TRISHA

9. First Impression

A few days ago

Neil POV:

I LOVE going on solo trips; they always leave me feeling satisfied. I make sure to go on one every month. This time, I planned a road trip during the rainy season.

Ahh! The wet roads, lush greenery, fresh air, and cool weather were all worth it.

After a long day on the road, I returned feeling satisfied. The cold weather made me crave hot tea, so I decided to visit my favorite spot, Chachu's tea shop. Chachu's tea and bhajiya are the ultimate comfort.

Chachu, who's around 60 years old, has been running this cozy little tea shop for 16 years. He's known me since I was a kid, and we share a special bond.

I greeted him as I entered the shop. "Beta, come. Sit here, I'll bring your tea," he said. I sat at a corner table, scrolling through my phone and thinking, "Mom would scold me if I were late."

Ah, my order arrived. Chachu brought over hot tea and bhajiyas, knowing exactly what I liked. The sight of the hot bhajiyas made my mouth water. I took a bite, and it was heavenly. As I enjoyed my snack

The rain started pouring outside.

A girl entered the stall, half-drenched and covered with a red dupatta. I couldn't see her face clearly, but my attention was drawn to the puppy she was holding securely in her dupatta.

She carefully placed the puppy on a bench near the entrance and removed her dupatta, revealing her pretty face. Wet strands of hair fell across her face, which she slowly tucked behind her ear.

She asked Chachu for something, and he went inside, showing her a table to sit at.

She sat beside the puppy, caressing it as it made cute sounds. A small smile spread across her face. I glanced at her; she looked innocent and cute.

Chachu returned with a glass of milk and a bowl, handing them to the girl. She poured the milk into the bowl and placed it in front of the puppy, which immediately started drinking. The puppy was clearly hungry. After finishing the milk, the puppy wiggled its tail at her, and she giggled as she watched him.

I smiled, seeing them...., of course, puppy. 😅🫣 I scratched my head.
I didn't realize when my tea was finished, so I moved to the counter to pay my bill.

The puppy started barking cutely at me, trying to get my attention. I looked at him, and then at her.

Our eyes met, and my mind went blank as my heart skipped a beat.
Her eyes were captivating, holding something that made me feel...... I can't explain. She had a soft smile on her face.

I paid the bill and left the shop without saying anything, feeling my heart beat a little differently. I patted my chest.

The rain had stopped, and I turned to look at her one more time. She was coming outside, covering herself and that cutie with her dupatta.

I sat on my bike and tried to start it, but it wouldn't turn on. "What the heck happened to it? It was fine a while ago," I muttered, trying again.

The girl moved ahead, crossing the road. My mind urged me to follow her, to see where she was going.

I shook off the thought, telling myself it wasn't appropriate to follow a girl.

Looking at her, I tried starting my bike again. Fortunately, the engine started. However, my mind wasn't listening; it wanted to follow her. So, I gave in to the urge and rode my bike slowly, keeping a safe distance.

It seemed like I wasn't following her, but rather, she was leading me because she was heading down the road to my home.

She stopped near a building, looking around before entering. I raised my head and saw the building-it was a hostel.
"Ohh, that means she lives in a hostel," I thought.
I watched as she went inside, then slowly got off my bike and walked toward the building.