YOU AND ME

Amina

I step into my hotel room, a smile tugging at my lips. Today was unexpectedly wonderful. I immediately grab my phone and call my best friends, Zuri, Lila, and Nia. We have a group chat, and I know they’ll be dying to hear about my day.

“Hey, girl! How’s it going?” Zuri’s voice comes through first, full of excitement.

“Tell us everything!” Lila chimes in.

“Yeah, spill the tea!” Nia adds, laughing.

“Guys, you won’t believe the tour guide I got,” I say, unable to contain my excitement. “He’s like… an Indian god. Seriously, he’s so charming and good-looking.”

“Did you go there for the city or for the guy?” Zuri teases.

I laugh. “No, seriously, I came for the city. But I’m just saying, he’s something else.”

“Oh my God, are you falling for this guy?” Lila asks, her voice full of curiosity.

“Really? Falling for my tour guide? Please, guys, it’s not like that,” I protest, though I can feel my cheeks heating up.

“Girl, I think you actually are falling for him,” Nia says, her tone playful.

“No, guys, it’s not like that,” I insist, but there’s a part of me that isn’t so sure.

We chat about other things—life back home, their latest adventures, and all the little things that make our friendship so special. It’s comforting to hear their voices, even from so far away.

The next day, Ayush and I set off on another adventure. Our first stop is the Jagdish Temple, a beautiful and serene place. As we walk through the temple grounds, Ayush turns to me.

“Do you have any plans for today, Miss?” he asks, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Yes, I have a list of places we need to visit,” I reply, pulling out my phone. “After this, let’s go to the Saheliyon Ki Bari.”

“Sounds perfect,” he says, smiling.

We spend the day exploring, and at lunchtime, we find ourselves at a bustling market. I can’t resist the challenge and turn to Ayush with a grin.

“How about a food-eating competition?” I suggest, my eyes sparkling with excitement.

He raises an eyebrow, clearly amused. “You think you can beat me?”

“Absolutely,” I say confidently. “Let’s see who can handle the spice better.”

We sit down at a street food stall, and the competition begins. We laugh and tease each other as we try different dishes, the flavors bursting in our mouths. It’s fun and lighthearted, and I can’t remember the last time I felt this carefree.

Later, we visit a local cooking class where I learn to make traditional Indian dishes. Ayush watches me with amusement as I struggle with the spices.

“I thought you were here to travel, not to learn how to cook,” he teases, a smirk playing on his lips.

“In every country I visit, I learn how to cook their dishes,” I explain. “I’m not only here to see the places. I’m here to learn their culture, enjoy their food, and understand their basics.”

“Well, you’re doing a great job,” he says, smiling. “But you might want to keep your distance from the chili powder next time.”

I laugh, playfully tossing a bit of flour at him. “You know, maybe I should teach you how to make a proper pasta dish.”

“Pasta?” he feigns horror. “What’s that? A low-calorie way to sabotage my food-loving soul?”

I roll my eyes. “It’s actually amazing. Just you wait. Next time, I’ll show you.”

As we continue our journey, Ayush suggests visiting another temple. “Next, we should go to the Eklingji Temple. It’s a really beautiful place, and most visitors love it.”

I hesitate, feeling a bit uncomfortable. “Ayush, I’m a Christian. I don’t worship idols, and I don’t go into temples.”

He looks at me, understanding dawning in his eyes. “I see. I didn’t realize. We don’t have to go there if it makes you uncomfortable.”

“Thank you,” I say, relieved. “It’s just something I can’t do and will never do.”

“I understand,” he says softly. “Let’s find another place to visit.”

Days turn into weeks, and Ayush and I grow closer with each passing moment. We share stories, laughter, and even a few playful arguments.

At one point, Ayush tries to take charge. “I think we should head to the Jagdish Temple next.”

I cross my arms, a teasing smile on my lips. “Remember, I’m the boss here. We go where I say.”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Alright, boss. Lead the way.”

As we stand there, our eyes meet, and for a moment, the world seems to fade away. I find myself lost in his gaze, the intensity of the moment making my heart race.

“You know,” I say softly, almost without thinking, “you really are something special.”

Ayush’s eyes widen slightly, and a slow smile spreads across his face. “Thank you,” he says, reaching out to pat my head gently before turning and walking away.

I stand there, stunned. Did I just compliment him? Did I just reveal how I feel? My heart pounds in my chest, and I can’t help but wonder if I just made a fool of myself. Did he reject me? What was I thinking?