As they enjoyed breakfast together, Jagathi leaned in, her eyes curious. "So, why did you come here, really? Dad mentioned something, but I want to hear it from you."
Shourya took a sip of water, then replied, "It's mainly for data collection-studying plant diseases and understanding the chemicals people here use on crops."
Jagathi's eyes widened slightly. "Oh! Is this your first time visiting a village?"
Though he was fairly certain her father had already shared this with her, he decided to play along, raising an eyebrow. "How do you know?"
She tried to stifle a smile, thinking to herself, Innocent fellow-of course Dad told me. But instead, she gave a playful smirk and said, "Obviously, because I'm overflowing with intelligence. How else would I know?"
He chuckled, shaking his head. "Ah, the genius Jagathi. I should have guessed."
She grinned, leaning back with a satisfied look. "So, you really think I'm a genius?"
He nodded, still amused. "Yes, absolutely."
"Then you should tell my mom that," she teased. "She's always saying I'm the family's number one idiot."
He chuckled, shaking his head. "So, what do you do now? I heard you finished your BTech."
"Actually...nothing." She gave a casual shrug.
His brow furrowed. "Nothing? Why? Don't you want to go for higher studies or maybe get a job?"
She sighed dramatically. "Nope. I have a simpler plan. One day, my dad will bring home, brainless guy, I'll marry him, become a housewife, have babies-that's it. Nice, uncomplicated life."
He nearly choked on his food, coughing as he tried to process what she'd just said. "Wait, brainless guy?"
Taking a sip of water, he finally asked, "Why would you call your future husband a 'brainless guy'?"
Her eyes sparkled mischievously as she leaned forward, as if letting him in on a secret. "Even if I explained it, you wouldn't get it."
She stood up, gathering the plates and placing them back on the tray. "You should get some rest," she said with a gentle smile.
He nodded, giving her a small, grateful smile. "Thanks-for everything."
With a slight nod, she turned and headed for the door, carefully balancing the tray.
As he settled back, his phone buzzed, flashing the caller ID: Journalist. He picked it up, his tone calm.
"Sir, just as you guessed-my friend Anand called me. I told him exactly what you instructed. But...how did you know he'd reach out to me?"
Shourya smiled, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "Thank you for the update. I'll get back to you soon."
The journalist sounded curious but respectful. "Understood, sir. Just let me know if you need anything else."
•••••
Outside, under the soft drizzle left by the rain, the dogs lounged near the gate, casting curious glances at the house. Tiger, the eldest and self-proclaimed leader, looked at the guest room window with a knowing squint.
"Something's fishy in Jagathi's home," he growled, his tail swishing thoughtfully.
Beside him, Bruno, the slightly younger but forever nosy one, tilted his head. "I was thinking the same. But you know, that guy-what's his name, Shourya?-he's quite a looker."
Tiger huffed. "Oh, please, Bruno. Just because he's handsome doesn't mean Jagathi likes him."
Bruno smirked, his ears perked up mischievously. "Oh, really? Who knows? Maybe she does."
Tiger rolled his eyes, standing up with an air of finality. "I don't want to waste my time talking about this." With a flick of his tail, he started walking toward the other side of the yard.
Bruno trotted after him, determined to keep the conversation going. "You say that, but you're the one who brought it up!"
Tiger ignored him, but deep down, even he couldn't help but wonder what this new visitor meant for their beloved Jagathi.
•••••
As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the village, Anand knocked lightly on Shourya's door.
“Shourya?” he called softly.
Shourya looked up from his laptop, giving a quick nod before closing it. “Yeah?”
“Let’s go for a walk,” Anand suggested, a friendly invitation in his voice.
“Sounds good.” Shourya grabbed his professional camera, slipping it over his shoulder as they headed outside.
Just as they were about to step out, Jagathi spotted them from the courtyard, where she was mid-shuttle game with Vinodh. She paused, racket in hand. “Hey! Anand, where are you two going?”
Anand chuckled. “Just for a walk, nothing special.”
“Well, count me in!” she said, handing her racket to Vinodh, who shrugged and jogged after her, clearly not wanting to miss out.
Soon, the four of them walked together, their footsteps crunching on the gravel path. The gentle evening breeze brushed past them, carrying the distant sound of chirping birds and the earthy scent of damp soil. Jagathi, ever the chatterbox, filled the air with stories about the village’s quirks, punctuated by Vinodh’s occasional laughter.
Shourya held his camera, snapping candid shots of the landscape, the village pathways, and even the playful expressions on Jagathi’s and Vinodh’s faces. Anand pointed out his favorite spots along the way, occasionally nudging Shourya to capture a particular view.
As they walked along the dusty village path, Vinodh glanced over at Shourya with a curious look. “By the way, Shourya, are you married?”
Shourya shook his head with a small smile. “No, not yet. Still looking for the right girl.”
Jagathi perked up, intrigued. “Oh? And what kind of girl are you looking for?”
Shourya looked at her, his eyes lingering a moment longer than he intended. I want you, Jagathi, he thought, but instead he simply shrugged. “Honestly, I don’t have a clear idea yet.”
Anand chuckled, nudging Shourya’s shoulder playfully. “Well, if you’re still undecided, just talk to my mom. She’ll give you all the ‘clarity’ you need! Trust me, by the time you leave the village, she’ll have a bride lined up, and you’ll be on your way home with a wife!”
Jagathi let out a dramatic sigh and playfully slapped Anand on the shoulder. “Oh, stop teasing! You know how Mom is—don’t drag her into your jokes!”.
"Devil," Anand muttered.
Just as they turned a corner, the sudden roar of a motorcycle engine broke through their laughter. A sleek bike came to an abrupt stop right in front of Jagathi, its tires screeching slightly against the gravel. She startled for a moment, eyes wide as she took a step back, her heart racing
Keep smiling
God bless you
Chandanakshi
YOU ARE READING
Misty Rain
Romance"Oye, Miss Universe," he teased, a playful grin dancing on his lips. She shot him a fierce glare, determination etched across her features, and turned away to walk forward. "Lucky!" he called after her, quickening his pace. She continued to ignore h...
