really into it," I said, shaking my head slightly, my voice straightforward.
Meher
"I see," Meher said, her head dipping slightly as her voice fell, a hint of disappointment lingering in her tone.
Meher
"Let's watch something else," she suggested with a forced smile, attempting to brush off the momentary letdown and salvage the lighthearted vibe.
Sara
"Hey, what's with the sudden switch? You didn't like it either?" I asked, my tone laced with curiosity and a bit of surprise.
Meher
"Yeah, it was boring," she said with a shrug, trying to play it cool while masking her true thoughts.
Sara
"You never say a drama is boring, so what's going on? Are you sugarcoating your true thoughts?" I asked, raising an eyebrow, my tone playful yet probing.
Meher
"Why would I lie about it? So, horror movie?" she suggested, swiftly steering the conversation in a new direction.
Sara
"You're sure you're ready for this?" I asked, grinning. "The Evil Dead? Bring it on! I've heard it's a cult classic."
Meher
"Alright then," she said with a shrug, "whatever you say."
Sara
"'Now I feel like it's my birthday!' I exclaimed, a surge of excitement bubbling up as I bounced up and down in my seat."
As the horror movie started, I scrubbed the dishes with an unusual burst of energy, then sprinted to the living room to hit play. Completely absorbed in the on-screen chaos, I was oblivious to Meher's subtle wince of discomfort. Meanwhile, she watched me, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiled to herself, her amusement growing with each of my reactions to the movie's jump scares.
Sara
I turned to Meher with a sheepish grin. "Honestly, I was expecting way scarier. But it was pretty disgusting. Not really my thing."
Meher
"Is that so? I thought you were enjoying it," she said with a faint smile, her laughter barely above a whisper as she brushed off her momentary unease.
Sara
"Hey, what's with that tone? You're not okay, are you?" I asked, my concern evident as I turned to her, searching her face for answers.
Meher
"I'm fine, just a bit of a headache," she said softly, waving off my concern with a gentle hand gesture.
Sara
"Tiger balm might help. Want me to get it?" I asked, already getting up from the couch to fetch it for her.
Meher
"No, it's alright," she said, shaking her head, a faint smile on her lips as she leaned back into the couch.
Sara
As I laid my head down on her lap, I let out a tired sigh. "I'm exhausted," I whispered.
Meher's face flushed slightly as she flinched, her eyes darting away quickly, but I was too caught up in my own exhaustion to notice the subtle change in her expression.
Sara
"I have to bathe now, or Mom will scold me when she comes back," I said to Meher, reluctantly getting up from her lap, trying to shake off my exhaustion.
Meher
"Yeah, you'd better get going, don't want you mom to get mad," Meher said with a slight smile, her voice gentle as she nodded towards the bathroom.
Sara
"Want to bathe together?" I teased, a mischievous glint in my eye as I raised an eyebrow at her, expecting her to laugh or playfully decline.
Meher
Her face turned a deep shade of pink as she looked away, her voice barely above a whisper. "Stop it."
Sara
"Come on, don't be shy. It's not like I'm a guy," I said, grinning mischievously, trying to push her buttons and get a rise out of her, my tone playful and teasing.
Meher
"Still..." she murmured, her voice fading away as she looked at me uncertainly, her cheeks still flushed.
Sara
I chuckled and said, "Alright, relax, I was just teasing," my voice softening as I held up my hands in a placating gesture.
Sara
"You can use the bathroom in my room to freshen up if you'd like," I offered, her expression calming down as I gestured towards my room.
Meher
She nodded, a small smile returning to her face
Then I stood up from the couch, stretching my arms over my head, feeling a bit more relaxed before heading to bathe. Meanwhile, Meher got up and headed to my room.
Comments
Zein Shion
Amazing storytelling!
2025-04-28
0