The Serendipitous Encounter

Chapter 29-An Unexpected Gift

Flashback

Saraswati's heart was light as she stood in the hallway, waiting for Theodore. The guilt that had been gnawing at her since their last encounter had finally subsided. After days of self-doubt, she had decided to clear the air, apologize for her cold behavior, and maybe, just maybe, restore some normalcy between them.

When she saw him approaching, her breath caught. He looked as sharp as ever—tall, confident, his sharp features softened only slightly by his composed expression. As he got closer, she forced herself to breathe. She had to get this over with.

"Theodore, I wanted to talk to you about the last time we met," she began, feeling the tension knotting in her stomach.

To her surprise, Theodore smiled softly. "You don't have to explain, Saraswati. I was never angry with you."

Her brows furrowed in confusion. "You weren't?"

"No," he said, his tone gentle but firm. "I know I seemed distant, but I had to deal with some sudden work matters. It wasn't intentional to avoid you."

Saraswati felt her shoulders relax. So, it wasn't her fault after all? The relief that washed over her was palpable. For days, she had convinced herself that she had crossed some invisible line, that her aloofness had driven him away.

"I thought..." she trailed off, a smile creeping onto her face. "I thought you were upset with me."

Theodore's lips quirked into a small grin. "Far from it. If anything, I should apologize for disappearing."

Saraswati laughed softly, her guilt finally melting away. "You're too hard on yourself, Theo. We all have work. I understand. But on a serious note, I want to apologise for my reckless behaviour. I am here to study and from the past two months it changed. My mood shifts from bad to worse. You are a very nice person who understood that no one would take two minutes to make me pack my bags and go back."

"I may come from a humble background, but that's not a weakness—it's my strength. It's taught me that I can achieve anything with determination and hard work. I'm capable of facing any challenge that comes my way, and I believe in earning my way through life, not relying on anyone else to provide for me."

"I am impress Ms. Saras, so what are you planning till I come back?"

"Nothing, I have applied for the lab assistant position in the lab, lets see the result." she said earning a smile from him

"I am really proud and feel grateful that I am your friend. Umm Saras, if you don't mind can I say something?"

"Sure Theo!" He opened his desk drawer and pulled out a small box, placing it gently in her hands. Saraswati furrowed her brows, confused.

"What's this?" she asked, her voice soft as she looked at Theodore.

"It's for you," he said, watching her closely.

Curiosity sparked as she opened the box, revealing a brand-new iPhone. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and she looked up at him, stunned.

"Theo... what is this for?" she asked, her voice shaky, emotions swirling within her.

Theodore seemed nervous, something she hadn't seen in him before. "Saras, I don't usually gift anyone anything... I've never had a reason to," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "I don't have many friends, but I noticed you miss your parents. A phone will help you stay in touch with them. And... I want to talk to you whenever I can. I... think I deserve at least that, right?"