Want Me

4

“Mom, I will come with you,” I pleaded.

“No way Anvi, you have to stay here. It will take more than a week to return and I don't want you to skip your classes,” my mom said while packing her bag. Today morning my grandma called to say that grandpa was admitted to the hospital. He has severe Asthma and the condition is serious this time so mom and dad were going to Mumbai to look after my grandfather.

“I also wanted to see grandpa, please take me with you.”

“Honey, try to understand, it will take more than a week. I have to stay there until he recovers and we will go next time, okay,” she told her decision.

My dad gave a helpless expression, “Next time,” he persuaded giving his sweet smile. I sighed and sat down near the suitcase. I am going to miss them and thinking about staying alone in the house is kind of creepy. I am really afraid to stay alone; all the horror movie characters will accompany me.

Mom's phone started ringing, I took it and saw it's from Aunt Sara. My mom went out of the room to talk with her,

"Anvi, I was worried how you'll stay alone," My dad told.

"I can manage, dad," I held his hand keeping my face sad.

"Anvi, don't wander late with Andrew," he added. My dad doesn't like Andrew, because of his bad-boy looks made my dad have an opposite impression on him.

"Okay dad," I told and helped him pack.

Mom came back to the room with a smile. "Rajveer, shall we send Anvi to Sara's house. She can't be alone right and Sara told she will take care of Anvi until we return," my mom said.

"Yeah, that's great, we can't stay there worrying about Anvi," dad agreed.

Oh No! I can't stay in there.

"Mom, I can stay alone," I told in a hesitation.

"No, tomorrow Adrian will take you with him after school. Enjoy the weekend with them."

"Mom, please."

"Be a good girl and listen to what I say, Anvi." My mom finalized.

I nodded looking down. The rest of the evening, I stayed in my room studying. Mom and dad were leaving in the early morning flite so we all got up around four in the morning.

"Shall I come with you to the airport?" I asked my dad when they were waiting for the cab.

"Better stay at home, you'll start crying seeing us depart," dad replied. Yeah, he is right, even now I feel like crying.

"Take care and don't eat too many junks," Even I don't have that thought thanks for reminding mom, I mentally chuckled.

I hugged my mom and she gave a kiss on my cheeks before leaving. I went back to my room and again slept for an hour.

When I opened my eyes, the time is already past seven-thirty. I got ready in a hurry and zipped the bag putting a few of my clothes. Today I was wearing skinny jeans matching it with a brown T-shirt.

I entered my class sadly and sat on my desk. I don't like to come today. When I was in my thoughts, "Anvi," Adrian's voice got my attention.

I turned and gazed at him, "I heard about your grandpa, don't worry," he gave a warm smile.

"Thanks," I nodded.

"Today you are coming to my house right?" He asked.

"Hmm, yes," I replied.

Adrian smiled happily and went back to his seat. The day went so fast when the English class came we four are called to take our presentation.

Adrian started it brilliantly and I continued it, Amanda did her best and Andrew finished it like he worked day and night for preparing this, too many build-ups, but Mrs. Rachel really likes the presentation and appreciated us. In the end, we got the top score.

I wish next year I should get Adrian as my partner, I can rely on him without any fear. After the class when I was packing my things, I looked at Adrian, he smiled instantly. I felt my heart thumping at a high pitch. Before I could respond,

"Thank you, Anvi." Amanda took my hand and stood blocking my way to Adrian.

"It's okay," I told.

"What you are going to do at the weekend?"

"Nothing, I have ballet classes and I have few other things to do," I said not mentioning that I am going to stay at Adrian's house.

"Okay enjoy then, bye," she told and walked away.

"Bye,"

After she left, I was taken aback when I saw Adrian right in front of me.

"Shall we go?"

I nodded and followed him carrying my bag.

These days Andrew was not even caring about me. He is busy with his girlfriend.

Adrian drove the car to his house, slow jazz music was playing.

"Why you are silent?" He asked suddenly.

"Umm, nothing. I am thinking about my ballet class," I told.

"When?"

"Evening," I replied and looked at him.

"Don't worry I will drop you," he said.

"No thanks, I don't want to disturb you,"

"I am free tomorrow and after your ballet class you should accompany me to a place," he said.

"Place?"

"Don't ask me where; just come with me," he told and I nodded my head.

I got down carrying my bag and walked. Adrian followed me into the mansion.

"Hi Anvi," Sara welcomed me smiling brightly.

"Hi Aunty," I smiled.

"I heard about your grandfather. Nisha was so worried about him,"

"Yeah, she is,"

"Don't worry he is going to be alright," she patted my shoulder.

"Ad, make her stay in the room next to yours," she said.

"Okay, mom,"

"Refresh yourself and come down," she told.

I nodded with a smile and walked with Adrian. The lights turned on when we walked in the corridor. The oozing sound of the wind is the only noise in that place.

He opened the door next to his room, "Do you want anything ask me," he told.

"Thanks," though I feel Adrian has changed, he never failed to show his care on me.

After he left I shut the door not putting a lock. I gazed around the room. This was once Adrian's room but he shifted since it is too small to accommodate his things.

Except for the king-sized bed, nothing is there. I placed my bag on the side table and walked near to the window. The dark sky was devoid of stars.

Feeling so tired I decided to take a shower. I entered the bathroom. There were bathing lotions and towels. I stripped bare and stood under the cold shower. The bath lotion smelled great, then suddenly I remembered this smell occasionally comes from Adrian.

Oh god, this must be his bath lotion.

I came out wrapping myself in the towel and Adrian came in all of a sudden. His eyes plastered on me, my body.

"What are you doing? You didn't knock the door?" I screamed.

"I did but you didn't respond so I came in," he reasoned still eyeing me from head to toe.

His hands carried towels and bath lotions.

"I came late I guess," he walked close to me.

"That's my bath lotion and this," he pointed the towel. "Is mine," he smirked.

Is he telling the towel or me? I thought, seeing that expression. He kept staring at my lips and my eyes. I gulped when his breath strokes my skin. My cheeks flushed when he inhaled the scent.

I felt my heart throbbing crazily under his gaze, my skin was burning because of the hotness.

Suddenly when he moved an inch forward I realized the danger waiting for me.

"I need to change," I told gripping the towel securely.

He dropped the towel and lotion on the bed before stroll out of the room.

I sighed heavily and stumbled on the bed. I am such a stupid, I gritted for not locking the door before going into the bathroom.

Changing into my pajamas I went down. Tania came with her dad, she was happy and excited to see me. Andrew didn't come home yet. He must be spending the night with his girlfriend I guess.

The maid was preparing the dinner and Aunt Sara assisting her. I had dinner with Tania. Adrian didn't come down.

Tania was so tired since today she had a tennis practice, so went to her room to sleep. When I decided to go up,

"Anvi, can you help me?" Sara Aunty asked.

"Sure,"

"Can you give this food to Adrian," she told

"Don't he come down?"

"Yeah, if he goes into his room he won't come down for dinner. Usually, Tania goes to give the food but today she went early to bed,"

"Okay," I agreed and took the plate while going to my room.

I kind of felt awkward to stay here but my mom's words kept ringing in my ears. How I am going to spend a week in here?

After a few knocks Adrian opened the door, he took his glasses after seeing me.

"Your food," I shoved the plate.

"Thanks," he bought that from my hands and stared me.

"Do you want to come in?" He asked.

"No, but are you sure?" I asked not able to reject the offer.

I am slightly curious to see his room, I have been in Andrew's and Tania's room. Adrian never invited me in his new room.

"Yeah, come in," he told.

The room was so dark, expect the light from his computer screen.

He turned on the dim yellow light and opened the curtains of that big French window. From there the moonlight entered and made it vibrant.

I really love his room, but why he didn't have proper bright light.

"Your room looks beautiful," I told looking at his bookshelf. There are a lot of books.

"Thanks," he said comfortable sitting on his specially designed chaise.

He started eating the food and I awkwardly sat on his bed and looked around.

"Don't you like bright lights?"

He smiled, "I prefer this way, it's calming," he answered.

"Hmm," I nodded agreeing.

My eyes stuck on the photo that was placed on the nightstand, it was me and Adrian on our middle school graduation. His hand was around my shoulder and he is smiling like he is the happiest boy in the world and I am smiling cutely. I felt happy that he still cherishes those moments. There's his family photo beside that. Nothing except that. There I wonder what I am to Adrian? He likes me and he proves it everything then why he is lately showing his cold shoulder to me. I know how much we were close at that time. But what happened to him?

"You are looking beautiful in that picture, Anvi," Adrian said and I turned my gaze to him.

"I think I am plain," I disagreed.

"Who said you are plain; you are beautiful than... That... moon," his statement astounded me. He sounded very confident.

But I laughed to make it blunt, I don't want the situation to get weird.

"Thank you," I beamed and stood up to leave.

"I am not joking, Anvi," he stopped me.

"Yeah, I know. Good night," I say before stepping outside.

When I came back to my room, I breath out in relief. I placed my hand against my chest, it acquainted me that he has shaken my sanity in those few minutes.