The Best Match

The Grooming

“The most important things in a relationship are caring for your significant other through good times and bad and trusting them in odds and even.”

“That’s my hotel.” I halted as he dropped me at Hotel Plasma. “Where are you staying?”

“Across the lane. Hotel Charisma.” He jerked his head at the said direction and I nodded, rubbing my arms. “So, will we meet again?”

“Actually, I was here for a meeting. Bharat, the guy you saw in the hospital, is my friend and he accompanied me. I am leaving to Jaipur tonight.”

“Oh.” I slapped myself mentally for coming out as desperate. “Have a safe journey, then.”

“Thanks.” He whispered, looking down at my feet. “When are you leaving? This is not cured completely.”

“Oh, this.” I followed his gaze to my wound, “It will be healed shortly. I will leave after two days.”

“Take care of that.” He nodded and rubbed his hands, smiling. “Bye, then. See you in Jaipur.”

“Um, wait.” I stopped as he turned to go. “Don’t tell anyone about this.”

“That we met?”

“That I fell.”

“Don’t worry.” He smiled.

“Bye.” I waved and saw him disappearing in the lane after a few minutes. I momentarily forget my foot was hurting and I smiled like an idiot.

“What took you guys so long? Why are you alone? Oh my god! Why are you blushing?” Rhea bombarded me with questions the moment I stepped in the room. I ignored her and fell on the bed on my back, grinning like an idiot. 

“Will you tell me?”

“I met him.” I breathed out, fiddling with my hair.

“Who?” She sat beside me. I simpered, chewing on my lip and she widened her eyes, “Abhimanyu?”

“Yes!”

“How? I mean what is he doing here in Ooty?” She blabbered and I recited the whole episode to her about how he saved me and took me to the hospital. Of course, I missed the part of surprise.

“Where are those idiots?” She was raged towards Akshat, Aarti and Josh. I had to cover it up somehow. “They gave us privacy.”

“Did you guys exchange numbers?” She was excited and I pouted, “I couldn’t. I mean wouldn’t it look awkward if I ask for his contact number? I mean he should ask me.”

“Point!” She wagged her finger and inspected my foot. “Anyway, are you alright?”

“Yeah! Except my heart is racing fast and I want to see him, again.” I answered, dreamily. She grinned like a buffoon.

***

“Shree, are you sure you are not coming?” Rhea asked for the tenth time, though I wanted to witness how Akshat would propose her but I refused.

“No, my leg is paining. You guys enjoy!”

“It’s okay, you know. We can go out tomorrow.”

“No need. Just go.” I dismissed and pushed her out of the room. I had had enough of the patient treatment from everyone. I fell on the bed and stared the ceiling, twiddling my thumb absentmindedly. My train of thought almost roamed everywhere and I wasn’t at peace. So many things, all irrelevant, popped up in my mind.

“Hello?” I picked up the phone as mom called.

“Hello Butu! What are you doing?” My lips curved up in smile, “I am lying on the bed looking at the ceiling mom. What are you doing?”