He looked away quickly, forcing his expression into calm indifference. But inside, something had stirred.
As Halish continued to watch her, he noticed something that unsettled him. Daisy had never once lifted her head. She sat quietly, smiling shyly, her eyes fixed downward. Not a brief glance came his way – despite the fact that someone like him usually drew attention. That alone intrigued him.
Leisilembi gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She asked.
"What class are you in, sweetheart? And which school do you attend?"
"I'm in my first semester."
Daisy replied softly.
"I study at Mayai Lambi College."
Leisilembi's eyes widened in surprise before letting out a soft chuckle.
"What? I thought you were a high school student. How old are you then?"
"I'm turning twenty at the previous November nineteen."
Daisy answered. Leisilembi looked even more astonished. Halish, who had been listening quietly, raised his brows as well. That wasn't he had expected. He thought Daisy was fourteen.
Leisilembi then gesture to Halish.
"He's my husband's friend's son from United States."
For a brief moment, Halish's usual reckless instinct surfaced, an urge to claim, to dominate, to pull her into his world.
But reality grounded him. They were surrounded by elders and Daisy seemed far too innocent for his usual games.
So he restrained himself, lifting his gaze to her with a small, confident smirk.
"Hi."
He said casually.
"I'm Halish. Nice to meet ya."
Daisy only nodded in response.
That was all.
Leisilembi laughed softly at the exchange.
"Aww, you're so adorable when you're shy, Daisy sweetheart."
Halish's smirk faltered – just slightly.
At first, he assumed she was overwhelmed by his looks. That was nothing new. Back in his country, women never hesitated to throw themselves at his feet. But this? This was different. She wasn't nervous – she was simply uninterested. And that curiosity dug its claws into him.
Leisilembi then spoke up again gently.
"Halish. She's three years older than you. You should call her 'Cheche' or simply 'Che' that means 'Big sister' in Manipuri. You can say 'Che Daisy' if you want. Understood?"
"Okay. Che Daisy then."
Halish replied with a small nodded.
Leisilembi seemed pleased and turned toward Indra.
"Indra, I also heard you have two handsome sons as well. Where are they? Call them too."
Indra nodded and dialed a number.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Daisy quietly stood and slipped away toward the staircase. She moved lightly, hoping no one would notice.
As she reached the hallway upstairs, her younger brother Julian, tall and playful stepped out of his room.
"My girlfriend brought me a bunch of snacks."
He said teasingly.
"The others already stole most of them. So don't take more while I'm going to meet the guests."
Daisy let out a huff in amusement at him and walked past, heading into her room without noticing anything.
She was about to close the door – when suddenly, the door pressed back against her.
She froze as someone's arm wrapped around her waist, another hand gripping her wrists and pinning them gently but firmly above her head. Her back hit the door and shock rushed through her.
She looked up –
and found Halish's standing far too close, a cocky smile playing on his lips.
Discomfort immediately settled in her chest.
She tried to pull away, but his grip was stronger than she expected. He leaned closer, clearly amused by her resistance.
Before anything else could happen-
"Oh?
What are you two doing there?"
Halish jolted at the sharp, authoritative voice.
He immediately released Daisy and stepped back, turning around.
Four girls inside the room- they're short, curious and unmistakably young. Two fair-skinned girls sat on chairs near the bed and eating lays, while two tan-skined girls lounge on the bed casually, various snacks on the bed as well.
A second passed.
Then all four burst into uncontrollable giggles.
Halish flushed, irritation flashing accross his face.
Daisy, embarassed and annoyed, walked past him and sat on her bed without a word.
The room buzzed with awkward energy.
And for the first time since arriving in Manipur, Halish realized something clearly.
This girl was not like the others.
And he crossed a line.
Daisy crossed her arms and shot the girls an irritated look.
"Ohh, laugh- go ahead."
She said, her tone sharp but not cruel.
"I'll laugh too when you end up in an embarrassing situation."
That only made the girls burst out laughing even more louder.
Halish's lips twitched as he tried – and failed – not to smile.
It was strange the girls in the room were undeniably cute and lively, more openly charming than Daisy ever tried to be. Yet his attention stayed locked on her.
He'd known her for barely an hour.
And still, he couldn't explain why she drew him in so many.
"Oi, come here and sit."
One of the fair-skinned girl said suddenly, pointing at the empty space beside Daisy.
Daisy shot her a sharp glare.
"Shuaan, what are you saying?"
Shuaan only grinned, clearly enjoying the moment, then turned her expectant gaze toward Halish.
Without hesitation, Halish smirked and sat down beside Daisy.
Inside, his heart was pounding wildly.
"What's your name?"
Shuaan asked, leaning forward with interest.
"Halish."
"And your age?"
"Seventeen."
One of the tan-skinned girl raised her eyebrows in shock.
"Seriously? We thought you were, like, twenty-five."
Halish narrowed his eyes at that. She paused, her cheeks reddening slightly.
"But.. you're really handsome."
Halish scoffed in disinterest and rolled his eyes. The other fair-skinned girl smirked teasingly at her.
"Ohh~ look at you flirting already. Calm down, Sindey girl."
The other tan-skinned girl laughed softly and spoke up, leaning her body against Sindey slightly.
"Che Aerina, don't tease her like that."
Aerina rolled her eyes but didn't hide her grin.
"Like I'll listen you, half bamboo stick. Rinda, eat more, eat more."
Shuaan clapped her hands lightly.
"Okay, okay – stop. Stop exposing yourselves. It's cringe."
The girls laughed at that and turned back to Halish.
"God, you girls are so noisy."
He said bluntly.
"Just leave me and Che Daisy alone."
Silence.
The girls stare at him, stunned by his boldness.
Meanwhile, Daisy had quietly laid down on the bed, pulling up the blanket over herself at some point – hidden from everyone's attention.
Everyone, except Halish. He noticed.
"Hai-Hai."
Shuaan finally said, breaking into laughter.
"He really said that. He really did."
The others girls nodded, still giggling.
Halish remained silent, irritation simmering beneath his calm – for Daisy's sake.
Just then, Indra's voice echoed from downstairs, calling everyone for lunch.
The girls rushed out of the room in excitement, leaving the door swinging behind them.
Leaving Halish and Daisy alone.
The air shifted.
And something unspoken lingered between them.
Halish continued to sit there, unsure of what to say or do, while Daisy quietly wished he could just leave her alone.
After a moment, Halish finally broke the silence, his curiousity getting the better of him.
"I saw a girl earlier."
He said casually.
"She was wearing a t-shirt and shorts and ran up the stairs."
He tried to look down at her face but the blanket cover her face.
"When I think closely now, I think that girl was you. Your height and the length of your hair are same."
Daisy felt heat rush to her cheeks. The thought of a stranger – had seen her bare-faced while dressed in worn, comfortable she wore at home looking like a homeless person made her feel deeply embarrassed.
She lowered the blanket from her face and replied softly.
"That's right. That's me."
Halish raised an eyebrow in surprise, then laugh mockingly.
"Really? Can't believe. How different you're now."
He teased.
"You look homeless with that dressed."
A sharp flicker of irritation passed through Daisy at his mocking laugh and words. She also felt even more embarrassing. Still, she stayed silent.
"And who were those noisy and annoying girls?"
He asked again, referring to the group who had just left.
Daisy immediately responded.
"My cousins. They're around fourteen to sixteen. Aren't they pretty and cute?"
Halish nodded, a quiet chuckle escaping him as he noticed how animated she is became while talking about her cousins.
"I see. They're pretty, cute and... attractive."
He said thoughtfully. Then he paused, a smirk forming on his lips.
"But..."
Slowly, he leaned closer, lowering his face toward her's.
"I think you're the most interesting little thing."
He murmured.
"Pretty, cute and... fragile."
His whisper brushed dangerously close to her face. Daisy's cheeks flushed crimson, embarrassed and irritation twisting together in her chest. The situation made her deeply uncomfortable.
"What a scene again...!"
Halish startled by the sudden voice and straightened up, turning toward the doorway.
Shuaan stood there, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips as she hold the door.
"Enamma, get up and come eat with us ."
She said cheerfully.
"Ne Roniya said she won't save lunch for you if you don't come down."
Daisy sulked, mumbling as she finally pushed the blanket aside and climbed off the bed.
"I want to eat here. I don't want to eat with those people."
Still, she glanced at Halish and added flatly.
"Come on and eat, brat."
Halish chuckled at the nickname, clearly amused, he got up and followed her out of the room.
When the three of them walked down the stairs and entered the waiting room, Indra noticed them, immediately waved at Halish.
"Halish, come here."
He called.
"We'll eat lunch here together."
Halish paused for a moment, taking the scene before him. Nearly twenty men were gathered there, including Mangal and a few teenagers boys like him. They sat cross-legged on the floor over small mats, their meals placed directly in front of them. Bowls of chicken curry, beef curry and pork were shared among them with plates of rice set in front of them as well.
He turned to look for Daisy – but she was gone.
His eyes searched the room, but before he could ask, Mangal called out to him as well, motioning for him to sit. Halish didn't want to eat there. More than that, he wanted to sit with Daisy.
Still, he didn't argue in front of everyone. Quietly, he walked over and sat beside Mangal, eating with a spoon despite the informal setting.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen– where the women and children eat – the atmosphere was just as noisy. Daisy sat with Shuaan, Sindey, Aerina and Rinda, all of them sharing a large plate, rice mixed generously with curry.
As she continued mixing rice and chicken curry, Shuaan spoke teasingly.
"*Enamma*, I can't say I'm not suspicious of that boy."
She wiggled her eyebrows at Daisy.
"His behaviour, his body language... and those bold words. Eh-eh~"
Daisy laughed along, innocent and unbothered, before stopping her meals to reply.
"I can see that too. But I'm not interested."
She said casually.
"I admit he's super handsome – and he looks rich, judging by his appearance. And he's from the United States. Can you believe that? One of you should try your luck."
The girls grinned and continued eating. Sindey chimed in playfully.
"But are you planning to stay single forever?"
Laughter filled the kitchen again as they chatted until the lunch ended.
Soon after, the girls hurried back to Daisy's room.
"Hahh.. I want to puke."
Daisy muttered, rubbing her stomach as she walked like a zombie, gripping the stair railing for support.
"I ate too much.. I want fruits."
"Me too..."
Sindey agreed as she climbed the stairs with Rinda. Behind them, Shuaan and Aerina suddenly began giggling. The others stopped and turned back when Shuaan whispered urgently.
"Hey- you three. Come here quick."
Curious, the trio stepped back down and leaned in close. Aerina spoke softly.
"My boyfriend and Che Shuaan's boyfriend are waiting for us at the park we usually go to."
Shuaan grinned excitedly.
"They said they brought us gifts. I wonder what they are."
She let out a small squeal of excitement. Daisy's mood instantly lifted, her eyes lightening up as she turned to Sindey and Rinda.
"What about you two?"
She asked eagerly. Sindey wrapped her arms around Rinda's shoulders from behind, resting her chin on her shoulder.
"Well... my boyfriend is in another country. Work."
"Mine is young and poor."
Rinda added, playing with Sindey's hands.
Daisy, Aerina and Shuaan rolled their eyes.
"How pitiful."
Shuaan teased.
"You guys always like that."
Aerina smirked and nodded.
"Exactly."
Shuaan and Aerina burst into loud laughter, slapping each other as if the situation were the funniest thing in the world. Sindey and Rinda merely rolled their eyes, smirking at their antics.
"Alright."
Daisy said.
"Let's go get your gifts."
She added mischievously.
"And don't forget to tell your boyfriends to buy extra snacks for us too."
Before anyone could protest, Daisy grabbed Sindey's and Rinda's wrists and dragged them out of the house. Shuaan and Aerina laughed and followed.
Outside, Indra and his friends sat on chairs, chatting when he noticed the girls, he called out.
"Daisy, where are you going? Come here."
The five girls stopped and exchanged awkward glances. Daisy slowly walked over, offering an uneasy smile as she stood before her father.
"Where are you going?"
He asked calmly.
"To buy snacks."
She replied awkwardly. He nodded.
"Don't go too far. Come back quickly. Understand?"
Daisy nodded. Just as she turned to leave. Mangal chuckled.
"So the sweetheart wants snacks?"
He said warmly.
"Come here. Uncle will give you extra."
He pulled out his wallet and handed her a thousand rupees.
"Here. Take it."
Daisy accepted the money with slightly trembling hands and hurried away. Mangal laughed softly, amused by her shyness.
Daisy grinned as she rejoined the girls, happy that someone gave her that much money for the first time.
Inside the house, Halish stepped out of the bathroom, adjusting his clothes and muttering irritably.
"I can't believe I ate those spicy things just because it tasted good."
He groaned.
"Thirty minutes in the toilet. My god... And I still haven't seen Che Daisy since lunch time."
He was about to go upstairs to her room but Mangal called him out.
"Halish, come outside."
Halish groaned and walked out of the house and sat down beside Mangal, irritation written all over his face.
He waited and waited for Daisy to show up.
Each passing minute seemed to stretch longer than the last, his sulk slowly deepening into something heavier. Mangal noticed him the change since the moment Daisy appeared.
A knowing smirk curved Mangal's lip.
"What's wrong, young man?"
He asked lightly.
"You look like a child who's been scolded."
Halish scoffed and crossed his arms over his chest, forcing a careless expression onto his face. He replied.
"It's nothing. I was just thinking about how spicy that strange vegetable salad was."
Mangal chuckled. He teased.
"But you ate all of it, didn't you?"
Halish felt warm creep up his cheeks. He was about to retort when something caught his eyes. Her. Daisy appeared at the end of the path, walking towards the house. For a moment, everything else faded. She looked calm, almost peaceful, a small smile playing on her lips. Halish felt his heart skip – just once, sharp and sudden.
His gaze lingered on her without restraint. Then he noticed the polythene bags swinging lightly in her hands – snacks. And the way other girls walk behind her, giggling softly, exchanging glances that spoke of dates, gifts, boyfriends.
The warmth in his chest vanished.
Something darker crept in. His jaw tightened as he watched them enter the house together. Daisy didn't look his way. She didn't slow down. She simply walked past – away from him.
Halish stayed seated outside, unmoving. He just sat there, staring at the ground, feeling something unfamiliar press heavily against his chest. It wasn't anger. It wasn't jealousy. Or maybe it was – something tangled and unnameable, something that left a dull ache behind.