Karan walked her family down to their car with a heavy heart. He didn't want to let her go, but he knew he had to. When their taillights disappeared, the silence pressed on him. He couldn't bear to return to his empty room just yet.
His hand slipped into his pocket, brushing against his car keys. Perfect. A drive would clear his head. Sliding into the driver's seat, he inhaled sharply—her fragrance lingered faintly, as if she were still beside him. His eyes fell on a small hair clip resting on the passenger seat.
He picked it up, holding it between his fingers. "Such a child she is," he whispered. Then, with a rueful laugh: "Oh, God... but why can't she leave my mind? She never left, not since that night. What's wrong with me? I feel like a schoolboy. Why am I feeling this way?"
He knew the truth—he liked her. Too much. And yet, she had sworn off love. She wouldn't give it a chance. He tried to convince himself there was no future, but his heart wasn't listening.
"You have to control your feelings," he muttered, shoving the clip into the console.
⸻
A week passed.
He was restless, irritable, his emotions a storm he couldn't contain. Controlling his thoughts had failed miserably. The more he resisted, the stronger his pull toward her grew.
When he learned Ekta ma'am was visiting the Naagin set that afternoon, he seized the chance. Maybe he could drop by, meet her—and see Tejasswi too.
He reached the studio just as Ekta was leaving.
"Oh hi, Karan!" she greeted, surprised. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to see you, Ma'am. Thought I might also catch Ranjan sir."
She smiled apologetically. "Unfortunately I can't stay—another meeting. But do one thing: on Sunday, I'm having dinner with my Naagin team. You should join us."
"I'll be there," he promised.
After she left, the crew busied themselves transforming the set from a courtroom to a jail. Disappointment prickled—no actors in sight. Still, he lingered, determined to wait.
Soon he spotted Ranjan sir, who greeted him with a wide grin.
"Karan! What are you doing here?"
"To meet Ekta ma'am, but I missed her. I did catch her outside, though. How are you, sir?"
They exchanged warm words before Ranjan excused himself to study the script. Karan asked if he could stick around.
"Of course. Be comfortable," Ranjan said kindly.
Minutes later, the director called for Pratha and Meheck.
The moment her laughter floated across the set, Karan's pulse quickened. And then she appeared—script in hand, walking with Meheck, her energy lighting up the space. She spotted him, surprised, and waved before disappearing into the scene.
He stayed rooted, watching as she transformed. Behind bars, betrayed by her sister and husband, her face crumpled with heartbreak. Her voice cracked with raw pain. One flawless take.
When the director called cut, the illusion vanished—she skipped out of the set, smiling, her usual chirpy self. She walked straight to him.
"Hey, Kundrri! How was the scene?"
He exhaled. "Amazing. Now I understand why my mom was praising you the other day. You nailed it."
Her grin widened. "Thanks, Kundrri."
"Are you free now? Come out for lunch with me. I'm starving—and honestly, I don't want to eat alone."
She shook her head. "No, I've got another shot. But Mom sent me homemade food, and you're lucky—she sent extra for Meheck, but she's leaving. Want to share?"
His smile broke wide. "Good for me, na? Let's eat."
"Follow me, Kundrri."
"I am," he said softly, almost to himself. I'll follow you for life.
"Did you say something?" she asked, glancing back.
"Nothing—just said I'm following you."
They settled inside her vanity van. She opened the lunchboxes, and his eyes lit up.
"Mutton! My favorite. It's a great day."
"Let's dig in."
He took a bite, savoring it. "Hmm... so good. Thanks, aunty! Teja, tell your mom I'm coming over to eat this mutton again."
She laughed. "I'll tell her. She'll be thrilled. But you didn't answer—why are you here?"
He grinned mischievously. "I came to meet Ekta ma'am... but I think I really came for the love of my life."
Her eyes widened. "Who is it? Tell me, I have major FOMO."
He chuckled. "Arey, arey, hold your horses. I was talking about this food—it's amazing!"
She smacked his arm lightly. "Kundrri! I thought I'd get some gossip."
He laughed at her expression. They shared stories while eating, until a spot boy came to call her back. She stuffed in her last bites hurriedly, while he lingered, watching with quiet fondness. He excused himself, giving her space to change, but her performance replayed in his mind the entire drive home.
At the door, his mother greeted him.
"Hi, Mom."
"Did you meet her?" she asked casually.
His eyes widened. "How do you know? Did Teju call you?"
She gave him a puzzled look. "I was talking about Ekta Kapoor—you were supposed to meet her this morning. Anyway, how's Teju?"
Heat crept up his neck. He scratched it awkwardly. "She's good. Her mom made mutton. It was amazing."
His mother smiled knowingly. "Yes, she always cooked that at our gatherings. Your father loved it."
He chuckled softly. "It was so good, Ma."
Then her tone shifted, more serious. "Can I ask you something? Though honestly, it's written all over your face."
He froze, then nodded.
"Do you like her?"
His voice was quiet. "As evident, yes. I like her."
"For marriage?"
"Moooom," he groaned. "It's too early for that. I like her bubbly nature, and I've seen how sensible she is. But most important—she has to like me back."
His mother's lips curved. "Her mom is talking to her tonight."
His head snapped up. "How does she know?"
"Beta, we all knew the day they came here."
He sighed, exasperated. "Mom, isn't it too early?"
She shook her head. "No, Sunny. It's already late. You should be married by now."
YOU ARE READING
Tejran- Three meetings,One secret
RomanceHe fell for her from the very beginning. She wasn't interested, so she agreed to go on three dates just to reject him and appease her parents. But destiny had other plans-she didn't even realize she had already fallen for him, though she remained in...
