We finished breakfast and then got into the car.
Subho was driving today.
Ankush sat in the front seat beside him. Rohini and I sat at the back, and Priyan and Shakshi sat together. Everyone was talking at once, laughing, teasing—nothing serious.
Soon, we reached Grand City Mall.
First thing—shopping.
"Let's go to a good clothes store," Shakshi said.
"Yeah, sure," everyone agreed.
Inside the store, we all went our own ways. Looking at clothes, picking random things, commenting on each other's choices.
That's when I noticed Subho.
He was way too active today. Laughing, talking, moving around nonstop. It reminded me of school days, when he was always like this. Seeing him like that again felt… familiar.
"Baby, try this," Ankush said, holding up a kurta for Rohini.
Rohini smiled. "You try this one i picked for you first."
Ankush sighed but went anyway he will never say no to Rohini.
When he came out, Rohini exclaimed baby you are looking so handsome.
"Bro, tu ladki lag raha hai," Subho said.
We all burst out laughing.
Even Ankush laughed.
After that, we went to the shoe section. I really needed flats. I mostly wear sneakers or other shoes, i don't prefer heels so was looking for flats for my ethenic attires, flats made sense.
Shakshi and Rohini were busy choosing shoes. Ankush and Priyan were helping them.
Subho was helping everyone too—giving suggestions like he was some shopping expert.
No one was really listening to him though.
I got confused between two flats.
One white. One purple.
I was about to ask Shakshi when Subho said, "Ananya, take the white one. It'll look better."
He smiled.
I didn't say much. Just nodded. "Okay."
But my heart was racing... like racing horse..i know it's kinda weird but...
He nodded back with a smile like always...
"Accha hua tune wahi le liya," Shakshi teased with a chunk of smile...
I pinched her...
After shopping, we all got really hungry.
"I was helping you guys," Subho said, with a chunk of smile. "You should be grateful."
Rohini rolled her eyes.
And punched Subho .
Ankush says "They always fight like this."
"Apni biwi ko sambhal," Subho said to Ankush.
"Baby, choro," Rohini said.
"Pagal aurat," Subho said, smiling.
"Don't laugh," Rohini warned.
Too late. We all started laughing.
"So where are we going for lunch?" Priyan asked.
"We're going to Curly Tales," Rohini said. "Fourth floor of the mall."
"Then let's go," Subho said.
The boys walked ahead.
I leaned toward Rohini. "Why is Subho so active today like before? He's again like before."
Rohini laughed. "You thought he became mature, right?"
"Yeah," I said.
"He's excited," she said. "It's Ankush's birthday. He's his best friend."
Hmm…
~To be continued