Page 14

ANYA

I am contemplating whether I should text him or not. I mean, there’s no real requirement of me rushing this assignment because there’s too much time left for the submission; it’s just that I haven’t seen him in days. And I can’t believe it. It’s quite embarrassing to admit that I might like his company more than I wish to. I don’t want to sound desperate, but maybe I am?

The words in the message linger on the screen, the cursor blinking patiently as if waiting for me to continue typing. I lean back in my chair, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety. But I need to ask him something related to the project, right? That’s the only reason I should contact him.

“Ah, screw it,” I mutter under my breath, and I hit ‘send’.

Let’s meet to discuss the assignment today. I need a good excuse to leave my pile of unfinished Netflix shows.

I wait for what feels like an eternity, watching the screen for any sign of a reply. Just as I start thinking about how eager and desperate I might look, my phone buzzes with a response.

Daniel:

So you want me to be your excuse?

I’ll take that as a compliment.

I can’t help but roll my eyes at his cocky response. Typical Daniel, always having a witty remark ready. But secretly, I feel a little flutter of excitement at the thought of seeing him again.

Daniel:

Sure.

I am sorry I am asking you to do this, but can we meet

at my place? I am too tired from the practice to even move.

My eyebrows furrow in concern.

Are you sure you want to do this?

We can do it later. You can rest.

His response comes almost instantly.

Daniel:

What? You’re worried about me now?

Trust me, I can handle a little studying.

Besides, it’s just one assignment, not the end of the world.

Of course, I know he’s smirking without even seeing him.

Don’t get too ahead of yourself, captain. I just don’t want you to sleep on me during this study session. What time?

I hit send and immediately, start pacing around my room. It’s not like me to be so jittery about these things, but then again, it’s Daniel. Pfft, I don’t like him or anything. I just think he’s very beautiful and extremely kissable. What the hell? I am about to go to his place for a study session, and what indecent thoughts am I having. Great work, Anya. I roll my eyes at myself.

Daniel:

How about 7 PM? I’ll text you my address.

I quickly type back.

Perfect. See you then!

Daniel:

Looking forward to it.

I toss my phone onto the bed. But before my nerves can kick in, my phone rings. It’s Ma. Immediately I pick up the call, her face brightening the screen as she smiles widely at me. “Hello, beautifullest mother!” I greet her.

She rolls her eyes. “That’s not even a word.” She chuckles. “I have sent you snacks. It might arrive in a day or two.” Ma’s obsession with feeding me is hilariously outrageous. I weigh fifty-four kgs, which isn’t enough in my mother’s opinion. She thinks I am malnourished and will starve myself to death if it wasn’t for her.

“ Haa , Ma,” I reply in disbelief.

“What’re you doing?” she asks.

“Nothing at all,” I reply too quickly. God, why am I so easy to read? “I am meeting a guy,” I say finally. “But only for an assignment, so don’t start scolding me.”

She observes me for a second. “Why would I scold you? You’re twenty-three. I am okay with a foreigner as my son-in-law. Your father might have a heart attack, but I will handle him.” She scoffs.

I gasp. “Ma, I literally just said that it’s just for a project.” I feel heat rise on my neck.

“Sure, if you say so.” Ma winks at me. What kind of mother is she? She’s supposed to be against me spending time with a man, especially one as hot as Daniel. Nope, I did not just call him hot.

“How’s Arnav?” she asks.

“I would not know. I haven’t seen your son in days. Besides, he’s too grumpy.” I huff.

“He’s just shy,” Ma says, and I can’t help but snicker.

“You see him through rose-tinted glass, that’s why.” She narrows her eyes at me, and I smile sheepishly.

“How are Siya and Sophia?”

I smile. “As usual, Soph is up to no good and Siya is doing good.” My eyes land on the digital clock on my bedside table, widening with realization. “Ma, I am late!” I exclaim.

“Fine, fine, go ahead. Have fun on your study date.” She chuckles.

“It’s not a date!”

“Of course, it’s not a date,” she replies, her voice laced with a knowing tone. “Just two friends working hard on a project, right?”

She knows more than you think. Mothers always do, and her teasing tone is a hint of her understanding. “Bye!” I exclaim, ending the call. Only half an hour left. I need to leave now.

I quickly freshen up, spraying a bit of perfume and fluffing my hair. I opt for a simple pair of black leggings and a loose sweatshirt, but I also add a scarf because I don’t want to catch a cold. I grab my bag and head out, my nerves a jumble of excitement and nervousness.

I manage to catch a cab to Daniel’s place, my thoughts racing the entire way there. The sky is darkening as evening sets in. The cityscape flashes by as the cab weaves through the traffic. I check my phone; it’s nearly seven. Finally, the taxi comes to a stop at the address I gave the driver. I look at the high-rise apartment building in front of me. This is it.

I adjust my scarf around my neck, feeling the fabric flutter gently against my skin. The cool evening breeze carries a gust of freshness, and I smile in response.

With a final look at the surroundings, I begin making my way towards the entrance, my footsteps echoing softly on the pavement. The entrance to the apartment complex is grand, with marble flooring and glass walls. Wow, he must be rich to be able to afford this.

I walk to the elevator, heart thudding inside my chest. Pressing the button, I wait for the elevator to arrive, the silence in the building making me feel a tad bit alone. I keep fidgeting, adjusting my scarf, and playing with the straps of the bag slung over my shoulder.

The elevator swiftly arrives, and I step inside carefully. The doors close, and it begins to rise .

Suddenly, the lights flicker and the elevator jerks to a halt, leaving me in complete darkness. My heart begins to race as panic sets in, the lack of light making the small space seem even smaller. I take a step backwards, my back hitting the wall. My breathing becomes shallow, and I feel a wave of claustrophobia wash over me.

“No, no, please, this can’t be happening,” I mutter under my breath as my heart drums against my ribs. The elevator is stuck, and the darkness around me feels oppressive.

I fumble around, trying to find a way to call for help. I feel the cold metal of the emergency call button. I press it a couple of times, hoping for a response. I take off my bag, trying to search for my phone. I rummage through my belongings, desperately trying to find my phone in the darkness. I feel a sense of helplessness as my fingers fumble around, searching for the familiar shape of my device. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, my hand closes around the cool surface of my phone.

With trembling hands, I press the power button, and the screen lights up, casting a faint glow in the cramped space. I quickly unlock it and dial Daniel’s number. The phone rings a couple of times before it connects, and I hear Daniel’s voice on the other end.

“You're late, Firecracker. I am not going to let this opportunity pass. You still have two minutes. If you don’t make it, I am going to taunt you for life.” He chuckles.

A sob escapes my mouth. “Daniel, please get me out of here,” I beg. My voice trembles, and tears sting my eyes.

“Anya? What’s wrong? Where are you?”The teasing tone in his voice disappears, leaving behind only concern. I hold the phone tighter, feeling scared in this darkness, it feels like it’s going to engulf me. “Hey, Anya, listen to me. Can you please focus on my voice? Okay, where are you? Can you tell me that?” This time he speaks softly, but urgency is evident in his voice.

“Can’t breathe.” I cry. “Elevator. Claus-claustrophobic,” I explain as much as I can.

“Hey, can you focus on my breathing and try to copy me? I am right here, Firecracker. We are in this together, okay?” I nod, trying to copy him as he instructs me. “You are doing so good, baby. I am so proud of you.” He breathes out. He sounds like he is running.

I turn on my flashlight, casting a weak beam of light around the enclosed elevator, illuminating the small space. It provides a tiny sense of comfort, driving away a hint of the dark unknown.

My breathing is still erratic and my vision starts to blur. “Daniel, I don’t know if I can do this,” I admit, my voice breaking. “I’m scared.”

“I will be there in two minutes, Firecracker. Hold on for me, please. Do you want to hear a lame joke?” he asks. Is he serious? Even in my panicked state, I can’t help but feel a flicker of warmth in my chest. His attempt to distract me with a joke is both endearing and funny.

With a shaky voice, I manage to say, “You are the joke, aren’t you?”

He chuckles softly. “You still manage to make fun of me.” I nod, even though he can’t really see me. “Which animal plays sports all the time?” he asks.

“Bat. Too easy,” I answer almost immediately. With my heart still beating so damn fast, I feel a little lighter, a tad bit more comfortable than before. His stupid jokes and just listening to his voice are helping me focus on something other than the panic taking over me.

“Good, your brain is still working.” He attempts humor, but I can hear the worry in his voice. “Okay, a more difficult one now. What is a turtle’s favorite sport to watch on TV?”

“I have no idea,” I reply in a shaky voice. “What sport does a turtle watch on TV?” I ask, trying to steady my breathing.

I can hear his rugged breathing as he shouts at someone. “Daniel?” I ask as I slide against the cold wall, sitting down on the floor.

“Hey, I am right here, Firecracker,” he responds softly. I sigh in relief.

“What’s the answer?” I ask, trying to distract myself.

“He’s a big fan of shell-hockey,” he says gently. I hum.

“Please hurry, captain,” I plead, vulnerability evident in my voice. “I think I am about to pass out.” My vision blurs. I just want to get out of here. I feel so stuck.

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