Tejran- Three meetings,One secret

Unexpected vulnerability

After that night, Karan and Teju were in almost constant touch. She would message him about the smallest details of her day, often seeking his advice on what to wear or how to approach something. Their next meeting was set—a simple plan to watch a movie together—but it was enough to make him excited.

Karan arrived at her house to pick her up. He greeted her parents warmly, a gesture that made her smile inwardly. She appeared at the stairs moments later, wearing a short yellow dress. He found himself staring for a moment, resisting the urge to compliment her.

He waved at her parents, signaling that he would drop her home on time. She admired the way he treated them: respectful, responsible, yet relaxed enough to converse naturally. Her parents adored him almost like a son of their own.

Karan: "Shall we go?"

Teju: "Let's."

In the car, Karan handed her a cup of coffee.

Karan: "Got this just the way you like it."

Teju: "Really? How did you remember?"

Karan: "I was there when you ordered last time, wasn't I?"

Teju: "Somebody's noticing everything."

Karan: "Of course. It's my specialty."

She sipped her coffee, eyes lighting up.

Teju: "Mmm... it's perfect. Thank you, Kundrri. But I don't even remember what you got for yourself."

Karan: "Hahaha, that'll do."

Teju: "You have such a good memory—and you're extremely good with your words."

Karan: "Ms. Waygankar is complimenting me?"

Teju: "It's Wayangankar."

Karan: "Same difference. Waygankar, ye hi to bola."

Teju: "Never mind... it's Tejasswi Prakash for you. So, where are we going? What are we watching?"

Karan: "How about a horror movie?"

Teju: "No! I'm scared. No horror for me."

Karan: laughs "Really? You're too cute, yaar."

Teju: "I'm serious! Let's watch Top Gun: Maverick instead."

Karan: "I thought you'd pick a love story or drama."

Teju: "I'm not a typical girl. I love cinema of all genres. A friend suggested this one—it's worth watching."

Karan: "Sure, let's do it. Check where seats are available."

They arrived at the theater, semi-occupied. Teju grabbed popcorn and nachos. During the movie, she was fully absorbed in the story, while Karan stole glances at her, captivated by her expressions.

She is so beautiful, he thought.

She turned, catching him mid-thought as if she could read his mind. He shook his head; she merely shrugged, asking, "What?"

After the movie, they went for dinner. Karan's heart raced; he wished the night would never end. As they left the restaurant, she asked if they could go to the beach. Suddenly, paparazzi swarmed them. Karan instinctively shielded her, positioning himself between the cameras and her, letting her sit safely before driving off.

Karan: "So... beach?"

Teju: "Yes."

Karan: "Are you sure? Your parents must be waiting."

Teju: "They trust you. There won't be a problem."

⸻

At the beach, they settled on the same bench as before.

Teju: "We were strangers then... now I know you."

Karan: "You still have a lot to know."

She moved toward the water, paused, and turned.

Teju: "Come."

Karan: "Huh?"

Teju: "Let's sit near the water."

She walked ahead, and he followed. She sat, tapping the sand beside her. He removed his sweatshirt and laid it across her lap. He obeyed, sitting close by.

Teju: "First in front of the media, now this jacket... I feel safe around you."

Karan: "Every girl deserves respect."

Teju: "I want to know more about you... if you're comfortable sharing."

Karan: "Are you comfortable with this being public?"

Teju: "Why not? People try to twist stories anyway. My own experiences taught me that. And... I trust you."

He inhaled deeply, then began to speak.

Karan: "My last relationship ended bitterly. In the beginning, it seemed perfect—I couldn't see the cracks. She manipulated my family, made me doubt them... and me. I believed her, not my parents. Later, I realized her true colors. I tried to save it, but it deteriorated daily. Finally, I told her to leave. She retaliated, spreading lies. I lost friends, some projects... but my parents were there. Those two years taught me to value family, to never go back. I worked hard to rebuild myself, but I felt so lonely..."

Tears escaped him. Teju gently moved closer, wiping them away.

Teju: "What do you think you did wrong?"

Karan: "I trusted her over my family... and I told her to leave."

Teju: "The first was a mistake; the second was right. Imagine if you hadn't—she'd still be part of your life, and your family would have suffered. You did the right thing."

Karan: "Yes... thank you, Tejasswi. I feel... lighter now. Can I hug you?"

Teju: "Of course."

She embraced him. The hug lingered, providing a peace neither had felt in years. Yet her thoughts pulled her away.

No... I can't feel this way. It's just a hug... just warmth, she reasoned, stepping back.

Karan: "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

Teju: "No, it's fine. Shall we go? My parents will be waiting."

He offered his hand; she declined, rising on her own. At her car, she insisted on opening the door herself. The cold distance surprised him, but he said nothing. On the drive back, she remained silent, gazing out the window.

Karan: "Music?"

Teju: "Anything you want."

Karan: "Are you okay?"

Teju: "I'm fine... just tired and sleepy."

He knew she was hiding something but didn't press. When they reached her house, she ran inside without a word, barely acknowledging his good night.

Inside her room, she sat before her mirror.

It's just a hug... nothing more. I don't like him that way. He's a friend, she told herself, trying to reason.

Meanwhile, Karan drove home, replaying the night in his mind. Had he done something to upset her? He wondered if it was exhaustion or something deeper. He resisted calling her, knowing she needed space. Yet he couldn't sleep either.

By 8:40 the next morning, she hadn't called yet. His phone rang—her name flashing on the screen. He answered immediately.

Teju: "Good morning, Kundrri."

Karan: "Hi, Tejasswi... why the late call?"

Teju: "I woke up late. I called to inform the set."

Karan: "Oh... I hope I didn't offend you last night."

Teju: "Not at all. I told you—I was tired. Don't overthink."

Karan: "Thank God... I was worried I lost a friend."

Teju: "You didn't. I have to go to a call now. I'll call you later."

She ended the call, intending to keep things light. But Karan's quiet concern lingered, reminding her that feelings—however unspoken—were slowly taking root.