Third person point of view
" Because I want to kiss you ". Aravind's jaw dropped. He looked around to see if there was anyone who heard. Dev's voice was not loud but he still didn't know if there was anyone nearby. Luckily there was no one in the hearing range. He gritted his teeth, scolding Dev in a whisper. " What the fuck are you saying ? "
Dev looked completely serious. " I really want to. I am trying my best not to right now too. Who told you to dress up like this ? Looking all cute ". Aravind was stumped once more. He didn't know why this guy was so fixated on the fact that he was cute. Aravind knew what he looked like and how his physique was.
So the question was... what was cute about him ? He didn't gain weight easily but he definitely had a nice amount of muscle on his body and was tall too. He sighed and rubbed his face. Dev's eyes looked super sincere. " I- " Aravind didn't know what to say. Dev clicked his tongue. " Let's go home. So that I can go back and meditate for a while ".
Dev said, getting up and picked up both of their helmets. Aravind didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He took the helmet and put it on. " Since when did you start practicing meditation ? " Aravind asked, amused. " Just know since not long ago ". Dev gave an ambiguous answer and got on the bike. They went home in silence once again.
Aravind gave the helmet and immediately ran away. Dev chuckled watching him escape hurriedly. He went inside the house and directly went to take a cold shower after greeting his parents briefly. Aravind also talked to his parents who were watching television and quickly went to his room.
He looked at himself in the mirror in all ways. He giggled thinking it actually worked even though Dev's words shocked him. He cleared his throat. He felt himself realized how he was behaving and the changes. He let out a breath. He took a quick shower because he just went out and there were different kinds of smells stuck on him.
He dried himself and put on shorts and a loose shirt. He fell on the bed with his phone. His friends shared the photos they took. There weren't many; some group selfies and photos they took of each other while sitting in the lobby. Aravind looked at them one after the other. Then there were Dev's photos too.
He zoomed in on each one of them and smiled. " Handsome indeed ". He smiled and looked through the remaining photos too. He put his phone away and closed his eyes to fall asleep. Dev walked out of the bathroom all dressed up. He sat down on the bed and picked up his phone. He also saw the photos.
He quickly looked through the others but looked more closely when there was Aravind in them. He smiled looking at them. He also saw the candid photo of the both of them. He was smiling at Aravind while Aravind was showing him something. He liked it. He set it as his wallpaper for Whats app. He put his phone aside and slept on the bed.
He stared at the ceiling not knowing what to do. He felt a little helpless and didn't know if there was actually progress from Aravind's side. He didn't seem as repulsive as when they started so he decided to take that as a good sign. And no news was still good news. He convinced himself and turned to the side to fall asleep.
The next few days went by with Aravind getting less repulsive and Dev getting a teeny weeny bit bolder. Even a small smile or a fleeting glance was enough to make Dev's heart jump around in ecstasy. He was indeed encouraged to let his pursuit continue without holding back much.
It was a free class for them and everyone was doing whatever they wanted. Aravind and Dev were playing on their phones. " Nandu ". Someone called for him and Dev looked up. The guy who called him pointed to the door. He saw Akshay there. Dev thought that it was definitely not a good sign as walked out.
Akshay gave a forced smile. " Hey ". " What is it this time ? " " The fest ". Akshay replied and Dev raised an eyebrow. " So a performance this time ? " Akshay nodded. Dev nodded back. " When is the fest ? " " Next Saturday ". Dev's eyes went wide. " We only have a week ? " Akshay nodded looking guilty.
" I was also informed today and there is so much to do. I am at the stage of shitting my pants. I am not even sure how much of the preparations will be done in time ". Akshay looked like he wanted to weep. " It is fine. You will be able to manage it ". Akshay rubbed his temples. " I really want to be able to do so ".
" Are the others informed ? " Dev asked and Akshay nodded. " Why don't you just text me ? You always come and call me ". Dev chuckled. " I was actually looking for someone else and going this way. So I came to inform you ". Dev nodded. " Should we start today itself ? " Akshay gave a smile.
" I would really appreciate if you do so ". Dev nodded. " Fine ". Akshay spoke a little more and walked away. " What is it ? " Aravind asked as soon as Dev sat down. " Fest ". Aravind nodded. " I should go for practice now itself. There isn't much time ". Aravind nodded again. " If you are going to be too late in the evening, let me know ".
" I won't be late ". Dev smiled and packed his things. In the process, Aravind's pen which was on the desk fell down. Dev bent down to pick it up. He looked up while picking up and saw Aravind's hand which was on his thigh. He quickly pecked on the back of his hand and stood up straight. He put the pen on the desk.
Aravind looked like he saw a ghost. Dev wanted to laugh but pursed his lips. He waved and left. Arjun turned around to see Aravind who was looking down, still a little stunned. " Did you drop something ? " Aravind looked up and shook his head. " Where is he going ? " " Practice for the fest ". They all nodded in understanding and continued chatting.
Aravind rubbed at the spot on the back of his palm. He smiled and picked up his phone looking through it. He was a little bored without Dev around and the day seemed to be going slow. The classes were finally over. Aravind finished packing up. He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He took it out and saw it was Dev.
Dev : Parking lot.
Aravind put his phone back in his pocket and walked out. His friends went in their ways and Aravind went to the parking lot. He saw Dev sitting on his bike ready to drive away. He walked up to him and they drove away. Aravind walked into his house and went to his room. He took a bath and went to the living room to watch TV for a while.
He sat just like that till dinner while switching between channels. He then had dinner and continued to watch television along with his brother. There was another cricket match. Once it was over, they went to their rooms and slept.
-MG