Growing love

chapter 4

Ruhi's pov:
 
I was in the cab, heading toward my grandfather's home. It wasn’t unusual for Dadu to call me, but today, Dad had insisted I visit them, and the urgency in his voice left me confused.I shrugged off the unsettling thought, deciding it wasn’t worth overthinking.

I gazed out of the window as the cab crawled through the chaotic morning traffic. It was 9 o’clock, and the roads were a mess. Everyone seemed to be rushing somewhere, just like any other weekday. If I hadn't taken leave today, I'd be one of them—trying to beat the clock, hurrying to make it to the office on time.

In the madness of our daily lives, we often forget to slow down, to truly live. Sometimes, a simple cab ride can soothe your soul. I’ve always loved driving, whether it’s on my scooter or in a car, but there’s something comforting about sitting back and letting someone else take the wheel. It reminds me that not every destination requires you to be in control—sometimes it’s okay to just enjoy the journey.

I was lost in my thoughts until my phone rang, pulling me back to reality. I glanced at the caller ID and instantly picked up.

“Where the hell were you all this time?” I snapped without a greeting, frustration seeping into my voice.

“Wow, hello to you too,” Pihu replied, her voice laced with amusement.

“Don’t waste time, Pihu. Tell me about the project. The meeting’s done, right?” I pressed, trying to sound more focused.

“Chill, Ruhi. The meeting’s not done yet. We’re on our way to the building now. And guess what? I seriously need your good luck this time!” she said, her tone playful but with a hint of nerves.

I smiled despite myself. “All the best, Pihu. You’ll nail it like you always do.”

“Thanks, Ruh! And about yesterday, we reached the hotel so late, and I forgot my charger, so my phone died. Sorry!” she explained, her voice laced with guilt. I could practically see her puppy eyes through the phone.

“Don’t start with excuses, Pihu. Just focus on your presentation. By the way, I’m heading to Dadu and Dadi’s house,” I informed her, changing the subject.

“Oh, that’s awesome! Enjoy yourself, and I’ll call you in the evening to catch up,” she replied with a grin in her voice.

“Alright, take care. Bye,” I said before hanging up.

As I slipped my phone back into my bag, my thoughts drifted to that random encounter at the airport a few days ago—the one I’d been trying to forget. I had bumped into this guy, literally, and both of our things had hit the ground. His phone, my handbag, everything. He had lashed out at me like it was my fault, and of course, I hadn’t held back either. No one apologized, but I remember his hazel eyes… and that arrogant attitude. It annoyed me to no end.

I sighed, shaking my head. Why was I even thinking about him? Probably because my mood had already been off that day after Pihu suddenly announced her business trip. She had dropped the bomb last minute, leaving me no time to process it, and then that guy just added fuel to the fire.

The cab finally pulled up in front of my grandparents’ house. I paid the driver and stepped out, feeling a wave of nostalgia wash over me as I approached the familiar front door. The farmhouse had a warmth to it that always made me feel at home.

I guessed where Dadi would be, and sure enough, I found her in the garden, watering her beloved plants. The moment she heard the sound of the gate, she turned and spotted me. Her face lit up with the biggest smile.

“Dadi!” I called, my heart filling with warmth.

Dadi set down the watering can and hurried over to me. “Ruhi! You came, my child!” she said, her voice filled with joy. “What, no hug for your Dadi?”