Threads of Destiny

first "date"

Barun adjusted the cuff of his crisp white shirt, sliding a Rolex watch onto his wrist. He slipped his Apple laptop into his sleek leather bag, laced up his polished shoes, and headed toward the dining room. As he entered, his eyes immediately fell on Ishita, sitting confidently at the table.

A wave of irritation washed over him. Lately, just seeing her set his teeth on edge, but today, the anger simmered just beneath the surface. He couldn't forget how she had claimed him in front of Kali, her words possessive and presumptuous. It was a move Barun found inexcusable.

He sat down, forcing himself to focus on the sandwich in front of him. The tension in the room thickened as Ishita spoke. “I’m throwing a birthday bash for Rekha Aunty,” she announced, her voice laced with excitement. “The day after tomorrow is her birthday, and it’ll be a grand celebration.”

Rekha’s eyes lit up with delight. “That’s wonderful!” she exclaimed. Then, turning to the family, she added, “I have a special announcement to make that day. I’ll be announcing Barun and Ishita’s engagement!”

The words hit Barun like a slap. His grip on the fork tightened, his knuckles whitening. Beneath his composed exterior, fury bubbled. His mother’s words were an ambush, and he hadn’t seen it coming. Yet, he forced a smile and nodded at Ishita, who was grinning like she had won a trophy finally. He was biding his time. He was waiting for the right moment—a moment when he could shatter their expectations without mercy.

---

Barun paced inside the luxurious five-star hotel, glancing at his Rolex watch for the third time in as many minutes. The polished marble floors, ambient lighting, and quiet murmur of well-dressed patrons offered a stark contrast to his growing impatience. He couldn’t believe Kali would be this late. Just as frustration began to settle in, she finally walked in, her presence quiet but unmistakably graceful.

Kali looked out of place, her simple yet elegant kurta and leggings a sharp contrast to the opulent surroundings. It was clear this was her first time in such a setting. Her eyes darted around, trying to take it all in while masking her discomfort. She sat across from Barun, her posture stiff with unease.

“What will you have?” Barun asked, breaking the silence.

“I’m not hungry,” she replied, but just then, her stomach betrayed her with a loud growl. Embarrassed, she quickly opened the menu, her eyes scanning nervously. Barun noticed the way she focused on the right side of the menu, where the prices were listed. He felt a pang of shame at the disparity between their worlds.

“I’ll pay,” he said gently, trying to ease her discomfort.

“No, I’ll pay for myself,” she shot back, her voice firm.

After a moment’s hesitation, she ordered a chai and a vegetable burger. Barun, meanwhile, ordered a virgin mojito and zesty ceviche. The food arrived, and the silence stretched between them. Barun ate methodically, using his fork with precision, while Kali attacked her burger in a way that was both endearing and unrefined. She licked her fingers unabashedly, clearly unused to such formal dining.

Barun couldn’t help but watch her, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Finally, he broke the silence. “Why are you eating like that?” he asked, half amused.

Kali paused mid-bite, blinking at him. “What?” she replied, her voice muffled, fingers still sticky with sauce.

He shook his head, suppressing a smirk. “Never mind.”

For a moment, silence fell between them again, but Barun’s mind was racing. Finally, he spoke, his voice calm but firm. “Let’s get married.”

Kali choked on her chai, coughing violently. She set the cup down, wide-eyed. “What did you say?” she asked, convinced she had misheard.