I borrowed a car from my maamaa. Ravi maamaa owned three cars, a MINI Cooper, BMW X5, and Range Rover. I chose the lesser of the three evils and took the MINI Cooper, at least I don't have to worry about a lengthy car.

I showcased the key chain in front of Sai, just to irritate him and he rose significantly to the occasion.

"He gave you his MINI Cooper!" he said indignantly.

"Sai, he offered me all three of his cars for me to pick."

"He offered his Range Rover?" he asked in outrage.

Ravi maamaa walked in, "Are you even my dad!" Sai asked angrily.

"You should ask your mom if you doubt me."

"How can you offer her your Range Rover, when I begged to borrow it repeatedly just for a single damn day"

"If you promise you will join the SA Hospital for your residency, I can buy you a Range Rover."

"No, thank you, you can keep your Range Rover," Sai mumbled.

Ravi maamaa shook his head disappointedly, "I don't know what's gotten into the youth's mind these days. My own son refuses to join my hospital. No sense of responsibility."

Sai huffed, "You won't understand," and left.

"Ungrateful fellow. I have worked all my life to build the SA Hospital. He reaps all the advantages but doesn't want to work. He is going to be an f-ing doctor who won't work in his own hospital."

"Maamaa, I understand why Sai doesn't want to work there."

"I knew you would side with him."

"Maamaa, please don't get angry. Sai wants people to recognize him for his work, not because he owns the hospital. If he joins the SA everyone would say he had it easy because his father owns the hospital."

"I understand, but people would talk wherever he works. Why does he care about what others talk."

"Maamaa, if he has to inherit the hospital from you, he needs respect from the people who work for him."

"Do you think working there is not respectful?"

"I didn't mean it like that. He isn't saying he would never work there. He just doesn't want to be forced."

Ravi maamaa let out an angry huff, but I continued before he could retort.

"Your dream was to build your hospital from scratch. Sai has his own dreams. You, of all people, should understand and respect his decision. You got the opportunity to give life to your dream. Why should Sai live his father's dream and not his? Just let him decide when he wants to join."

"Just like your mother, you have your way with words."

"I like your understanding rather than the compliment."

"Fine, let him decide."

"Thanks," I kissed my maamaa's cheek. "And you should let him borrow your Range Rover."

Maamaa just chuckled as I left.

I went to the premises where our school volleyball team was hosted. Heads turned as I parked the MINI Copper and headed in. Senthil and the rest of the team were watching a match.

Senthil's reaction when he saw me was worth the surprise.

"What are you doing here?"

"I came to take you out on a date."

Senthil blushed furiously, looking around to check whether someone overheard us. In fact, it was unnecessary, as everyone already did. I had no reason to keep our relationship secret. "Come," I said and pulled Senthil to the car.

"I missed you," I said.

"I missed you more," he took my hands and squeezed them gently. Now it was my turn to blush.

"Where are we going?" Senthil asked as I drove.

"I want to buy you a gift."

"There is no need," he protested.

"Did I ever tell you 'no need' when you bought me dhavani? I want to buy you good shoes."

"Ok," he smiled.

We stopped at the shop Sai recommended.

"Go in and look around, I need to use the restroom. Will join in a few sec."

When I got back, Senthil was standing outside.

"Why are you waiting outside, come," I held his hand, but he didn't move.

"Ananya, I don't -" before he could finish his protest, I put my finger to his mouth.

"You are getting a pair of shoes and I don't want to hear any more of it." We walked hand in hand.

The assistant at the shop greeted me enthusiastically, "Good morning, Madam, please come this way we have a brand new collection of women's shoes."

I smiled back and said, "No, not for me, please take us to the men's section."

The assistant gave Senthil an obstinate look, before saying, "This way, mam."

Senthil's hold on me tightened as though he was angry. I placed my other hand on his arms and whispered, "Senthil are you alright?"

He nodded curtly, not looking at me. I placed my hands on his cheeks and forced him to look at me, "Senthil?"

He relaxed when our eyes met, "I am fine, but can we buy the shoe somewhere else?"

"Sure," I agreed and we left the shop.

We finally stopped in a Reebok showroom and what's more, we found matching shoes. Senthil freaked a little on the bill, but I was able to shut down his protest.

"Can you look back while I reverse?" I asked Senthil.

"Wait, I will get down and help."

"No need, I will look in the mirror. Just for added precaution."

Mini Cooper has a back camera and sensors to alert before a crash, but that's not why I wanted him to turn. He turned and checked whether the road was clear, I quickly scooped in and kissed his cheeks. He looked up in surprise.

"I love you," I mumbled.

His eyes were blazing as he replied "Love you more."