With Mangoes And Chocolates | ✓

31. Square one.

"Econ is amazing. Like seriously when you realise that the whole world goes around with the economy. You don't know how much a slight change in economy of a country can affect stuff," he defended. Manasvi couldn't help but admire his immense passion. Bhavuk has always been a very passionate guy for whatever he does. Observing these little things about him, was kind of her hobby now. "But of course you won't understand the importance of it, you're living in a very stable country."

"That's true," she nodded, eyes sleepy. She would have been taking an afternoon nap had he not be narrating the lost seven years to her and had it not been Saturday the next day. "Chai?"

"Haan."
"Banao fir."

Getting comfortable with him was easy.

"Ye sahi hai," he eventually left his comfortable zone aka his laptop and stepped out towards the kitchen. "Pehle laalach do chai ka taaki mann kar jaye, phir mana kar do, taaki insaan tadap mein mar jaaye. Aur aakhir mein, wo khud hi uth ke chai bana le; profit par profit."

"Haaye." She shut her eyes and laughed.
"Fancy a cuppa?"
"Naah, I am not a tea addict, unlike you," she said, "didn't know you could be one."

"What's wrong in liking tea?"
She tucked her hairs behind her ear and leaned her head against the wall. "Kuchh nahi."
"Nahi, nahi, vyakt kariye apne judgemental vichaar," he said to which she giggled even more.
"I don't judge."

"I know."
"You remember a lot, huh?"

He ignored the question, too busy looking out for the sugar container.
"It's seriously written 'du sucre'." He grinned, looking down at her.
"Did that 'cause it reminded me of you," she said.

"Touché," he said, "A plus for the smoothness."
"No. Really. I did that because it reminded me of you. At least thank me, idiot. It's supposed to be creative. Corporate guys are so mean."

"Am I not disturbing your creativity with my corporate stuff?"
"You aren't." She spoke childishly.

"I'll take it as a compliment."
"Hm, let's hang out tomorrow somewhere."

"You remember, Palassio? It changed so much. . .the fountains, you remember? They're different," she said, eyes twinkling. "Imambada is still the same, though."

"Feels like I'm behind on a lot of stuff."
"You can always catch up. Let's go explore. If you don't have any other work, that is," she offered.

"Okay. Dress up. Something pretty."
"Something pretty?"
"Yes. It's been a long time. Don't you think?"

She nodded. Yes. It had been a long time. Long time since she'd spent time with anyone but herself. And definitely not him.

The shock had dissolved gradually. Bhavuk was there, with her, and it was true. Unexpected, but probably fated. It wasn't a coincidence. He'd purposefully searched for her. He had bent the wires of destiny. An illegal step, but wasn't life unfair already?

It felt like the old times, getting ready to tag along with him. The only difference? It didn't have to be secretive anymore. The freedom was a rough pebble to swallow. But still, wasn't it the most delicious stuff she'd tasted? Freedom and love went hand in hand, she believed.

"See. Is it fine?" She gave her skirt a twirl. It was simple. White sweater and beige skirt. Leggings to keep her warm.
"Skirts and all, huh? Since when?"

"I've always liked skirts. Mom didn't let me wear them," she explained as she wore her shoes. "But now I can."

"So, what's the plan?" She heard him ask as she sprinted down the ramp.
"We book a cab or a rickshaw and we get going."
"I have a car."
"The one I'm jealous of?"