Remembering Us

PT : 6

As Priya stood before Ram, her breath still ragged from the rush to catch up with him, she felt a surge of frustration bubbling within her. "What are you looking at, huh?" she demanded, her voice tinged with irritation. "How can you be so insensitive? I said I didn't need help, and you just left. As Indians, we should help each other. I just can't believe this."

Ram's expression shifted, a furrow appearing between his brows as he processed Priya's words. "Wait a second," he interjected, his tone tinged with confusion. "You were doubting me. What could I possibly do after that? And sorry, I'm not Indian. I've never been there before."

Priya's eyes narrowed, a spark of defiance flickering within them as she met Ram's gaze head-on. "Whatever," she retorted dismissively, rolling her eyes in exasperation. 

As Ram's gaze darted towards the approaching police van, a sense of urgency seized him, his instincts kicking into overdrive as he sprang into action. Without a word, he hurried back to Priya's side, his hand reaching out to grasp hers with a firm yet reassuring grip.

"We've got to leave from here," he urged, his voice urgent as he tugged Priya along with him. Startled by his sudden urgency, Priya's eyes widened in confusion, her heart pounding in her chest as she struggled to keep pace with him.

"But why?" she protested, her voice tinged with uncertainty as she stumbled alongside him. Ram shot her a quick glance, his expression tight with determination. "I'll tell you later," he replied tersely, his tone brooking no argument. "But for now, just come with me."

And with that, they broke into a run, their footsteps echoing against the pavement as they raced towards the nearest escape route. Priya's mind reeled with questions, but she swallowed them down, trusting in Ram's instincts as they navigated the labyrinthine streets of the city.

"Why are we behaving like we're thieves?" she panted, her voice barely audible over the rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins. Ram spared her a fleeting glance, a grim determination etched into his features. "Just keep running," he insisted, his voice firm. "And keep your mouth shut."

Finally, they rounded a corner and found themselves facing a narrow, secluded gap between two buildings. Without hesitation, Ram pulled Priya towards it, his movements swift and sure as they slipped into the shadows, seeking refuge in the darkness of the alleyway.

And as they huddled together in the cramped coop up of their hiding place, the sounds of the city fading into the distance,

In the narrow confines of their hiding place, Ram and Priya found themselves pressed close together, the warmth of their breath mingling in the cool air. As Ram scanned their surroundings, ensuring they remained hidden from view, Priya's gaze remained fixed on him, her mind whirling with unspoken questions.

In the dim light of the alleyway, Ram's features seemed to soften, his expression etched with a quiet determination that belied the urgency of their situation. And as Priya studied him, she felt a strange sense of familiarity wash over her, as though she had known him in another lifetime.

But it was when Ram glanced back at her, their eyes meeting in an unspoken exchange, that Priya felt a jolt of recognition course through her veins. In that fleeting moment, as their gazes locked, she saw something flicker in Ram's eyes, a glimmer of recognition that mirrored her own.

And as the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place, Ram's memory flashed back to that fateful night in the cab, the memory of a face glimpsed in passing suddenly crystal clear in his mind's eye. It was her—the same woman he had seen that night, her face etched into his memory like a haunting refrain.

In that moment of realization, as their eyes met across the narrow gap that separated them, Ram and Priya found themselves bound by a thread of fate that stretched across time and space.

As the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the narrow alleyway, Ram's instincts kicked into overdrive. With a quick glance over his shoulder, he moved to shield Priya from view, pressing her back against the rough brick wall with the strength of his chest.

But as he leaned in close, his every touch sending shivers down her spine, Priya found herself unable to shake off the sensation that coursed through her. His proximity ignited a fire within her, a whirlwind of emotions swirling beneath the surface as she struggled to maintain her composure.

As Priya stood there, pinned against the wall by Ram's commanding presence, she couldn't help but feel a sense of vulnerability wash over her, her defenses crumbling in the face of the undeniable pull he exerted over her.

In the tense stillness of the alleyway, Priya's voice cut through the silence like a knife, her words laden with curiosity and uncertainty. "Why are we hiding like this?" she inquired, her gaze searching Ram's face for answers.

Ram's expression remained stoic as he met her gaze, his eyes reflecting the weight of their precarious situation. "They're cops," he explained quietly, his voice tinged with a note of caution. "But the bad ones. If they find out you don't have a passport, they'll make a fuss without any reason."

Priya's eyes widened in comprehension, a shiver running down her spine as she processed Ram's words.

"Remember I was telling you, London isn't safe at night," he continued, his words a sobering reminder of the harsh realities they faced. "But I guess they've left. We can go outside now."

With a nod of understanding, Priya followed Ram's lead as they emerged from their hiding place, stepping out into the cool night air with cautious steps. And as they ventured back into the bustling streets of the city.

As they walked side by side through the labyrinthine streets of London, Ram's curiosity got the better of him. "So, where is your hotel?" he inquired, his voice laced with genuine interest.

Priya's response caught him off guard. "It's in Stratford," she replied casually, prompting a look of surprise to cross Ram's face. "What? That's so far from here. You won't be able to get a cab," he exclaimed, his concern evident in his tone.

Priya nodded in agreement, a hint of resignation in her voice. "I know. I was supposed to take the train, but..." She trailed off, her words hanging in the air as she weighed her options.

Ram hesitated for a moment before tentatively offering a solution. "Well, if you want, you can stay at my place for the night. It's nearby," he suggested, his tone gentle yet earnest.

Priya's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected offer, her thoughts racing as she considered his proposition. Ram hastened to add, "It's just a suggestion. You can choose anything else, but without a passport..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Priya cut in bluntly, her voice tinged with embarrassment. "How far is your place from here?" she asked, her curiosity piqued despite herself.

Ram smiled reassuringly, ready to lead the way. "Just a walking distance," he replied, taking a step forward. But before he could take another, a sudden growling sound erupted from Priya's stomach, breaking the silence with its unexpected intrusion.

Priya's cheeks flushed crimson with embarrassment as she clutched her stomach, her eyes widening in mortification. Ram's laughter bubbled up, the tension of the moment dissolving into lighthearted amusement as he reassured her, "Don't worry about it. I know a great place nearby where we can grab a bite to eat." And with that, they continued on their way, the awkward moment fading into the background as they embarked on a new adventure together.