It had been over 6 hours since we started from the village, our journey filled with multiple detours, pit stops at eateries, and scenic photo opportunities. So caught up in the adventure, we'd almost lost track of time. As the sun began its descent, painting the sky with soft hues of pink, the chilly winds grew stronger, reminding us that our destination was now only two hours away. With exhaustion creeping in, we decided to stick to the highway, avoiding any more detours, as we longed to reach Ganesan uncle's house in time for dinner.

The twilight hours cast longer shadows on the road, and we continued to listen to our music, enjoying the sense of freedom the open road offered.

But just when we thought our journey was smooth sailing, we encountered an unexpected obstacle. On one of the busiest highways, just a few yards away from the toll booth, a massive traffic jam had brought everything to a standstill. It was a frustrating sight, and we were caught off guard, finding ourselves trapped in the middle of the road. As we inquired with fellow travelers, they informed us about a collision between two large lorries, causing their cargo to spill onto the road. Until the mess was cleared and deemed safe for travel, all vehicles had to remain stationary. There was no easy way to reroute or turn back, so like the rest of the crowd, we had no choice but to wait.

I couldn't help but tease Krish, saying, "This is why you need a car." He responded with an amused, dismissive glance.

We decided to get off our bikes and find a spot by the roadside to wait. Tall bushes with a mix of green leaves and dried weeds lined both sides of the road. A few scattered shops and eateries provided some respite. Not far from where we'd stopped, a small tire puncture repair shop had some empty crates we could use to sit on. We settled down and impatiently awaited the clearing of the traffic.

Around 7 PM, as darkness descended, I took a moment to send a message to my dad, keeping him updated on my whereabouts. This was a nightly ritual, as it was the time he usually checked his messages. He hardly ever called me on weekends, opting for a quick text instead. Today was no exception; he replied with his usual acknowledgment. His reply gave no indication that he was aware of the events of yesterday. I wondered if Grandma was a master of keeping secrets, or if they simply never discussed family matters. My father's relationship with this maternal side of the family had always been a mystery to me. I struggled to recall him interacting with them on the few occasions they met.

Distracted by these thoughts, my phone rang, and a WhatsApp call from Tyler appeared on the screen. I hesitated for a moment, then muted the phone and left it untouched. After the ringing stopped, I received a message from him, asking me to call him when I had the time. Another message followed a minute later, expressing his apologies for his reaction the previous day and requesting that we talk.

I sighed and debated whether to engage in a conversation. Finally, at Krish's gentle nudge, I reluctantly agreed to make the call. I picked up the phone and braced myself for what was to come.

"Hey," I greeted Tyler, my voice sounding composed despite my internal turmoil.

"Vee? How are you?" he inquired, concern lacing his voice.

"I'm okay, Ty. What's up?" I replied, my tone distant.

"Where are you, Vee? I hear a lot of noise," he observed, indicating his awareness of my situation.

"I'm out and can't fully hear you," I offered as an excuse.

"Okay, listen. I'm really sorry about yesterday. I wasn't ready to listen, and I'm sorry for that. I should have been there for you. I know I judged you too soon, and I thought about it all day and realized what a jerk I've been," Tyler confessed, his voice heavy with remorse.

"Ty, I forgive you," I replied, my words coming out quicker than my true feelings. I didn't want to delve into this conversation again.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his concern palpable.

"I'm more than okay," I replied, forcing a smile in Krish's direction, who sat beside me, returning the gesture without intruding.

"I wish I was there with you," Tyler added, his voice filled with longing.

"Yeah," I nodded, though my heart wasn't entirely in agreement.

"Promise me you'll take care of yourself, and call me when you get time," Tyler requested, a touch of sadness lingering in his words.

"Okay, Ty," I agreed, despite my mixed emotions.

"I miss you," Tyler confessed, his voice soft and weighted with emotion.

Yet, the words I'd been avoiding found it challenging to leave my lips. I felt a sense of anger and reluctance, which I kept hidden. "Miss you too," I whispered into the phone, attempting to sound sincere, even though the expression on my face would have told a different story.

"I'll call you later," I stated, my voice growing more distant, and then I hung up. Krish and I sat in silence, and I couldn't help but wonder what he thought of the entire conversation. It was apparent that my interactions with Tyler had become a complicated web of emotions and misunderstandings.

We waited by the roadside for over an hour, and when the first signs of the traffic clearing emerged, we eagerly got back on our bikes. Within 20 minutes, we were back on the road, even though our schedule was significantly delayed. We had informed Ganesan uncle about the situation, and he was understanding.

A few hours later, we reached their house. It was late, and the neighborhood was shrouded in silence. The only sounds were the chirping of crickets and the distant ringing of bells. The entire family was up to greet us warmly, and we were treated to a hearty dinner before being directed to our rooms. I was to share a room with Nandhini, and I looked forward to reuniting with her after such a long time. It promised to be a night filled with stories and laughter. I hadn't had the chance to bunk with anyone for months, as I lacked close girlfriends here with whom to share my stories. After changing into our nightwear, we settled into our beds and began catching up on everything.

Nandhini recounted her college experiences, sharing that she was in her final year and eagerly anticipated graduation. She regaled me with stories of her friends, gossip, and life on campus. I, in turn, recounted the events with Surya and how Krish had come to my aid.

"You should have listened to Krish. Anyway, I'm glad you're safe,", she said with concern evident on her face.

I flushed with embarrassment. We continued talking throughout the night, sharing stories, and even indulging in some light Instagram stalking of friends. It was refreshing to spend time with her, and it offered a temporary escape from my own problems. Yet, while my mind was temporarily distracted, a part of it couldn't help but wander to where Krish was, just a few rooms down the hall.

Krish was having a peculiar effect on me. He wasn't my usual type, and I had convinced myself that my mind was merely playing tricks on me, seeking distraction from my complicated feelings. But, as the night wore on, I couldn't help but wonder: Was I falling in love again?

That night, sleep remained elusive. Despite my fatigue, my mind refused to settle, tangled in a web of complicated emotions and thoughts. Perhaps it was the weight of those unresolved matters, or maybe it was the unfamiliar surroundings. I woke up before Nandhini stirred, and the room was steeped in early morning light. She lay there, fast asleep, as the sun had already climbed high into the sky. The sounds of passing vehicles outside the window were a reminder that the world was already in motion. I decided to step out onto the balcony for a breath of fresh air, and what awaited me was nothing short of incredible.

There, in the front yard, I found Krish engaged in a yoga session. He wore tight shorts and a snug white vest, his body glistening with sweat as the sun's rays caressed every contour, making him sparkle like a precious gem. He moved with grace and precision, transitioning from one yoga pose to another. In a wide-legged stance, he seamlessly shifted into a tree pose, his balance impeccable, not a hint of wobble. I marveled at his perfect poise and flexibility, wondering if he was as strong as he appeared. As if reading my thoughts, he proceeded to execute a handstand, slowly elevating his legs into the air. It felt like witnessing magic—someone with such complete control over their body was a feat I could only dream of achieving. I was so entranced that I didn't realize I'd been staring until Krish looked up, catching me in the act. An instant flush of embarrassment washed over me, and I quickly looked away, offering a casual wave and a timid "Good morning."

"Good morning! Want to join me?" he asked with a friendly smile.

My response was hesitant. "Uhm, of course. No, no. I'm good," I chuckled nervously.

Krish laughed at my shyness and resumed his yoga practice. I turned away from the balcony, my heart still racing from the unexpected encounter.

The rest of the day passed like a pleasant breeze. We set up a makeshift badminton court and took turns playing. Sometimes, I teamed up with Nandhini, and Krish partnered with a neighbor. Other times, I found myself playing alongside Krish. The games carried on for hours, with the elders on the sidelines cheering us on. When we finally wore ourselves out, we passed the rackets to the men of the house, who were determined to prove their competitive spirit and impress their wives, who were watching. Krish and the other uncles continued to play, while Nandhini and I settled down for a break.

As we sat there, another neighbor, a supposedly nosy lady, joined us to watch the game. She turned to Nandhini's mom and inquired about Krish. Nandhini whispered to me that the lady was eagerly looking for a match for her daughter. In a surprising twist, Nandhini's grandmother interjected with a statement that would send my heart racing. She casually mentioned that Krish was an eligible bachelor but was already taken, hinting that he was destined to marry either me or Nandhini. My world seemed to freeze for a moment. I blushed deeply but concealed my emotions, pretending not to have heard. Little did I know that this seemingly innocuous comment would mark the turning point in my life, forever altering my path.

What do you think of the story so far?

And who's your favorite character?