The Story of Us

A Surprise Meeting

As Raj and Priya stood there, barely a few feet apart, their hearts were racing, and their minds were alive with a torrent of emotions. Raj couldn't conceal his excitement; it bubbled within him, making his heart skip a beat. Priya, on the other hand, was taken aback by the unexpected surprise, her cheeks flushing with a mixture of surprise and joy. She found herself asking, "What are you doing here?"

Raj, his eyes twinkling with anticipation, replied, "I wanted to surprise you and see you in person. My work for the week is wrapped up, and I have the entire weekend to spend."Priya, still recovering from her surprise, asked, "But do you have to go back to work?"Raj reassured her with a firm "no." He then took a step further and suggested they go for coffee. Priya hesitated, not sure how to react to this unexpected invitation.Reluctant to get on his bike, Priya pointed out a nearby coffee shop and suggested they walk there instead. Raj, ever accommodating and considerate, parked his bike, locked it with care, and joined Priya for a leisurely stroll.

As they walked side by side, Raj asked if Priya needed some time to freshen up before they went for coffee. However, Priya was comfortable going as she was, a sign of the ease she felt in Raj's presence.They ambled along the streets, heading to the closest Nayar kadai, a shop renowned for its exquisite filter coffee and piping hot vadai. Inside the shop, Priya was a known face. She confidently ordered their favorites, "Anna, 2 filter coffee and 4 vadai with chutney, and please make mine a little sweeter."While they waited for their order, the soft, melodious strains of Ilaiyaraaja's music filled the air, playing on the FM radio in the shop. Raj, a devoted Ilaiyaraaja fan, openly shared his admiration for the music. Priya, her eyes reflecting fondness for the melodies, concurred with a soft "Me too."

When their coffee was served, Priya couldn't help but ask, "How does it taste?" Raj took a sip, his eyes locking with Priya's, and affirmed, "It's really good."Priya admitted that she comes here when she craved a well-brewed filter coffee. They shared stories, anecdotes, and laughter over their coffee and vadai. Their conversations flowed effortlessly, just like the coffee that filled their cups.

The bill arrived, and Raj reached for his wallet. But Priya was quick to assert her decision to pay, citing her familiarity with the shop and its owner. After a friendly tussle of offering to pay, Priya emerged victorious. Raj couldn't help but be genuinely impressed by her thoughtful gesture.Priya collected the cups and plates, handed them back to Nayar anna, and prepared to leave. As they strolled back to Raj's bike, they continued their easy conversation about the neighborhood, houses, and the people who inhabited them. It was a shared moment of understanding, of two worlds converging.

Once they reached the bike, Raj was somewhat reluctant to part ways. He wanted this meeting to last longer, but he also didn't want to push it. He finally said, "Okay, Priya, I should be heading back now. I'll talk to you soon."Priya, still slightly dazed by the surprise and elated by the meeting, replied with a simple, "Sure, talk to you later."Raj couldn't resist one more question, "Are you free tomorrow?"Priya took a moment to consider and then agreed, "Yes, I'm just doing my usual chores, but I'm free."

Raj seized the opportunity to invite her to the mall and offered to pick her up. But Priya politely declined, explaining that the mall was close by and an auto would suffice. Raj understood and suggested they meet around 11 AM.With smiles and waves, they bade each other goodbye, their hearts dancing with newfound feelings. Priya returned to her hostel, her mind filled with a delightful whirlwind of emotions. Back at home, Raj had dinner with his friends, and after their meal, he called Priya to make sure she had eaten."Have you had dinner?" he asked, the concern in his voice evident.Priya replied with a warm smile in her voice, "Yes."Raj inquired about her current activities, and Priya casually replied, "Just watching TV."Raj, not wanting to intrude on her time, said, "I don't want to disturb you."But Priya reassured him, "It's okay."Their conversation ended with mutual "Good night" wishes. Raj was eagerly looking forward to their mall outing the following day, counting down the hours until they could meet again. In the quiet moments of the night, their hearts couldn't help but replay the enchanting memories of their surprise meeting.