This is not the End

That Strange Ask

Upon reaching the hostel, Ria sought assistance from the hostel attendants to transport her luggage to her room. Eager to satiate her hunger, she decided to head to the cafeteria for a snack. As she stepped out of her room, she realized that both Palak's and Natasha's rooms were locked, indicating that they were likely already out.

Entering the nearly empty cafeteria, Ria speculated that the quiet atmosphere was due to it being Sunday afternoon. She attempted to reach Palak via phone but couldn't get through. Disappointed with the snack options, she settled for grabbing a few cookies and returned to her room to continue unpacking.

Just as she was engrossed in the task, her phone rang, and it was Natasha on the other end of the line.

Natasha: "Hi, Ria!"

Ria: "Hey there! Where are you? I noticed your room was locked."

Natasha: "Oh, you've arrived already! We're out at Lokhandwala, but we'll be heading back soon."

Ria: "That's great to know!"

Natasha: "We're actually at McDonald's. Do you want something?"

Ria: "Oh, how thoughtful! Thank you so much. I'm famished, so a McVeggie burger would be perfect."

Natasha: "Haha, credit goes to Samar. It was his idea." Natasha's voice held a teasing tone.

Ria: "Alright, please pass along my gratitude to him."

Natasha: "Why don't you thank him directly?" Natasha handed the phone to Samar.

Samar: "Hi there, welcome back, Madam."

Ria: "Hi, thank you. I'm glad you remembered, and I appreciate the burger."

Samar: "No need to worry. We'll be back in a little while."

Ria: "Oh, that's wonderful. I'm really looking forward to seeing you all."

Samar: "By the way, I have your laptop with me. You can come and collect it anytime. My room number is 814 in hostel 5."

Ria: "Okay, I'm currently unpacking, but I'll come either today or tomorrow."

Samar, eagerly hoping to see her that day, added, "You know, the holding charges are calculated on a daily basis."

Ria: "Yes, I'm aware. I'll make it a priority to pick it up as soon as possible."

Samar: "Alright then, take care."

Ria: "Goodbye."

After approximately 45 minutes, there was a knock on Ria's door, and it was Natasha and Palak with the McVeggie burger. Ria welcomed them inside, hoping to have some company.

Natasha: "No, dear, we're really tired. We did a lot of walking today. I'm going to lie down."

Palak agreed with Natasha, stating that she also needed some rest, and they both bid Ria goodnight before heading to their respective rooms.

Ria opened the packet and let out a sigh of relief as she took the first bite of the cold burger. Despite the temperature, it still satisfied her hunger, bringing a sense of contentment.

As dinner time approached, Ria decided it was time to go to Samar's room to collect her laptop before grabbing her own dinner. She called him to confirm his presence in the room.

Ria: "Hi, are you in the room? I was thinking of coming over to pick up the laptop."

Samar: "I was just heading out for dinner. Let's have dinner together, and then you can collect the laptop. I'll also help you set up a few things."