Page 17 of Since You Came Along

Over lunch, she recounted her farewell party in Delhi to Siya and Swayam. The memory of her students giving her handmade cards brought a lump to her throat even now.

‘If I make you a handmade card for your wedding, does that mean I can skip buying a gift?’ Swayam teased with a grin.

Before Meera could reply, Siya smacked him on the head. ‘Don’t be ridiculous!’ she scolded.

Laughing, Swayam protested, ‘Of course I’m getting her a gift! No need to get violent.’

Meera joined in and said, ‘I’m sure Siya’s already picked one out for you.’

Swayam frowned. ‘You told her?’ he asked Siya, looking betrayed.

‘She didn’t have to. You just did,’ Meera quipped. ‘I’ve known you for years, so I know how horrible you are at picking gifts.’

The girls burst into laughter as Swayam pouted. ‘Hey! I give awesome gifts!’ he argued.

‘Sure, you do,’ Siya retorted, smirking. ‘Remember what you bought for her birthday in college?’

Swayam grinned. ‘A box of tissues is practical! Meera cries over everything. It was thoughtful!’

Meera glared at him while Siya shook her head in disbelief.

Meera’s phone rang, cutting through the banter. Seeing Raghav’s name, her lips curved into a smile. ‘Hey,’ she answered.

‘Hey, you,’ he replied warmly. She could picture his boyish grin. ‘Sorry, I couldn’t pick you up at the airport. The meeting ran late. Did you have a safe flight?’

‘I did,’ she said. ‘How was your day?’

Before their conversation could go on, Swayam snatched the phone from her hand. ‘Raghav! Back me up here,’ he shouted. ‘Meera cries at everything. One time, a kid kissed her cheek on a bus, and she cried. And don’t even get me started on MasterChef episodes!’

Her cheeks burned. ‘Give that back!’ Meera hissed, lunging at him, but Swayam held the phone out of reach, laughing.

‘So, wasn’t the tissue box a wonderful gift?’ Swayam pressed.

When Meera wrestled the phone back, Raghav was chuckling on the other end. ‘Don’t listen to him. Ignore everything he said,’ she huffed.

‘Too late,’ Raghav teased. ‘Now I can’t stop imagining you crying over baking episodes. It’s adorable.’

‘Ugh! You’re as bad as him,’ she groaned, smothering the urge to hit Swayam again. It was a wonder the guy didn’t walk around with a permanent headache, considering how often he provoked the girls into smacking him for his nonsense.

‘You’re cute when you’re annoyed,’ Raghav remarked. ‘So, how’s your day going?’

She relaxed into the conversation. ‘It’s been good. The faculty meeting went well. The head of department is one of my old professors, so it was lovely to catch up with her.’

‘That’s great to hear. Meera, I can’t wait to see you. I’m excited to show you the apartment.’

‘I can’t wait either.’

‘Oh, that reminds me,’ Meera said. ‘I’m cooking dinner at Swayam's place tonight. I’d love it if you, Abhay, and Luv join us. Are they free?’

‘They’ll be over the moon. They’ve been surviving on takeaway and are desperate for home-cooked food. I’ll let them know.’

‘Perfect. But drop me back by seven, okay? I need to get everything ready.’

As they hung up, Meera felt a sense of calm. The thought of Raghav, his excitement, and the future they were building together filled her with quiet hope.

Chapter 8

An hour later, Meera and Raghav were on their way to see the apartment. Raghav drove with one hand on the wheel, the other resting on the gear. His crisp white shirt had the sleeves rolled up, revealing muscular forearms that Meera couldn’t help but notice. He’d grown a beard, and the rugged look suited him.

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