Si, Per Favore

5. Reflections

"Good morning. When did you come home last night?" Shriya's voice drifted down from the loft of our cozy apartment. I was sprawled out on the bed downstairs, still tangled in the remnants of sleep, while she had the loft bed.

She moved gracefully to the kitchen, her morning routine familiar and precise, heating water for her coffee.

"Around 1... I think. I came home, changed, and crashed. I had about four glasses of really strong gin ," I replied, my voice muffled by the pillow I was hugging.

"Four?! Damn, are you feeling hungover?"

"Surprisingly, no." I chuckled softly, stretching my limbs and starting to fold my blanket with deliberate calmness.

"Oh wait, how was last night? You went out on a date, right?" Shriya's curiosity was palpable as she poured her coffee and settled at the dining table that separated our living spaces.

"It was... perfect, honestly. He was a really sweet guy, and we just clicked."

"That's nice. So, are you going to see him again?" She sipped her coffee, her eyes fixed on me with genuine interest.

"I really want to. But you know my rule—I don't want anything serious while I'm here. Just exploring, meeting new people. Italy seems like the perfect place for that," I explained, joining her at the kitchen counter.

"I get it. But if you think he's sweet, then maybe bending your own rule isn't a bad idea. What was his name again?"

"Carlo. And I do see your point. Woke up to a 'Buongiorno' text and a pic of a pistachio cornetto from his grandmother's bakery. He had an early train back to his hometown." I picked up my phone and showed Shriya the picture.

"Already sharing breakfast pics, huh? That's so sweet, Keya. You deserve to have fun. Just promise me you won't shut down the possibility of a second date if it feels right."

"I promise," I said with a soft smile, moving to make myself some tea. The rain outside drummed against the window, a sound that made me oddly nostalgic for Mumbai, despite its chaos. I knew I wasn't looking for anything serious here—too soon after a messy heartbreak recently. Just going with the flow seemed safest.

"So, what's your plan today? Going to the Armani Silos with Nisha?" I asked as Shriya finished her coffee and reached for her cigarettes, preparing for her morning ritual of smoking and talking to Rishi.

"Yeah, we're heading there. Want to join?" She glanced back at me, her expression kind despite her morning urgency.

"Maybe another time. I'll see." I shrugged, taking a sip of my tea.

Nisha and Shriya had been close since our Mumbai days, but lately, Shriya seemed to need some distance from Nisha's complicated relationship dramas. I couldn't relate—why date someone who wanted to control your every move, even from thousands of kilometers away?

I sat down with my cup of tea and Facetimed with my mom and dad. I called them every day, just to let them know everything was all good in the hood. I truly had a special bond with my parents. They always understood me, no matter what, and supported me even though I could be so emotional and messy at times. That was true unconditional love. I always felt that until someone could accept me for who I am, with all my flaws and imperfections, I wouldn't be with that person.

As I sipped my tea, I reflected on the evening with Carlo and the words Shriya had said. A smile made its way to my face as I recalled that unexpected kiss. Maybe I was being too rigid. Maybe it was okay to let someone in, even if just a little bit. Life in Italy was a fleeting chapter, a beautiful experience that might just be enhanced by a little romance.