Five more minutes, Aashi

Aashi cut the call and sat at the edge of her bed, beside her leg was the suitcase filled with her clothes for the trip. They are going on the trip in Rishabh's dad's Fortuner. Whenever they make such plans Rishabh always comes to pick up Aashi first. She wondered if he has gone to pick up Laila first. Aashi is now getting very suspicious of that girl, her sixth sense getting hyperactive active in her presence.

Ten minutes later, the doorbell rang. Aashi got up but quickly sat again. If it is Rishabh then she doesn't want to make herself look like a despo, he should come and apologize. Aashi felt restless as she heard his voice coupled with Laila's coming from downstairs.

Oh, so he had gone to pick her up first. Aashi thought angrily. She puffed up her cheeks in anger, folded her arms and sat back on the bed.

A few minutes later, the door to her room opened and Rishabh peeped in.

'Hey.' He smiled nervously at her. Aashi glared at him and then turned around, her back to him. She heard him sigh.

Rishabh sat beside her, - 'What happened to my sherni?' He asked with a smile. Aashi doesn't reply.

He shook his head, - 'You na, Aashi, at times you become a kid. I tell you.' He said seriously. Aashi looked at him.

'Why did you pick up Laila first?' She asked innocently yet angrily.

'I smell someone is jealous.' Rishabh smirked

'Shut up!' Aashi slapped his arm.

'Yes, I did pick her up first, but how does it matter,' He shifted closer and placed his palm on her shoulder, - 'you will always remain my best friend.' He said seriously. Staring into his eyes, she saw sincerity and honestly, it made her melt. But she is still angry because he always picks her up first. She looked away.

'Come, Aashi please.'

'I won't go...you go with that Laila. Ever since she has come you have become a total Majnu.' Aashi said still not looking at him.

'Manju.' Rishabh chuckled. He stopped when Aashi looked at him.

After five more minutes of coaxing and assurance, Aashi agreed to come. Rishabh is relieved. His words did make her feel special, also he promised to never do this again. Aashi left the room and Rishabh followed her dragging her luggage.

Laila greeted Aashi downstairs, even though she didn't want to, Aashi greeted her back. She then bid goodbye to her parents and promised them she will call them. Since she is going for a weekend trip they are worried, it's not the first time but still, parents will be parents.

Aashi is happy when Rishabh said that she will sit beside him in the passenger's seat and not Laila. Aashi noticed her expressions darken and this time she knew it's not her imagination.

**************************************

Everyone from their group was delighted on meeting Laila. Aashi at one point felt like bashing Dinesh and Feroz's head open when they commented that Laila and Rishabh are a pair, and when Rishabh corrected them (blushing little) Jasmine pitched in saying they should become a couple if they aren't. Aashi kept muttering curses under her breath.

'This is the best camping site here. You can sleep under the sky, good view of the sunrise.' Rishabh said excitedly to Laila, they walked front with everyone else following them. Everyone took turns in talking about the place, all except Aashi who silently followed them with her cheeks puffed up, a frown on her face and her arms folded.

'But it is so expensive, I shouldn't have come.' Laila said sadly. But Jasmine interrupted by placing a palm on her shoulder.

'Arey, Chill Baba. You are Rishabh's friend,' - She winked at Rishabh who smiled back, - 'matlab our friend, so chill.' She said brightly.

Laila still looked skeptical so Saket said, - 'we have you covered.'

'Yeah, so relax, Laila.' Rishabh said. Laila looked at him and nodded, a small smile on her lips.

In all this conversation all Aashi could do was roll her eyes.

To Aashi's annoyance she shared her tent with Laila, Jasmine was there too but Laila overshadowed her presence. To someone else Aashi's annoyance would mean she is insecure but Aashi knew this isn't some childish insecurity, Laila is trouble.

**************************************

It has gotten dark by the time they reached the place, they all decided to relax for some time and then sit by the bonfire.

'I have never done this before, I am so excited.' Laila said happily to Jasmine who smiled warmly at her. Aashi forced a smile.

The bonfire was lit and the girls were called. Rishabh waved at Aashi and gestured her to sit beside him. She smiled widely and walked towards him but on the way, Laila nudged her hard in the guts and walked ahead of her. Aashi winced and glared at Laila's back but she didn't once turn around. Rishabh is surprised when Laila came and sat beside him. She smiled at him, he forced a smile.

'Hey, Jagan, thoda side do (Give little space), let Aashi sit.' Rishabh nudged his friend, a thin lanky guy, who sat next to him asking him to give space to Aashi. She smiled and took her place beside him. She looked up and found Laila frowning but she quickly forced a smile and looked away.

They all chatted happily, Jagan was excited to tell scary stories but everyone shut him up. During all this Aashi noticed, whenever someone cracked a joke, Laila was the one to laugh the loudest and she kept falling to her side and onto Rishabh. Though he looked uncomfortable, he kept a smile. Aashi isn't liking this.

**************************************

Later that night, Aashi couldn't sleep, someone's snores echoed in the tent and disturbed her sleep. She shook her head realizing it is Laila who is snoring so loudly. How un-lady like, she thought.

Aashi wrapped a shawl around her shoulder, hunched a little and walked out of the tent. Though it is hot in the afternoon, it is chilly now in the night. She saw someone sitting in front of the dying bonfire. She is surprised recognizing the person to be Rishabh.

'Hey.' She said and Rishabh looked up.

'Hey.' He sounded tired. Though the boys took turns to drive Rishabh was the one doing most of the driving.

'Not feeling sleepy?' He asked as Aashi took a seat beside him.

'Na, and you.' She looked away from the bonfire and at him. Rishabh shook his head. Aashi noticed he has brought his blanket and is completely wrapped up in it. Maybe he has planned to sleep outside.

'Na,' he looked up at the starry sky, - 'just want to see the stars.' He sighed. Aashi smiled. Every time they come out for camping Rishabh prefers sleeping under the sky. A chilly wind blew and Aashi shivered. She stuck out her palms towards the bonfire and then rubbed them together.

'Aashi.' Rishabh said softly.

'Hmmm....' She said rubbing palms again.

'Come here.' She turned her head and saw Rishabh had opened his arm gesturing her to get into the blanket. Aashi smiled gratefully at him and moved inside the blanket. Rishabh wrapped his arm around her shoulder and she felt instantly warm and cozy.

'You are my best friend, Aashi.' - He said softly and pulled her, - 'No matter what nothing can come between us.'

'And you are my best friend too, Rishabh.' - She replied snuggling closer, - 'and no matter what, I will never let you go.' She rested her head on his shoulder. She smiled closing her eyes while Rishabh sighed and looked up at the sky.