Shreya--
I suddenly remembered the promise I had made to Vaishali, that before we proceeded toward marriage, she want to speak to Tanmay first.
It had only been a few minutes since we informed our families. We were still sitting at the restaurant, our plates pushed aside, the air lighter than before. I looked at Tanmay, hesitating for a second.
Shreya: You remember my friend Vaishali… right?
Tanmay: Of course. First ranker. Dance was her other hobby.
I blinked.
Wow.
He remembered, very clearly, effortlessly.
Shreya: You remember her exactly…
(I studied his face, narrowing my eyes slightly, lips pursed in mock suspicion , is he the kind who remembers every woman he's ever met?)
He noticed immediately.
Tanmay: Heyy... don't look at me like I'm some kind of pervert who memorizes every girl from school. I remembered because of you. I remember all your friends. Both our groups, actually.
(I held his gaze for a second, then straightened in my chair, getting to the point.)
Shreya: We're still best friends. And… she doesn't like you. She was upset when I told her I was thinking positively about you.
(His expression didn't show shock , but the casual ease faded. His jaw tightened slightly, attention sharpening.)
Shreya: I promised her that once we reached a conclusion, she'd get to talk to you.
(He exhaled and smiled faintly.)
Tanmay: So basically, she's going to threaten me. Got it.
(I frowned.)
Shreya:Huh, No... Not threaten. She's just worried about me. She wants me with someone who truly loves me, takes care of me , without complicated pasts, ex-lover drama, or emotional baggage.
(He looked confused for a beat… then laughed under his breath.)
Tanmay: Oh...She's not wrong. But being heartbroken doesn't make someone dangerous. Fine. What exactly do you want me to say? Because if I speak freely, conflict is guaranteed.
( I smiled... He's so annoying.. as if will follow everything I say )
Shreya: Tell her that you're not in love with me, yet. But that we're compatible. Our ideas match. We can talk for hours. You feel comfortable with me without overthinking.Tell her you have a past, but it won't affect this relationship. That you're sure it's over. That you're starting to like me, slowly and you'll be honest and put in effort.
(He laughed — low, sarcastic.)
Tanmay: So we're officially partners in crime now? Endless lying wrapped in careful words? Alright, Your Highness. I'll answer her properly.Btw… is she in a relationship?
Shreya: Yes. She got married last year. Same profession. His name is Bhuvan, good guy. They're a nice couple. But is it required information here ?
I looked at him with question... how's it's related... she is in relationship or not ?
Tanmay- it makes big difference, newbie, I will make you understand later...but if she's in relationship it's good.
Shreya- Huh.... You are weirdo...fine... I'll call her. If she's free, you can talk now. Otherwise, in the evening.
Tanmay: As you wish. And don't tell me you have too many best friends.
(I paused. A few old memories flickered — then disappeared.)
Shreya: Don't worry. You only have to deal with one. I don't have that many friends. Thanks for doing this.
Tanmay: It's part of the partnership. Temporary favours included.
I heard the word temporary and I smiled sarcastically...nodded and dialed Vaishali.
Tanmay --
The moment Shreya called her, she changed.Even without video, it was obvious. Her posture softened, her shoulders relaxed. The bored expressions she usually reserved for me vanished. Her eyes smiled.
Shreya: Hi, lovely duck. How are you?
Vaishali: I'm fine. Badminton done? Had lunch?
Shreya: Yes. And remember I told you I'm with someone today…
She paused, fingers tightening slightly around the phone.
Shreya: I promised I'd let you talk to him. Do you want to now?
There was silence on the other end.
Vaishali: Shreya… are you sure? It's only been a week.
Shreya: Trust me. I'm really happy.
I saw it then — the shine in her eyes. The same happiness she'd mentioned earlier. Not romance. It's because of Freedom.
Shreya: And guess what? We'll be shifting to Mumbai.
Vaishali: That's good. Tell me everything later. Is he with you right now?
Shreya: Yes. If you want, I'll hand him the phone. I'll share his number too.
Vaishali: Fine. Give it to him.
She passed me the phone.
I stood up and walked a few steps away.
Tanmay: Hi, Vaishali. How are you? Long time.
Vaishali: Hi. I'm good. I never thought our paths would cross like this again.
Old rivalry. Old comparisons. Teachers pairing me and Shreya in projects, badminton matches, and as shreya always paired with me, she always paired up with other top ranker or seniors.
Tanmay: Coincidence. Shreya and I… work well together. As partners.
She laughed sharp, unimpressed.
Vaishali: I don't like you. But for Shreya, I'll be direct.
Tanmay: Fair enough. I expected that.
( I spoke with confidence, to show I know what I am doing)
Vaishali: You were in a long relationship. You were painfully sincere. I don't know about Prachi, but you were. You broke up about a year ago. I doubt you're over it.
(I stepped outside the restaurant.
Conversation is annoying but I need to keep my calm)
Tanmay - See I understand your concerns. And in reality, that relationship made deep wounds, and memories and feelings are not that easy to forget so fast and fall in love with next one... So I will not lie... I don't feel anything like that for Shreya. But our bond is different. It's like more friendly and I feel at ease with her. Ofcourse you can't marry someone just you feel friendly, but as long as I am with Shreya, I don't remember anything else, we are in our own bubble, it's not romantic but kinda compatible bond. I hope for good development in our relationship in future. I assure you I will never hurt her.
(There was a pause.)
Vaishali - Listen Tanmay, I only want that you shouldn't be taking advantage of her, and Don't hurt her by giving hopes-- mentally, emotionally or physically. She seems strong outside, capable and independent. But she's sensitive at heart, have vulnerable side... If you ever , even in future you can't able to maintain relationship, please step out without hurting her. And if possible inform me... We all her family or me will handle her. I hope your past don't trouble her in future. Otherwise I am fine.
Tanmay- I understand.. I got your message clearly.. I will remember this. And past , don't worry... I am not that pathetic who just repeat failed things again and again... It cost me my mental stability...now I am not even able to take anything like that anymore.
Vaishali: Fine then. Rest assured you're in good hands. She's kind person always. You're lucky. Bye then... Tell Shreya I am fine with this. I will call her later.
I returned back into resturant and sit again infront of Shreya.
Tanmay: You have a very good friend. She cares like a sister.
She smiled , soft, proud.
Shreya- I am close to her. It's like we talk more than I talk to my family sometimes. So she got protective over years. She threaten you...?
Tanmay: No. It went smoother than expected. She approved.
I leaned back.
Tanmay: We should head home. I'm exhausted.
Shreya---
He wanted to leave to his home, but I had one more thought.
Shreya: One more favour.
He sighed.
Tanmay: What now?
Shreya: Let's visit the temple. It's evening. New beginnings need blessings.
His irritation faded. He stood up.
Tanmay: Fine. But we leave from there before seven. I'm done for the day.
I smiled, I thought he will make big fuss , tell me he doesn't believe in anything, but he agreed easily, It's new. In the car, he fastened his seatbelt and gestured for me to do the same.)
Tanmay: Why are you smiling?
Shreya- Nothing. I thought you will refuse strongly. Like typical heartbroken lovers. " Like I don't believe God or anything" or maybe you make fun of me saying "Typical indian tv serial heroine -always drama"
He laughed.
Tanmay- I might look like one. But you forgot I got indian mom. Who believes. Personally our failures in life are learnings... I can't blame anything. But I believe in gratitude and humanity. I grown up like that. To show gratitude and bow my head. Otherwise other things work or not it's destined to be like that only. And about you being Indian tv serial heroine...your vibe is more of that Korean dramas. I just peek into notification of your apps. Ofcourse you will never like any real person.
I smirked.
Shreya: You shouldn't invade my privacy.
( I paused) And you know all this about gratitude, yet torture yourself like that?
He looked confused.
Shreya: Look in the mirror. Take care of yourself. That's real gratitude.
He smiled.
Tanmay: Don't brag about your beauty. You're not heartbroken and still on high alert. Relax. Not everything needs protecting. And yes not everything will be perfect everytime.
I looked at him. Even though he looks unbothered, but he gets me everytime. He never felt stranger to me.
That quiet understanding between us unspoken and unexpected , it amazed me every time.
So I feel safe around him and strangely… at ease.