Jamie

"Let's end this... whatever this is." Ayu said, her words loud and clear while I tried my best to hide my shock.

We stood up and went out for a walk in the crowded streets. The sun had nearly set, giving room for the dark sky. Ayu glanced at me and I turn myself towards her. We stopped walking and I let out a huge sigh. I wish we could have spent more time together like this. It was good while it lasted. She sure wasl cruel. 

"Fine." I said finally, giving her a wry smile.

"Well, that was fast."

"We weren't in a relationship anyway, so this had to end sooner than later." I said as a matter of fact. "I just didn't think you'd end it so soon so I was taken aback. Can we do a farewell kiss or something?"

"Oh Jamie!" She says in a babyish voice and gives a light hit on his cheek with her fist. I frown.

"So what changed your mind so suddenly?" I questioned, curious.

Ayu took a moment to answer as she looked downcast. "The thing is, my ex-boyfriend is asking me to come back."

"Okay, you never mentioned this before," I narrowed my eyes at her. 

"Says the one who never mentioned anything about your dating life."

"Touchè. Continue." I motioned her.

We resumed walking. "I was dating Alex for a while, but then things got rough and we kind of separated. It's almost been two months since then but I missed him so much. I tried to contact him but he barely replied. However, for the past few days he's been trying to get me back, and I think it's working."

Okay, now I was getting kind of pissed. "Why did you never mention this earlier?"

She looked down to the ground, trying to find words as she spoke. "Alex was thinking about me. He was thinking about ways to rekindle our relationship unlike me who's been busy locking lips with another man I barely know. I feel like I've cheated. I- I don't deserve him."

"You seriously think it's your fault? For God's sake Ayu, he was the one who left you in the first place. It's even stranger that he wants you back now when he never tried to contact you in between. You were free to do whatever you wanted to, so don't blame yourself." I consoled her.

"You don't understand!" She raised her voice slightly. “Yes, he's strange and acts out sometimes, but overall, he's a good person.”

I blinked at her smiling face, surprised. "You like him! It's actually creepy seeing you like this."

"And what's with you sounding like a kid who has no idea about love."

"Oh, please! Of course I know."

"You do?" she cocks her head sideways.

"Yes, girls steal my heart all the time. I teased and we shared a laugh. But then, my voice got quieter. “Even though I've harbored romantic feelings before, I never experienced a connection that makes me want to stay you know... Like the soulmate kind. Perhaps it doesn't exist now.”

“Then, that ain't love. That's just dating someone to pass time until it expires." Ayu pointed out. 

“That's bullshit. I've genuinely cared and loved my exes.” I rolled my eyes. “So is this Alex your soulmate?”

“Most probably, yeah,” She stared back at me just as fiercely. It was as if we were fighting each other with our eyes. She scoffed, breaking away. “Whatever, I'm just glad I never became your girlfriend."

“Same. I don't think that kind of relationship even suits us. We are better off being 'friends with benefits.”

"Without sex that is." Ayu says while sticking out her tongue. I look at her getting disheartened.

"Damn! I was so close. If only your ex could have made his entrance a bit later." I mumbled.

"Haww!" Ayu exclaimed with her jaw dropped but then she clears her throat. "As if I'd have allowed you to sleep with me. Sex with you? Never." 

"Quite sure, are you? I wish I could challenge you but—" I paused to hold her cheek while my thumb caressed her lips, never taking my eyes off her. "I wouldn't want you cheating on your dear boyfriend, now would I?"

"Cocky as ever." Ayu scowled, jerking my hand off her slightly flushed face. I gave her a wicked smile and brushed my lips with my thumb.

“Guess this will be my goodbye kiss then.”

...

"Listen, I have an idea!" I exclaimed on the phone. I heard Ayu sigh before asking me to elaborate. "How about a double date? You with your boyfriend with me with my date. It could help sort out the differences between us, plus it would be fun. What say?"

"Seriously, Jamie?" She sighed yet again. The other day she mentioned one more thing which appalled me.

"As I said, I've been thinking about this for a while now and I know it's a bit much but, erm, I want to cut all ties with you. Not because I'm afraid I'll cheat on Alex. Because I know I won't. It's just that being around you will only bring me nothing but dirty thoughts. I hate to admit it, but you kind of have that kind of effect on me. To me, lust always came after feelings, but you my friend were an exception. I just want to be loyal to Alex this time and not draw away my feelings from him. So, please Jamie, do this for me. Atleast for a while."

I was happy when she told me that I affected her in the same way. I wish I could know more about it but sadly, I couldn't. She also mentioned that it wouldn't be a problem if we could be normal friends. I can sense that she doesn't want to do this- neither do I. So here I am in my room. Its ironic— I don't usually think. I was just dozing off but suddenly this idea sprung out of nowhere.

"Do you have any idea how awkward that would be? And wait, you have a girlfriend?! Were you cheating on her?" She asks me, appalled.

"No, she's not my girlfriend. She's more of a soon-to-be if I decide to. But uh, I can ask her to join us." I say, thinking about Sarah. I couldn't leave her hanging on any longer. She deserved an answer and perhaps this way, I'll finally make my decision about her.

"Sounds fine but where does that leave us?"

"I'm not sure." I say in a hurry. "Anyway, I'm free this Sunday. Ask Alex and we'll decide on the time and place." 

"Alright, fiiine." She says and hangs up.

Where does that leave us? I think I'll come to know about that eventually.

                      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                  AYU

"Looks like I'm the first one to arrive." I said to myself. I was standing in front of a decent looking mall on a typical Sunday morning. The place wasn't that crowded. Good. I looked around once more and spottee a stall in the corner selling sweet corn. Immediately I walked towards it, taking out some money from my purse.

"One small cup of sweet corn please. Make it plain." I requested him. But the vendor averted his gaze somewhere else and then turned to me realizing I've ordered something.

"Sorry Ma'am, but I can't give you anything right now." he informed me nervously.

"Huh, why? I saw you boiling the corn just now. Look bhaiya, I'm giving you the money so just make one already." I commanded, placing the money in front of him.

"No need to give me the money, madam," the vendor replied again, this time confident.

"Why?"

"Because someone behind you already did." A husky voice said from behind. I turned around to see a tall man with black hair holding a cup of sweet corn on his right hand smiling at me.

"Alex!" I called out. I couldn't believe this guy. He was always full of surprises. "You stalker, how long have you been here?"

"About three and a half minutes." He said, checking his watch on purpose. I studied his profile. His hair is cut neatly on its sides, his face shaved. He was wearing dark red linen shirt with black jeans. If he wore a suit, it would have completely made him look like a rich businessman. He just gave that kind of vibe.

After offering a quick apology to the vendor, we started walking around. "I should probably give you the props for guessing what I wanted to eat." I say joyfully eating my sweet corn.

"Well, I just caught you staring at that shop with those hungry eyes of yours so I figured." he said while making a funny face with his eyes. I giggled, hitting him lightly on his shoulder.

Jamie arrived ten minutes later, accompanied by a chubby girl who was clinging beside him. She must be his soon-to-be girlfriend and damn, did she look cute. She was wearing a purple top reaching upto her thighs alongwith a black capri and a short heel matching sandal. Her silky straight hair hung loose on her shoulders and those hair clips made her look like a doll.

"N-nice to meet you. I'm Sarah," she introduced, trying to sound confident.

"And I'm Ayu. No need to be shy Sarah. Let's just enjoy today," I said extending my hand to her and she took it, smiling back.

Thereafter, I introduced Alex to Jamie. They shook hands and I let out a small sigh of relief. Calm down Ayu this is just a group date, it won't be for long anyway. Instinctively I directed my gaze to Jamie but he was busy talking to Alex and Sarah deciding where to go. Perhaps I was imagining things but somehow our contact became lesser in the past few days. Was this his way to cut me off? No, I basically asked him this so I shouldn't complain.

None of us is hungry right now since we already had one burger before Jamie and Sarah came. We unanimously decided to watch a movie instead and thankfully the theatre wasn't far away. The boys booked the tickets while Sarah and I went to the showroom nearby for a quick look out.

It felt good to be besides Alex once again. Including today, this was my third time watching a movie with him. It brought back memories. I fondly remembered our first kiss when we were seated in the last corner seats that day. I was so nervous. Without realizing, I notice him staring at me this whole time and a smile crept to his lips making me blush. I guess our thoughts were mutual. Eventually, he wrapped an arm around me as we continued to watch the movie.

"Where would you like to go next, Sarah?" Jamie asked her.

We were sitting near a wide glass window side of a decent restaurant having our lunch.

"Um, how about...?" Sarah whispered something on his ear.

"Why not? Zoo sounds cool" Alex heard them while Sarah flushed a little.

"Geez Sarah, your whispering was no good. Better luck next time." Jamie laughed, joined by Alex while I watched them amused.

"Stop it, guys! What about you, Ayu?" Sarah turned to me.

"No problem. I can't wait to see the monkeys." I answered joyfully.

"Puft!" Jamie chuckled, looking my way but then quickly covered his mouth. If we would have been on talking terms, I would have smacked his head and asked "What's wrong with seeing monkeys?"

Jeez, this was getting weirder by the minute. By the time this date got over, we would surely revert back to strangers.

"Let's go." Alex commands and we get up.

We took two autorickshaws but I sat with Sarah instead. On the way, she asked me about my love life in particular. I told her how we used to be on the same school and how he confessed to me right after graduation. She listened, nodding innocently and smiling at the same time.

"So what about you, Sarah? What do you like about Jamie?" I threw the question to her. More like "What could you possibly like in that womanizing jerk except the fact that he's an excellent kisser and his seduction skills is top-notch?" 

"Um, he's a nice guy unlike the other immature boys in my class. He doesn't seem to insult or put down people. He's helpful, considerate and-"

"Duh, duh! We hear the nice guy talk everywhere. I get it, but you are only describing his good qualities."

“Yeah, well, I never said he was perfect. He has his faults, too,” She counted them on with her fingers. “Like sometimes he tries to be funny when he isn't. Tends to be late. Tends to forget the important stuff. Make certain mistakes while speaking in Hindi... Also, I really can't figure him out at times which is worrying. Don't tell him, please.”

I couldn't help but laugh out loud. Her words were so true, especially thr Hindi part. Sarah turned out to be smarter than expected. She stared at her hand, smiling. "But I don't mind his faults as long as he remains honest to me."

“Yeah, I feel you. I guess we try to find the good qualities in them and accept their faults as well. So, are you guys dating now?"

"I don't know," Sarah joined her hands. "He did ask me to wait and called me here today. So, I'm holding on to that hope. Wish me luck."

She really wants to go out with him."Good luck, Sarah. I hope your wish comes true."

Sarah and I were the first ones to reach the zoo first and claim our victory for the same. We started walking towards the long narrow entrance that led us to the main park. I glanced at Alex who was busy chatting with Jamie about sports. Normally, it took time for Alex to open up with someone, but surprisingly, he got along just fine with Jamie. 

"Look." I pointed out to the sign board in front of us. "The first route leads us to the monkeys. Lets go there first." 

For a second I thought I heard a faint voice of Jamie saying, "As you wish, Ma'am." I looked away sideways, pressing my lips inwardly.

We passed by a bird sanctuary and then stood by to watch the monkeys, happily jumping over the branches. "I'm thirsty, man. I'm going to get a drink. Which one would you like, Ayu?" Alex asked.

“Frooti will be fine, thanks.”

"Uh, Jamie, I'm going to head off, too." Sarah says in a hurry.

"Oh, if you want something, I can fetch it for you.”

“No, it's okay. Uh, I'll be right back.” she spoke hesitantly and dashed off, leaving Jamie and me in a pool of awkwardness. No worries, I could focus on the monkeys instead.

Two minutes passed and neither of our dates returned. This just got ten times weirder and the sound of him tapping his fingers on the railing was killing me more. I had enough of this facade. “Uh...”

“Seriously where the hell did they run off to?” Jamie snapped, beating me to it. “Let's look for them monkey girl."

"Okay....wait what?! What's so funny?" I spat, bewildered. Regardless, we went to the food stall but couldn't find them. Now I was slightly worried.

Jamie was about to call Sarah when his phone beeps followed by my phone's ringtone. It was a message from both of them.

"Since you two wouldn't talk at all to each other, we decided to leave you guys alone for a while. Go make up while we go and enjoy time with our other date. ;)

Ps- We'll be waiting at the zebra park."

Jamie looked at me. I looked at him. And the next thing we burst into fits of laughter.

"And who was the one who blatantly ignored me when I called her the other day? You monkey girl." Jamie rolls his eyes at me when I start to interrogate him.

"Wait, when did that happen?" I asked him, confused. "And don't call me that!"

We end up laughing once more after finding out the truth. It turned out to be a misunderstanding. It was one day during recess when I went to buy a burger at the canteen. Jamie was there, too. He called out to me a few times, but according to him, I didn't even spare a glance and walked away. And that was how, ladies and gentlemen, you ignored each other.

"You can't blame me. I thought you were trying to cut me off already so I started doing the same... Oh, look here he comes." he pointed out to the crocodile that emerged out of the large pool of water. Soon, people started to gather around to watch the same.

"But you showed up today." I reminded him, my eyes watching the movements of the crocodile.

"To have fun."

"You think it was worth it?"

"Definitely." he grinned.

After watching the crocodile, Jamie called Sarah but Alex picked up her phone instead.

"Jealous already? It's only been fifteen minutes you know." Alex teased.

"Says the one who claims to be serious about his girlfriend." Jamie shot back. Woah, did Alex say that? I wondered what else they spoke in the rickshaw back then? Not only that Alex also gave me an opportunity to be alone with a man he barely knew. Which clearly meant he trusted me? A sense of guilt washed over me. 

"Just tell us where this Zebra park is We'll head there at once." I shouted through Jamie's phone.

"Fine, fine." Alex gives in.

We came to know that they were in a completely different route than us. How did they managed to get that far in such a short time? Jamie and I continued to walk passing by a lake of swans. We didn't speak much until we entered another route.

"The final decision is yours to make." Jamie murmured, more like a whisper.

I stole a glance at him and then to the ground, stopping for a moment. He stopped walking as well. My mind was worked up, thinking about several things at once. But then I pictured Alex during the movie when he smiled at me. I let out a breath as I mentally prepare and let out those harsh words come out of my mouth.

"It was nice to know you, Jamie."

Unexpectedly, Jamie smiled, the kind of smile I rarely seen before. "So you decide to play the good girl huh?"

"Yes, for better and for worse."

"Well, it was nice knowing you, too, Dutta. For what its worth, I liked our time together." He extended his hand out to me and we shook hands. We touched.

"Same here." I spoke honestly. I stared at joined hands. Surprisingly, none of us let it go until we heard Sarah calling out his name from a distance. Quickly, we drew away, only to look into his eyes, his intense gaze falling on me. I swallowed. What the...?

“And, um, one more thing,” I snapped out of whatever stupor we were in. I glared instead. “You better not take advantage of an innocent Sarah. She's not like you, okay. Say yes only if you mean it.”

“Come on, don't you know me by now? I would never take advantage of a girl.”

“Oh reaaally?” I rolled my eyes.

“Without her knowledge I should add.”

“What about the time when you pulled me into the classroom?”

“Some exceptions ought to exist, you see. Exceptions like you.” He winked.

“Can't deny that.” We shared a knowing smirk.

I couldn't believe this. We were flirting right till the end.

By then, Alex and Sarah arrived. Gradually we parted ways as couples. 

“As I was saying.... Ayu... Yo, Ayu!” Alex waved his hand in front of me, breaking me out of my stupor. I guess he was saying something but I didn't hear. I mumbled an apology. “What's the matter? You've been spacing out ever since we exited the park... Did that guy say something?”

“Ah, no, he didn't. I'm just sad you're going to go.” I half lied. Yes, I wasn't thinking about Alex but neither did I want Alex to go so soon. We just patched up recently.

While on my way back alone, my phone beeped. It was a message by Jamie. Probably the last one as he wished me good luck for the upcoming exams and to take care. 

It was okay right? Ending like this. I thought with uncertainty. Regardless, I replied Jamie back. A minute of contemplation later, I finally deleted his contact number.

Goodbye.

                 ------------------------------------------------------

END OF PART 1

I know, I know it was a long one alright. Okay so...

Team Sarah? or Team Ayu? Make your bet guys!!

Also what do you think of this story uptil now? Please comment and vote if you liked it.

Just a note. I have divided the story into 4 parts. This was the end of the first part. So next chapter will be the beginning of part two. Adios!!