The Breaths We Take (ON HOLD)

Chapter 2 - Next Step

Fashion Plus Complex

"Did you talk to Sanjay?" Dad asked me on the phone while I was with the man he wanted me to meet for my marriage. Wasn't just any man, but my possible future husband.

"Yeah, I did," I whispered, "And don't worry, I was on my best behaviour! I didn't even think about throwing my coffee at him, not even a little bit. You should be proud of me!" I giggled, cupping my hand over the phone to make sure Sanjay couldn't hear our conversation.

"If it's an important call, you can speak louder. I will leave!" Sanjay said, noticing me.

"No, no, it's not that important. Just my dad checking in on me. I'll be back in a sec,"

I said, standing up and finding a quiet corner to continue my conversation.

From where I stood on the second floor, I watched as a crowd of people streamed out of the complex, their arms laden with shopping bags. The sight of so many people bustling about is kinda invigorating and overwhelming, and I can't help but wonder what they all bought.

"Kiddo, everything alright there?" Dad asked me on the phone as I turned my attention back to him.

"Appa, Sanjay's complex seems to be doing really well. There are lots of customers here. Looks like he's making good business," I told my dad what I saw.

"Even our complex is also doing well. You should come and see it sometime. Now, tell me, what did Sanjay say?" Dad asked.

"Appa,  listen up! I've got something important to share with you. When you finally get home, I'll spill all the details. But right now, I need your advice. Should I give him a clear cut answer, like a yes or no, about this whole marriage thing?"

I asked him, while Sanjay subtly indicated that he was running out of time. I signalled to him that I needed a few more minutes.

"No.....you don't have to make any decisions right away. Tell him you need some time," Dad advised.

Before I could respond, he made a surprising request.

"Can you pass the phone over to Sanjay? I want to talk to him."

Why?

"Are you going to tell him about my obsession with pranks and my knack for accidentally breaking things? Please, pretty please, don't tell him. Let's keep it our little secret." I pleaded.

"I won't tell! Now, give the phone to Sanjay!" Dad laughed and assured.

He better keep his mouth shut.

"Sanjay, my dad wants to talk to you," I said, handing him my phone.

After a short while, Sanjay passed the phone back to me. When I tried to talk with my dad, the call had already ended.

I couldn't even say goodbye to him.

"So, what did my father say to you?" I asked Sanjay.

"Sorry, I've got to go, Madhumitha. It was nice talking to you," Sanjay said hastily as he hurriedly made his way towards the exit, almost as if he was trying to escape from the situation...

What just happened? Was it something I said? Who knows?

I stepped outside and gave Ruban a quick call, asking him to pick me up.

Before I knew it, he arrived on his bike, wearing a grey helmet. I hopped onto the back seat, feeling the wind against my face as we rode along.

After a few moments of silence,