The Story of Us

The Ride to Dinner

It was close to 7 PM when Priya decided it was time to head back to the hostel. But Raj wasn't quite ready to end the evening. He asked, "Would you like to have dinner? There's a great place nearby."

Priya hesitated for a moment. The question caught her off guard, and while she was thrilled by the idea, she maintained a composed expression. She was a bit surprised by how eager she was to spend more time with Raj. After a brief pause, she replied, "Sure, why not?"

As they walked out of the mall, Raj pointed to his bike, which was parked nearby. "That's my bike. Let's go," he said with a smile. To ensure she was comfortable, he checked, "Is it okay to ride on the bike?"

Priya nodded, "Okay, sure." Raj was elated, thrilled to be taking Priya on a bike ride for the first time. "I'll go get the bike," he said. As he walked towards it, he felt a rush of excitement. He couldn't resist glancing in the mirror, making sure his hair was in place, and smiling at his reflection. He revved the engine, eager to pick her up.

Priya stood by the entrance, watching Raj return with his bike. She hesitated for a moment, unsure how to get on, especially since there was no footrest. Raj quickly apologized, explaining that he didn't usually have passengers, and he wasn't prepared for this. Priya reassured him it was fine, and after a bit of struggle, she managed to sit sidesaddle, lightly holding Raj's shoulders for balance.

The simple touch sent a wave of warmth through Raj, and he couldn't help but smile. He started the bike carefully, not wanting to make her uncomfortable. As they rode through the city, the breeze ruffled Priya's hair, and the soft hum of the engine was a comforting backdrop. The ride to the restaurant took about 15 to 20 minutes, and every moment felt like a new adventure.Raj tried to talk while driving, but the wind drowned out his voice. Priya leaned closer, her cheek brushing against his shoulder as she asked, "What did you say?" The brief contact made Raj's heart race, and he repeated himself, raising his voice slightly. Priya chuckled, and Raj couldn't help but feel a sense of joy in those fleeting moments of connection.

When they arrived at the restaurant, Raj parked the bike and waited for Priya to get off. She held onto his shoulder for balance, and the light touch made Raj's heart skip a beat. The restaurant had a cozy ambiance with dim lighting, Indian-style paintings, and soft music playing in the background.

They found a table near the window, where the dim lighting created an intimate atmosphere. The city outside seemed distant, and the focus was entirely on each other. They spoke about their favorite foods, the weather, and their day-to-day lives.

Raj couldn't help but steal glances at Priya. Her laughter was infectious, and her eyes sparkled with a sense of adventure. Priya, in turn, was drawn to Raj's easygoing demeanor and his genuine kindness. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, and they discovered they had more in common than they thought.

As they ordered their food, Priya mentioned she preferred South Indian cuisine, while Raj liked a mix of both North and South Indian dishes. They decided to share a few dishes, enjoying the shared experience of exploring new flavors. During dinner, they spoke about their families, their work, and their hobbies. The topics ranged from lighthearted jokes to deeper reflections about life.

Throughout dinner, their hands would occasionally brush, and each touch felt like a spark of connection. Raj found himself captivated by Priya's warmth and her gentle demeanor. Priya, in turn, appreciated Raj's sincerity and his sense of humor. The evening passed quickly, and both of them felt that this was just the beginning of something special.

By the end of the evening, Raj offered to drop Priya back at her hostel. He was careful on the ride back, ensuring Priya felt safe and comfortable. The city lights blurred into a backdrop as they rode through the streets, the breeze in their hair and the feeling of excitement in their hearts.As they reached the hostel, Priya got off the bike, still holding onto Raj's shoulders for balance. She thanked him for the evening, and Raj replied with a warm smile, "Anytime. I had a great time."They shared a brief moment of eye contact, a silent promise that this wouldn't be the last time they met. As Priya walked towards the hostel, she turned to wave, and Raj waved back, his heart full of anticipation for what lay ahead. The evening had been magical, and both of them knew that this was just the start of a beautiful journey together.