Espresso Love (SanDhir)

Chapter 7 - Americano

We spent the rest of the night reminiscing our old Dream Team days. It didn't hurt to talk about Sanyukta as much as it did before, but they still made sure that her name was barely mentioned.

"Those were the days... I miss FITE so much! Even though Vardhaan Sir always yelled at me, I still miss him. Our Dream Team wouldn't have been even close to being successful had he not been there for us," Vidushi spoke; and to be honest, it was completely true. He was the glue that held the team together, without which our team would have fallen apart.

"You know, Sahil called the other day. He asked if we wanted to accompany him to FITE next week!"

"Why is he going to FITE though?" Vidushi asked Parth.

"The firm he works for wants to recruit engineers from the final year students at FITE, so he's giving a presentation. Regardless, I think it'll be nice to go back there after three whole years!" Parth exclaimed.

"We should all go!" Vidushi joined in, smiling widely.

But I had my apprehensions; "You guys, I don't think I can do this." I mumbled out slowly. As much as I loved FITE for everything it had given me, I didn't have it in me to bring myself to relive the last year again.

By this time, I honestly thought they were going to try and get me on board with their plan, but I guess that scar was reminder enough. As if he could read my mind, Parth said, "I have no intention of getting another one of these, so let's drop the topic!"

I burst out in laughter, as did they. It was nice to feel this way after so long. The void in my heart and in my life couldn't be filled without her, but it could be stitched up.

"Anyway guys, I have a meeting tomorrow with the board tomorrow so I'll have to leave. Ermm, Vidushi..." Parth trailed off.

Vidushi looked at him with a shy smile. Is this really my Vidu? I thought to myself. I wanted to embarrass her some more, but decided against it. Farzi hated it when people did it to her too.

"Go ahead, I won't mind," I smirked while playfully pushing her towards Parth.

She glared at me, "Shut up!" but not completely concealing her smile.

"Bye Parth! It was really nice to see you! Seriously man!"

"Same goes for you Randhir! Nice to know all is good between us!"

We shook our hands on it, and then left for home.

—

"Farzi! Tell Sahil you have to stay back to work on a project!" I whispered to her.

"But he's offering me a ride Randhir! How do I just say no? He knows we are done all our work!" she said.

"SAHIL!"

"Yes Randhir? You want a ride too?" he asked me, making all the colour drain from my face. Sanyukta's face shot up to meet mine. I looked away, "No nothing. I was just saying it's late, so be careful!" I had almost given up when I saw Parth smirking at the back and Vidushi running out of the room with her hand covering her mouth, a laugh managing to escape. It was only then that I had realized what was actually going on.

"Oh come on guys!" I yelled in desperation while Farzi just kept looking at the ground. I pushed Sahil away who was laughing his head off, as Sanyukta ran out of embarrassment.

"Relax Farzi!" I smiled as I ran after her.

"What relax? This is exactly why I didn't want them to know Randhirrr!" she said, finally facing me. I laughed, "Well it's too late to think about that now," as I noted the faint hue of red on her cheeks.

"You know what they did to me the other day? I called Vidushi from the cafeteria the other day to tell her that I couldn't meet her for dinner. And then, Sahil and Parth came out of nowhere, teasing me beyond limits about how I was going out with you and everything!"

"And as much as I know, you must have been as red as a tomato, yeah?" I laughed out loud. She glared at me, "It's not funny Randhir! You know how awkward it is to be in that situation?" she looked away.

—

She always hated how easily she would blush, but to be honest, I loved it. Especially after knowing that it was because of me that she would blush.

—

"Farzi!"

"What?" she angrily faced me. "Have I ever told you how cute you look when you blush?" I said as I caressed her cheek. Her nose flared, yet her cheeks reddened.

"I hate you Randhir!" she replied in an angry tone, but her lips curling upward. "I hate you too Sanyukta!" I winked. She kissed my cheek before stepping off to head to her hostel.

I smiled to myself; this was perfect.

—

She was perfect. Or so I thought. Which reminded me, I had to call her... But I didn't know if I had it in me to find out whether it was her or not. What if it was? But it's also possible that the name is just a coincidence. What are the odds though?

And that was the thought that haunted me as I returned back home.

Instead of going inside, I went back in the car, driving myself to Vidushi's house; I needed her help. I couldn't do this myself, and she was the only one who could help me.

—

"Randhir! What are you doing here?" Vidushi asked, seemingly confused.

"Who is it Vidushi" I heard a voice coming from her living room. I clearly hadn't thought this through; "Parth?" I questioned, to which she nodded.

Along with her, he too seemed to be confused. "You know you could have just told us you were going to join us. At least we'd pick up some drinks on our way here."

"No need Parth. I actually needed Vidushi's help... and so..."

"What is it Randhir?" she said, sensing the urgency in my voice. As I let myself in, I told the two of them about the file of Sanyukta Mittal that I held in my hands.

And after what seemed like an eternity, Parth finally spoke. "That can't be her..." he trailed off.

But before Parth or I could realize what was going on, Vidushi had already dialled the number from the file.

"Hello," said the voice on the phone, and I could swear to God it was her. My Sanyukta. My Farzi.