MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

Chapter: 10

Hey guys. How are you guys doing? I'm super scared because day after tom my exam starts. VVV imp exams. Please wish me luck.

Last update before 9th Nov my exam ends.

Date: 31/10/22

Love,
A.

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The way I see it, if you want to be rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.

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SHRUTI'S P.O.V

"Why do you like Marine drive so much?" He asked as we sat at the sitting area with ice creams

"Like? I love Marine Drive. That too night time. They say Mumbai never sleeps. But when I come here at the night, it feels so calm, so surreal. A feeling which can't be felt anywhere else in Mumbai at least. When I look at the sea at night, it is so silent, I see people tired retiring to home, spending time with their loved ones after hectic day of work. Also Mumbai can get be pretty rough sometimes and the field I am in, you know how tough it can get. So I guess Marine drive gives me a calming feeling, saying it will be alright." I looked at him when I finished saying this to find him gazing at me like every time.

"What?" I narrowed my eyes.

"Nothing. Nothing." He shook his head.

"What about you? Why do you like it here?"

"Well, there's a childhood story attached to it."

"I love stories Anurag." I shrugged hinting him to share his thoughts.

"Well, then when we were young, we were not so well off like we are now. We were from lower middle class family. We used to live at our relatives house. They were very well off. Hence they lived in a fancy neighbourhood too. All those children on weekends used to go to their favourite restaurants, malls, games. Everything was very expensive there. My dad used to try to take us there but we knew it was very difficult to get so much money and spend it on such things. So once Dada and I told mom and dad to bring us here. Here no one will stop us and tell us to pay for anything. Since the it became like a ritual, come one weekends with mom dad, eat ice cream, and enjoy."

"That's really sweet. So when's the last time you came with your family here?" I asked.

"A long time ago. Actually it's been ages. After we grew up, Dada, Ananya and I, all of us became so busy in our lives, our career, our friends. I feel like we did forget to enjoy moments with mom dad. Although dada and Anu are lucky at least they live with them. I come for 30 days just like any guest and go."

"This is where we make mistake. We become so busy growing up, that we forget that our parents are also becoming old."

"You are correct. So is there anything which you guys do with your mom dad?"

"Yes. Mom loves saree shopping. So every month, dada, vahini and I go with mom for saree shopping. Dad loves to play badminton. He was a national level player in his times. So one Sunday we go with him to play Badminton." I replied.

ANURAG'S POV

See this is what I was telling you. Our conversation never really stops. It flows from one topic to another. Like a river.

I don't know how much time went, because honestly I was having such a great time with Shruti. We didn't see our watch or mobile.

We came to know about time when Shruti's dada called her.

"Yes dada I'm with Anurag. I'm fine. Yes will reach in half hour." She hung up.

She looked at me with a sad smile, "We will have to leave. It's 12:45 Am."

"Sure sure. Time really flied."

"Yeah!!"

SHRUTI's POV

We threw our ice cream cups in the dustbin and proceeded towards the car. This time again Anurag held my hand while crossing the road and led me. But this time I felt like we have been doing this for years.

We listened to Lata Mangeshkar songs while heading back. Both of us are fans of Lata didi, i found.

We reached my house in 45 minutes, which is okay time. We got down from car and stood in front of the bonnet. I didn't know I can become this shy around someone. I didn't know what to say now.

"So?"

"So..... I had a great great time Shruti."

I smiled , "Me too. I don't even remember when was the last time I talked with someone other than work so much. I really enjoyed your company Anurag."

"Thank you. Just let me know when we will be going to interrogate Rashid Ali."

"Sure thing. Mostly it will be day after tomorrow."

"See you then." He extended for handshake.

I loved this about him. He knew how much I am comfortable or not. He never did anything which would make me physically uncomfortable.

"See ya!" I gave my hand in his.

We were staring in each other's eyes, not wanting to leave . Hands still in handshake.

Just then we hear a clearing of throat.
It broke our eye contact and handshake. We looked at the e source to find Namrata vahini smiling mischievously.

"Vahini." I breathed out.

"Yes Shruti. I heard a car honk so thought to personally escort you to the house. Hi Anurag." She said coming towards us.

"Hi Vahini. How are you?" Anurag shyly replied.

"I'm good seeing you two all flushed."
Vahini replied.

"Vahini!!" I twitched my nose.

"I think I will take your leave." Anurag said to which I nodded.

"Hey Anurag please come in. Don't mind my teasing."

"Thank you but it's already late. Another time?"

"Of course. He is getting late Vahini." I decided to save Anurag for further embarrassment.

"Yeah yeah. Alrighty then. Bye."

"Bye!"

Saying Vahini took my arm and we started walking towards the elevator. I turned back to find him smiling and waving at me. I mouthed bye to him.

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