Siren of Hearts

9. The First Date and So On

Siddharth and Ishita found a cozy little Indian restaurant for their lunch date, where the aroma of spices filled the air, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The gentle buzz of conversations around them added to the lively atmosphere.

Seated across from each other, Siddharth and Ishita perused the menu, exchanging smiles as they discovered the array of tempting Indian dishes. After some friendly banter and recommendations from the waiter, they decided to share a variety of dishes to get a taste of different flavors.

The table soon filled with an assortment of delectable Indian delights—fragrant biryani, flavorful curries, naan bread, and vibrant chutneys. As they savored each bite, their conversation flowed seamlessly from the deliciousness of the food to more personal topics.

" So, tell me something about your family. " He bites his tongue, realizing if he has crossed a line. " If it's okay with you to talk. I just wanted to have a conversation -" He stops his rambling as she laughed. 

"My father runs a publishing company," Ishita began, her eyes lighting up with pride. "He's always been passionate about literature, and it's incredible to see him channel that into his work. He's the driving force behind the creative side of the business."

She continued, "And my mother is no less remarkable. She's a CEO who often manages my father's publishing matters abroad. It's amazing to witness their dynamic and how they complement each other in both work and life."

A fond smile graced Ishita's lips as she spoke about her family, her enthusiasm shining through. "I have an elder brother, too," she added, mentioning the sibling connection. "He's four years older than me, and we share a unique bond. Despite the age gap, he's been a supportive presence in my life." She smiles fondly. " What about your family?"

A subtle hesitation marked his demeanor. The bittersweet expression on his face hinted at a blend of emotions as he began to share.

"Well, my grandmother runs a bakery," Siddharth started, a nostalgic smile playing on his lips. "She's the heart of our family, especially during festivals. Her bakery is known for crafting various kinds of sweets, and it's a tradition for us to indulge in them during every Indian celebration."

His gaze softened as he delved into his family narrative. "And I have a younger sister," Siddharth continued, a touch of pride evident in his voice. "She just passed high school, and I can't believe how quickly she's growing up. We share a special bond, and I'm always there to support her in her endeavors."

It wasn't a rocket science to understand the pain behind his smile. " Sid..." 

As Ishita's eyes held a sincere and understanding gaze, Siddharth recognized the depth of their connection and decided to disclose a part of his life that carried a profound impact. With a somber tone, he spoke, revealing a significant chapter of his past.

"When I was just thirteen, and my sister was ten," Siddharth began, his voice carrying a weight of memories, "we lost our parents. It was a challenging time for both of us, and since then, our family has primarily been our grandmother. She became our anchor, our source of strength." 

The vulnerability in Siddharth's words laid bare the loss and resilience that shaped his journey. Ishita, sensing the gravity of the moment, listened with empathy, understanding the significance of the family he held dear.

Ishita, with a compassionate and uplifting spirit, responded to Siddharth's heartfelt revelation. A warm smile graced her lips as she said, "I would love to be your grandmother's guest someday and savor the sweets from her bakery. It sounds like she creates something truly special."

He nods with a smile," She does. But here is a warning, you may catch diabetes from her items. " 

she chuckles," I'll be fine. " 

In the ensuing months, Siddharth and Ishita's connection continued to blossom, weaving through the tapestry of their shared experiences as second-year students. Amid the academic rigors, they carved out precious moments for themselves, nurturing their growing bond.

Weekends became a sanctuary for Siddharth and Ishita—a time to escape the confines of lectures and assignments, and to embark on adventures together. They explored nearby places, discovering quaint cafes, scenic spots, and hidden gems that held the charm of shared exploration.

As the seminar approached, Siddharth and Ishita collaborated once again, blending their diverse knowledge to create a presentation that reflected the synergy of their individual strengths. Late-night study sessions turned into moments of shared laughter, deepening their connection.

The seminar day arrived, marked by the fusion of physics and life sciences in a presentation that captivated their audience. Siddharth's expertise in astrophysics complemented Ishita's insights into tissue engineering, creating a harmonious balance that left a lasting impression.

As Siddharth's birthday approached, a sense of excitement and anticipation filled the air. His roommates, along with Ishita, had meticulously planned a small surprise party at a local restaurant near their hostel. The venue was cozy, adorned with strings of fairy lights, creating an intimate ambiance for the celebration.

On the evening of his birthday, Siddharth arrived later than expected, a hint of weariness in his eyes. The joyous atmosphere and the smiling faces of his friends and Ishita greeted him as he entered the restaurant, yet a shadow lingered over his expression.

" Everything okay, Sid?" Raj asks as he takes a seat. 

Siddharth hesitated for a moment before revealing the source of his unease. "I couldn't qualify for the seniors' team in the goalkeeper trials," he admitted, his voice tinged with disappointment. He went on to explain that the opportunity had been presented by the 4th-year striker during the previous year's annual sports day finals.

The news hit Siddharth hard, as the chance to join the seniors' team, especially under the recommendation of the striker, held a significant meaning for him. The dream of donning the jersey and representing the senior team seemed momentarily shattered.

Ishita offered a comforting smile, her hand squeezing his shoulder reassuringly. "Sid, setbacks happen, but they don't define you. You're an incredible goalkeeper, and this is just a bump in the road. There will be other opportunities, and you'll shine when the time is right."

He smiles at her gratefully. 

" Take me with you for your trials next time. I'll be wearing one of your jerseys and you'll perform amazingly. " She raises her eyebrow with a smirk. 

Sid smiles and pulled her into a hug," I'll keep that in mind, my lucky star." 

Raj groans in annoyance," I hate PDA." And his other two friends also rolled their eyes. 

But they're supportive to Sid and Ishita. Helps out to cover for them many times. 

The restaurant owner saw him in distress," Hey, Sid, how was trials?"

He shakes his head with a smile. " Hard luck, uncle. " 

He nods," Okay. Don't give up. Keep trying. " 

Ishita smile at the kind man. She found out about this restaurant and Sid accidentally.

One breezy weekday afternoon, Ishita and her roommates decided to embark on a spontaneous shopping spree. Guided by the aroma of sizzling spices and the lively chatter emanating from a nearby fast-food restaurant, the group found themselves drawn to its inviting ambiance. Little did they know that fate had orchestrated this unplanned detour.

As they entered the establishment, they noticed Siddharth in the midst of leaving, clad in a chef's apron, his sleeves lightly dusted with flour. Ishita's eyes widened with surprise, and a curious smile played on her lips. "Sid, what are you doing here?" she asked, genuinely intrigued.

Another worker was standing beside him replied," He's the hottest chef around. " he laughed and left. 

Sid wipes his hands. " I work her. 3 to 6 in afternoon. The owner here is someone I know. "

In the weeks that followed, weekends took on a special significance for Siddharth and Ishita. The knowledge of Siddharth's part-time job not only explained his weekday commitments but also added a sense of understanding to their weekend escapades. The revelation fostered a deeper connection between them, grounded not only in shared academic pursuits but also in the realities of their individual lives.