Eventually, dinner ended. People began filtering out of the banquet hall, heading back to their rooms or to the hotel bar.
Akshita and I walked to the elevators together. She was still teasing me about the man who had supposedly been staring.
"I am telling you, you should give him a chance. What is the worst that could happen?"
"Akshita, please drop it."
We reached my floor first. I said goodnight and headed down the hallway to my suite.
But Akshita followed me, still talking.
"I am just saying, you never know. Maybe he is nice. Maybe he could be—"
I reached my door and turned to face her.
"Akshita, I appreciate your concern, but I am really tired. I just want to sleep."
"Okay, okay. But think about it at least!"
She finally turned and walked back toward the elevators. I let myself into my suite and closed the door with a relieved sigh.
Finally. Peace and quiet.
The doorbell rang.
I groaned and opened the door.
Akshita was standing there again, her face lit up with mischief.
"I am sure that guy likes you! Should I go find him out?"
"No, Akshita. Goodnight."
I closed the door firmly.
The doorbell rang again immediately.
I yanked the door open, exasperation overriding my exhaustion.
"Akshita, I swear, I do not want—"
"Do you want me to get his number for you? I can go talk to him right now. I think he is still in the lobby—"
"No! I do not want his number. I do not want anything. Please just go to your room!"
I physically turned her around and gave her a gentle push toward the elevators.
"Goodnight!"
I shut the door and locked it, leaning against it with my eyes closed.
The doorbell rang a third time.
"Akshita!" I shouted through the door. "I am not opening this again! Go to bed!"
But the doorbell rang again. Persistent. Demanding.
Fine. If she wanted to keep playing this game, I would make myself very clear.
