Prem Kahaniyaan

8.

The aftermath of the storm left the neighborhood with a collective sigh of relief. The damage was substantial, but nothing too devastating. Arjun and Mira found themselves at a new juncture in their relationship, having weathered not only the literal storm but also their personal differences.

The next day, the sun emerged, casting a golden hue over the recovering city. Arjun and Mira decided to check in on each other and their homes to assess the damage. Arjun arrived at Mira’s villa early in the morning, carrying a bag of tools and supplies he thought might be useful.

Mira was already outside, examining the exterior of her house. When she saw Arjun, she waved him over.

“Morning, Arjun! Thanks for coming by. I’m just trying to get a sense of what needs fixing,” Mira said, her voice filled with exhaustion but also relief.

Arjun nodded. “Good morning. I brought some tools and supplies. Thought you might need them.”

Mira’s eyes lit up with gratitude. “You’re a lifesaver. I wasn’t sure where to start.”

They worked together, inspecting the damage and making quick repairs. Mira was focused on the repairs while Arjun, always meticulous, double-checked everything to ensure it was secure.

As they worked, the conversation flowed easily. Mira looked at Arjun, who was carefully applying sealant to a cracked window frame.

“So, how was your place?” she asked, wiping her brow with the back of her hand.

Arjun looked up, his face showing some weariness but a smile nonetheless. “It was mostly okay. A few leaks and some minor damage, but nothing I can’t handle.”

Mira sighed with relief. “That’s good to hear. I was worried that it might be worse for you.”

Arjun shrugged. “We both got lucky. It could have been much worse.”

Mira nodded in agreement. “Definitely. And thank you again for all your help last night. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

Arjun chuckled. “You would have managed. But I’m glad I could be here.”

Their dialogue was punctuated by moments of focused work, but there was an underlying ease in their interaction. It was clear that the shared experience had brought them closer, allowing them to see each other in a new light.

After a few hours, they took a break, sitting on the porch with mugs of coffee that Mira had made.

“So, what’s next for you?” Arjun asked, stirring his coffee and looking over at Mira.

Mira sighed. “Well, I’ve got a lot of cleanup to do and then probably some paperwork for the gallery. How about you? Any big plans?”

Arjun took a sip of his coffee and shrugged. “Not really. Just catching up on work and maybe taking a short break. I could use some time to relax after all this.”

Mira looked at him thoughtfully. “You know, I’ve been meaning to ask. What do you do when you need to unwind? I’m always so wrapped up in my work that I forget to take breaks.”

Arjun smiled. “I’m pretty low-key. I enjoy reading, going for long walks, and occasionally cooking. It’s a nice way to disconnect.”

Mira’s eyes widened with curiosity. “Cooking, huh? I wouldn’t have pegged you for a cook.”

Arjun laughed. “Yeah, it’s a bit of a hidden talent. I find it relaxing and rewarding. Plus, I get to eat what I make.”

Mira grinned. “Sounds like a win-win. Maybe you could cook for me sometime. I could use a break from takeout.”

Arjun raised an eyebrow playfully. “I might just take you up on that. And I’m sure your cooking skills are impressive too.”

Mira shrugged modestly. “I’m decent. But I’m more of a baker than a cook. Baking’s like therapy for me.”

Arjun chuckled. “Sounds like we both have our methods of relaxation. Maybe we should have a cooking and baking exchange.”

Mira laughed. “Deal! I’m looking forward to it.”

As they finished their coffee, Mira’s phone rang. She checked it and frowned slightly.

“It’s my mom again,” she said, looking a bit distressed. “She’s still trying to reach me. I need to call her back.”

Arjun gave her a reassuring look. “Go ahead. I’ll finish up here.”

Mira nodded gratefully and stepped away to make the call. Arjun watched her from a distance, his appreciation for her growing. He admired her resilience and the way she handled the situation with grace.

After Mira ended the call, she returned to Arjun with a relieved expression. “She’s okay. Just worried about me. But I reassured her.”

Arjun smiled. “I’m glad to hear that. If you need anything, just let me know.”

Mira’s gaze softened. “Thanks, Arjun. You’ve been incredibly supportive through all this. I really appreciate it.”

Arjun shrugged, looking slightly embarrassed. “It’s nothing. I’m glad we could help each other out.”

Mira grinned. “Well, I’m grateful. And I think we’re due for that dinner soon. We should celebrate getting through this storm together.”

Arjun laughed. “I’d like that. Let’s plan for it.”

As the day went on, Arjun and Mira continued working on their homes, their interactions becoming more comfortable and friendly. They shared stories, jokes, and even a few personal anecdotes, further strengthening their bond.

By the end of the day, the neighborhood was beginning to return to normal. The storm had tested their limits, but it had also brought them closer together. Arjun and Mira knew that their journey was far from over, but they were ready to face whatever came next, side by side.