Destined Strangers

CHAPTER 6 - Thalappakatti Biryani!

KARTHIK ✨

HOUR ELEVEN⏳

It was true that I expected some tragic ending. But not that much. No girl deserves that. How could he blame her, with the fault being on his side?

I cursed him with all the curse words I knew. Currently, Priya leaned over my shoulders. I didn't knew why, but it evoked multiple butterflies in my abdomen.

Sniffing, she said in a meek voice, "Thank you!"

"Huh?!" 

"I said, thank you," she mumbled again.

"What? I didn't hear properly," I teased.

She straightened up, glaring at me whilst, I was upset with the lost of warmth. Shrugging off my absurd thoughts, I let my eyes glance at her.

"Over ah pannatheenga," she blurted, annoyed and I chuckled.

(Don't go overboard.)

"Seri seri! So, let the bygones be bygones. Focus on the present," I said, seriously.

(Okay okay!)

She stared at me for a few minutes, and mumbled, looking into my eyes "I'm already focusing, on my present life."

Our eyes locked and my heart skipped a beat. I cleared my throat and looked away, feeling shy. What else I can do? It's my first time being this close to a woman. 

I know this is wrong. I'm going to be engaged soon. Perhaps, even get married. But deep in my heart, something told me there's nothing wrong with that.

Priya's voice interrupted my thoughts, "Karthi?"

I looked at her. "Yeah?"

"Breakfast?"

Oh yeah! I completely forgot about it. Glancing outside, I realised that the train had come to halt. I immediately rose up. "I'll get it. Are you okay with biryani?"

Her eyes lit up. "Do you even need to ask? I love biryani! Please get chicken, okay?"

I chuckled. "Sure! You move to our seat. I'll be back soon."

She nodded with a smile and in response, I smiled back. I strode towards the exit and got down on the platform.

Luckily, there was a small shop which housed biryani. My feet dragged me towards it and my nostrils admired the delicious scent of the popular Thalappakatti Biryani.

I quickly fished into my purse, taking out two 500 rupee notes. Handing it to the seller, I took possession of two plates of appetizing biryani with chicken 65, an egg and onion raita (onion with curd). 

Getting the change, subsequently, I got in the train before it leaves. I didn't want to miss the train, again!

"It's just... awesome!" Priya said in a muffled voice, her mouth full of biryani.

I nodded in response, relishing the taste. Nothing can beat the taste of Thalappakatti biryani. After emptying the plates, we washed our hands and disposed the former.

"How much did it cost?" she asked.

Having a sip of water, I said, "650."

She quickly handed me 350 rupees which I obviously, refused. But she insisted again, "Karthi! Please, have it. I don't want to keep any debts."

I quickly threw her a glare."What do you mean by that? You don't consider me as your friend. Isn't it?"

She lend me a helpless glance, and mumbled, " It's not that."