Awkward Encounters and Beating Hearts

The warm aroma of paneer butter masala filled Tanmay's apartment as he and Aditi sat across from each other, enjoying their weekend tradition of home-cooked meals. The atmosphere was cozy—just the sound of spoons clinking against plates, the occasional shared glance, and the silent understanding that they found comfort in these simple moments together.

Just as Tanmay was about to tease Aditi for stealing the last piece of paneer, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and frowned slightly.

"It's Ananya," she murmured, hesitating for a moment before picking up

.Tanmay raised an eyebrow. "Ananya from high school?"

Aditi nodded, pressing the call button.

"Hey, Ananya! Long time no see."The excitement in Ananya's voice was immediate.

 "Aditi! Oh my god, I was just thinking about you! How are you?"Aditi smiled.

 "I'm good! What's up?""I have huge news—I'm getting married!"

Aditi's eyes widened. "What?! That's amazing!"As Ananya continued excitedly, Aditi felt Tanmay's gaze on her. She glanced at him, and he smirked, mouthing, Wedding? She rolled her eyes but couldn't stop the small smile from forming.

Ananya wasn't done. "And you have to come! It's been years since we all met, and honestly, it wouldn't feel right without you there."

Aditi hesitated. Weddings meant dressing up, socializing, and small talk—none of which she particularly enjoyed. But Ananya's excitement was contagious.

Tanmay, still watching her with quiet amusement, leaned his elbow on the table and rested his chin in his palm, clearly entertained.

"Aditi?" Ananya prompted.

Aditi sighed. "Okay, okay. I'll come."

"Yes! And bring a plus one if you want!"

Aditi glanced at Tanmay again, who raised a questioning brow. She shook her head and laughed. "We'll see about that."

When she hung up, she placed her phone down and met Tanmay's gaze."So... you're going to a wedding?"

Aditi nodded. "Ananya's wedding."

Tanmay tapped his fingers on the table thoughtfully. "Then I'll take you."A

diti blinked. "What?"

He shrugged. "I'll be your plus one."

"You? At a wedding? You hate social gatherings even more than I do."

Tanmay smirked. "True. But weddings mean unlimited food, so it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make."

Aditi rolled her eyes. "Fine. But you better not leave me alone there."

He reached across the table, his fingers grazing hers as he stole the last bite of paneer she had been eyeing.

"Deal."Her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly looked away, pretending not to notice the warmth creeping up her neck.

A few days later, Tanmay was at work when his phone buzzed with a message from his dad.

Dad: Beta, call when free. Important talk

.Tanmay sighed and called back. His father picked up immediately.

"Hello, Dad? Everything okay?""

Yes, yes. Listen, there's a wedding in Delhi this weekend. Your mother and I are attending, and we'll be staying with you."T

anmay nearly choked. "Wait—what?"

"Yes. We don't want to book a hotel when you have a perfectly good apartment. We'll arrive a day before the wedding."

Tanmay's eyes widened. "Three days? Dad, I—"

"No excuses. Your mother is already packing."

The call ended before he could protest. He stared at his phone.This is bad.

Sunday afternoon.

Tanmay and Aditi were having lunch together at his apartment. It had become a routine—something they never spoke about but simply happened. Sharing food, watching movies, and enjoying these quiet moments.

Today, they had ordered snacks for their evening movie.The doorbell rang.

"That must be the delivery guy," Tanmay said from the kitchen, washing dishes. 

"Can you get it?"Aditi wiped her hands and walked over.

She opened the door.And froze. Standing there was an elderly couple. They looked familiar—not because she knew them, but because...Tanmay looked like them. Realization hit her like a wave.Oh. No. These were his parents. She was in his apartment. On a Sunday afternoon. Having lunch with him.

Oh god, they're going to think—Before she could process, his mother smiled warmly. "This is Tanmay's home, right?"

Aditi swallowed. "Uh... yes."

Before she could say anything else, Tanmay's voice rang from inside."What's taking you so long, Aditi? Did they forget the—"

He walked toward the door.And froze.

His mother smiled. "Surprise."

For a second, the world seemed to pause.Then, Aditi stammered, "Uncle, Aunty, you can come inside. I was just leaving."

His mother's sharp eyes studied her. "Leaving? But you were having lunch with him, weren't you?"

Aditi felt her breath hitch. She quickly glanced at Tanmay, who looked just as stunned. His father chuckled. "Don't scare the girl, dear. She looks like she's about to run away."I want to run away.

Tanmay cleared his throat. "Uh... Mom, Dad, this is Aditi. She's my neighbor."

His mother folded her arms. "Doesn't look like it."

Aditi's heart pounded.

Tanmay met her gaze.

A silent conversation passed between them.Her eyes said, Help me escape.

His eyes replied, If you leave now, it'll look even worse.

Aditi was trapped.

His mother, still suspicious, walked in. His father followed, looking amused.

As Tanmay moved aside, his hand briefly brushed against Aditi's, sending an unexpected jolt up her arm .She tried not to react, but he must have felt it too because his fingers twitched slightly before he stepped back.

The moment was subtle—barely a second long. But Aditi felt her pulse quicken.Tanmay turned to her, his voice low. "You okay?"

She nodded, gripping her hands together. "Yeah. Just... processing."

His lips twitched slightly, almost as if he wanted to smile but was too flustered to do so.

And for the first time, Aditi noticed—Tanmay, the ever-composed, ever-smooth talker, was just as rattled as she was. Their hearts were both racing.And neither of them knew exactly why.