Love Behind the Clicks📸

Concrete Jungles and City Dreams

Kavya's POV

The Friday after my arrival in Bangalore felt like a sigh of relief after a week of frantic unpacking, office introductions, and battling the unfamiliarity of a new city. 

As Riya, my roommate, burst through the apartment door, a whirlwind of laughter and the aroma of street food clinging to her clothes, I knew my first weekend wouldn't be spent navigating the city alone.

"Kavya, meet your weekend savior!" Riya exclaimed, dropping a bag of vibrantly colored samosas on the table. "These are from this amazing hole-in-the-wall place I found near the office. You have to try them!"

I smiled, accepting the bag with a cautious nod. Delhi had spoiled me with its street food scene, but Riya's enthusiasm was infectious. We settled on the plush sofa, the aroma of spices filling the air as we tore open the samosas.

"So, Delhi girl, huh?" Riya said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What brings you to the land of filter coffee and IT giants?"

I chuckled. "Work, mostly. I landed a sweet gig as an executive at 'Spark,' that new social media startup down the street."

"Spark! You're kidding! That's where I almost interned last year. They're doing some really cool stuff." Riya's grin widened. "Maybe we'll run into each other at some office event."

"Small world, isn't it?" I mused, taking a bite of the samosa. Explosions of flavor – potato, peas, a hint of mint – danced on my tongue. "These are actually incredible, Riya."

"Told you!" she exclaimed, popping a samosa into her own mouth. "Now, spill the beans! What's life like in the capital compared to this crazy city?"

Over the next hour, fueled by samosas and a bottle of red wine, Riya and I peeled back the layers of our lives. I learned she was from a small town called Hampi, nestled amidst ancient ruins. 

Her childhood, unlike mine in the bustling heart of Delhi, was steeped in history and a profound appreciation for nature. She moved to Bangalore for college and stayed on for work, landing a job with a leading multinational company.

"I miss the quiet sometimes," she confessed, swirling the wine in her glass. "But Bangalore has this energy, this buzz that keeps you going. Plus, the food scene is amazing, as you've already discovered."

I recounted my childhood spent roaming the sprawling parks of Delhi, weekends filled with family gatherings and boisterous conversations. My elder brother, Rohan, was my constant companion, always up for an adventure or a heated debate.

"He's coming to visit soon," I added. "He's a bit of a wanderer, always off exploring some new corner of the country. Maybe I can convince him to join us on one of your Bangalore adventures."

As the night deepened, the conversation flowed easily. We traded stories of college heartbreaks, career aspirations, and the dreams we carried for the future. 

Riya, with her infectious laughter and boundless energy, reminded me of a sunflower, turning her face towards the sun, always searching for the light. There was a genuineness about her, a warmth that drew me in.

"So, Kavya, are you seeing anyone these days?" she asked, her curiosity evident in her sparkling eyes.

I took a sip of the wine, feeling a slight warmth spread through me. "No, not at the moment," I replied, swirling the wine in my glass absentmindedly. "I had a pretty rough breakup earlier, but I've moved on from that."

Riya nodded sympathetically. "Breakups can be tough," she said softly. "I'm glad you're in a better place now."

"Yeah, it took some time, but I'm doing alright," I admitted, offering her a small smile.

Riya leaned back in her chair, taking a sip of her wine. "I, on the other hand, enjoy dating but not really into commitment," she confessed with a mischievous grin.

I chuckled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with her. "That's fair enough," I replied. "Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to relationships."

We continued chatting, our conversation flowing easily as we shared stories and laughs over another glass of wine.

Suddenly, a pang of loneliness for my family hit me. Leaving them behind in Delhi had been harder than I'd anticipated. But looking at Riya, the realization dawned that maybe, just maybe, Bangalore wouldn't be so bad after all. 

Maybe, with her as my guide, this new city could become a place where I could not only build a career but also forge new friendships, maybe even find a new home.

"Thanks, Riya," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "For making me feel welcome. For making this city feel a little less intimidating."

Riya reached across the table, squeezing my hand. "This is just the beginning, Kavya," she said, her eyes shining. "Bangalore has a lot to offer, and you're going to love it. Now, let's plan an epic weekend adventure for tomorrow! We'll show this city who's boss."

And as we spent the rest of the evening making plans – a hike in the nearby hills, a visit to a bustling market, a photography walk through the city's vibrant streets – a sense of excitement bubbled within me. Bangalore, with its chaotic charm and Riya by my side, was beginning to feel like a place of possibilities.

I'm liking the friendship between Kavya and Riya. I have a feeling they are going to be best friends. What do you think? Comment below.

Stay tuned for the next chapter as the tangled web of emotions unravels further, promising more surprises and heart-wrenching moments in "Love Behind the Click."