Aarthi immediately fell in love with the country, soon after she exited the airport. She loved the wider roads, taller buildings and rich and posh feel. Even, the hotel she stayed in temporarily, looked luxurious. After a week, she moved to a studio, in an apartment. She had few of her colleagues staying in the same apartment. But, she decided to live alone, in an independent space.
It's been almost two weeks, since Aarthi moved to this country. Her work was nearly five minutes walk, from her studio. So, she did not had to rely on anyone. She explored the place, over the weekend and to her delight, she found an Indian Restaurant. She doesn't know even ‘c’ of cooking and was hoping to learn it, at least over the weekends.
Her favourite spot at the work, was the eaterie. She loved the fresh salads and the fries. One day, as she was muching on her dollar pizza, she heard a voice from behind.
“Isn't that pizza tasty?”
“Oh yes!”, replied Aarthi, without thinking. Then, when she turned around, to find who it was, she was in a big shock, to see Rakesh.
“Rakesh!? I can't believe this. How are you? What are you doing here?”, asked Aarthi, in excitement.
“I should be asking that, I suppose”, replied Rakesh, smiling at her.
“Hey, are you working here? It's been long time, since I spoke to you. I wanted to mail you, soon after I reached. But, got carried away. Sorry!”, said Aarthi, politely.
“Hmm… I am totally out of your mind and that's why you never bothered to let me know, that you will be coming here and not even bothered to let me know, even after you have come”
“Oh! c'mon Rakesh. I am sorry. How will I forget you? You are my best friend”
“Is it?”, said Rakesh and looked straight into her eyes. It was very clear that, he was upset with Aarthi.
“I am sorry, please! Sorry!”, pleaded Aarthi.
Rakesh calmed down, instantly, by her mesmerising smile.
“It's OK”, said Rakesh and smiled back.
“Are you not having anything?”, asked Aarthi.
“Ya, let me grab some salad”, said Rakesh and off he went.
As Rakesh was waiting in the queue, he couldn't resist notice Aarthi, as she was having that heavenly pizza. She hasn’t changed much, in these years. The same long hair, cheerful face, twinkling eyes and the cute smile. Only thing that he didn't appreciate was her western outfit. He only remember her as a traditional girl in Salwar, with plait and flowers. But, he knows that one has to be a Roman in Rome.
When he came back, they continued their talk.
“So are you employed here Aarthi?”
“No, I have come on deputation, for an year, as of now”
“OK. Where are you staying right now?”
“In a Studio, in the LakeView Apartment. It is just five minutes walk from here”
“Yes, I know that place. Are you sharing?”
“Share what? Pizza?”
“Never knew you are this smart. I meant your studio”
“Ohhh!!!”, exclaimed Aarthi and laughed at herself. She then continued, “No Rakesh, I am staying alone. Doesn't like staying with anyone”
“Hmm”
“What about you?”
“Same way, alone in a Studio at The Pivot”
“Where is it?”
“A couple of minutes down the road, from yours”
“Really? That's great”
“Yes. Then, how is everybody, back in India?”
“All are good”, and they continued chatting about family and friends.
No comments:
Post a Comment