Tejran- Three meetings,One secret

The Quite Gestures

It had been over a week since Tejasswi moved into their home. Karan's father had returned from Punjab, and to his quiet surprise, she had blended into the family with ease. His parents adored her; she had already become the daughter they never had.

Every morning, without fail, a takeaway mug of steaming tea waited for her. She always assumed it was his mother who made it.

One evening, as she sat at the dining table with them, she smiled gratefully.
"Aunty, you've spoiled me. I'm getting addicted to your chai and food."

His mother chuckled. "I'll take credit for the food, but not the chai."

Teju frowned. "What? Who makes it then?"

"Karan."

Her lips parted in surprise. "Even on days I leave early?"

"Yes. He asks me the night before what time you'll be leaving."

Teju's heart skipped. She shifted in her seat, unsure what to do with that knowledge. "But... why?"

His mother gave her a knowing look. "I thought you knew. Do you? Or you didn't?"

Heat rushed to Teju's face. She quickly lowered her gaze and changed the subject.
"Aunty, how's your leg now?"

"Bit better." His mother smiled, letting the matter go, though her eyes sparkled with unspoken understanding.

⸻

Chapter 13 – Shared Meals

A few days later, Karan returned home to find his mother at the stove. His brows drew together.
"Mom, why are you cooking in this condition? Where's the cook?"

"He had a family emergency, went back to his village."

"You should've told me. You're not fully recovered—you shouldn't exert yourself. Forget dinner, I'll order something."

That night, he made sure his parents ate well. He, however, sat waiting, restless, until he finally texted her:

Hi. When are you coming home?

She replied quickly. Reaching in ten minutes. All okay?

Yeah. Just wondering if you had dinner.

Not yet. Why?

I ordered food.

Ohhh, kya mangaya hai?

Chinese.

Yum. I'm on my way.

She found him in the kitchen, warming food. After freshening up, she joined him at the table.

"You also didn't eat?" she asked.

"No. I was waiting for you."

A smile flickered across her lips. "Hmm. Okay."

They ate together—she chatting animatedly about her day, he listening quietly, finding her laughter more nourishing than the food itself.

Later, as he brewed tea, she wandered into the kitchen.
"Can I ask you something?" he said.

"Sure."

"Why did you leave Goa so suddenly? You still feel—"

She cut him off quickly. "I realized one thing about you."

"What?"

"You overthink too much. I had an early shoot, that's all."

"Maybe. But you've done this before. Remember the beach? Chandigarh?"