A Journey to Love

Chapter 1: Auto

Release Date: 30th March, 2021  

It was during the dusk when Suman was returning from her friend's house on her scooty. Suddenly the scooty came to a halt. She got down and tried to fix it but failed miserably. After cursing her fate for some time, she then tried to search for an auto but could not find any since she was stuck in a deserted road. And to add to her misery, it was about to rain too. Finding no other option, she began to dial her home's telephone number but then remembered that all her family had gone out to a wedding. She kept roaming around a little thinking what to do, but then suddenly an idea struck her or rather one should say a special someone struck her... Her special someone.

He was the solution to all her problems. They were best friends but during this journey Suman had realised that she had started to fall for him and decided not to confess since she didn't want anything to change between them. Now thanking her fate, she then decided to call him while smiling at the opportunity of getting to spend some time with him after so long. He as usual picked up within a few rings.

Sh – Hey Sumo! What's up?

S – Shravan can you come over? My scooty is not working and I am not able to find an auto.

Sh – Where are you so late? Don't worry, I am coming. Just message me your location.

S – Okay! And please, don't bring your bike. It's going to rain soon.

Sh – Oh hello! I am not that big of a fool. I can see the clouds forming.

S (while giggling) – Look who is talking? You were the one who stepped in mud even after our constant warnings and then we both know what happened.

Sh (in a complaining tone) – Seriously? I won't come if you are going to keep making fun of me and incessantly throwing taunts at me.

S – Accha ji! Don't joke around. We both know even after all my taunts you will still come. I know my best friend. Now come fast or otherwise I will get drenched.

Sh (shook his head) – Wait, I am coming. Vaise bhi there is no point in arguing further in a lost battle.

Shravan's POV

Oh God! This Sumo just sometimes irritates me so much. But still it felt good when she said, "My Best friend" (scratches the back of his neck with a sheepish smile). Let it be... She is just perfect the way she is and I never want her to change. Chalo now I will have some alone time with her. After all the exam days were miserable without her.

Shravan then took an auto and headed towards Suman. They both were eagerly waiting to meet each other. The rain had started, making Suman wet and Shravan worried for her. After half an hour Shravan reached to Suman's location. Before Suman could say anything, he just pulled her inside the auto and started to give a lecture.

Sh – What the hell Suman? Why did you have to be outside at this hour of the evening? See, how drenched you are. Suman you know...

S – Shut up! I am fine Shravan. Let me speak. And what's with Suman? Why are you not calling me Sumo?

Sh – No, I won't shut up! And I am mad at you that's why I am calling you Suman (emphasised her name dramatically) Why do you care? You toh don't like Sumo, right?

S – Hey I love that name (She then the next second regretted saying it out loud and facepalms)

Sh (in a mischievous tone while smirking) – You like Sumo? Actually no, you love Sumo? I knew it. You would never accept it.

S (rolled her eyes) – Oh God! Achoo (She sneezed)

Sh (with a worried expression) – See now you have cold. Here, take this towel and dry yourself. I knew this would happen.

S – Stop worrying... I am fine. Thanks for the towel. Accha by the way, tell me why are you mad at me?

Sh – Never mind, you accepting that you love Sumo is above anything (he chuckled while she rolled her eyes at him trying to hide her smile).

She started drying her hair after passing a glare at him. Shravan on the other hand got lost in her beauty. Her wet hair made his heart flutter. He lovingly stared at her. She noticed him doing so but didn't budge since she was liking the attention and feeling comfortable under his gaze. After she was done, she again sneezed and this time even shivered a little. Shravan got worried and quickly took off his jacket to make her wear it.

Sh – Sumo are you fine? It will take us at least a whole one hour to reach because there is a very heavy traffic ahead due to the rain.

S – Don't worry! How many times should I tell you that I am fine?

Sh – You should take some rest. Why don't you sleep?

S – Ok fine.

Suman then took his arm while he gives her a confused look. She then kept her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes not knowing what she was doing to Shravan. He started to blush furiously and kept trying to contain his smile but could not. He felt like his heart would come out of his chest because it was beating very rapidly. After a few moments, Shravan started to stare at Suman. He then tucked a hair strand falling on her face behind her ear while she smiled.

Sh (thinking that Suman was asleep) – Sumo, do you know how much I missed having you around... The exam days sucked.

S (eyes still closed) – I know. I missed you too!

Sh – Hey, I thought you were asleep.

S – You are not letting me sleep. And don't worry, we will talk a lot afterwards. Now keep quiet.

He chuckled but then felt special after Suman said that she missed him too. Somewhere he began to think that his feelings were reciprocated but he did not want to rush before being absolutely sure. After some time, Shravan too felt asleep. Suman in her sleep intertwined her fingers with Shravan and he too tightened his hold on her hand. After one hour they both finally reached their homes.

They both woke up with a jerk as the auto came to a halt. Shravan gave him the fair after arguing with Suman over it and they both began to head towards their respective residences. As they began to part, they realised that their fingers were still intertwined. They both awkwardly glanced at each other and then reluctantly detangled their fingers (but began to miss each other's warmth). Suman gave him his jacket back.

S – I will pay your money later and that's final!

Sh – Okay madam (joins his hands)! Your wish! Now hurry up and change your clothes.

S – We will meet tomorrow in school?

Sh – There will be no tomorrow if you don't go to your home right now.

S – Okay fine... Going! By the way, thank you Shravan for helping me and coming at such a short notice.

Sh – Oh hello! It was not school that I came for it at a short notice. It was you and you are my utmost priority (She stared at him with hopeful eyes but he then added) since you are my best friend.

S (with a wide smile) – And you are mine... (He gives her a questioning look so she continues) I mean my best friend and priority (she then mentally chided herself for saying her heart out loud).

Sh – By the way, I didn't do it for free... You will have to make sewiyaan for me.

S (she laughed and nodded) – Hmm... Bye!

Sh – Take care!

They both went to their respective houses and reminisced about their beautiful ride. 

Precap: Suman gets fever and Shravan takes care of her. 

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Here is the first chapter guys! Thank you everyone for all the votes and comments after just getting the prologue. Please do share your feedback on this chapter in the comment section.

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