Crush fever

When Love Listens

As the days blended together, Karan and Dhruthi's routine became a harmonious dance. Every morning, Karan would arrive at Dhruthi's doorstep, his eyes sparkling with excitement, to whisk her away to the office. The daily commute became a cherished ritual, filled with laughter, stories, and whispered secrets. As they navigated the bustling streets, their hands would touch, sending shivers down their spines.

After a day filled with meetings and deadlines, Karan would be waiting, his face lighting up with a warm smile, to escort Dhruthi back to her PG. The evening commute was a time for reflection, sharing tales of triumph and tribulation, and offering words of encouragement. As they strolled hand in hand, the world around them melted away, leaving only the gentle hum of their connection.

"I want to go to my PG, can you pick me up now?" Dhruthi's message flashed on Karan's screen, her words sparking a mix of surprise and concern.

Karan's face lit up like a lamp as he grabbed his phone, his heart racing with excitement. But as he read her message again, his expression changed to one of concern. "What's wrong?" he wondered. He typed out a reply, his thumbs flying across the screen: "Can you wait for 1 hour, I'll come and pick you up during my lunch time?"

But Dhruthi's response only added to his worry. "No thanks, I'll book Rapido," she said, with a wink emoji that did little to reassure him.

Karan's mind started racing with worst-case scenarios. He quickly called her, but she cut the call, leaving him even more anxious.

Her subsequent message did little to calm his nerves: "I'll call you once I reach my PG, don't worry, I'm fine."Karan couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss.

He hastily sought permission from HR to take an hour off and then texted Dhruthi again: "I'm coming in 10mins, cancel the ride you booked." He hoped she would listen, his heart still racing with concern for her safety and well-being.

Dhruthi saw Karan's message and waited downstairs of her office. Karan came and started climbing the staircases of her office in a worry. He stopped when he saw Dhruthi sitting on a bench, "Dhruthi..." Karan let her name out in a quick pace and stood there watching her.

As he gazed at her, he saw tears streaming down her face, her body shaking with sobs. She was crying her heart out, sitting in a corner of the bench, her emotions raw and unguarded. Karan felt like he'd been punched in the gut, his heart aching at the sight of her distress.

Dhruthi saw Karan as he called her name and quickly hid her tears, wiping them with her handkerchief. "Why didn't you text me? I thought you'd text me when you reach here."

Karan didn't say anything; he just said "Come Dhruthi" and hopped onto his bike. Dhruthi went and hopped onto his bike. Karan started driving and Dhruthi relaxed on his shoulders.

Karan asked, his voice soft and gentle, "Do you have any urgent work to do today?" Dhruthi, still sleeping on his shoulder, nodded slightly, her head moving almost imperceptibly. Karan smiled, taking it as a "no".

He felt a sense of relief wash over him, knowing that she didn't have any pressing tasks to attend to.As he continued driving, Karan's mind wandered to what could have caused Dhruthi's tears earlier. He hoped that she would open up to him about it soon. For now, he was content to have her close, her gentle breathing a soothing balm to his worried heart.

Karan slowed his bike to a stop, the engine dying as he put down the kickstand. "Get down," he said, his voice gentle.

Dhruthi's eyes narrowed. "Where did you take me? I want to go to my PG." She said, her voice firm but laced with a hint of uncertainty.