Journey Of Strokes

CHAPTER 14

Aarohi's POV

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a blend of orange and pink across the sky, I found myself wandering through the streets bathed in the delicate pink petals of cherry blossoms. The air was filled with their sweet fragrance, carrying her senses away on a gentle breeze.

As I walk further through the streets, my steps get lighter, almost ethereal, as if I were floating. Couple bustling, love floating. Each corner reveals a new burst of color as if the world is celebrating spring's arrival.

I pause, my gaze drawn to a figure standing just ahead, their back turned to me. Dressed in a long, flowing coat, the silhouette seemed somehow familiar, but I couldn't pin it. The figure stands still, framed by the falling petals, all of which are present in the dreamlike landscape.

With a sense of anticipation building within me, I take a step closer, my heart fluttering with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. I longed to see the face of the person before me, to uncover the mystery represented in this surreal dreamscape.

As I reached out to touch the shoulder, a gentle breeze swept through the cherry blossoms, obscuring the view. As the view became clear, I was standing alone amid the swirling pink petals.

As I blinked away the remnants of the dream, I couldn't shrug off the overwhelming feeling that I had caught a glimpse of something important. I grab my phone to check the time and any urgent messages. As I scroll through the phone, I mentally run through the tasks ahead for the day.

Feeling more awake, I continue my daily routine and get ready. I pick up my outfit from the cupboard, go downstairs, and prepare myself breakfast. I sit down with my toast and coffee, scrolling through my mail, when I see Manya coming out. "Can you drop me off in the office? If I take my car and go, taking it back to Ma and Pa's house is trouble." She quickly runs into the room, throws on her tracksuit, and gets ready within 10 min.

As we drive towards the office, we play our favorite songs on the speaker, lip-syncing as if we were in a concert. Without even realizing the time, we are pulling into the driveway of the office. I reminded her, "We will meet directly in the mall. Don't come to pick me up." I get out of the car and enter the office.

I switch on my computer, looking through my schedule for today. I get an email from the writer letting me know when she is free for the meeting. I was busy replying to her when I heard a knock. "Come in" I say without looking at who entered. Not hearing anyone talk, I look up to see Karan standing near my desk. I quickly type the remaining mail and click enter. "Yes, Mr. Mehta" I say. 

His expression changes from a smile to a bit of a sad expression. "I'm here to ask Ms. Aarohi for lunch as compensation for not meeting her yesterday for a coffee." I smirk a bit. "Hmmmm, I don't know....... Can I trust you, Mr.Mehta?"  He plays along with me, giving me an offended look. " Ouch!! That's harsh! But I can promise you, I'm a good company." I smile, dropping the act and saying, "Alright, let's go grab some lunch." We go together to the cafeteria.

The cafeteria bustles with coworkers chatting over lunch and with tables filled with people eating and laughing. We take our plates and find a quiet corner. It has become like a daily routine in the past month. The conversation automatically flows without a hint of awkwardness.

Karan was saying something, and I was nodding listening to what he was saying. I was concentrating on the food in front of me for a split second when I heard Karan stop mid-sentence. I glance from my plate to see a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Karan starts, "You know, Aarohi, I've been thinking..." he pauses. I raise an eyebrow and say, "I don't know.... but..., What's on your mind? "  I say it playfully, but seeing him, I gesture for him to continue.