Tejran- Three meetings,One secret

Lonavala Escapade

On the way back, Karan was unusually quiet, lost in thought. His mother, ever perceptive, decided to break the silence.

Mom: "What happened, Sunny? Did she say no?"

Karan: "No, Mom... she just doesn't believe in love anymore."

Mom: "So... are you going to give up on her?"

Karan: "No, Mom. I want to show her how love should be. It's not just complaints, tears, and heartbreak. It should be growth, laughter, respect... and care. She asked for three dates to say no—but she doesn't know that she's already given me three chances. I want to win her heart in those three dates."

Mom: "So... you're not upset?"

Karan: "A little disappointed, yes. But the thought of those three dates excites me—it feels like a challenge. I might not succeed, but at least I'll never regret trying. Let's see."

Mom: "That's my boy."

⸻

A week had passed since their last meeting. Karan wanted to call Teju but hesitated, unwilling to pressure her. So, when his phone buzzed with a message from her, he opened it with a smile.

Teju: "Hi Kundrri, I'm going to Lonavala for some work. Would you like to come along?"

Karan: "I thought you'd forgotten me."

Teju: "There are people around me who won't let me forget you. I leave tonight."

Karan: "If they didn't remind you, would you have?"

Teju: "No... how could I forget someone who stood by me at my weakest moment?"

Karan: "What time do you leave?"

Teju: "After my shoot, around 8?"

Karan: "Shall I come to pick you up?"

Teju: "Can you come to my sets?"

Karan: "I'll be there."

Teju: "Great. See you soon, Kundrri."

⸻

He arrived at her set at 8:15. She was waiting, bare-faced and in a simple outfit. Her glow in the dim light seemed almost ethereal. She spoke animatedly about her upcoming Marathi movie, which had been shot before the COVID outbreak, her eyes shining at the thought of its release in six months.

Karan: "Wow, Teju. I'm so proud of you! Good luck for your movie. I'd love to watch it—but will there be subtitles?"

Teju: "Subtitles, I'm not sure. Thanks for coming, Kundrri."

Karan: "What kind of music do you like? Old songs?"

Teju: "I loooovvvve old songs."

Karan smiled at the way she stretched the word love. He connected his phone and played a few classics. She hummed and sang along, effortlessly at ease.

Karan: "Are you hungry?"

Teju: "Starving. Can we stop somewhere?"

Karan: "I brought donuts for you in the backseat."

Teju: "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

She eagerly opened the box, munching happily. A little chocolate at the corner of her mouth caught his attention, and he handed her a tissue.

At a roadside tea stall, it was raining, so they stayed in the car. Karan carefully made sure her tea cup wasn't too hot before handing it to her.

Teju: "Kundrri, the girl you date will be so lucky."

Karan: "Really? But they say otherwise."

Teju: "Ignore the media. I can see how caring you are... and I know what you want in a partner."

Karan: "Simple girls?"

Teju: "Exactly! Simple, independent, and someone you love completely."

Their conversation meandered, mixing laughter with playful teasing. Karan confessed his fear of being alone, his desire for a family, and his wish to share life's joys with someone who understood him.

Teju: "So, are you ready for marriage?"

Karan: "I need someone I can love fully, who loves me in return. I can't marry just for the sake of it."

Teju: "You're handsome—you could get anyone."

Karan: "If that were true, I'd be married ten years ago."

Teju: "I'll find your girl—but you won't choose without my permission!"

Karan choked on his tea, and she patted his back with a grin.

Teju: "Think I can't do it?"

Karan: "You can... but how do you know what I want?"

Teju: "You just told me."

He laughed inwardly, thinking she was unknowingly describing herself.

⸻

By the time they reached Lonavala, Teju had dozed off. Karan watched her, admiring her peaceful face in the dim streetlights. He gently touched her hair to wake her.

Karan: "Teju."

Teju: "Hmmm?"

Karan: "We're here. Time to wake up."

She rubbed her eyes and stretched.

Teju: "How long was I asleep?"

Karan: "Ten, fifteen minutes."

They visited her property, Karan assisting with negotiations. Later, they settled at a restaurant.

Teju: "Bringing you along was the best decision. You saved me a lot of money!"

Karan: "Happy to help. Food's on you, then?"

Teju: "Absolutely. Butter chicken, fish, biryani, and naan, please."

Karan: "We really are alike. It's like you're ordering for me too."

The meal passed in laughter, conversation, and quiet moments of connection.

On the way back, Teju insisted on driving.

Teju: "Can I, please?"

Her pleading face was irresistible. Karan handed her the keys reluctantly.

Karan: "My car has insurance... my life doesn't. Drive safe."

Teju: "I'm a decent driver!"

Karan: "We shall see."

She drove expertly, and the hours passed unnoticed. By the time they reached her house, the night felt fleeting.

Teju: "Thanks, Kundrri. This was a great evening. I enjoyed every bit."

Karan: "Same here. Remember the first time I dropped you off?"

Teju: "Don't remind me! I still feel embarrassed. I want to delete that chapter."

Karan: "I think that night was important. Sometimes, you can't share your pain with loved ones—they'd pity you, or it would hurt them. With a stranger... it's different. And yes, you stumbled, but that made it real."

Teju: "Shut up, Kundrri."

Karan: "Hahaha. It's late. Go inside and sleep."

Teju: "How do you switch from cute to Roadies team leader in seconds?"

Karan: "You find me cute?"

Teju: "Sometimes."

Karan: "It's already 3 a.m. You have a shoot tomorrow. Go rest."

Teju: "Good night, Kundrri."

She went inside, changed into her night suit, washed up, and finally slept. Karan drove home, smiling at the thought of her playful insistence on driving. He realized, once again, that she could effortlessly bend his rules—just with her charm. He chuckled to himself, thinking about her quirks: a foodie, a little mischievous, and yet, incredibly sensible.