Page 32 of Since You Came Along

Kusha nodded and offered a polite smile before shaking her hand.

When the silence stretched, Meera tried again. ‘How was your flight? You must be hungry.’

‘Yeah,’ Kusha replied tersely, her tone clipped, giving no further response.

Meera studied her carefully. Kusha was stunning. Her sharp cheekbones, light brown eyes, and raven-black hair tied in a top bun gave her a chic look. But there was something guarded in her posture, a subtle stiffness that hinted at disapproval.

When Kusha offered another withdrawn smile, Meera raised a questioning eyebrow, hoping to break the tension.

Oblivious to the simmering tension between them, Raghav exclaimed. ‘We missed you at the wedding, buddy! It wasn’t the same without you.’

When Kusha turned to Raghav, her expression softened. She adored him, that much was obvious.

Meera watched the easy affection between them and decided it was okay if Kusha didn’t like her. As long as Kusha treated their relationship with respect, she would accept the situation.

They returned to the living room, where Meera took a seat next to Siya on the couch. Raghav introduced Kusha to Swayam, while Luv was busy complaining about how he’d had to cancel a date to be here.

‘Next time, at least give me some notice,’ Luv grumbled, earning a playful punch from Abhay.

Siya leaned in close to Meera and whispered, low enough not to be overheard, ‘Is there a problem with her?’

Meera hesitated before responding. ‘I don’t know. Raghav and Abhay told me so much about her. She seems great. But it feels like she’s not comfortable with me.’

Siya chimed in, ‘Can I help in any way?’

Meera shrugged. ‘It doesn’t matter. As long as she’s nice to all of you, it’s fine. It doesn’t matter whether she likes me.’

Siya reached out to squeeze her shoulder. The reassuring gesture made Meera smile, though a faint sadness lingered. Deep down, she wanted to be friends with Kusha, but if Kusha wasn’t interested, Meera wouldn’t push.

A moment later, Raghav called her over. He was sitting with his guitar, tuning the strings. Meera walked over and stood next to him, watching as he adjusted the instrument.

She laughed at something he mumbled and rested a hand on his shoulder to steady herself as she leaned closer to see what he was doing.

Across the room, Siya observed them. It was clear they were slowly but surely finding their way to each other. She made up her mind then. As long as Raghav and Meera cared for each other, nothing else mattered.

The evening settled into a comforting hum as everyone gathered around for pizza and drinks. Meera offered coffee to those who needed to drive back home.

The men began planning a night out, and the women made plans for their own girls’ night. Meera turned to Kusha and said, ‘You should join us.’

Kusha gave a non-committal response. ‘I’ll let you know,’ she said, her tone measured. Meera nodded, hoping that Kusha might warm up to her with time.

Abhay announced he’d stay the night and claimed the couch, but Meera insisted he take the bedroom which Raghav slept in earlier

When Meera had fallen sick, Raghav had spent two nights sleeping on a rocking chair next to her bed. Later, she told him he could sleep on the bed. Since then, they had been sharing her room. His quiet care had touched her, and it felt surreal to think how much their relationship had evolved since then.

Meera went to their bedroom to find something comfortable for Abhay to wear. As she turned with the clothes in her hands, she noticed Kusha leaning against the doorframe. Meera waited for her to speak, sensing that Kusha had something to say.

‘You have a beautiful home,’ Kusha said, her voice calm but distant.

‘Thank you,’ Meera replied. It was a sanctuary they had built together, piece by piece.

‘Thank you for having me over.’

‘You are welcome here anytime,’ Meera said, offering an olive branch. When Kusha shrugged in answer, Meera knew she didn’t reciprocate the sentiment.

‘The guys seem to like you,’ Kusha said, almost as if testing the waters. ‘Especially Raghav.’

Meera tilted her head, unsure of where this was going. ‘I like them too. They’re great,’ she said.

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