WHEN FATE BRINGS YOU HOME

CHAPTER 6

I slammed the door right into his face. Just like that.

The voice of realization haunted me to regret what I had just done. Well, all I have to do is not to try to run into him ever again for the next two years. That should be easy. Or I can wish the heavens to take back the last four seconds. A time travel. But I still don't think that will work because the four-second-past me would slam the door into his face, again. No denying it.

Shit. The video call. No way I can deal with them right now. I give them a quick I'll call later and good night and hit the red button without waiting for their responses. I'm sure the unknown figure they just saw will be the topic of discussion first hand on our next call. I'll leave that worrying for some other time. I should be figuring out what to say to Hera cause I can now faintly hear the bathroom door opening from her room. Soon enough her footsteps approach me from behind.

"Who's here?"

She probably doesn't know that I already attended the guest. And that too not so well that I can brag the whole situation about. Is lying an option? It's not like I love the whole idea of lying to someone. But it's always the convenient way out. The happily ever after. What if he brings this up to her? He's obviously here to see her. 

"It's the professor you're working with."

"Who, Shaurya?"

Shaurya? Seriously? No doctor. No professor. Just plain Shaurya. An affectionate Shaurya. Are they really playing friends now? Before waiting for my answer, she ambled beside me to get the door. I hopped in between her and the door, nearly sandwiched, throwing both of my arms wide open, indicating her to stop her move. She stopped with a bemused look.

"What, Tara?"

"Do not tell me he lives in this building."

She stood there, her hands working her hair, that was already machine dried, into a ponytail. What all did she pack in her backpack she was carrying around, a salon? I guess Dora doesn't have this much stuff packed up in her backpack than she does. Only then did I notice that she is also dressed up nice, in jeans and a red crop top. Did they plan this? 

"No."

A wave of relief washed over me. Pure relaxation. Not likely to run into him here unless... she keeps inviting him over again. Ugh.

"Then?"

"He came to drop in my trolley and our cartons."

Oh. The baggage agent.

"If you're done with your daydreaming..."

I stepped out, giving her enough space to walk and open the door for him. I took a cover behind her, just in case. Why does he make me feel that I should hide at the sight of him? His stare does give off a predatory vibe. 

He was still there on the other side when she opened the door, all gentleman, waiting patiently for someone else to open it and not seal it back with a bang. The first thing I forced myself to check was if my cartons reached safe and sound. Four big boxes and a trolley was neatly arranged near the wall close to our door.  This time around, he gave his complete attention to Hera, studying and analyzing her, like she was one of his test subjects. Does he look the same way while inspecting me too? He must be doing this with everyone he meets, huh. And I probably shouldn't care or be standing here gaping at them. I took my phone out from my pocket, plugged in my earphones and turned around to my room. All this while, they remained silent, not even a hey, until Hera excused herself and stepped out, closing the door behind her. I kept walking to my room.

Gladly, he was successful in ignoring me completely, like he never saw me just a minute ago nor did I door-shut him out. It felt a little infuriating but this is likely a good thing. If he just forgets whatever happened in those four seconds, then it is definitely an option. Now that we are even, we should be starting the whole nice to meet you thing again for the health of my heart. I don't feel so fine today and I don't want myself to be so worked up for the next two years. I'm here to concentrate on my research and that's exactly what I'll be doing.