"Hmmmm yes Kushi. So where do we go now? Are you interested to have some breakfast? We both are quite hungry after the long travel; aren't we didi *?" replied Karan.
" Oh ok. As you wish! What would you like to have?" Kushi asked as she didn't know what North Indians liked to have for breakfast. In South, they had their idli-sambar or dosa as their most common breakfast recipe.
" Hmm anything will do. What do you South Indians have for breakfast? I forgot the name. what's it called? I want to try that stuff which looks like white round flattened cotton balls with that spicy curry they serve it with. That canteen behind. Does that serve it?" Karan was anxious to see Kushi but was trying to pretend to hide it saying he was anxious about their South food.
Kushi couldn't control her laugh at Karan's description of idli sambar.. " Yes. They might. Infact thats the regular dish on the menu in every food joints at this time in the morning. And Karan! Your description of idli sambar was the best!". Kushi winked at him..
Karan started to blush and repeated her words. "Italy sambar.. hmm"
" Ha ha. Karan its idli and not Italy. You seem to make South Indian dish into an Italian dish now" Kushi was starting to recognize the person she knew now as the one standing in front and slowly started to leave her gaurd down..
Initially he did seem as an unknown to her, but now his words, and those pronunciations made her remember all their conversations before and made her feel like she owns him and he belongs to her. How quick!!
"Ok let me try again. Idli sambar " Karan got it right this time.
They all entered the canteen and ordered for idli- sambar. Karan liked the taste of sambar but din't like idli to that extent.. After they were done with the breakfast Karan went out and paid the bill even before Kushi would see it and he went and started to buy mangoes from a near by fruit stall.
" How much is it?" Kushi asked the waiter. "Its already paid". He replied and left.
Kushi felt uneasy as she felt they are her guests and its her duty to pay for their food. She was the host here afterall. She searched for Karan and saw him buying fruits. She went there and saw that he had already bought mangoes and was making the payment.
"Here bhaiya* I ll pay for it. How much is it?" Kushi headed towards the fruit vendor and offered him some bills. But Karan quickly pushed the money he held into the vendor's hand and said "I bought them. I m paying!".
Kushi tried to argue but then she knew Karan's pride and she let it go.
"Karan. You are my guest right now. You should let me pay next time. I know my family isnt rich and you are trying to bear all expenses on your shoulders. But I do have enough to welcome my guests and I would appreciate if you can let me give you some proper welcome!!"
"Ok dear! No offense. Those were my gift for your parents. So I didn't want to let you pay for it". Karan said and started looking around as he couldn't meet her gaze now.
Looking Karan's face Kushi calmed down and said " Ok Karan and didi! .. Time to take you both to my home. Let's go. I ll call for an auto"
And then she remembered. How could she not. She had been dreaming about it for so long now. Karan had challenged her that he would hold her hand right in front of his sister when Kushi had teased him saying that he cant be so bold. So he had warned her saying ' you wait and watch. I will sit next to you when you take us on auto and hold your hand and then I will see how you speak this bold to me ! Do you mind if I kiss you when we meet?'
Karan had teased her over the phone before when they were planning for their meeting. Now Kushi felt uneasy seeing how his sister was being so indifferent towards her. She had not spoken much till now and had shown no excitement either.
She already sensed how his sister was cold when Karan had paid the bills at the canteen and at the fruit stall. She could sense something wasn't right and she didn't want to take chance by letting Karan do his 'holding hand' act infront of didi and annoy her even more.
As soon as the auto arrived Kushi pushed Karan inside and then asked Tamanna to go next and she sat at last making Tamanna actually sandwiched between her and Karan.
Karan now understood that Kushi was indeed avoiding any chance for him to hold her hand. Was she purposely creating distance? But why? Didn't she like him anymore now that she saw him in real? His mind was so disturbed and he himself couldn't explain what he did next.
" Didi. Can you please switch place with me if you don't mind?? "
Kushi: ....!!!
Tamanna: ... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (( eyes wide open))
...
...
( silence)
...
Auto driver: " Can anyone please tell me where am supposed to take you all? !!"
* didi. Used to address elder sister
*bhaiya. Actual meaning is elder brother. Commonly used by girls to address any man unacquainted. It is a way of respectful addressing equivalent to calling 'Sir' .