Tejran- Three meetings,One secret

A Chance Given

Teju returned home late that night, her steps heavy with exhaustion. Her mother immediately pulled her into a warm embrace.

Aai: "My hardworking girl! How was your day?"

Teju: "Like mother, like daughter. It went well, but I'm exhausted. Thankfully, I have a day off tomorrow—I'll finally sleep in."

Aai: "Oh, that's good. Go freshen up. I'll bring your dinner upstairs."

Teju: "You're the best, Aai. Love you."

Aai: "Nautanki, ja!"

Teju laughed softly, hurried upstairs, and remembered the mess she had left in her room. Guilt tugged at her as she straightened the room, changed into her night suit, and washed her face. Just then, a knock at the door startled her.

Teju: "Aai, please come in! How many times have I told you not to knock?"

Aai: "My princess isn't a child anymore. I have to be careful. Come, let's eat."

Teju: "You haven't eaten?"

Her mother shook her head.

Teju: "Aaaaaiii..."

Aai: "Food's getting cold. Let's eat—I'm hungry."

Teju: "Feed me, na?"

Aai: "You're such a kid."

Teju: "Decide for yourself—am I a kid or not?"

Aai: "Both, actually. Sometimes you're grown, sometimes you're this little kid. I love both versions of you."

They laughed, sharing dinner together. Teju spoke animatedly about Karan's arrival on set, and her words gave her mother the courage to broach the subject she had been hesitant about.

Aai: "Can I ask you something?"

Teju: "What?"

Aai: "Do you like Karan?"

Teju froze. "Where is this going?"

Aai: "Just answer."

Teju: "Yes, I like him—as a friend. Nothing more. I'm not open to any relationship right now. I've had my share of love, and I don't believe in it anymore."

Aai: "So you mean you'll never give love another chance?"

Teju: "I love my family. That's enough for me. Why do you think he's interested in me?"

Aai: "We saw it in his eyes."

Teju: "We?"

Aai: "His parents... and your baba."

Teju: "I don't think he's interested in me. You've cooked this up! Oh, that's why you sent us to get ice cream—the conspiracy!"

Aai: "We don't want either of you to live your life alone."

Teju: "I have you. You can't leave me alone."