Unknown To Known

Jaipur Trip

As Ishan embarked on his trip to Aditi's place, he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. He had heard so much about them and he was eager to meet them in person.

Aditi, on the other hand, seemed relaxed and happy, chatting with her mom about his favorite dishes and the places they would visit.

When Ishan arrived at the location Aditi sent him, he felt welcomed by the warmth that greeted him. He was greeted with open arms and he instantly felt at ease.

"Namaste aunty and uncle." He greeted.

Aditi's parents smiled and said. "Namaste. Call us mumma and papa by the way."

Ishan laughed and Aditi's mother invited him. "Aao, baitho."

He nodded, taking off his shoes and keeping them outside.

As they sat together in the living room, Yash entered. He seemed shocked, he had to rub his eyes to believe the sight in front of him.

Ishan noticed him and waved. "Hello!"

Yash smiled widely and approached him. "Ishan! Tum yaha, milkar accha laga." He then wrapped him in a hug.

"Mujhe bhi, bhaiya." Ishan said, feeling grateful and happy.

He joined them and asked Ishan about his family, his interests and his goals. He was happy to share his stories with them and they listened intently with warmth and interest.

As they talked, Ishan felt like he was becoming a part of their family. They were warm and welcoming and he felt like he had known them for years.

He looked around and asked. "Aditi kaha hain?"

Her mother smiled and teased. "Ruko, woh aa hi rahi hain. Uske bina reh nhi sakte naa?"

Ishan smiled and said. "Nahi, woh aayi nhi isliye puch raha hoon."

Just then, he heard someone familiar coming into the room, humming a tune. Ishan understood it was Aditi and beamed, waiting for her to come.

Aditi stood by the door and took in the sight. She looked at Ishan and time stopped. They both smiled at each other and fought back the urge to hug each other tightly.

"Aao, beta!" Her father called out and she came out of her world.

She nodded and walked in, greeting Ishan. Yash smirked slightly and excused himself out of the room. "Baahar jaa raha hoon kuch kaam se, phone  kar ke bulane lena kuch zarurat huyi toh." he said and moved out.

At one point, Aditi's mother turned to Ishan and said. "Hame bahut khushi huyi ki tum aaye. Bahut pyare ho tum aur hamne dekha ki Aditi kitna care karti hain tumhara."

Her father added. "Hum ne bahut suna hain tumhare baare mein isse, tumhare baare mein hi baate karti hain."

Ishan laughed, feeling a little embarrassed but also happy to know that Aditi talked about him so openly.

As the conversation continued, he felt like he was getting to know them better. He learned about their tradition, values and sense of humour. Aditi just sat with a smile, listening to their conversation and cracking jokes in between.

After a while, they sat down for lunch. Ishan was treated to a local feast, each one delicious. He was impressed by the love and care that had gone into preparing the meal and he couldn't help but feel grateful for the warmth and generosity.

"Apke haatho mein jaadu hain." Ishan said, making everyone erupt in giggles.

"Thank you so much." her mother smiled.

—

After lunch, they both sought permission and headed out to explore the local landmarks. Ishan made sure to wear a mask to keep a low profile, hoping to avoid being recognized by the public. This was a clever move, considering his status as a sports person. By wearing a mask, he could enjoy the sights and sounds of the town without being seen by fans or paparazzi.

As they walked through the streets, they came across a beautiful temple, its carvings and vibrant colors a testament to the town's rich history and culture. They spent a few moments admiring the temple's beauty, taking in the peaceful atmosphere that surrounded it.

Next, they visited a local market, where they were greeted by the sounds of lively chatter and the aroma of spices. They wandered through the stalls, taking in the sights and sounds of the market, and even picked up a few souvenirs to remember their trip by.

Throughout their outing, Ishan was mindful of his surroundings, making sure to keep a low profile and avoid drawing attention to himself. But despite his efforts, he couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and contentment as he explored the town with his partner, Aditi, by his side.

"Waaa, yaha kitna accha atmosphere hain." Ishan said.

Aditi nodded. "I know, main yaha se bahut familiar ho gayi hoon."

"As they sat in his car, driving back to Aditi's home, the evening sunlight casting a warm glow over the roads, they engaged in a heartfelt conversation. They talked about their dreams, aspirations, and fears. The conversation flowed effortlessly.

Ishan shared with her his concerns about his career, his struggles with the pressure to perform and his desire to find a sense of purpose beyond the sports field. Aditi listened intently, her eyes filled with empathy and understanding.

She, in turn, shared with him her passions, goals and own struggles. Ishan offered words of encouragement and support.

As they talked, the world outside receded, and all that mattered was the connection between them. They felt seen, heard and understood in a way that was both comforting.

Their conversation was a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there is always beauty to be found in the simple moments, quiet conversations,  the deep connections.

As they pulled up to their destination, Ishan turned off the engine and turned to Aditi, his eyes locked on hers.

"Bahut accha din tha, especially tumhare saath," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "Itna safe, seen feel karwaya tumne."

Aditi smiled, her eyes shining. "Mujhe bhi," she said. "You're my rock, my safe space."

Ishan said. "Chalo, abb jaata hoon."

Aditi glanced at her watch and asked. "Kyun, ruk jao na."

Ishan persisted. "Nhi. Main aaunga naa wapas. Tum sab bahut friendly ho. Mujhe sach mein nhi laga tha ki pehli baar yaha aaya."

Aditi grinned, touched. "Haan, accha next time aaoge toh please rukna."

Ishan promised. "Theek hai, pakka."