The Lost Thread

Their First Date

Back In Time..

Maya did not want to admit it to herself, but she did take some effort in her looks that day. Her hair was perfectly braided, her jeans and top were freshly pressed, and most importantly she wore lipstick. She just had one jacket, so that would have to do. Her roommate watched her will ill-disguised wonder.

'Where exactly are you going Maya?' Sneha asked.

Sneha was her senior, who has been in this NGO for the last 10 years. She was happily married and lives in Delhi.

'I am going to the market town downhill. I need some supplies urgently....if work resumes tomorrow, I will not get any time.'

Sneha still observed Maya closely. Maya was looking way too excited for a trip downhill, but then anyone would love to get out of this building. Still, her maternal instinct made her ask, 

'When are you going to come back?'

'Before sundown surely'

With that she rushed out. She did not want to answer any questions. For the first time, she is going to meet someone in secret. She just hoped, Dipak does not cross her path today. Maya hurried down the narrow buffalo lanes to main road below. He was supposed to be waiting a few hundred meters further down. She carefully negotiated the puddles and rocks, all the while keeping a lookout.

The road was almost deserted. Only a brave few thought of going out in a day like this. The clouds were making it impossible to see to far ahead. Suddenly someone blocked her path. It was him.

His intense glance took in her appearance. It was hard to say if he was impressed. But it was easy to see how irritated he was for having to wait.

'You are late by 15 mins'

'Oh..I am sorry.'

'Let's go'

Without any ceremony he grabbed her hand and they both started descending down. The path kept winding along the mountain, with slippery patches everywhere. She was extremely grateful for the hold he had on her arms. She just hoped he doesn't slip. Then he would take her down with him. But it does not look like he has slipped even once in his whole life.

'So, what do you do?'

Dhruv looked at her before answering. It was obvious he did not like talking about himself. 

'I am a businessman'

'Where do you live?'

'Mumbai'

'Is this your first trek?'

He stopped abruptly and swiftly turned around. The motion made Maya crash into him. 

He steadied her and then gave held her at arms length.

'Why do you keep asking questions?

Maya looked at him incredulously. 

'I was just trying to make small talk. Don't you like talking?'

'No'

'Oh'

They started moving again. This time Maya was very quiet. Dhruv enjoyed the silence for some time. The mist and little rain made it feel like they were the only one in the world. He looked back at Maya, only to see her stifle a yawn with her hands. Why was she yawning, is he boring her.

'Am I boring you?'

'Yes'

Her direct reply took him aback. He is used to girls telling him how interesting they find him, how much they enjoy his company. And this girl had the audacity to call him boring?