When Kirti was requesting to continue her story, her female colleagues jumped in, excitedly saying, "Hey, don't stop! Keep going with the story!" Kirti was used to this kind of thing happening, so it didn't surprise her this time. Without any fuss, she watched as Diana smoothly carried on with the story.

(Diana continued her story.)

When the girl figured out that the guy might not have enough money for another meal, she didn't want to bring it up. So, she just said, "Really? You love my cooking that much?" He replied with a simple "Yep" and a friendly smile. She teased him, saying, "How can you know that? You haven't even tried the food here." Seeing the guy look a bit confused, the girl continued playfully, "Give it a taste first, then decide whose food is better."

Showing her intentions, she scooped up some food with a spoon and held it in front of the guy, silently inviting him to take a bite. Recognizing her subtle gesture, the guy understood that the girl wanted him to taste the food. Without hesitation, he accepted the offer and took a bite. While savoring the flavors, a tear welled up in his eye, expressing the unexpected delight the simple act brought him.

Observing his teary reaction, the girl remarked, "Was the food so tasty that it brought tears to your eyes?" He responded, "No, it's just a bit spicy, that's all." Not convinced, the girl took a bite and casually commented, "It's not that spicy." He quickly replied, "Maybe my bite was a tad too spicy." They both shared a laugh and continued to enjoy their dinner together..

(After finishing the story, she started talking more about love.)

"The story, though not a grand tale, but it beautifully portrays the guy's expression of love for his girl. The simple act of sharing food becomes a poignant symbol of their mutual understanding and connection.

Reflecting on love, I see it as an extraordinary emotion that often takes root within us unconsciously. It defies a clear explanation of why we develop affection for a particular person, being, or thing; rather, we find ourselves immersed in love without a discernible cause. This profound feeling surpasses the comforts offered by mere luxuries.

While it's possible that my perspective may be flawed or incorrect, but the essence of love lies in the feelings of trust, support, and understanding that emanate from our cherished relationships. These intangible elements contribute to the greatness of love, elevating it beyond the confines of material comforts and highlighting its significance in our lives."

Kirti, after hearing the story, smiled and said, "That's a really nice story, and your thoughts on love are touching. I hope I get to experience something like that someday." Diana responded, "Maybe." The two of them shared a good laugh, finding joy in the connection they shared and the unpredictability that often comes with the journey of love.

A few days later, as Kirti was heading to the team leader's cabin, she noticed Robin coming out of the presentation room. He seemed pretty happy about something. When Robin saw Kirti, he asked, "Are you going to the team leader's cabin?" She replied, "Yes, sir."

Robin, with a cheerful vibe, said, "Sir? Do I look like a 35-50 years old guy? Just call me by my name, Robin. My team members call me Robin or leader. Since you're joining my team, you can also call me Robin or leader." Kirti smiled and said, "Ok, leader." He grinned and said, "That's my girl." They both walked to the team leader's cabin together, ready to get back to their respective works.

During lunchtime, with only Kirti and Diana at the table, Kirti curiously asked, "I saw Robin coming out from the presentation room." Suddenly, Diana's demeanor shifted, as if she were trying to hide something. She quickly responded, "Oh, he just came to discuss the presentation of his project."

Kirti, sensing there might be more to it, questioned, "Is that so, or is there something more going on?" The air became subtly charged with intrigue as Kirti sought to unravel the mystery behind Robin's visit to the presentation room.

Out of the blue, all the female colleagues gathered around, encouraging, "Come on, spill the beans!" Frustrated by their insistence, Diana couldn't hold back and shouted, "There is nothing, guys. Just leave me alone and go do your own thing." Disappointed, everyone left, expressing their annoyance.

Feeling regretful, Kirti said, "Sorry for making you angry."

Diana reassured, "It's okay." Then, in a hushed tone, she shared, "Actually, Robin and I have known each other since childhood." This revelation triggered Kirti's curiosity, and she eagerly inquired, "Really? What class did you guys first meet in? And where was the first meeting? Please tell me."

Diana, with a gentle smile, said, "Calm down, calm down. I am not going anywhere. Our first meeting happened at a tuition center. I attended a local tuition near my house, which was held in our sir's residence. We used to sit on mats during lectures. In the 5th grade, a new guy joined our tuition, and that was Robin. He was quite reserved, didn't engage in many conversations. Always silent, he preferred sitting in the corner of the room."

"In our tuition, our sir would frequently conduct exams on the material from the previous class as a revision. Anyone not performing up to the mark had to keep studying until they mastered those questions by staying there. Robin, unfortunately, often found himself standing outside till late at night due to this discipline. Despite the persistent punishment, he never left the tuition, and his improvement was minimal. Living close to the coaching center, I would often witness him standing outside with a book in his hand."

"One day, upon returning from the grocery store with a bag full of essentials, I noticed Robin standing outside the tuition center, as usual, holding a book. Curious, I asked, "Don't you study at home?" Robin looked up at me and replied, "I do study." Intrigued, I inquired, "Then why do you always stand outside the tuition center?" He opened up, saying, "No matter how much I study, I struggle to remember it properly. I've even asked my mother, but all she says is to work hard." While expressing this, tears welled up in his eyes, revealing the emotional weight of his efforts."

"As our conversation unfolded, the tuition sir emerged from his house and, without scanning the surroundings, questioned Robin, "Who are you talking to?" When he noticed me stepping outside, he exclaimed, "Oh, Diana, you! What brings you here at this time?" I responded, "Sir, I went to buy some groceries. On my way back, I noticed him standing here, so I was just inquiring about what he's been up to. Isn't it quite late for him to still be here?" "

After hearing what I said, the sir took a moment to think and then agreed, "You're correct." He turned to Robin and asked, "Did you finish reading?" Robin didn't say anything; he just lowered his head as both the sir and I looked at him. The sir advised, "If you study half-heartedly, it'll be tough to make progress and get good grades. Put in the effort. Understand?" Robin responded quietly, "Yes, sir."

"The sir then instructed Robin, "Pack up your things and head home. Make sure to go over your notes for the next class. Got it?" Robin nodded, "Yes, sir." The sir added, "And walk with Diana to her home; it's getting late." Once again, Robin responded with a simple, "Yes, sir." I interjected, "No, sir. I have my usual route, and I'm used to walking alone. There's no need for him to accompany me." The sir insisted, "Still, let him walk with you. You never know. Robin, go and grab your things quickly."

"Hearing the sir's insistence, I found myself unable to argue further. Robin went into the room, packed his belongings, and then emerged, saying to me, "Let's go." We sought permission from the sir and began our walk. After covering some distance, I couldn't help but ask him, "Don't you have any motivation to study?" "

"He responded, "Motivation!" as if he was hearing that word for the first time. Undeterred, I explained, "Yes, motivation. My dad always says, 'We need motivation to do or achieve something. Don't you have any motivation for doing or achieving anything?'" In earnest, he replied, "Where can I find that motivation? Can you help me? I don't know where to look for it, and even if I find it, will it really make a difference?" "

"Seeing his genuine interest, I was taken aback. I told him, "You know, motivation is not something you find out there. It comes from inside us. For me, it's about making my parents happy and proud. That's why I work hard. You can find something you really want, something that inspires you. Maybe it's for your parents or someone important to you. Do you get what I'm saying?" He nodded thoughtfully, bowing his head as he absorbed my words."

"Curious, I asked, "What's going on? Why are you bowing your head? Don't you love your parents?" With a heavy sigh, he shared, "I don't have any parents. They abandoned me at the church when I was born because they didn't want me. Since then, the mothers and sisters at the church took care of me." While narrating this, he wiped away tears with the sleeve of his t-shirt."

"In that moment, feeling unsure of what to do, I instinctively comforted him, saying, "Don't cry. Your parents did a bad thing, but you're a good person. So, please don't cry. If you cry, it will make me cry too." While saying this, tears welled up in my own eyes. In an effort to break the emotional moment, I instructed him firmly, "Stand here and first wipe your tears." As he complied, we stood in an unexpected silence under the streetlight, both of us quietly wiping away our tears."