Half Girlfriend

‘I’d rather not talk about it. At least, not now.’
I clucked impatiently.
‘What?’ she said.
‘Nothing. This is so you. The freezing up. I do know you, Riya,
even if it was in the past.’
‘If you know me, why do you push?’
‘Who pushed? I met you after years, so asked you. However, I
have no right to anymore. So, sorry, madam.’ I became silent.
‘Don’t be like that,’ she said.
I looked away and spoke again. ‘You shoved a wedding card in my
hand and disappeared. I run into you after years and I shouldn’t ask
you what happened?'
‘You should.’
‘That is what I did.'
‘Fine, I’m sorry. And I’ve already apologized for the past. Madhav,
look at me.’
I turned my gaze back to her. I could only be mad at Riya for so
long. She smiled. I maintained a stern expression.
‘Would you like to be friends with me?’ she said.
I hate it when she says that. What the fuck is that? Is it an
invitation? Is it a consolation prize? Is it a peace treaty?
I remained silent.
‘I live in Patna.You come here often. We could be friends. Would
you like that?’ she said.
That was another thing I hated. That I always let her decide when
to be friends or when not to. I had no power to refuse her.
‘Yes, I would,’ I said.
‘Great. I would like us to be good friends, too,’ she said. ‘However,
I have one condition.’
I rolled my eyes.There is always a catch with Riya. What is it going
to be this time? Have no expectations?
‘Say it,’ I said.
‘Don’t ask me the same question twice.’