Missed Opportunity – Part 2

Note: If you’d like, listen to Ed Sheeran‘s cover of “Make it Rain” while reading. You’ll get a different feel of the story. 

Pia and Karan were both slightly flushed from the hug.

Feet shuffling, eyes down, Pia stood in place for a few seconds.

Meanwhile, Karan stood with his hands in his pocket and a tiny grin spread across his face.

Realising they were still standing in the hallway, Pia said, “Hey! Why are we standing in the hall? Come in!” and walked ahead. Quietly, he followed her in. They walked past the living room into her tiny bedroom.

A single bed, covered in light green, hand-printed sheets, matching pillow covers and a bright red, embroidered blanket seemed welcoming. There were sliding windows ahead. To the right, there was a steel cupboard and next to it, a small, two-tiered shelf. The shelf was filled to the brim with neatly stacked books, jewellery, toiletries and cosmetics. Simple, clean and charming, just like Pia.

“Nice room. It suits you!” chirped Karan. Smiling brightly Pia chimed in, “It is cute, isn’t it! I haven’t had time to decorate yet, that’s why it looks a bit plain.”

“Irrespective, it suits you, Pia,” said Karan.

She smiled at him, before leading him back to the living room.

“Sit! I’ll be right back,” she told him and started to move towards the kitchen.

She’d just walked two steps when she felt Karan’s hand on her arm. In a quick motion, he pulled her onto the couch.

“Hey!” she protested. “I was just about to grill your sandwich. Give me a few minutes, I’ll be right back.”

Pulling her close, he mused, “No! Just sit down, Pia. I didn’t come all this way so that you can spend time in the kitchen. I’d rather you spent it with me.”

With a mildly annoyed expression, Pia sighed loudly, folded her arms and said, “Fine! I’ll not bother making you the sandwich that I’ve already lovingly prepped.”

Laughing out loud, Karan pulled her closer for a side-hug.

Pia felt her heart race.

Ignoring her overexcited heart, she smiled warmly and settled into conversation with her best friend.

10 minutes later, Karan’s phone began ringing loudly.

It was his dad.

He excused himself to have a quick word with his father.

Karan’s phone call gave Pia a quick window to rush to the kitchen.

She quickly grabbed a pan, put it on the stove, turned the heat on and placed a tiny cube of butter on it. As the butter began to melt, she placed a sandwich on and waited patiently for it to get toasted. Just as she was flipping one side of her toast, Karan walked into the kitchen, phone on his ear and an annoyed look on his face.

Pia stuck her tongue out at him and went back to focusing on her sandwich. Once it was toasted to perfection and the cheese was gooey & oozing from the sides, she took it off the heat.

Following Karan’s relentless objections (he was done with his call), she switched off the stove. Pulling a knife off the holder, she swiftly cut the sandwich into two triangles and transferred it onto a plate. With a satisfied smile on her face, she handed the plate to her best friend, who was shaking his head, mildly annoyed.

This time, Karan ushered Pia into the living room.

Seated comfortably on the couch, he took a bite of the sandwich.

“Mmmm. This is so good Pia,” murmured Karan and leant forward to feed Pia. Smiling, Pia took a bite and groaned happily. “Damn, I’m a good cook!” she announced. “Yes you are,” agreed Karan.

A few bites later, Karan wiped his plate clean and loudly proclaimed, “Best sandwich ever!”

Pia burst into peals of laughter, while Karan looked at her warmly.

Once she was done laughing, they resumed their conversation.

Sitting side by side, he put his arm around her shoulder. Comfy yet safe, Pia moved closer to Karan.

Another 10 minutes flew by and Pia was laughing loudly at one of Karan’s jokes.

Once she composed herself, she noticed Karan looking at her in a strange way.

Cocking her head to the side, she looked at him.

“What are you thinking about?” she asked.

He hesitated slightly, before looking at her.

When their eyes met, there was a sudden shift in the ambience.

The air became charged, almost brimmed with adrenaline.

Pia’s heart began racing.

She could hear Karan’s heart beat faster.

Silence.

5 seconds.

10 seconds.

20 seconds.

30 seconds.

60 seconds.

Finally, Karan broke the silence.

“Pia, can I ask you something?” asked Karan.

Pia answered, “Yes. What is it?”

“What will you do, if I kissed you right now?” he enquired.

(To be continued….)