One Indian Girl by Chetan Bhagat

my life, apart from when I had fever, I had been associated with the word hot. Someone in this world
found me hot. Hot. Fuck, Radhika, someone called you hot. My soul break-danced inside me.
‘Really?’ I said, my tone as casual as possible, even as I fished for more.
‘Yeah. You don’t mind me saying that, I hope.’
Do I mind? Bring it on, dude. We have ten more minutes to reach the hotel. Please keep
praising me. The shallower the better. Make it only about clothes, looks and legs. Those are the
compliments I miss. Of course, I have to say it in a way that he doesn’t think I am too keen.
‘No, I don’t mind. Usually we talk about more intellectual and work-related stuff. It is strange
but no, it’s okay. Curious to see how you men think,’ I said and giggled like an idiot.
‘I think you have a nice figure,’ he said.
Which part, which part? I wanted to scream in excitement. Do you like my waist? Boobs?
Ass? Be articulate, Debu.
‘Really?’ I said, dragging out the word, as if I never expected this. I punched his shoulder—
subtle encouragement and fake shyness all rolled into one.
‘Yeah. Your legs, I mean.. .you have nice legs.’
‘Oh, so that is all you like about me?’
Desperate, lame, stupid. What was that, Radhika? I told myself as I fished. Oh I didn’t just
fish. I sent a fishing team with a trailer to catch a shipload.
‘No, no. I like your face too. Your hair. Your eyes. Your whole personality, actually.’
‘Yeah, yeah. Now you will say all this. It’s about the legs, right?’
It better be about the legs. I paid 100 dollars to Completely Bare.
‘No, no. Sorry... I mean.. .’
‘Relax, Debu. I am kidding,’ I said and squeezed his warm hand. I didn’t want to let go of it.
However, I didn’t want it to count as a move either. Why do we girls have to follow so many rules?
If he likes my whole personality, why can’t I be fully me?
I released his hand. We walked past a Barnes and Noble bookstore and had to cross a traffic
signal. He used it as an excuse to hold my hand. We crossed the road together. He didn’t release my
hand afterwards.
I gave him a sideways glance. He smiled at me.
‘My sister is considered the prettier one, actually,’ I said.
‘I find that quite hard to believe. Unless she is Miss Universe or something.’
I smiled at his indirect compliment. I felt like running my fingers through his curly hair.
He continued, ‘Actually, even if she is Miss Universe. I find you really pretty.’
Sweet lies, they do have a place in life. I sighed.
‘Thanks, Debu,’ I said.
We reached the Benjamin Hotel. We had made some progress. We had held hands, but only
that. Did I intimidate him? Did he totally lie but actually not find me attractive? Is he scared?
‘So this is where I live. Train stop is right there.’ I pointed at the subway sign.
‘Sure,’ he said. ‘I had a great time. Thanks for the treat.’
‘You are welcome,’ I said. ‘Bye.’
My heart sank a bit. I didn’t want him to go.
‘Hey, just one thing. Doesn’t have to be today,’ he said.
‘Yeah?’ I said.
‘You have your sister’s photo in your room? Wanted to check. I am sure the claim that she is
prettier is false,’ he said.