Espresso Love (SanDhir)

Chapter 30 - Decant

Surprised?  Hahaa, well I hope it's a good surprise!  This was the quickest I have ever updated, or so I think at least.  And it really is to make up for the previous delay!  I hope you guys enjoy this part!!

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"Hi," his meek voice rung in my ears. He's just like Sanyu - the same big eyes, the same nose, the same lips. I wasn't sure how I felt about our whole situation, but I couldn't help myself feel a wave of affection for this bundle of joy that Parth was carrying in his arms.

Parth put him down on the ground and he, very quietly, sat down on the ottoman and began taking off his shoes, a very prim and proper child I could tell right away. I finally caught a hold myself and hugged the man of the hour, "Congratulations Parth, you lucky man! I couldn't believe it when I heard of the news. I'm seriously so happy for the two of you!"

He laughed, "Thank you Randhir! I could barely believe it myself either."

As we caught up on the recent events, Riaan came back and stood behind Parth, holding his hand. "Just like Sanyukta isn't he?" Parth remarked. I nodded, "Exactly like her."

"So let's go inside guys? Or are we planning to stay here for the whole evening?" Vidushi chirped; she was ecstatic - a very rare sight if you think about it.

We walked inside and I met their parents, feeling at home within the warm environment her house held.

"Ohh, who's this little one?" Vidushi's mother asked as she approached Riaan.

"Aunty this is Sanyukta's son!"

The smile on my face quickly vanished as the statement put into words the thoughts that were constantly ringing around in my head. Vidushi must have noticed because she, right away, took me out to the balcony.

—

—

"Randhir, Sanyukta is going to be here. I hope you don't mind! I know you guys haven't seen each other since a while now, but I just couldn't say no to Parth today. Plus, even if I may not agree with her choices, it would be a lie if I didn't consider her as a good friend. Not to mention how important she is for Parth!"

I saw worry etch its way into her eyes; "You guys are so sweet, you know that? Parth, I understand. But your sweetness is scaring me!" I joked.

She feigned a punch to my stomach; "Randhirrrr," she whined, "Be serious!"

"I'll be fine Vidu, don't worry about me. Tonight is your night," I said, kissing her forehead.

We headed back to the living room where everyone was seated. The adults were all looking at Riaan who was seated on the couch - his feet crossed and his hands busily scribbling something down in a book.

"He's solving puzzles," Parth smirked, "Like mother like son!"

I mentally smiled, acknowledging the stark similarities. "So when is she reaching?" I whispered to Vidushi, glancing at my clock. "It's 8pm already!"

"She missed her bus and had to wait for the next one. She's probably on her way by now!"

Grabbing a beer, I settled down on the couch right across Riaan. I observed his mannerisms and noted the similarities myself.

—

"I'm so bored Sanyukta, talk to me no?" I sighed, frustrated with her inattention. "Don't disturb me," she snapped at me without even sparing a glance. I stole her phone and held it away from her, only to receive a punch and a death stare in return. Having no other option, I gave it back. "It's kind of sad that you are choosing Sudoku over your boyfriend!"

She smirked (though it's worth a mention here that she still didn't bother looking at me); "I've already figured you out Shekhawat. Let me figure this out now!"

I pouted but it made no difference. Though as soon as I looked away, she pressed her lips on my cheeks, "Give me 10 minutes?"

—

"Waaait," Riaan said, shaking his head away from the food Parth was feeding him, wanting to finish his puzzle first. I smiled; the resemblance was unmistakably obvious. Glancing at the watch which read 9pm now, I wondered when she'd be home. Just for safety reasons of course, or so I chose to believe.

"Parth, shouldn't Sanyukta have been home by now?"

"Yea, where's Mommy?" Riaan spoke out, finally putting away his book.

"Well she normally finishes at 6pm, but then she has to take the bus which takes her a little over an hour. But today she was late so she missed the bus. I've heard the bus frequency is terrible. But to answer your question, yea, she should have been here by now.

Parth, too, looked a little worried, "Vidu can you give her a call?" And so she did, putting her on speaker.

"Hey Sanyukta, where did you reach? Riaan is here too!"

"I just got off the bus actually. I'm just waiting for a rickshaw now!"

"You know what, we'll come pick you up, just stay there okay?"

"No no, don't worry about it, I'll be there in a bit!"

"Sanyukta, I'm not asking you, I'm telling you!"

I smiled listening to Vidushi's orders, and I'm sure must have too. "Fine, I'll wait. I'm at the stop right across the Central Mall!"

"Okay cool, I'll be right there!" Parth ended the call. I wanted to go instead of him, but I didn't know how to bring it up.

"Randhir!" Parth called out to me from the front, throwing his car keys to me. "Take my car and go pick her up will you? I'm gonna feed Riaan in the meanwhile."

I threw a smirk at him, knowing very well this was intentional, "Thanks!"

—

—

I was stopped at a signal, waiting for it to turn red, when I saw a bus passing by. I wonder how long it takes her to get home everyday. And does she get time with Riaan? He's so young too. Does he stay with her parents during the day? With Ankit?

I snapped out of the thoughts as the cars behind me honked, bringing me back to reality.

—

"Randhirrr, mom and dad asked me to stay at home for this semester," she looked sad. "Either that, either I drop out."

"Wait what? Why would they do that?"

"Mom's been unwell for a couple of months now, so they want me to help her out at home."

"That means you'll need to commute everyday!" I said, "And we won't get to spend as much time together!"

"I know, but Maa really needs me. I can't be so selfish either. Ughhhh," she groaned.

—

I remember how frustrated she was when she found out. In fact, for the couple of months after that, she had spent over 3 hours travelling daily, not to mention going home and helping out in the kitchen, yet managing to keep her grades up. Her determination and passion for engineering was one of the many reasons why I had fallen head-over-heels for her. For the Farzi who never had giving up as a concept in her dictionary of life.

—

"You actually live here? Definitely not the Farzi I know!"

"You're right Randhir. This isn't her."

—

I remember she had said that to me a couple of months ago. But she was wrong; she was still the Farzi I knew, she always had been.