Espresso Love (SanDhir)

Chapter 3 - Stirring It Up

"Randhir, there's something I've been meaning to speak to you about!" Vidushi spoke cautiously. She had caught me off guard with her tone.

"Yea, what is it?"

"I want you to meet someone... someone I'm... err, well... involved with," she trailed off.

I almost felt like laughing seeing how nervous she was. "I really don't understand why you are so nervous. I'm not your father Vidu, don't be silly. Obviously I'd love to meet him."

She muttered something incoherent under her breath, but I didn't pay much attention to it. "When will I have the chance to meet with this someone of yours?"

"If you're free tonight, we could all go out for dinner!"

I mentally laughed. Ever since she left, I barely ever had plans for the evenings. Unless Vidushi was in town of course. And so I agreed. She smiled at first, and then to my surprise, ended off with a warning. "Just don't over-react when you see the... person!"

"Vidushii!! Stop with your futile worries! I promise, even if that person is a girl, I won't over-react!" I joked.

She threw an angry glance in my direction before stomping out the door. But peeking through the blinds, she shouted, "Remember your promise Shekhawat!"

A couple of minutes later, my phone beeped.

*7pm sharp at The Golden Chariot! See ya!*

I replied, *Got it!*

Sometimes, I wonder what would have I done without Vidushi in my life? She brought with her the little joys that I had overlooked after she left. I know Sanyukta must have had a reason, but at least knowing the reason would have helped.

I quickly put myself to work before I divulged more into this thought. It never brought anything but pain anyway.

-

"What the fuck do you mean she's gone Kaustuki?" I spit out venomously. I was beyond enraged at the revelation. I knew I was being too harsh on her upon seeing her flinch at my tone, but I had no control over my anger at this point.

"Watch it Randhir!" she scorned. "I'm not her bodyguard. I was out with my cousins last night and stayed at theirs. And then I came here to see her bed and closet empty."

I walked out the door, anger surging in my veins rather. Punching the nearest wall, I tried emptying the fury that was building up within me; but to no avail.

I went back in the room, "I'm sorry Kaustuki. I shouldn't have yelled at you." She concealed her shock at my apology with an understanding look. "It's okay. I know it's hard for you. But don't misunderstand her Randhir. If there's one thing I know about Sanyukta then it's that her love for engineering, her family, and you is unmatched by anything else. I can only wish the best for you both."

-

That night had been brutal. But as my eyes went back to the box of cookies Vidushi had baked for me, I realized today was supposed to be different.

I emptied my remaining French Vanilla in a mug and warmed it up to accompany the cookies. A smile escaping cautiously, but then freely.

-

"I want to take you somewhere tonight Farzi. Up for it?"

"But PKC is holding extra classes today!" she told me nervously. I scoffed. "Really Farzi? You already understand the material and are still not letting go of one extra class? Come on," I said over-dramatically in an attempt to convince her. It seemed to be working. And for the final blow, I added, "I'll be at The Coffee Club at 6pm waiting for you. Come or not, it's your choice!"

Obviously she had showed up, 5:50pm to be precise. I knew how important those classes were for her, but I also knew that she would be fine if she missed just this one class. I had something important to share with her.

I had ordered two French Vanillas for us, just as she preferred. Reaching at 5:45pm, I settled myself on our usual table as I kept a glance at my watch and the door. I didn't have to wait for long to see her.

Upon spotting her, I walked toward her and took her in a big hug. "Thank you for coming!" I whispered. "This better be worth missing the extra class Randhir!" she added in a playful tone. But I smirked, knowing very well that it was going to be much more than worthwhile.

Our French Vanilla was laced with cinnamon chips forming a heart over the foam. She smirked as well, understanding just how tonight was going to play out.

As she began drinking it, I asked her to reach under her chair for the gift that I had placed for her. "Oh you're kidding me Randhir!" She didn't believe me at first, but upon finding a box, her eyes widened on receiving such a pleasant shock. "1-0 Agarwal," I smiled.

She placed the box on the table, and held the letter in her hand.

"I want you to read the letter later on tonight when you're alone. I'd hate to see you in tears right now," I whispered the last bit. I had poured out my heart in that one letter because she deserved to know just how much I loved her. She deserved to know how important she is in my life.

"But do open the gift," I added curiously. I knew she was in for a shock.

As usual, I was right, as I witnessed her amazement.

"Randhir Singh Shekhawat, did you actually bake these cookies for me?" she said as she bit into the little chocolate chip delights. "2-0 Agarwal," I grinned cheekily. "Dare you tell anyone about this Farzi!" I laughed out.

"How the hell did you manage this?" she said, amused by my actions.

"Oh hello, I'm an engineer. I know how to follow basic instructions! Just borrowed a recipe from Vidushi," I winked.

"Oh you sexy cookie monster," she erupted with laughter.

I teased her, "I'm sexy in other ways as well you know."

"Well perhaps we shall find out tonight," she said with a confidence I hadn't seen in her before. Her feisty response turned me on. "Perhaps we will," I said as I crashed my lips onto hers before grabbing her hand, leading her to my bike.