Enchanted melody of our hearts

💫FULFILLING THE CONDITIONS-CHAPTER-11

The doorbell chimed, instantly capturing the attention of everyone at the table. Anjali gracefully made her way to the door. With a sudden burst of excitement, her expression transformed into a radiant smile. "Adrian! What a delightful surprise. Please, do come in!" Meera caught off guard, watched in disbelief as her half-eaten dosa tumbled from her mouth in slow motion.

Adrian sauntered into the house, A checked shirt hung loosely on his frame, and a bag slung over his shoulder added a touch of effortless charm. His unruly hair only heightened his stylish allure, and the glint of his silver chain caught the light as he scanned the room with mesmerizing green eyes. Spotting Meera, a mischievous smirk played on Adrian's lips.  He greeted everyone warmly, his voice a smooth baritone that seemed to echo in the sudden hush that had fallen over the room. "Looks like I've barged in on your breakfast," he quipped with a small smile.

Nalini "Nonsense, Adrian Khanna! You're always welcome here. Join us for some dosa, just like old times," she insisted warmly.

Kumaran, gestured for Adrian to take a seat with a booming laugh. "Absolutely! Sit down, Adrian" Anjali, chimed in, "Yes Adrian, do sit down. I'll be back with fresh hot dosas in a jiffy."His gaze swept across the room, lingering for a beat on Meera before settling on Naveen. "Hey there, champ," he greeted with a friendly nod.

Naveen, ever the opportunist, grinned mischievously. "Hey, Adrian! You wouldn't believe the water fight Meera and I just had in the garden. She got soaked!"Adrian chuckled while sitting next to Naveen. Meera's cheeks burned a furious red. Kumaran boomed with laughter. "Yes Sounds like someone got a little carried away this morning!" He playfully smiled at Meera, who could only manage a sheepish smile in response.

Adrian chuckled, the sound rich and warm, drawing Meera's attention back to him despite her best efforts. Kumaran asked, "How is your college going? Still keeping up with those demanding studies?"

Adrian offered a polite smile. "It's going well, Mr. Kumaran. And you guys know how Meera tackles any difficult topic with ease. She's been offering to tutor me, which is why I decided to drop by." He directed a smirk towards Meera, who felt a familiar warmth bloom in her chest. Kumaran's eyes widened in surprise. "Is that so, chellam (sweetheart)?" he asked, looking at his daughter with amusement. Meera could only nod shyly. "Yes, Appa," she mumbled.

Anjali returned, placing a steaming plate laden with fresh dosas in front of Adrian. "Here you go, Adrian" she said warmly. Adrian offered a polite smile of thanks.

Adrian dug into the dosa with gusto, the crispness and flavorful filling eliciting a satisfied groan. He engaged in conversation with everyone at the table, his charm seemingly effortless. refilling his plate and offering warm smiles. "Mrs. Kumaran," Adrian remarked with genuine appreciation, "you truly do have magic in your hands. This dosa is incredible!" 

Anjali beamed, her smile radiating genuine warmth. "Oh, Adrian. It's just a simple dosa. But please, have another. Don't be shy!" She bustled around the table, refilling everyone's plates 

Meanwhile, Meera stole a glance at Adrian from beneath her lashes. She noticed the way his gaze lingered on her now and then, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips. It was a smirk that sent shivers down her spine, something that made her stomach churn with a mixture of nervousness and...dare she say it...anticipation?

Under her breath, she muttered "Pachakannan epdi pakran paru (Look how the green-eyed man is looking at me)!" with nervousness. "I don't know what atrocities he's going to do next," she mumbled further. Meera knew Adrian's unexpected arrival, his casual explanation about needing tutoring, was a carefully constructed facade.

 Adrian cleared his throat, Meera, caught stealing another glance at him, fumbled with her napkin, "Mr. Kumaran," Adrian began, his voice smoothly polite, "what are your thoughts on two-wheelers?" Meera's eyes widened like a startled doe, Kumaran chuckled, a nostalgic smile gracing his lips.