Everything they shared, all the weird dances they did after passing the IPS examination, all the fun and challenges they faced at training, the work they did together as colleagues, winding up at the same workplace. It was nothing short of a fairy tale. Everything was going well in their professional and personal life; suddenly everything was cut off. They had this misunderstanding, physical and emotional distance between them, a time gap of 8 years and they reunited for a case to be thrown into this moment. It's a lot to process, Thiya thinks. She is at a loss for what to do. There is confusion, sweet agitation and longing for what could have been perfect ever-after for her and Seyon. What annoys her the most is that these feelings are one-sided. Or perhaps they are not? She shouldn't jump to conclusions.

Seyon spaced out after they glimpsed the old photographs, but does it mean he was filled with the same feelings as her or had this weird sense of saudade in his heart? With a grunt, Thiya reminds herself she has a case to solve. She has to think of Seyon as a colleague and nothing more. At least for a while. Now to distract herself... She picks up the spatula and the apron she earlier discarded.

Seyon watches her as she busies herself with the lunch preps, refusing any help from Soham and Mira calling them guests. As much as Seyon wants to check on Thiya's expression, guess her feelings or make small talk, he doesn't have a choice. Soham and Mira take up the roles of pampering CB. Seyon joins them with a calm smile. Keeping the bird engaged with the toys and baby talk while Thiya cooks some vegan yet purely south Indian delicacies. CB coos and babbles a string of K-pop lyrics and does a few happy dances, entertaining his audience, lavishing in all the attention he has.

Soham introduces the newcomers in Thiya's house to the bird. It's silly, but Mira is on his side. The bird is on the coffee table while they sit on the rug to be at its eye level.

Soham speaks in a much calmer tone. "So this is Mira. I'm Soham. And here is Seyon."

CB gets frantic hearing the name, flaps his wings.

A bemused Soham and Mira look on while Seyon, fond yet bedazzled, gazes at the bird. The bird is showing so much affection. Seyon quashes the urge to reach out and pet the bird, a gesture the latter is unfamiliar with, and swallows. Why is the bird showing such affection towards him? Pets usually carry the emotions of their owners. If he's special to CB, it must be because he's special to Thiya? His breath catches in his throat again. The emotions he feels are complicated — a mix of joy, grief, sadness and saudade, yet he only chuckles. He's getting way ahead of himself.

A harried Thiya who caught the traitor of a bird fawning over Seyon, runs to retrieve him. "Snack time!" She has CB' attention with that but it's already too late! CB goes for seyon's shoulder. "CB! Come!" 

Thiya loudly hollers not wanting her bird to get any closer to Seyon. And for Seyon to not assume things. Her stern tone does the intended work.

Soham and Mira watch CB flies to land on Thiya's outstretched arm. Without glancing at Seyon, Thiya skims back into the kitchen.

Seyon chuckles, hearing the rushed pitter patter of her footfalls. Earlier, her panicked voice when she attempted to stop CB from forming a bond with him — she might have come earlier if not for the mixer grinder that she was running. Now that Seyon rethinks, the events are so comical. His thoughts go, Thiya, you have not changed one bit. I think your feelings haven't changed either, same as mine, right?

He's not sure why, but he laughs out loud. His chest feels light. He's laughing so loudly, pressing a hand against his forehead, another gripping his hip, even Thiya glaring at him from the kitchen does not stop him.

Soham scratches his head and taps Seyon on the shoulder. "You're laughing? What am I missing here?"

Seyon ceases laughing with difficulty. "Ah, of course you'd want to know." He takes a deep breath and composes himself. "It's nothing, really."

Soham scratches his head again. He's boggled but he certainly notices the waves of hostility coming from the kitchen. "Uh, whatever, buddy. It's best if you stop laughing. You're annoying Thiya."

Mira gives a nod. Seyon too. But laughter is ready to burst out of him again. Nope, it's not him making fun of Thiya, but his joy at the turn of the events recently — the age-old murky clouds of misunderstanding clearing, and the warm sunshine of his and Thiya's shared feelings.

But who'll explain that to Thiya? Before he can even apologise in case, his laughter came across as rude, Thiya rushes to his side. Her glare is harsh, judgemental. He doesn't look at her; he knows he shouldn't laugh, but he ends up laughing louder than before, annoying her. Oops, he's doomed!

"Seyon!" Thiya breaks her silence. "Will you stop laughing? Nothing is funny here!"

Seyon claps a hand to his mouth; her command working on him like voodoo magic. But beneath the palm concealing his lips lies a goofy grin.

"Maybe you can work that body of yours instead of laughing with that noisy mouth? There is a lot of work you can help with, Seyon!"

Am I not your guest? Seyon wants to say but refrains. Even as Thiya grabs his arm and pushes him out of the living room onto the spacious front balcony, he has a smile on his face. Who won't smile? His heart is jumping in his chest after so long. The excitement is too much to be controlled. Who knew it would be for the same lady?

His thoughts are going in a loop when Thiya places a broom in his hands. He clutches it before it can fall to the ground.

Thiya clicks her tongue, thinking she has been made a fool, not in front of Seyon but everyone in the SIT.  Her feelings are almost laid bare before everyone to laugh at. She shouldn't have invited Seyon to her house, but how could she have shown bias!? She couldn't eliminate him, even with the enmity or misunderstanding in place between them.

Ugh, what a mess!

As she puts the broom in his hands, Seyon looks at her. She holds his gaze, though all she wants is to run away, lock herself in a room and don't look at anyone for a while.

She swallows embarrassment and grins villainously. Seyon thinks she is a villainess, doesn't he?

"You have plenty of time to entertain. You could help, no? My balcony needs a clean up! Get rid of all these cobwebs!"

Yep, Seyon reaffirms in his mind as he nods. She is a villainess! Thiya glares at him again, stepping away, realising they are standing close. She still is holding his arm. They break eye contact. Before either of them can speak, they hear a familiar voice.

***

Seyon and Thiya are looking at an old man in his late 70s. He wears the same plaid, white shirt, a spotless dhoti, the same receding grey hairline, and an over-friendly smile.

"Nair uncle!" Thiya snatches the broom from Seyon. Alas, the old man already has seen Seyon holding it. He chuckles, from next to the stairs, "haha! Ah, young women these days are so bossy!"

His joyful, wrinkled eyes from behind his spectacles rest on Seyon. "Hehe, you've grown slightly mature in these years. But when I see you, I see the Seyon who used to jump the gate and climb up the walls like Spiderman to meet Thiya. I often wondered if you were a ninja with how quickly you appeared."

Memories threaten to overflow in Seyon's mind. He shakes his head, keeping them at bay. Thiya thinks, today is getting worse and worse. First CB. Now Nair uncle.

Nair uncle was the friendliest of all the neighbours she has had. Back then, she and Seyon both earned his blessings quickly. Although seeing him again on her balcony isn't a blessing now.

Nair uncle lives one floor above her. Wasn't he away in the US to his son's house for the past 5 years? He must have returned; on the way to his house, he altered his path upon seeing her and Seyon. Thiya's smile is awkward as she murmurs her namaste. Seyon touches the man's feet!

Seyon and his flair for the dramatics! Thiya heaves a sigh and mutters under her breath. Mr Goodie Two Shoes strikes again! If he exists!

Neither Nair uncle nor Seyon hear her. Nair uncle's laughter booms like usual. "I'm so glad to see you two!"

Thiya nods. Seyon smiles fondly. Nair uncle goes, "you two are still together! How endearing! Bless you both!"

Thiya can't bring herself to deny what is being said or snap at the kind old man. She cannot interrupt him out of courtesy. Though she retains her villainess streak, she's well mannered through and through. Under the strict upbringing of her parents and the watchful eye of Arun, her brother.

"You two are together after years! Going strong! And kids these days do time pass in the name of love!"

Thiya cringes at Nair uncle's sudden declaration. Seyon has a charming smile on, though there's a hint of discomfort to it somewhere. "Yes, I agree uncle! "

"Ahh! So, she gave you the broom, huh? What a good husband you are, Seyon!" Nair uncle laughs again.

Seyon coughs at this point. Thiya resists the urge to flee.

"Uh, uncle, we didn't... But we'll soon..."

Why the hell do you need to say that, Seyon?! Thiya hides her frustration behind a smile, cursing her luck once more. Nair uncle looks crestfallen for a second, but soon gives an understanding nod.

"Busy cop lives, huh? I'm still happy for you two! Invite me to your wedding!"

Nair uncle leaves after giving his blessings, laughing and shedding tears of joy. Thiya sighs in his absence. Seyon offers her consoling words. "Hey chill! We have seen the worst days. This is not half bad."

His kindness takes Thiya by surprise. The cobwebs then fall with precision destined for her head. He jumps in to save her. His arms wrap around her shoulders as he takes the hit. The cobwebs land on his head as her face presses into his chest.

"Seyon!" Thiya is touched that he would save her. She was annoyed whenever he rescued her before. Earlier too, his composure when Nair uncle spoke of marriage unsettled her. Yes, Seyon always annoyed her. But that annoyance had become an endearment at a very early stage of their companionship years ago.

"Seyon!" She pulls away with a start. One look at the cobwebs in his hair. Her annoyance melts. "The cobwebs!"

"There are lots on your balcony!"

She doesn't know what expression she's making, but Seyon just shows her a cheerful smile and offers to clean up the balcony. She ventures into the house with a nod.

With only the broom for company, Seyon thinks Thiya can't hate him. Her pet parrot exposed her secrets; but that embarrassment shouldn't last longer. Annoyance and momentary anger differ from hatred. She wouldn't have spoken such words to CB if she hated him.

If he's bold, he'd assert that feelings are the same, even if expressed differently. What are these feelings? He has an inkling, but doesn't want to hastily name it. He can wait, relish in this feeling. This nostalgia of being in love all over again. Oops, he said he wouldn't name it and he did. Laughing to himself whistling an age old melody, his and Thiya's favourite from back in the day, he gets to cleaning.
***

The rest of the day goes by lightning fast. A lively, fun lunch, more fun moments with CB. Seyon and Thiya put aside their embarrassment and mixed emotions and enjoy themselves, all thanks to the joyful presence of Soham and Mira.

Around sunset, the sky is still bright, suggesting it's still summer. Thiya stands on her balcony seeing off her friends who visited her home. Seyon walks behind Soham and Mira on the street. A few steps forward; he angles his head up and looks at Thiya. Though his hands are itching to wave bye, like he did years ago, he does not. But reaching the end of the street, looking at Soham and Mira speed away on the former's bullet, he turns to see if Thiya is on the balcony.

She is, her eyes fixated on him. It happens as an impromptu. He raises his hand and waves to her. She waves back before rushing inside, perhaps regretting it.

Seyon walks back to his car, parked right across from Thiya's apartment, smacking his forehead lightly. Heh! He walked the distance for no reason! Probably he wanted to bathe in nostalgia of waving bye to his beloved again — after eight years.

***
tbc
wc: 2k approx. also note this is my wip novel so some deleted scenes will be presentonly in my novel. thank you for reading

AN: that's all for now! Will edit this chapter later if any typos or missing stuff.