Until I Found You

12. Push And Pull

Priya moved aimlessly around the kitchen, her hands busy but her mind restless.

She could not bring herself to stand still, too self-conscious with Ram sitting at the dining table behind her.

The tension between them had grown to the extent that even sitting alone with him while Pihu was in the washroom had become unbearable. That is why she had quickly excused herself and rushed into the kitchen, pretending to need a glass of water.

Although she could feel his eyes on her continuously, still, being in there felt easier than sitting across from him in that uncomfortable silence. There were too many feelings trapped inside, too many stolen glances when they thought the other was not looking.

She did not know what to make of these silent exchanges between them. It confused her immensely.

It had all started with her creating a distance between them after overhearing his conversation with his sister.

But now, things had gotten much more complex. She was tiptoeing around emotions she had never planned for.

Ram shifted in his chair, the quiet in the room getting more and more awkward with each passing second.

Even he could not quite figure out how things had gotten so complicated between them. Keeping his own feelings aside, they were still friends, weren't they? But lately, it felt as if what they shared was much more than what either of them was willing to admit.

Just then, Pihu came running back into the living area, breaking the tension and silence in the room with her chatter. The atmosphere instantly felt lighter, and they all took their seats at the table.

They began eating, with Pihu being the only one who was speaking. She enthusiastically shared all about her school project with Priya, explaining the details and everything that had to be done.

"Aur Mumma aapko pata hai kya?" she added excitedly, "RK ne already bol diya hai ki woh meri help karenge!"

Priya stiffened the moment she heard that.

She did not want Pihu imposing on Ram. He had already done so much for them and she did not want to add another responsibility to his list.

"M-Main aapki help kar dungi naa," Priya said a bit hesitantly.

Pihu frowned, the excitement draining from her face.

"Par RK maan toh gaye hain," she protested, disappointed by the alternative being put forth.

"Unhein kitna kaam hota hai, beta. Mumma kar dengi naa aapki help."

Priya's words came out more formal than she had intended. The distance she was trying to create between herself and Ram was painfully obvious at this point, but according to her, she had no other option. She felt a need to protect herself and her daughter from getting too attached to Ram and rely on him more than they already did.

Pihu's eyes darted to Ram. It was an interesting project and she was already looking forward to spending a few fun evenings with him- laughing, learning and working on it together.

Ram sat quietly, without uttering a word, feeling bruised by Priya's tone and coldness. The formality, the way she was pushing him away- it hurt more than he wanted to admit.

He had been trying to show her that he cared, not just about Pihu, but about her too. But every time she distanced herself like this, it felt like a brutal rejection.

Even so, he did not react. He kept his feelings in check. For Pihu's sake.

"It's okay, main help kar dunga."