Krishna's Dimension (Ft.21st Century)

[Chapter - 18] Going shopping with him !!

I was standing in the kitchen, putting rice in the pressure cooker to make khichdi because that was the quickest and easiest thing to prepare as this fast. While the khichdi was cooking, I was confused about whether or not to add extra chilies. I didn't know how he preferred his food. Then I thought, He's probably a spiritual person, so he must eat satvik food, and then I deliberately put less salt in it.

As I was closing the cooker lid, my thoughts drifted to his clothes. Where am I supposed to arrange clothes for him so quickly? Ordering online wouldn't work because it wouldn't arrive on time. Then I remembered-just recently, I had bought an oversized shirt in the name of fashion. Though it looked huge on me.... (considering I barely reached Krishna's shoulders), I wondered if it might still be too tight for him. I had only worn it once or twice or thrice before going home because if I had taken it home, my family would have mocked me endlessly, saying, "What kind of sack [jholaa] have you brought now?"

Still, the idea of giving him something I had worn felt odd .... he is quite superior and Divine then me.... I was lost in these thoughts when someone knocked on the door. I left the cooker on the stove and hurried to check. I purposely opened the door halfway because I didn't want any more trouble barging into my life at this moment.

At the door, It was Sandy aka Sunanada, the landlord's daughter. I greeted her reluctantly. She clearly wanted to come inside, but I somehow dodged the situation, telling her the house was a mess after being locked up for so long. I added that I hadn't showered and promised to meet her in the evening.

But eventually, she came to the point after I indirectly refused her to let in. Her question caught me completely off guard.

"Wasn't there a guy with you today? Where is he?" Sandy asked, leaning in, curiosity shining in her eyes.

"Which... guy?" I stammered awkwardly.

"Ohhhh, don't lie! I saw him with you earlier when you two were entering! and just some moment ago I even saw him standing on the balcony just now-that's why I came over!" she said, narrowing her eyes as though interrogating me.

Sandy tilted her head, peeking inside the flat. "By the way, your 'friend' looks oddly familiar. Have I seen him somewhere before?"

I froze for a moment and then asked nervously, "Seen him before? Where?"

She smirked. "I don't remember exactly... maybe in some news article?"

"News article?" My heart skipped a beat. Forcing a laugh, I replied, "Oh, come on! What would he have to do with the news? He's just a small-town guy, new to the city."

"Maybe," she said, glancing suspiciously toward the living room. "But be careful. These days, people can't be trusted so easily."

My heart started pounding harder. How was I supposed to handle this sudden wave of trouble? And Krishna! Why on earth had he gone out to the balcony? He should've been in the bathroom by now. Still, hiding my panic, I replied, "Oh, him! He's just a relative from my hometown. He's new here and hasn't found a place to stay yet, so he's living here for a few days."

"He's not your boyfriend, ..... then?" Sandy asked, her face lighting up.

"Boy.....friend? .......No...., no!" I stammered again.

"Good!" she exclaimed, suddenly with a cheerful smile. "You know, we've got space in our flat. The room opposite mine just became vacant a few days ago. Should I talk to someone about it for him?"

Hearing her, I felt a mix of irritation and jealousy. ...But what could I say? It wasn't like I had other options right now instead of listening her boring talk as she was the daughter of my landlord. I forced a smile and replied, "That's so kind of you, but he just started out here in this new city and doesn't really want to deal with finding a new flat yet because as you know how hard is to maintain the budget for village people. He's comfortable here for now, and since we're old relatives, it works well for both of us."