Karan hesitated before asking, "So... is this considered a date?"
Teju smiled, tilting her head. "A friendly date, yes."
His heart sank at the word friendly. He wanted to ask what the hell a friendly date even meant, but he swallowed it down, unwilling to ruin the mood. Instead, he forced a smile and changed the subject.
"What would you like to have?"
"Kulcha chola."
"Perfect. I'll order that—and tikki chaat. It's famous here."
Her eyes lit up. "Mmm, yes please."
He placed the order, and soon they were seated at a small table.
"Have you been here before?" Teju asked.
"Yes, every week. There's this little shop where we'd go just for rajma chawal, and across the road, the best tea stall you'll ever find. You should try it."
"We?" she asked, eyebrows raised.
He blinked, then realized what she meant. "Friends... and my girlfriend."
"Hmm. Okay."
Their food arrived, saving him from the awkward silence. Teju took a bite and her eyes widened.
"Oh my God, this is to die for. Why aren't you eating?"
He grinned, held up a bite on his spoon. "I am. See?"
When she finished, she waited patiently while he polished off his last bites.
"Anything else?" he asked.
"Masala tea."
"Let's go."
On the busy street, Karan instinctively reached for her hand as they crossed. She glanced at their entwined fingers but said nothing. At the tea stall, he let go quickly and ordered two cups.
"What are your plans for tomorrow?" he asked.
"Early morning shoot. If things go well, I'll be back by five. The day after, I'm free. I was thinking of going to Delhi for wedding shopping before my flight. What about you?"
"My friends are visiting. We'll be staying nearby, then heading to Amarjeet's place at night. Would you like to join us?"
She hesitated. "I don't know them. Wouldn't it be awkward?"
"Not at all. They're the most comfortable people you'll ever meet. They'll treat you like a kiddo."
Her lips twitched. "Girlfriends too?"
"Jessica—my best friend. Amarjeet's wife, Ginni, will be there too."
"Okay, I'll come."
"Great. I'll pick you up at six?"
"I'll let you know when I'm free."
He smiled. "Fair enough. You should rest. Big day tomorrow."
"Thanks for the outstanding food, Karan."
"I'm glad you liked it."
They returned to the hotel, retreating to their separate rooms.
⸻
The next day unfolded in fragments—her busy shoot, his reunion with friends. At 4:30, a message buzzed on his phone.
Teju: I'll be late. They added a sunset shot. Maybe free by 7.
Karan: No problem. Tell me when to pick you up. I'll be ten minutes away.
By 6:45, another ping.
Teju: Back to hotel at 7:15. Collect me at 8. Hope it's okay.
YOU ARE READING
Tejran- Three meetings,One secret
RomansaHe 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...
