This is not the End

She is in Love

On a Friday afternoon during their marketing class, Ria found herself seated away from Samar. However, she received a message from him, inviting her to have pav bhaji for dinner. Curious about the occasion, Ria asked Samar why he wanted to go out.

Samar replied, "Nothing special, I just don't feel like eating here." Intrigued, Ria agreed and asked about the timing.

Samar suggested having dinner after the class, to which Ria questioned if it was too early. Samar playfully responded, "You will know."

Realizing she needed to change, Ria hurriedly got ready and made her way downstairs, where Samar was waiting for her with an umbrella in hand.

Apologizing for not carrying an umbrella, Ria asked if they needed it and whether she should go back to retrieve one. Samar dismissed the idea, saying they could share if needed, accompanied by a mischievous smile.

Curious about their destination, Ria asked Samar where they were going. With a sense of mystery, Samar simply replied, "It's a surprise."

They walked outside the campus and patiently waited for a bus to Andheri. From there, they boarded a local train bound for Mumbai Central.

During their journey, Ria expressed her surprise at the distance they were traveling for pav bhaji. She suggested going to a closer place like Shiv Sagar. Samar assured her that she would soon understand the reason for their choice.

Finally, they arrived at "Sardar Pav Bhaji." Ria looked at the modest establishment, wondering what made it so special.

Samar proudly explained, "This is the best pav bhaji in Mumbai." The dish they enjoyed was richly flavored and generously topped with butter, creating a delicious experience for both of them.

After their delightful meal, it was almost 8:30 PM, but the trains were still crowded. Ria, observing the overflowing local trains, immediately dismissed the idea of boarding one.

Sensing her concern, Samar took Ria's hand and pulled her inside the train. He skillfully maneuvered through the crowd, creating a protective space for her near the door. He positioned Ria against the wall, with his arms around her, shielding her from the bustling crowd.

Amidst the continuous waves of passengers boarding and alighting at each station, Samar stood unwavering, ensuring Ria's safety. Within that small, protected space, Ria felt secure and comforted. The cool breeze that accompanied the train's movement felt like a soothing melody in her ears. Being in such close proximity, she could hear Samar's breathing, and perhaps, he could hear hers too.

Ria felt an adrenaline rush like never before, an extraordinary excitement coursing through her veins. She wished for that moment to stretch on indefinitely, completely detached from the rest of the world. Her heart raced at an incredible speed, evident in the radiant glow on her face. Today, Ria was unraveling the answers to her questions and finally experiencing the truth she had long suspected about her feelings for Samar.

Meanwhile, Samar couldn't ignore the way Ria looked at him. The glow on her face, the captivating smile, and the spark in her eyes were unlike anything he had seen before. He struggled to avert his gaze, uncertain about his own desires and the path he wanted their relationship to take. Each time he stole a glance at her, the mere five centimeters that separated them felt like an insurmountable distance. He could sense the depth of her emotions through her eyes, yet his mind urged him to exercise caution. Once again, Samar found himself caught in the internal struggle between his heart and his rationality.

When the train reached Andheri, both Ria and Samar disembarked. Considering the late hour, Samar made the decision to hail a rickshaw instead of waiting for a bus. As the rain began to fall, Samar pulled down the side curtains of the rickshaw. Inside, Ria was still overcome with a storm of emotions. She yearned to drop hints to Samar, to encourage him to make a move.