Tissue For This Issue

Chapter 2

"Damn, why aren't any autos stopping!" Priya grumbled as she held her hand out. It was 8 PM, and she had just finished her work. Despite Ram telling her that she didn't have to worry about anything, she was determined to justify his and Shardul's decision to give her a raise. However, she hadn't realized that, because she was now newly single, her ex-boyfriend hadn't stuck around long enough to give her a ride home like he always did.

"Priya, what are you still doing here?" She heard a voice call out.

Priya turned and saw Ram walking towards her. He had always had a habit of being the absolute last person to leave the office, no matter how late it was.

"Sir, I was actually trying to finish up some work. I didn't realize that it had gotten so late, and my ride left without me."

"Why don't I give you a ride?"

"No Sir, it's alright. It's quite late, you also have to go back to your home, na?"

"Psh, and leave you here waiting for an auto to stop? Nonsense! Come with me, I'll drop you home."

Knowing that she couldn't argue with him further, Priya nodded and followed Ram back to his car, where Shardul and Alekha were standing.

"Suno guys, we'll just make a quick stop and drop Priya home. Alu, what's the plan for tonight?"

"Depends on what Aunty made for dinner."

"Don't know actually, let me call her from the car and ask," Ram said before he motioned for everyone to sit inside. Shardul took the seat next to him, while Alekha and Priya sat in the backseat. Priya gave Ram the address to her home, after which he began to drive.

"Priya, I heard about Yuvraj. I'm really sorry, yaar," Alekha whispered as she squeezed Priya's hand.

"It's ok, Alu. I'm just glad that Mumma and Papa are supportive. I know they'll do anything they can to support me and the baby," Priya smiled.

"Don't forget about me and Ritika! We're going to spoil the hell out of the baby, dekh lena."

"Haan haan, you both can do that. I already know that the baby will be styled in some luxury, branded clothing as soon as they're born because of my sister and friend-slash-future sister-in-law."

The two women giggled in the backseat while Ram connected his phone to the car and began to call his mother.

"Maa! What's for dinner tonight?"

"Uff, no hi-hello-anything! Your first thought is to ask what I made for dinner! Vaah!" Shalini said in mock annoyance.

"Maa, you know your raja beta. Khaddad since birth!" Shardul snickered, earning a smack on the arm from Ram.

"Shardul, you're no better! You used to eat half my tiffin back when we were in school!"

"I only did that because you would eat half of mine!"

"Ok, shaant shaant! Poor Alu in the back must be so annoyed listening to you boys fight!"

"Oh haan! We'll be a bit late getting home today. One of our co-workers needed a ride home, so we'll be dropping her off first before coming."

"Arre, invite her home for dinner, na! I've made your favorite chicken biryani and walnut halwa today."

"Ooh Shalini Aunty, that sounds so good! I'm definitely not going to miss out on eating that!" Alekha declared.

"Thank you so much for the offer, Aunty Ji, but I should really get home," Priya spoke up.

"No worries, beta. But please do come home for dinner some time soon, okay? You can complain about all the work my sons give you, theek hai?"