2. SHEELU
Anyways, I had to meet my friend (his cousin). So, I gathered the courage to knock on the door and to my big surprise, the first face I saw was his. My entire being started from within. Just like that South-Indian movie where the female lead was trained to remain calm from outside even when her inside was in a total turmoil, I stood there all calm and postured as if him being in front of me didn't make much difference. I greeted him a normal 'Kem chho?' and started searching for my friend and his cousin, Sheela. Sheelu is about 5 years younger than me and it was always her that made us come together, although unknowingly.
Rishi, his elder brother, was sitting on the chair in the living room. From his appearance, it was evident that he had just woke up (unwillingly) and waiting for his turn to visit the bathroom. I greeted him more cheerfully with more words than I used with Akki. I sat on another chair near Rishi and started talking to him about his studies and other stuff. He was already in college and I took the chance to inquire about the college life in Ahmedabad. Others thought I was interested in taking my course in one of the colleges in Ahmedabad but my brain was totally focused on the movements made by my favorite boy and more focused on the type of life he will be living in the college. I always got worried thinking that I am no good for him and he will for sure find somebody better than me.
Meanwhile, Sheelu appeared wearing a weird outfit that showed all her bulges prominently. I guess that dress was a new one brought by her aunt who stays in London. She was showing off her new outfit but rare did she know that her bulges were shown off more than what she exactly wanted to. I bursted out laughing at her appearance and so did Rishi. Akki, who was quiet till now covered his li'l sis and started scolding us for such behavior. But we couldn't control ourselves completely. While this episode was going on Sheelu's elder brother Jay came running from the bathroom hurriedly to find out why was there so much of laughing going on? He was very fond of both of his cousins and five of us had good bonding. When he entered the living room, he saw Akki trying to hide Sheelu, but as per her circumference, the edges of belly were peeping out from behind Akki. This look made Jay crawl on the floor while laughing crazily. Seeing him, even Akki started laughing.
At this moment, the world around me stopped. Like in the movie 3 idiots, everything was at standstill. I was unable to hear a sound. I could see nothing but his beautiful laughter making his handsome face all the more enchanting. (God, its been 25 years but I exactly remember that moment.) By now, I had already watched a couple of romantic movies which had ignited a bit of instincts in me. I wanted to hug him tightly.
Before I could come out of the love dream, a loud shrill sound entered my ears. Sheelu had started crying. I felt bad. I love her a lot. We have been together since she was four and I was nine. She is a character that is prone to comedy settings. Without her, life would be boring. I pushed Akki away and hugged her. I took her upstairs to her room, made her understand that the outfit that looks good may not always look good on her body. One needs to choose clothes as per age, figure and occassion. She's a darling. She immediately took one of her frocks and changed into it happily. We came down to see that the boys were gone and only 'Mami' was busy with the household chores. I started searching for Akki, while Sheelu started searching for food.