UNLIKELY PARTNERS( Smriti & Perry)

A Taste of Connection

The practice session was light and brisk. The morning sun filtered through the trees, casting a warm glow on the players as they ran drills. Smriti’s movements were slightly off, a result of her restless night, but she pushed through with a focused determination. As the session ended, the team headed towards the dining area for lunch.

Smriti made her way to the restroom, feeling the need for a moment to herself. When she returned, the lunchroom was packed. Her heart sank as she noticed the empty spaces rapidly filling up, leaving only one table available—where Perry, Sophie Wareham were seated. Avoiding them wasn’t an option. With a resigned sigh, Smriti approached the table.

“Mind if I join you?” Smriti asked, her voice barely masking her discomfort.

“Of course not!” Sophie responded warmly “Pull up a chair.”

Smriti slid into the empty seat. As they chatted, Smriti found herself relaxing. The trio’s easy-going nature and the light banter made her feel unexpectedly at ease. They included her in the conversation, playfully teasing and joking about the day’s practice and the ongoing tournament.

“So, Smriti,” Sophie said, “we were thinking of exploring Bangalore a bit. Any recommendations for good food?”

Smriti hesitated. “Well, considering you’re all big celebrities with playing for RCB now, you’ll probably need to be cautious about where you go. Security concerns and all that. But as for food, Bangalore’s got some amazing spots.”

“Come on, Bangalore queen,” Sophie prodded. “Show us some of your city’s best!”

“Actually, I haven’t explored much myself. I tend to cook at home. But…” Her voice brightened with an idea. “Hey, why don’t you come over to my place tonight? I can cook dinner for you. I’ll be heading home after lunch, so you can come by around evening.”

Smriti’s eyes met Perry’s. For the first time, Perry saw a spark of genuine excitement in Smriti’s gaze. Her eyes were lit up with an intensity and warmth that Perry couldn’t ignore. It was as if Smriti’s eyes were inviting her into a special moment, a rare glimpse into her personal world.

Perry’s heart skipped a beat. She felt an undeniable connection in that fleeting exchange. “Oh, that sounds wonderful!” Perry said, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm. “We’d love to come.”

“Great!” Smriti said, her voice lighter. “I’ll send a car to pick you up at the hotel at 5 sharp. Traffic can be tricky.”

“Perfect!” Wareham agreed. “We’ll see you then.”

As Smriti walked away, Sophie couldn’t help herself. She leaned closer to Perry with a teasing grin. “I see you, Perry. You’re already planning on how to make sure we don’t outstay our welcome.”

Perry blushed, trying to hide her embarrassment. “It’s not like that. Smriti invited all of us.”

Wareham, with a mischievous glint in her eye, chimed in, “Oh, but her eyes definitely said she wanted you there more than the rest of us.”

Back in her car, Smriti replayed the day’s events in her mind. Why had she felt so exhilarated at the idea of cooking for them, especially Perry? She had never invited anyone over like this before, nor had she cooked for anyone. She had always valued her solitude, enjoying her own company.

As she drove, Smriti chastised herself for getting caught up in the excitement of it all. Why did she let Perry’s eyes affect her so deeply? Her feelings were a confusing mix of anticipation and apprehension. She needed to remind herself that she was offering dinner out of goodwill, not just to please Perry.

But deep down, Smriti knew the truth. The reality was that she loved cooking and had a strong desire for Perry to taste her dishes, to experience the warmth she poured into her cooking. More than that, she wanted to spend more time talking to Perry. The evening promised a chance for conversation and connection she hadn’t realized she craved so much.

As Smriti turned into her driveway, she resolved to enjoy the evening for what it was—a chance to share her world with new friends. Her excitement was more than just about the meal; it was about exploring a potential new connection, one that she hoped would bring warmth and joy into her life.