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Abhishek POV: (19 yrs old)
Today was our last day in India. I was only 10 when we moved to the USA, and from then this is the second time we came to India now, packing to leave again, the reality of leaving hit hard. My mom, of course, had plans today too—seriously, on our last day? We had so much to pack, and it was a little irritating, but since it was to visit my aunt's house, I couldn't exactly complain. It had been ages since we'd seen her, and I knew it mattered to everyone to go.
My family was staying at my grandmother's house, so we drove an hour to my aunt's, reaching exactly by 4. I was already tired, and to top it off, I was battling a cold. When we rang the bell, Sandeep Uncle opened the door. He was just as cool as I remembered. I love bikes, and so does he, so we always got along well. I found a spot on the couch, trying to relax, when Shriya walked in. She went straight to my dad, so I couldn't see her properly at first, but when she turned and smiled at me, I felt something—I couldn't help but smile back. She was the same bubbly girl I remembered, though it was a little awkward since it had been so long. She sat across from me, a little distance away, while our parents started chatting and laughing. I noticed her smiling at her phone and wondered who she was texting. At one point, her mom asked her to order food for us and sit beside me, which made my heart skip a beat. She hesitated and just ordered food instead. Later, we all went up to the terrace for some fresh air; it was a beautiful outdoor sitting area, but my cold was driving me crazy.
As we were eating, Shriya kept bringing food upstairs, and I finally told my brother to go get her to join us. She came up, grabbed a plate, and then started taking pictures of the sky. I glanced up, confused—was the sky really that amazing? I chuckled to myself, thinking maybe she was just shy.
Afterward, we went to another family friend's house, taking my aunt along. Shriya didn't want to come, so we drove about 45 minutes to get there, reaching around 8, just in time for dinner. Shriya and her dad were going to meet us at the restaurant, and when they arrived, I saw Shriya sitting in the corner. I sat across from her, and when she glanced my way, she quickly looked away. I was curious but didn't think too much of it. As we ate, I caught her sneaking glances at me, which made me smile to myself.
We decided to go to a dessert place that Shriya suggested, though it was crowded. My brother went to bring dessert for our family while Shriya and I sat beside each other. My headache was peaking, so I couldn't really talk, but we managed a few words. When it was time to leave, my dad suggested she consider New Jersey for her master's. I saw her looking a bit confused, but a part of me secretly hoped she'd come to the U.S. and be closer. As we said goodbye, she held out her hand for a handshake. Her hand was so soft, like a baby's, and the feeling lingered with me.
The next morning, I woke up to a text from Shriya. We chatted for a while, and then it was time for us to head back to the U.S, but I felt maybe this isn't the last time I'll see her
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Shriya Pov: (19 yrs old)
It's been two months since they left India, and I've spent this whole time thinking about my master's degree. During this period, I was always the one initiating conversations with him because I thought he was introverted and didn't talk much. But whenever we did chat, we'd talk for a while, though he would always be the first to end the conversation. I mean, why would he be interested in me? But I chose to like him first, and it's hard to just let that go, isn't it?
I realized that online chatting alone wasn't going to work; I need face-to-face interactions. Maybe then we could have longer conversations. After thinking about it a lot, I've decided I'm going to pursue my master's in the U.S. I'll try to get into the University of New Jersey, so I can be closer to him.
So, my dear beautiful roses what do you think??
Did she make a right choice??
Whatwould you do if you were in her place??
Lemme know... leave your thoughts in comments below!!
