Apple of my eye

A faint sound resembling her name made her jump. What was she doing? Oh yeah, she was thinking over what Pradeep had said. In fact he had said a lot, given a lot of hints, none of them very obvious though. “You make my day”, “You are the apple of my eye” and what not? And who uses such stupid terms nowadays anyway? Fu***ng apple of my holy a…

The mention of the same word startled her. But why? Wasn’t someone mentioning her name just moments ago? She followed the direction of noise. It led her to the recreation room. Wow, here was some kind of gathering, but what’s the occasion? And why is everyone looking at her like that? Those ridiculous smirks, those are unbearable.

And suddenly Rahul started humming, gazing at her. That continuous gaze was disturbing. And what is that he sings?

You’re my Honeybunch, Sugarplum

Pumpy-umpy-umpkin, You’re my Sweetie Pie

You’re my Cuppycake, Gumdrop

Snoogums-Boogums, You’re the Apple of my Eye

And I love you so and I want you to know

That I’ll always be right here

And I love to sing sweet songs to you

Because you are so dear…

She left the room, couldn’t tolerate this stupidity any more. She was utterly disgruntled over Rahul’s impromptu song. What made him make a pass at her, that too with so many friends around? She was sure she never even looked twice at Rahul, what of giving him any cues. And what’s more? She faintly remembers someone recording it in a handy cam. So now, she will be laughing stock of the entire group. Oh, how would she fight all the rumours, everyone asking her – what’s going on between Rahul and her?

Things would’ve been way different had it been Pradeep. For one thing, he would’ve never attempted singing for her in front of everyone, with that croaky voice of his. And this Rahul, he thinks he is some kind of Rock star. People bear him just because he has a melodious voice; otherwise his sense of humour stinks. So, was it another prank of his? How dare that jerk involve her in such a stupid thing?

She had reached home after the practice. Breakfast was ready at the table – sprouts and apple. Again, that fu***ng apple. She won’t have apples anymore. And why should she need a protein diet? She is already in a good shape. And she won’t need any exercise for years to come. She looks perfect, that’s why Rahul made a pass at her. Ah, that stupid Rahul. She shouldn’t think of him anymore. She needs to relax. She will meditate.

Meditation is not helping either. She can’t clear this morning’s incidence off her head. Where was Pradeep? She was almost sure he was going to propose to her. But there he was, smiling at her standing by Rahul’s side, while that jerk was embarrassing her. Oh GOD! Help me. What should I do? At least give me a hint…

Door bell. It has a tendency to ring at the oddest of the moments. It was courier, a CD with her name on the cover. Oh, would this Rahul stop at nothing? Has he sent the recording to everyone, for no doubt the CD will have recording from the morning.

Yes, she was right. It showed the same setting, same room with same people. Only she was missing. Ok, so they were recording it even before she had come to the room. But wait, Pradeep is saying something. No, he is not saying something, he is actually proposing to her. And now, he is asking Rahul to sing a song on his behalf. And here, the focus changes, and she enters the room.

Oh, so she was worrying for no reason. It was Pradeep, not Rahul. She knew he was going to propose to her. Yup, exactly what she had expected. Pradeep is always predictable, however mysterious he tries to appear. Not like Rahul, who is spontaneous. Surely, this CD was Rahul’s idea. But, why is she thinking of Rahul? In fact, she has spent the entire morning thinking of him, while she should be thinking of Pradeep. Or should she be?

She sat there for minutes. Of course! Wasn’t it obvious? He can help. After all, he had always been a good friend. She walked down to her laptop, and wrote an e-mail:

Pradeep,

Your proposal was touchy and shocking. I had never expected this from you. You had always been a good friend of mine. And, I expect that my refusal won’t change the things between us.

TC

PS Could you give me the phone number of Rahul?