It was late at night, and Reet found herself tossing and turning in her bed, unable to sleep due to the jet lag. She sighed in frustration.
Reet thinking
Why can't I sleep, man? I'm so freaking tired, yet I can't sleep. Maybe a cup of tea will help.
With that, she got out of bed and quietly made her way downstairs to the kitchen. As she began preparing tea, she suddenly heard a noise behind her, startling her. She quickly turned around, only to see her Rohit bhaiya standing there with a soft smile.
Reet relieved
Bhaiyaaaa, you scared me!
Rohit cutely
Sorry, baccha. I didn’t mean to. But what are you doing up at 2 AM?
Reet sighing
Jet lag, bhai. Couldn’t sleep, so I thought I’d make some chai. Want some?
Rohit smiling
Haan, of course. You prepare it, and I’ll meet you in the sitting area outside. Let’s sit there.
Reet
Ji, bhai.
Reet finished preparing the tea and carefully carried both cups to the outdoor sitting area. She placed them on the table and settled into one of the chairs.
Reet handing him a cup
Yeh lo, bhai. Chai lijiye.
Rohit taking the cup
Thanks, Reet.
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, sipping their tea. The night was peaceful, with a gentle breeze and the soft rustling of leaves in the background. Then, Rohit broke the silence.
Rohit hesitant
Waise, Reet baccha, I hope you don’t mind me asking this...
Reet curious
Not at all, bhai. Kya baat hai?
Rohit
Do you have any boyfriend or... do you like anyone?
Reet surprised, almost choking on her tea
Kya bhai! Not at all! I’m very much single and not ready to mingle at all.
Rohit concerned
Kyun, beta? Why don’t you want to settle down in your life?
Reet pausing thoughtfully
Pata nahi, bhai. I really fear committing to a relationship. What if it doesn’t work out? And, honestly, I’ve been so busy with my photography career that I haven’t even thought about it.
Rohit gently
But, beta, one day you will need to commit to someone. And Maa wants to see you settle down with a nice boy...
Reet sighing
Bhaiii, Maa has been trying to convince me to get married for the last 5 years, but I kept on denying it.
Rohit kindly
Par Reet, you need to understand where Maa is coming from. She just wants to see you happy, married, and with a family of your own. She even told me to ask if you had a boyfriend so we could take things forward.
Reet softly
I know, bhai, but I’ll talk to her and convince her. Right now, I’m just not ready.
Rohit seriously
But Reet, consider what I’m saying. Talk to Maa about this as soon as possible. She only wants the best for you.
Reet nodding
Ji, bhai, I will. Don’t worry.
Rohit glanced at his watch and then at Reet.
Rohit
Chalo, it’s almost 3 AM. Let’s get some sleep.
Reet still in thoughts
Haan, bhai. Let’s go.
They both headed back upstairs. Reet returned to her room, and as she settled into bed, her mind kept drifting back to the conversation with Rohit bhai. She knew he was right, but the thought of settling down still filled her with uncertainty. With a sigh, she tried to push the thoughts away and finally drifted off to sleep.
