Teen Crush

I’d never believed my friends when they’d tell me – wait till it happens to you. I would roll my eyes, pretend a yawn, and walk off to the basketball court to net some more shots. They would incessantly talk about ‘the boy in my building’, ‘the shy guy at my tuitions’ – truckloads of swoony imaginings about their crushes. And then my trek to Kerala happened. It will be three months complete on 20th this month, but feels like just yesterday.
Rolling tea estate, misty morning, long winding trek in the mountains, campfire on the last night, the duo song. That was the first time Him and I jammed together. We made a super-combo, and sang request after request, till the bonfire fizzled out.
But my heart was ignited. Smiling eyes, ease of manner, and the cutest dimples – I was smitten. The rest of the night I lay awake in the tent, staring at the canvas, grinning to myself. I was now looking forward to the bumpy bus journey where there would be lots of more singing by us.
I learnt that he is in his first year of college. College? Wow! He must have so many girls swooning over him. Probably won’t even remember me when I join there next year.
And there is Sameera also. He seemed to like her better. She is prettier than me for sure. In the bus they danced together. Everyone was cheering, while he twirled her round and round. She’s such an attention-seeker. Wants to be in the spotlight all the time. He still prefers talking to me though; later he came and sat next to me after the hullabaloo died.
At the post-camp jam-up, I dressed in capris with a pink peasant top and my stylish new boots. Mom looked quizzically, “Are you going for a party?” Well, I’m no little girl, I muttered. This would probably be the last time I am meeting him. I want to look my best.
We won the best singer award; I was elated posing with him. Before we had a chance to speak, he’d disappeared with his cell phone. I couldn’t spot him even after the session broke off. Tear-eyed, I left the building campus. We hadn’t even said ‘good-bye’.
I was hailing a cab when he caught my eye. Yes! Him was asking me to wait up, while he crossed the road. He offered to drop me home, if I didn’t mind (What a gentleman!).
I pinched myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. We spoke about the trek, and all the excitement we’d shared. There were so many memories to recount. I cursed under my breath when home neared and I had to get off the cab. We always hear the RJs complaining about traffic jam on my street. Where are all the cars when you need them?
I remembered to take his contact. Actually, he offered it, and meaningfully said, “Do keep in touch.”
I think I’m in love. The mention of his name reddens my face and I find my ear lobes burning.
I don’t want to be pesky, chasing him like other girls. So I call him once a week, on Thursday’s, after shooting practise at the basketball court.
We have met five times, always with the gang from camp, but don’t speak much then. He always drops me home each time though.
My classmates don’t know about him yet. They will dismiss it as frivolous and silly. This ain’t a crush, its love, I know it.