Page 5 of Since You Came Along

Meera asked, ‘With whom?’

‘Me,’ he clarified, the words slipping out more easily now.

A smile played at her lips as she said, ‘I’d love to.’

They exchanged numbers and agreed to meet the next day. Meera suggested a nearby café and promised to send directions. As they were about to leave, Damini told Raghav and Abhay they were always welcome.

Meera exclaimed, ‘Wait! One moment. I’ll be back.’

She came back with a basket of goodies and a wrapped leaf on top. She handed it to Gayatri & Trinay and said, ‘Dad really wished to be here but the meeting came up last minute. He mentioned you like these cookies. And thegajrais for you, Aunty. I hope you like it.’

Trinay patted her shoulder. Gayatri pulled her into a warm hug. ‘I love it. Thank you so much.’

Watching their interaction, Abhay leaned closer to Raghav and murmured, ‘She’s a keeper, Raag. You should give her a real chance.’

Raghav said nothing then, but the words echoed in his mind all the way home. He wished to do so, give her a chance, but he knew the only way he could do that was to come clean about his past.

Chapter 3

The crisp morning air hinted at the end of winter. The sunlight painted golden patterns on the trees, casting warm reflections on the nearby buildings. The lakeside café was a welcome escape from the bustling city outside. Inside, the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air.

Vibrant paintings of rainbow spirals, interwoven with intricate quotes and patterns, adorned the walls. They reminded him of Meera’s sketches, almost as if this space was an extension of her mind. He could see why she had chosen this spot.

Raghav had arrived half an hour early, picking a corner seat by the window for the beautiful view. The lake shimmered under the sunlight, a peaceful contrast to the nervous energy churning inside him.

Although yesterday had gone well, he had come here today with no expectations. Raghav didn’t want to mislead her or give her false hopes. Even if all he walked away with today was her friendship, it would still be enough.

He fiddled with a sugar packet, crumpling its edges between his fingers. The café door creaked open, but it wasn’t until a soft, familiar voice broke his thoughts that he noticed. It took him a moment to realise Meera was standing in front of him.

Meera noticed a distant look on his face and felt a knot form in her stomach. Maybe he had changed his mind about meeting her, or was figuring out how to let her down gently.

Her worry faded the moment their eyes met. His expression softened, and a smile lit up his face. He stood up, pushing his chair back.

‘Sorry, Meera. I was lost in my thoughts,’ Raghav said, his voice warm. ‘Please, sit.’

As she settled into the chair, she took a moment to look at him. Yesterday, he’d been in a crisp shirt, but today, he was dressed casually in blue jeans, a burgundy t-shirt, and a black leather jacket that seemed to fit him effortlessly.

It seemed he’d run his hand through his hair a few times, tousling it, and the hint of a beard on his jaw gave him a rugged look. He smiled at her, and for a moment, her heart skipped a beat.

‘This is a great place. I haven’t been here before, but I can see myself coming often,’ Raghav said, picking up the sugar packet he’d been playing with.

‘I’m glad you like it,’ Meera said, her voice light with relief. ‘My friends and I have been coming here since our college days. It’s our favourite spot.’

‘I can see why.’

‘You’ll love the coffee here. They do make hazelnut brew with almond milk and cinnamon sugar,’ she added, reaching for the menu, even though she knew it by heart.

She felt two light taps on her menu and looked up to find Raghav looking confused. ‘How did you know how I take my coffee?’

‘Oh, Abhay whispered it to me when you were leaving. He told me to find a place you could drink it so you wouldn’t be cranky.’

Raghav laughed, shaking his head. ‘I’ll deal with him later.’

‘Don’t hurt him! He did me a favour,’ Meera protested, her eyes twinkling.

‘I’ve got to teach him a lesson on bro code,’ he said, grinning.

‘Isn’t he your co-founder? Doesn’t your company have rules against harassing partners?’ she teased.

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