And suddenly Anjali had a girlfriend, her first really and loyal girlfriend, because of course she had girlfriends when she was a child but the real friendships are established during adolescence. Priya and Anjali did everything together; well, not all, Anjali still brought clothes with Rahul.
As Priya became in Anjali's best friend she noticed something. Something that, maybe, the entire school noticed too, but the lead actors of the play didn't: Rahul and Anjali's friendship. They care about each other, no one could deny that, but there was something else, something strong that she noticed day after day but kept in secret.
--
-We're going to Goa!!! –Anjali yelled.
-Great! I've always wanted to go to its beaches –Priya was excited too.
-That's terrific! We could meet some girls there and… -Rahul started to think loudly.
-We don't have to hear him, come on Priya, chalo we have to talk about our trip –said Anjali without looking at him.
-Come on, Anjali, don't be mad –Rahul tried to stop them but it was too late, Anjali had already left the room with Priya.
-I can't understand him –Anjali complained -. When is he going to fall in love and keep the girl? He's always flirting but he had never been in love.
-Well Anjali, actually, I think that's Rahul's business –Priya said these words carefully and exanimate her friend's face. Anjali seemed to understand something and change the topic.
-So… are you going to wear a bikini? I can go with you to buy it!
-Of course! I think sky blue suits me, are you going to buy one too?
-Hmmm, maybe, I'll go with you anyway.
The trip's day came and the whole college was excited. Anjali sat in the bus with Priya, because Rahul was too busy with his new one-hour-girl.
-Do you ever realise the fact that Adi likes you? –Priya asked Anjali while they were in the road to Goa.
-Me? Tum pagal ho gaya (are you mad?)?
-The mad person is you! He's always looking at you, sighing when you came into the classroom and you never look at the poor Adi –said Priya sadly.
-Oh… well… hmmm… I'm so sorry for him –Anjali seemed embarrassed.
-But you like someone else, don't you?
-Hmmm… hey, look, we're in Goa! –Anjali tried to change the topic.
-Saved by the bell –smiled Priya.
-What did you said? –Anjali was confused.
-Nothing. Come, let's explore!
-Wait, I have to tell something to Rahul –Anjali ran to meet Rahul -. Hey, Rahul, we're going to have dinner, won't we?
-Of course, Anjali –as he smiled at her she felt something in her belly.
-G-good, see you.
The girls explored as far as they could. Then they brought some things and merchandising from Goa. After shopping they left all their stuffs in the bedrooms and went to the beach.
-Now we're alone we can share secrets! –Priya told her while they were seeing the sunset.
-Secrets? Oh you sound just like the other girly girls.
-Come on, Anjali, just for this time!
-Okay, but I have no secrets.
-We all have secrets! I'll tell you mine… I love Shahrukh Khan –Priya laughed.
-That's not a secret! –Anjali slapped her in the arm -. We all love him! Actually, I think he looks like Rahul, just a bit.
-Hell no! –answered offended her friend.
-Well, but you haven't tell me your secret!
-Hmmm… okay, I'll tell you… -Priya blushed -. I like Piyush –she whispered.
-Kya? Could you speak up, please?
-Piyush, I like Piyush!!
-Oh, well, why don't you tell him?
-Tell him? Definitely tum pagal ho gaya! Why should I tell him? It's so embarrassing!
-But if you're sure about your feelings and… do you think he feels the same?
-I think so, I don't know, he's always cute and polite with me and he asked me to have dinner with him tonight –Priya said nervously.
-Well, you'll go and be the nicest girl in town, I'm sure he's going to tell you something.
-I really hope so!
The night came and Anjali said goodbye and wished luck to her friend.
-See you in the bedroom at 10pm, okay? You have to tell me everything! -Anjali was excited.
-Of course! See you!
Anjali walked to the restaurant to meet Rahul.
-Hi!!! –Rahul told her and they did their salute.
-Oh God, you should be grateful with him –Anjali was amazed.
-To whom?
-To God, of course! For the first time in your entire life your hair is looking great! Let me touch it –She stretched her arms to his head. When she touched his hair the weirdest thing happened: while she passed her fingers between his hairs some imaginary ants walked all over her tummy, but the worst part was that she didn't want to stop them.
"What the hell is happening to me?" –She thought desperately. But she didn't notice that her best friend Rahul was enjoying the situation too.