My So-Called Bollywood Life(27)

Henry leaned against the doorway of the projection room. His black eyeliner and matching nail polish contrasted with his tuxedo shoes and Iron Man T-shirt.

“Since I am a hundred percent positive I got this film strip set up right, then why shouldn’t I be proud of my awesomeness?”

Henry laughed and pushed off the jamb to come closer.

“You almost done?”

    “Yup,” she said as she began loading up the platters with film that would then snake through the machine. “What’s up?”

“Just wanted to know what your plans are tonight.”

“I have to email invites for the next film-club screening, write a movie review for my blog, and edit my college essay. That’s about it. Did you have anything in mind?”

“There is a carnival right outside of town. Me and Dev are thinking of going. Want to come?”

She bumped into the prep table next to her, and a stack of empty reels clattered to the concrete floor. “Crap.”

Henry crouched down to pick up the reels with her. When they were eye to eye, Henry said, “Winnie, you know I don’t notice stuff unless it has to do with processors and film, but even I can tell that you’ve been avoiding Dev.”

“What?”

“Seriously. Get a grip, dude. Last Sunday you wouldn’t sit next to me and Bridget because Dev was there.”

“I had to talk to the marketing committee for the festival! We had to start working on the theme for promo.”

“Uh-huh,” he said. “And you’ve worked here three times this week while Dev was on shift with me and you run up here the minute you walk in the door.”

“I’m working.”

“From those of us who know that Raj is a selfish douche who cheated on you, it’s time you move on and give Dev a chance. You guys look, I don’t know, good together.”

    She stood, putting the reels back on the table. “There is this Bollywood movie called Mujhse Dosti Karoge.”

“Say what?”

“That’s the title. It’s a line that’s repeated in the movie and translates as ‘will you be my friend?’ Classic love triangle. Guy and girl write letters to each other. Guy comes to India to visit girl, but thinks girl is the hot best friend. Mistaken identity ensues.”

Henry shoved his hands in his pockets. “Keep going.”

“In the story, the hero gives the heroine a silver bracelet so that his mother would know he chose a bride. Except he has to marry someone else before the truth comes out about who he really wants to be with.”

“Okay, now you’ve lost me.”

“All I’m saying is that my truth hasn’t come out yet. I’m waiting for the right guy to give me my silver bracelet. Also, I just realized there are way too many Bollywood movies with silver bracelets as a symbol of love.”

“Does this mean you can’t come hang out with us tonight because you don’t want to be friends with Dev? If you want to have a buffer, you can bring…uh, Bridget. If she wants to come, I mean. It’s not that—I mean…Whatever.”

“Seriously, Henry?” she said with a laugh. “How long have you been jonesing for Bridget? You’ve known her for years.”

“Damn it,” he hissed, turning a darker red than he already had. “She’s so perfect, Winnie. And don’t tell her! Don’t say anything. In fact, forget I mentioned it. It’s just this last summer we talked and—no. Never mind.”

    “Oh no, now we’re both definitely coming tonight. You just gave me the perfect reason to show up. I’ll confront Dev if you confront Bridget. Let me clean up in here and grab my clutch from the office, and I’ll meet you guys downstairs.”

“Great,” Henry murmured.





WINNIE: We’re getting food. BTW Henry is so into you.

BRIDGET: WHAT??????!!!!!!!!????????!!!!!!

WINNIE: It’s true. He told me not to tell you so don’t say anything.

BRIDGET: OMFGGGG! I’m not coming now!!!!!

WINNIE: Where are u??

BRIDGET: In the parking lot.

WINNIE: Shut up and get in here. Henry’s a good guy. Might as well see if u like him too?

BRIDGET: I hate you.



“Bridget will be here in a minute,” Winnie said to Henry as she tucked her phone in her clutch. She hoped it really was a minute. She didn’t know how much longer she could hide the fact that she was staring at Dev in his fitted shirt as he ordered ice cream at the stall across the walking path.

“Did you tell her? About…you know, before?”

    “Of course not,” she lied. She diverted the conversation to school and work until Dev rejoined them.

“I didn’t know what you wanted, so I ordered what I get,” he said as he held out a paper cup.

She poked at the ice cream and gasped. “Vanilla bean and Kit Kats?” She dug in until she felt candy, and spooned some into her mouth. The familiar taste had her moaning.

“This is my favorite! I get this every time I go to Robert’s Sweets. How’d you know?”

“I guessed. It must be destiny.”

She choked and started coughing. Henry reached over and pounded her on the back.