*This picture is of Sidharth and Neha. 

I texted Sidharth to pick me up at 6:30 pm and he promptly arrived. He texted me that he was waiting for me at the front of the house. I rushed downstairs with all the books and got into his car.

"Hey! Thanks for picking me up. I hope you don't mind."

He smiled and said,"anything for you."

"So tell me about your life in the States."

"Well Jas, I love my family, I would do anything for them. I love soccer and volleyball. I am not too shabby at cricket. I am a sucker for the Notebook, don't tell anyone. I love Italian and Indian food. It has always been my desire to explore the world and of course, India had to be my first stop. Tell me about yourself."

"Ah, well I love Indian and Italian food too. Nothing beats  pani puri. I love reading books and taking long walks along the Golden Gate Bridge."

I didn't want to tell him that I used to love the bridge. It hurt just to think about that place anymore. I shook those thoughts out and continued talking.

"I love family nights where we just enjoy playing board games together and I am a huge sucker for Indian weddings. They're so classy. I have been backpacking across Europe and I absolutely love Greece's Santorini Island. It is breathtaking! Have you heard of Santorini?"

"Yes, I have and I really want to go to Greece and Italy. I just love the rich culture they have and how the ancient empires have developed these countries so beautifully."

"Oh my god, I feel the same way. I love when people can understand what I am talking about."

He smiled wide and slowed down the car as we reached his place. His house was stunning and huge. I loved the garden up front and the beautiful fountains of cupid in his front yard. He took me into his house and we started on work right away. We would occasionally make small talk but we were completely focused on the report. I was surprised by his work ethic but I liked how well we worked together. I called Mira to tell her that I am going to stay overnight at Sid's place finishing up our report. 

"Hey, Jas, let's take a coffee/tea break. It will help boost our energy."

"Sure, can I help you make the tea/coffee?"

"Of course, what would you like to have?"

We both decided to have tea and went downstairs to his kitchen to make some chai. 

"So Jas, is this your first time in India?"

"Yes, actually. My parents try to take me every year but somehow, the plans always end up being canceled. So far, it seems like a vibrant place and I am enjoying it. I am surprisingly not friendless here."

"What? You could never be friendless. You're too beautiful and kind."

I blushed when he said that but he kept going about making the chai. 

"How about you Sid?"

"Same here. I was too scared to come thinking that it would be a third world country and etc. However, once I took an interest in archaeology, I forgot about all these things and only focused on the culture of each country. And....Here is your chai, Jas."

"Thanks Sid, can we go watch some tv before we start on our work?"

Sid said yes and took me to his living room to watch some television. We flipped through the channels and decided on watching teletoon. We talked for a little while and before I knew it I started dozing off to sleep. 

Random POV

Sidharth slowly moved Jas off his shoulder and carried her to Neha's room to lay her on the bed. He grabbed a blanket to cover her with and sat there watching over her as he made some finishing touches to the report. As he worked,  the doorbell rang and he walked down to see who it was. Neha was back from her meeting and he told her how Jas fell asleep. As Jas slept, Sidharth and Neha mumbled to each other quietly about something...

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Hey guys, I know this is a short chapter but I am trying to cover some of the plot before my holidays finish. I understand that most of this is filler but you get to see the protagonists' friendship blossom. There are a ton of errors and I will get around to editing them.

Thank you lovelies for reading and please don't forget to vote if you like it! Comment below with any suggestions you have or just to converse with me. Happy holidays <3