Meetings between Ishaan and Adhithi quickly developed into a regular event for them. Occasionally, Ishaan's friend would come over and greet her. They were now sort of buddies, and when they met, they exchanged a few more words than they had in their first few interactions.
As per usual, Ishaan was meeting Adhithi on his way to work. He had a different agenda for today. He and his buddies had planned to explore the city this weekend. So, he was hoping Adhithi would take up his invitation to join them. He purposefully planned this outing and invited few girls from his friend's group so Adhithi could go without feeling awkward. He was really hoping she'd say yes.
From a distance, he could see Adhithi's figure approaching him with her usual vivid smile, which made his heart race. She was in her casual outfit, a simple kurta paired with pencil pants and handbag she has every day. He was clad in a plain sky-blue shirt and black jeans and a backpack. He reciprocated with his signature smile. She waved her hand as they were within speaking distance.
"Hi..."
"Hey..."
"Have a good day Ish..."
He cut her off, asking, "Are you free this Sunday?"
She was perplexed by his words. Nonetheless, she responded positively.
"Yes......Why?"
"This Sunday, I'm planning an outing with my buddies. So..... I was hoping you might join us as well."
To say she was surprised would be an understatement. She never expected him to invite her on a getaway with his pals. Noticing her silence, he said,
"Oh... don't worry. It's not just men."
Hearing this, Adhithi couldn't help but chuckle. She had never thought about the possibility of Ishaan asking her out on a guys-only outing.
"Ok. Sure."
When she said yes, he was overjoyed and couldn't wait for Sunday to arrive. He felt that the wait was unreasonably long, despite the fact that it was Saturday today. But he couldn't express his feelings on his face. What if he scares her off??
"Ok. That's done. Let's see ya tomorrow. Bye," he said, walking past her before she could read his expression. But to his disbelief, she called him from behind.
"Hey,, Ishaan. I do not have your phone number with me. How are you going to update me on tomorrow?"
"Oh......oh...... My... number...Give me your phone."
Adhithi handed over her phone which he gladly took and typed in his number and gave back her phone.
"Well....call me," he motioned with his hands.
"Ok. Bye, then." She answered and walked ahead.
Ishaan walked towards his friend with a smile plastered on his face.
"Hey, bro..." "What's up with that stupid grin?"
Ishaan responded, "I just gave her my number."
"So?????? Are you new to this?" He asked as if mocking him.
"Technically, yes. This was the first time I desperately wanted someone's phone number.
"You still don't have her number. And... do you like her?"
"I have no idea. But I'd like to know more. She's piqued my interest.
Ishaan's phone buzzed. It was a message.
"It's me. Adhithi. Remember to save my number."
He instantly saved her number and showed his pal his screen.
"Now I do." Ishaan spoke proudly.
Adhithi, on the other hand, was amazed at herself for asking for someone's phone number so casually, especially from a guy she'd known for less than two months and taking the effort to reach out to him first. She sensed, nevertheless, that something healthy was about to begin. Her career, which allowed her to live independently away from many prying eyes and escape her life back at home, was the sole positive thing that had happened to her in the last few years of her life. Nonetheless, she had always felt dead and disconnected from the world until she met Ishaan. Despite only having brief encounters with him in the beginning of workdays and exchanging very few words, she felt as if her life was finally leading her somewhere. But she was still unsure whether she was prepared to pursue the route that this new transition offered her.
It was now late, and Adhithi was relaxing in her bed with her daily dose of soaps. Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a tone intended for her personal WhatsApp number, which was unusual at the time but exactly what she expected. Message from Ishaan.
"Hey..."
"Hi..."
"Just to make sure you'll be there for tomorrow."
"Yup"
"Will meet at our usual place by 10 in the morning."
"It's pretty early!!!"
"Yup...Early mornings and late nights..."
"Ok....see u tomorrow."
"Are you turning in so early?"
"Nope."
Ishaan didn't know what to put next, despite his want to continue the conversation. But Adhithi's responses were too short. He assumed she was either uninterested in prolonging the conversation, which was unlikely, or she was not a very good phone person. He knew the case was latter based on how he analyzed her. As a result, he did not attempt to continue the chat over the phone, which she appreciated. As he suspected, she was not a phone person and was not interested in having phone talks until absolutely essential. She was always more comfortable speaking with people in person.
"Good night then. See u tmrw."
Next morning.
Adhithi got up as usual and went through her morning chores. She decided to dress up little different than usual. She picked a black skirt that fell at least four inches below her knee and teamed it with a white basic plus size shirt. She also chose a little black bag that could hold her phone, cards, and put on her white sneakers. She styled her hair in a sloppy bun and applied her customary makeup with a dab of kajal which was a addition. She wanted to look good today. This was not a date, she told herself multiple times, yet anyone watching could tell she was going on one.
On the other hand, Ishaan was making every effort to appear nice. As previously said, black was his favorite color, and checkered shirts were his fixation. So, everyone could guess what he chose. He wore it with black denim and white sneakers. He maintained his daily unkempt hairstyle.
Now he was all set to leave. He dashed down the stairs of his house, kissing his mother's cheeks on the way out while saying goodbye. His parents exchanged knowing glances. As you can expect, he took off on his motorcycle, which is likewise black.
Adhithi was nearing their spot when she noticed Ishan was already waiting for her, scrolling through his phone. She seemed self-conscious after learning the color of the clothes he was wearing. It looked as if they had purposefully coordinated their outfits. She was quick enough to conceal her emotions before he could notice. As soon as he saw her, he stuffed his phone into his pocket and dashed towards her, flashing his best smile. When he finally noticed her outfit, his face brightened up. They appeared to be a couple from head to toe. Regarding their appearance, none of them uttered anything much.
"I should brace myself for their taunting. I hope they don't embarrass me in front of her." He thought.
"Goodmorning." She greeted him.
"You look different...." he said. She panicked.
"But beautiful..." he finished the phrase with a smile, causing her to sigh.
"Let's go." He spoke and began dragging her by her hand. This was their first skin ship, which came relatively naturally to him, but his enthusiasm kept him from noticing her face. He was born and brought up in this metropolis, whereas she was from a remote place. Even in her environment, friends hugging another was frequent, but let's say she was more of a conservative type. She was taken aback by his sudden passion and was unable to react for a while. As soon as she came out from her trance, another one struck. He was already on his bike, signaling her to get on. For a moment, she was at a loss for what to do. She had hardly been on a bike since her undergraduate days, which was quite some time ago. He chuckled as he noticed her hesitation.
"Bro...., get on. I won't bite."
His comments eased her nerves, and she boarded without second thought.
"You better hold on to me tight."
Here they go....
This was the beginning of something. They were both aware of this, but couldn't put their finger on it. She was becoming attached to his grins, teasing, and concern. He was more and more drawn to this woman like there was no other woman out there for him. She was gradually yet inadvertently developing into a habit that he could continue for the rest of his days. Had he been an art student, he might claim that he'd prefer to be a sun for this sunflower, whose day begins and concludes with him.