Sunset Serendipity

Chapter 7

As Priya briskly walked towards the house, her thoughts consumed by the encounter with Neha, she suddenly realized she had left Ram standing halfway. An abrupt halt, a glance over her shoulder, and there he was, still gazing in her direction. Priya felt a twinge of guilt for not expressing her gratitude.

Clicking her tongue in mild reproach, Priya retraced her steps, approaching Ram with a hint of timidity. "Thank you for the lift today," she stammered, the words almost apologetic. Ram, in response, offered a gentle smile that softened the night air.

"Your friend must be waiting for you," he observed, his voice calm. "You should go. Good night." With that, Priya reciprocated the sentiment, offering a quick "Good night" before hastening back towards the awaiting shadows of her home, leaving Ram standing alone under the dim glow of the streetlight.

Priya rushed upstairs to find Neha still standing on the balcony. With a mixture of surprise and curiosity, Priya exclaimed, "What a surprise! Why didn't you inform me? You said you'd be coming on weekends."

Neha, however, seemed preoccupied with a different matter. Ignoring Priya's question, she asked in a tone that caught Priya off guard, "Who is that man with you?"

Taken aback, Priya furrowed her brows, responding, "I've already asked you something. Tell me that first ?

Neha dismissively remarked, "That isn't important. Don't tell me. Let me guess. Is he the reason you've decided to move here? Did you guys meet online and date? Was it a long-distance thing? Why didn't you tell me? It's so rude, Priya."

Agitated and slightly irritated, Priya closed her eyes, exhaling. "Not again, Neha. You're always ready with your weird assumptions. He's not who you think."

Neha persisted, "Then who is he?"

"I've started giving tuitions to his son lately," Priya explained with a hint of exasperation. "So, as it got a little late, he decided to drop me here. That's all." With that clarification, Priya entered her room, putting her phone aside, and settled onto the bed, seeking solace from the evening's unexpected twists.

Neha, undeterred, sat next to Priya and insisted, "Priya, let me tell you, I can read his eyes. He's into you." Hearing this, Priya was astounded, looking at Neha in disbelief.

"Stop, please stop. Don't even say such things," Priya pleaded. "We've met just ten days back. We hardly even share a talk, and moreover, he's the father of my student. Stop making funny assumptions, please. I beg of you, meri maa."

Neha persisted, nodding her head. "I'm telling you, Priya. The way he was looking at you when you were leaving, that was something different."

Priya, growing more frustrated, responded sharply, "Have you lost your mind completely? I'm already 36 and not even interested in these things. Stop discussing this; it makes me uncomfortable." The room echoed with the tension of the unexpected conversation as Priya sought to quash Neha's imaginative speculations.

As Neha prepared to argue further, Mrs. D'Souza intervened, appearing suddenly and breaking the tension. "Both of you must be hungry. Dinner is ready. Get freshened up and come downstairs," she announced. The prospect of a meal eased the tension, and they found themselves sharing a delicious dinner together.

During the meal, Neha struck up a friendly rapport with Mrs. D'Souza, engaging in lively gossip until exhaustion finally claimed her and she retired for the night. Returning to their room, Neha found Priya already preparing the bed.

"Are you going to sleep? Don't tell me that, please," Neha implored, reaching for a bottle of expensive whisky she had brought along. She showed it to Priya, who looked at her in surprise. "Oh my my, you bought this?" Priya exclaimed.

Neha smirked, and Priya, deciding to join in the unexpected turn of events, said, "Let me get the glasses." The room soon echoed with laughter and the clink of glasses as they shared a night filled with light-hearted banter and the warmth of their friendship.

As dawn approached, they finally succumbed to sleep, waking up close to 11 am the next day. Neha, nursing a bad hangover, found Priya already leaning on the balcony, sipping her coffee. With a groan, Neha wished her a good morning.

Priya chuckled, teasingly remarking, "Look at you, completely worn out. I told you not to drink that much last night."

Neha, trying to defend herself, said, "Oh, I was just a little happy."

Priya, undeterred, declared, "Get ready. We're going for a city tour together."

Neha, still recovering from the hangover, questioned, "Now, really?"

"Don't be a spoilsport, Neha. I finally have a weekend; can't waste it like this. Get ready fast," Priya insisted, and Neha found herself almost forced to heed her friend's enthusiastic plans for the day.

The day unfolded with Priya and Neha exploring the city together, visiting a charming church and strolling along the scenic seaside. As lunchtime approached, Priya scanned the area for a suitable place to eat.

Neha, ever resourceful, suggested using the internet to find a restaurant. After a quick search, they settled on one and made their way there. Upon entering, the ambience was warm and inviting. The aroma of various cuisines lingered in the air as the hum of conversations created a lively backdrop.

Navigating through the restaurant, Priya and Neha eventually found a cozy table for themselves. The day's adventures continued, accompanied by the shared joy of discovering new places and creating lasting memories.

After placing their food order, Priya excused herself, expressing the need to use the washroom. Neha nodded, gesturing towards the direction. As Priya entered, she found a small, cozy space with only a common washroom available.

Looking at herself in the mirror, Priya splashed some water on her face, finding solace in the cool sensation. She then proceeded to wash her hands, only to realize that the hand dryer was broken. Frustrated, she muttered, "Oh God, I didn't even bring a handkerchief. What do I do?"

Just as Priya jerked her wet hand away, a man appeared. Initially, she hadn't noticed him, but as she turned, she found herself face to face with Ram. Priya's eyes widened, and she stammered, "I am sorry, I really am sorry." Ram looked down at his slightly damp shirt, and they locked eyes, both caught off guard by the unexpected encounter. Awkwardness hung in the air as they exchanged surprised glances, the moment lingering in discomfort.

On other days, Ram might have reacted differently, but in that moment, Priya's inadvertent mishap didn't seem to irritate her. Ram observed as Priya tried to remedy the situation, his lips pursed slightly. Despite her helpless expression, he managed to pull a straight face and reassured her, "It's fine, nothing that worse. But what are you doing here?"

Priya explained that she had come to the restaurant with Neha for lunch. Ram nodded, acknowledging their choice. "A wise choice. This place serves local delicacies," he commented. Priya, still feeling a bit uncomfortable, lowered her eyes.

Just then, someone entered, and Ram noticed the slightly tacky ambiance of the place. Without hesitation, he suggested, "We should leave." Agreeing, Priya and Ram exited the washroom, leaving behind the awkward incident and continuing their day outside in the fresh air.

As Priya and Ram stepped outside, Ram inquired, "Ms. Sharma, aren't you coming today?" Turning around, Priya responded, "It's Sunday, my off day. I'll be there tomorrow after school." Ram, realizing his mistake, clicked his tongue, "Sorry, I forgot." Priya wished him a good day and left.

Observing from a distance, Neha approached and exclaimed, "What is he doing here? Is he stalking you or something? My God, what a desperate man!" Priya gritted her teeth, urging Neha to stop. "He might listen to you. It's a small place; it's obvious to see people more often. He must have come here for some work, can't you see that man with him? Now, please, shall we start? I'm starving."

Despite Ram's attempts to focus on his own matters, he couldn't help stealing occasional glances at Priya. Priya, engrossed in her meal and conversation with Neha, remained oblivious to his lingering gaze. Unbeknownst to her, Ram continued to watch her, the unintended attraction evident in his eyes, resisting even his own control. The small restaurant played host to a silent exchange, leaving the air charged with unspoken sentiments.