Night of 25TH

CHAP 38: Rekindle?

Past:

Shubman

The following morning we explored Chandigarh's rich array of museums and monuments. Chucky and Shahneel were fully engrossed in the art and history around us, strolling hand in hand. Meanwhile, I ambled behind, absorbing the surroundings at a more leisurely pace.

Chucky's passion for conspiracy theories was undeniable. Her eyes danced with curiosity as she delved into the tales she'd heard about the Capitol Complex, eager to uncover its hidden secrets. I gently tempered her excitement, albeit briefly, as the pangs of hunger were felt by both Shahneel and me. The way she recounted these stories made it seem like she was seconds away from donning a cap and grabbing a camera, ready to launch her own History Channel escapade.

Yet, my eagerness to hear her stories remained undiminished despite the need for a break. Her eyes, alight with fervour every time she spoke of these enigmas, were my personal constellations, outshining any celestial stars. I cherished those moments, longing to hear more when time permitted, not wishing to dull the passion that ignited her spirit.

However, I gently tugged her hand, coaxing her away like a child reluctant to leave the park. She pouted and shot me an irritated glance. I sighed at her reaction. "I'll listen to your stories after lunch, but for now, Shahneel and I are hungry, and so are you. Let's go, please."

She glanced at Shahneel, who tiredly smiled at her, and she relented. "Fine, but you will have to listen to all these theories no backing out afterwards!"

"I promise, pakka wala," I assured, fastening her seatbelt as she stubbornly folded her arms.

It was a delightful struggle, balancing her insatiable curiosity with the immediate needs at hand. But in those moments, her spirited passion illuminated the world around us, and I couldn't wait to hear her tales, promising to indulge her fully once our immediate cravings were sated.

As we settled into the restaurant, the three of us ready to appease our hungry stomachs, I took the liberty to place our orders. Chucky, animated and enthusiastic, requested naan and paneer makhani, her love for food shining through. I chuckled at her unwavering affection for delicious meals, a testament to her unabashed foodie spirit. Shahneel caught my eye with a teasing smile, clearly entertained by our dynamic, while I responded with a look that silently conveyed, "We're just friends."

Chucky, engrossed in her phone, remained oblivious to our playful exchanges. Her focus, at that moment, was elsewhere, likely immersed in a trail of online discoveries or perhaps delving into more intriguing conspiracy theories.

As we delved into our meal, Chucky remained wholly absorbed in her naan and paneer makhani, her undivided attention dedicated to savouring every bite of the delectable cuisine. She occasionally nodded in agreement or responded to our conversations, but her primary focus was firmly fixed on the plate before her. Her devotion to food was a sight to behold.

As we settled the bill, a small disagreement arose between Chucky and me. Chucky was eager to cover the bill, but I firmly believed that she was my guest and shouldn't have to pay. In response, she pretended to cry, wiping fake tears with a tissue, and remarked that she felt more like family than a guest. With a resigned sigh, I allowed her to contribute and pay for half of the bill, recognizing that I could never ever everrrr compete with her unwavering stubbornness. Her independence and determination were like a valuable jewel, gracefully adorning her personality.

After lunch, we visited a few more monuments according to Chucky's wish wanting to explore more and this time I heard every story she had to tell without interrupting listening to her intently while Shahneel was busy clicking a few pics around.