Sober Up

5 mins later, Kriti walked out of the exit with my things. I took them from her and checked everything. 

"Don't worry. You like keeping everything neatly packed all the time. As if you're always ready to escape from any place." Kriti said.

"My grandaunt taught me that. She was the matriarch of my family. If not for her, today I wouldn't be here. She single-handedly brought the entire family from East Pakistan's Munshiganj to India's Kolkata during the Bengal Liberation War. She kept telling everyone that one must keep things ready so that when things go south, one mustn't fear to run away while leaving things behind." I reminisced.

"Here, stand properly. Let me tie this real quick." Kriti said, coming dangerously close to my face. She tied the handkerchief on my head and put on the helmet. This proximity made my face flush, reminding me of the kiss I just shared with her. 

"Hop on." She said and continued, "You haven't had dinner yet. Let me take you to a restaurant and let's have dinner. Then I'll drop you off at your doorstep." 

I obediently listened to her and hopped onto the bike. Passing through the narrow lanes and traffic areas of Bangalore while smelling her scent that was lingering from her jacket, and holding her waist so close, made me have thoughts. Thoughts that I am not proud to tell. 

She stopped near a small local restaurant and parked her bike. "Let's have dinner."

When we entered the restaurant, every waiter seemed to know her. She took a table facing the outside with high chairs. "Sit here. I'll go order us some food." Kriti said. 

"Ok." I nodded. 

Kriti ordered something, and I was guarding the helmets. I kept stealing glances at Kriti, just like that day. 

After 7 minutes, Kriti came holding two plates of noodles and said, "Wait, the manchurian is coming. You can start eating if you feel hungry. Don't wait for me in that case." 

But I waited. If it were someone else, I would have started eating, not bothering with manners. Somehow, I waited for her. I didn't even pick up the warm fork. Once Kriti came with the manchurian, she sat beside me. 

She looked like she was chilly from the wind, so I started to remove the leather jacket, but Kriti stopped me. "What are you doing? Keep it on." She said. 

"I have my sweater. You're feeling cold. Wear your jacket, I can wear my sweater." I said. 

"Your sweater is neatly folded into your bag, and it's barely thick enough to keep you warm. I am wearing thermals inside." Kriti said. 

"I don't believe you," I said. 

"Here, look," Kriti said, rolling her shirt sleeves to show the thermals. 

"Fine, I'll wear," I said, and ate my noodles.

Kriti smiled, and I saw it from the corner of my eye. I blushed and focused on eating more. 

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Siddharth was on a video call with Jaya once he got into the taxi. He left the party early, after he paid for his, Kriti's and Jui's share of the bill. He had noticed what happened between them and was curious about how things would be in future. It wasn't like he wanted to eavesdrop on them; it's just that Jui was his younger cousin. 

Jaya had reached Kolkata and settled down after the rush of travelling. She was in a hospital ward, looking weary. 

"How are things at your end, Ollie?" Siddharth asked. 

"Not good. The surgeon is positive about the success rate of the surgery, but Dad's health is not good. Mom has fainted from the news. My aunts have taken her to the family house. My grandmother hasn't spoken a word yet. She is busier keeping the kids in order. My aunts are taking turns keeping the house in order. Everyone has taken a flight to return to the main house. Even the househelps are not leaving." Jaya said. 

"Should I come? I'll book the tickets quickly." Siddharth asked. "I will take some of the load off. I have connections with the hospital chairman." 

"My cousin is a cardiologist. Don't worry, I'll manage." Jaya said. 

"You know what, I'll sober up a bit and get myself a plane ticket. I need to be there. You're all alone there." Siddharth said. 

"Ranga. I am not alone. My cousins have gone upstairs to the cafeteria to have dinner. I already had two sandwiches on the plane as my dinner, so I didn't join them." Jaya said. 

Siddharth said," Only two sandwiches! Ollie!"

Jaya said," I am full. I swear on Goddess Kali."

"Ok. I believe you. But later on, have something if you feel hungry." Siddharth said and continued, "Also, I have to discuss with you. It's regarding Jasmine and that a******. "