Half Girlfriend (1)

‘You know who her father is?’ Shailesh said, adjusting his glass.
‘Some big-shot Marwari businessman?’ I said.
‘Somani Infrastructure.Your lady’s dad and his brother have a fivehundred-crore
business,’ Shailesh said.
Ashu and Raman whistled.
‘Five hundred crore!' Raman said.‘Why is she here? Whv does she
need to study at all?'
I threw a cushion at Raman.
'Shown what a backward Jharkhandi you are? You remind me of
villagers back home. People could study for other reasons, no?’
'What reasons?' Ashu said, craning his neck towards me.
'She's figuring herself out. Her dreams, passions, desires...’
'Does she know your desires? Her best friend who wants to do her
on his creaky hostel bed.’
Ashu started to move side to side to make the bed creak more.
Everyone laughed.
'Shut up, bastards,’ I said.
I needed real advice to make sense of what was happening in my
life.
'She's invited me home for her birthday party.’
The three sat up straight.
'Can we come along?’Ashu said.
‘No'
'You’re useless,’ Raman said.
'The point is, should I go?’ I said.
'What?’ Raman said. 'Of course you should.Where does she stay?’
'Aurangzeb Road. Where is it?’
'One of the richest areas. In Lutyens’ Delhi.’
'See? That’s why I am not sure if I should go.'
'Why not?’
'She’ll have her clan there. Everyone is going to see me.’
'And you’re afraid of that?’ Ashu laughed. ‘I would be, if I were
you.'