𝐋𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧|18+

𝐈𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐚 𝐏𝐨𝐯

"Watch where you're walking bitch." I gasped and turned around to the girl who had just walked into me. If she wasn't already swallowed up in the crowd behind me, I swear I would've ripped her face clean off.

I roll my eyes and go back to forcing my way through the crowded streets of New York, with my phone pressed against my ear as I struggle to hear the voice on the other end over the chaotic traffic and busy people around me.

I'm currently on my way to meet my beloved best friend, though that may be a bit of a stretch given that he has chosen to do this at the busiest hour of the day when everyone is racing home from work.

A sudden use of my name pulls me back to the phone call, "Ikshita, did you hear me?" My mother's voice came clear from the other end of the phone, I then realized I hadn't heard a thing she was saying.

I nibbled on my bottom lip as I weaved through the gatherings of people heading in my direction. They seemed ignorant of my presence, making no effort to move out of my way. Typical city people, always in a constant rush, their eyes fixed on their phones or the ground beneath their feet.

"Uh, yeah-" I respond hesitantly,

My mother let out a disapproving "tsk" before repeating herself. "Listen, I need to talk to you but I have few guests coming so I will call you later.Is it okay?" she questions me, though it sounds more like a demand, rather than a question.

I let out a deep sigh as I pressed the phone to my ear. It seemed like every time she called, it was only for name sake of the relationship.I know she is trying her best but I can't manage to forget everything and act like everything is good between us.

Through the crowd of people, I finally manage to come in sight of the cafe a few stores down, which rips me from my boring phone call with my mother, yet again. "Uh- yeah okay, I'll call you then later, love you!" I respond quickly into the phone before hanging up and dropping it into my shoulder bag as I enter the shop.

The smell of brewed coffee floods my nose as I walk further inside, I scan the whole shop until I'm met with a soft familiar face.

Akay, sitting alone at a corner table, with his tousled dark brown hair just covering his eyes, which are focused on his laptop.

I stroll over and sit silently in the chair opposite him; his dark, unkempt hair is the only thing I can see on his face over the laptop screen. Both his eyes and his focus are glued to the laptop screen in front of him, so in an attempt to gain his attention I gently push down on the top of the laptop while smiling innocently.

His emerald eyes are narrow as he looks at me, his brows furrow, and a scowl crosses his face for a brief second before he eventually realizes. After returning my greeting with a friendly grin, he says, "Sorry Ishu, I was just-" indicating the closed laptop, but before he can finish his sentence, I nod my head indicating that I understand.

Akay is a hard worker; ever since he left his house, he has been working hard and to enter in the business firm.Well, he wants to pursue his career in medical field. But due to his family business and everything he is trying t enter business firm.I know him since I was 14. Akay and I had crossed paths before during our time at boarding school. However, it wasn't until 10th. After he left his house, he was looking for a place to stay. So I decided to step in and help him.I asked him to come and live with me and mom at my house. Before we knew it, we had become inseparable. We shared our deepest secrets and spent countless hours in each other's company.

As we grew older, our bond only grew stronger, and I found myself relying on him more and more.

But, after four long years of friendship, I realized that Akay had been keeping a crucial secret from me all along. It was as if his entire life was on a path to utter ruin, and I had been completely oblivious to it.

Amongst the group of wealthy men, his father was one of the most enthusiastic participants in their wild and reckless gambling sessions. They would wager everything they had, and even more, without a second thought. It was a common sight to see piles of money stacked up on the table, waiting to be won or lost in a single game.

And one night, Rajeev Singh happened to lose a game and he watched helplessly as everything he held dear slipped through his fingers.

When it comes to money, cars, properties, and such, it's all just a big competition, rather than real life, and none of them takes a second to think about how it could affect the other people in their lives, such as their children, like Akay.

It's a terrible thing, failing in the business career, you lose everything, not only your job and your money, but your friends and reputation. The Singhs were abandoned, seen to be failures and disappointments. Everyone told me to stop being in contact with Mr Singh, and no longer approved of Akay and mine friendship, assuming he was hopeless and would end up just like his father.

The Singh's worlds had come crumbling down around them, and shortly after that, Akay's father became an addict of drinking and drugs, and all responsibility had been left to Akay since.

Despite everyone's disapproval, I remained firmly by Akay's side.

So here is Akay now, working as hard as he can to build his life back up from the ground. I don't doubt him one bit, but I do wish he'd give himself a break once in a while.

"I've missed you." he breathes out, dragging his hand through his messy brunette curls. He lets out a relieved yet exhausted sigh, almost as if my presence has lifted all the weight off his shoulders at once, "I've missed you too, it's like we haven't seen each other all week." my bottom lip turns out into a fake pout,

He let out a deep sigh and ran his hand down his tired face. His eyes were heavy with exhaustion as he stretched his arms above his head, trying to release the tension in his muscles. "I know," he said, his voice apologetic. "I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you." My eyes lit up and my lips turned back up into a smile. "Oh really, how?" I tease.

With a flick of his wrist, he checks the time on his watch before turning his attention back to me. Leaning forward, he rests his elbows on the small, rounded oak table that separates us. "How about dinner?" he suggests, his voice low and smooth.

I smile in consideration for what feels like a split second, before my smile instantly drops when I remember the phone call I had not too long ago, "I would love that Akay, but I have just joined the university and there's a lot of work I have to complete.And My professor asled me to meet him.He wants to speak to me." I roll my eyes as well as my head. This is such a headache. I mean - I'd just blow off these paperwork and shifting stuff but that would result in an even bigger headache after the fact, almost like a hangover.

His face scrunches up and he folds his arms across his chest, "speak to you about what?" His voice is full of irritation, yet a hint of worry can be heard. "I'm not sure, but I'm sure it's not something major". He rolls his eyes, "Probably, he is just a pervert who likes you." He jokes, although it's not entirely a joke. I've had numerous conversations, or rather, arguments, with him on this topic whether I should report it to the administration department or not. That professor doesn't give me good vibes. I always feels like he is staring at me. However, When I asked him about this he said that I am just saying rubbish.

"How about we hang out after, I'll make sure it's quick and snappy." I offer with a smile, I haven't seen him properlyin this week, and I'm not letting this opportunity get away this easily. "Quick and snappy, huh?" he raises his eyebrow teasingly, these conversations between the professor and I never go quickly or smoothly. I don't feel comfortable around him but it's important to meet him. He has to give and explain all the notes to me.

I shifted to New York one week ago. It was my dream to study in Columbia University and stay in New York. I got the scholarship in the university.I am 18 and Akay is older than me by 1 year so, he is 19. He shifted to New York last year when he got into NYU University. So, I became more determined to come to New York. Akay worked his ass off in one year and rented an apartment here. So, he lives there and I live at campus because I wanted to live the campus life.

"I should probably leave now.I am getting late and yeah you are stinking so go home and take a shower."

I sarcastically stick my nose in the air and turn my head away from him. He lets out a soft laugh and shakes his head, yet his eyes remain fixated on me with a look of admiration. Akay never fails to show me his care, be it through his words, actions, or even just a simple glance. He frequently reminds me that I am the only good thing in his life, the one thing that hasn't been stripped away from him.

He nods as he begins packing his things up. "I'll pick you up around nine, and you can tell me all about the dreadful conversation." I clap my hands together eagerly before rising from my seat, "I can't wait for it.Make a reservation at the restaurant.I don't want it like last time".

Last time me and akay went for dinner a week ago.When I arrived, I was so excited to meet him and see everything in New York. So, he took me for a tour of the city. And when we went for dinner to his favorite restaurant. It was fully booked. And this asshole bragged so much about their food that I was disappointed.And after that day I didn't meet him till now.

"Yea, Okay.I'll call for a reservation. If anything happens or you need anything call me immediately. Have Fun" he teases me.

Oh as if I will. Let's see what happens. I booked a cab and told the driver the address of the campus. I rested my head on the seat, calming my mind and letting the evening unfold.

⭑────୨ৎ────⭑