|| Temple Visit ||

*-*-*-*-*

The sun's rays slowly entered their rooms and gave a slow caress over their face.
Since both of them were tired after the night journey they were tugged into the bed like babies and were in deep slumber.

*-*-*-*

Lasya was squirming in her bed and rubbing her eyes in the process of waking up. She was always used to waking up by Ritchie's lick on her toes. But this is the first time, she is waking up on her own.

She adjusted herself against the headboard and closed her eyes to reminisce about the flight journey. It was beautiful. She always loved nights because you can intake natural air which is free from pollution and you can get a serene view of the night sky which is filled with numerous twinkling stars and crashing meteors.

She opened her eyes and checked the time. She gasped seeing it. It's already 11 am!

-

'oh God, it's 11 how come I sleep till this time?' she wondered

'Guess what, my body loved this bed it seemed as if it was tired after the journey. Else I wouldn't get this much deep sleep somewhere new', Lasya thought with a small smile.

-

She hurriedly made her way to the washroom, got freshened up, and took a long shower.

Later she put on her blue colored dress which ran up to her knees. She once again stood in front of the mirror and checked herself.

'It kinda looks good on me. Hope he wouldn't mind me wearing this kind of dress, she thought and locked the room.

She turned behind and started knocking on Shravas's door as their rooms were just opposite each other.

*-*-*-*

Shravas was an early riser so he woke up already by 9 and was preparing for the event. He just had tea so that he could have breakfast with her.

He also thought not to disturb Lasya since she didn't close her eyes even for a second on the flight.

After the tea, he was reading and checking the slides for the event when he heard a knock on the door.

'It might be Lasya', he wondered and got up from his couch to open the door with a smile.

There she is, standing in all her glory. He couldn't believe what he was seeing he was shocked to see her in this type of outfit since he hadn't seen her wearing it back in Bangalore.

He was checking her from toe to head and vice versa when he heard her clearing her throat. He felt a little embarrassment creeping through his cheeks as they started turning slightly pink.

"Aww, did someone just caught off guard?", Lasya teased him by pulling his cheeks.

"Ouch, that hurts", Shravas whined snapping her hands away from his cheeks.

Lasya chuckled seeing his reaction and made herself inside his room nudging him to a side towards the couch.

"Oh wow, you started the final preparations" " she said as she started checking and reading all the points.

"Yeah, I thought not to disturb you since you were having your beauty sleep. But, don't worry. We have enough time", He said taking a seat beside her since they wanted to check the laptop together.

"Also, I have marked and sorted all the important points so that it will be easier to remember while you present it".

She smiled at him.

"Thank you Shravas. You are the best"

"Okay okay. No need to butter me. I know I am the best anyone could get", Shravas said raising his collar to which Lasya rolled her eyes.

"Sometimes, you are so full of yourself. You know that, right?" Lasya asked raising her eyebrows.

"Anyway, I still didn't have my breakfast. So what would you like to have for brunch?" He asked while changing the topic and he earned a chuckle from her.

"But why did you not have your breakfast? You could have eaten. Oh God, you are even unbelievable sometimes" " she said.

"If you don't eat when you have an early wakeup then there is a high chance of you getting gastric problems. So you shouldn't miss your breakfast next time" " she said in a voice that was filled with so much annoyance.

"Okay, I am sorry. I will be more careful from now on", He surrendered himself raising his arms above his head.

She nodded her head and asked him to make the room service call to deliver the brunch in the room itself.

"Okay, so what would you like to have?", Shravas asked while picking up the land phone.

"No, I don't have any idea. You should place the order accordingly. I am up for anything", Lasya said.

"Okay, I know what to order then", Shravas said and dialed the number.

*-*-*-*-*

After 20 minutes the service boy arrived with the brunch plate. It had lots of dishes.

"My goodness, these are lots of Shravas", Lasya exclaimed and examined the dishes.

On the trolley, there were egg omelets, chocolate waffles, and French toast with a bottle of orange juice.

"These are just a few items Lasya. We have to be filled heavenly so that we present the paper tomorrow nicely. So I ordered these and I also remember you not having anything during the flight and before bed. So it's obvious to have a good brunch after missing breakfast. Fair enough for our body", Shravas stated while he sat in front of the side table.

Lasya sighed and arranged the plates not bothering to argue as he was right.

"Okay then. Let's dig in", Lasya said and both of them finished up the brunch quickly.

*-*-*-*

After an hour or so they were done with their brunch and started revising the presentation.

He was asking non-stop Viva-type questions to her just to make sure she was well prepared for all types of questionnaires. Since this is a very tough competition; She has to be prepared for any kind of questions.

Since Shravas has already participated in last year's Nationals, he knows how and what kind of questions will arise and what they expect from the contestants. He taught her well and made herself ready and then prepared himself too.

Shravas didn't find any difficulty in teaching Lasya because she was a fast learner and very good at grasping new things. It took only a couple of minutes to teach her the mechanism of security in the topic.

Within a few hours, both of them were well aware of their paper and were ready to give their best.

By evening 3 o'clock they are ready to attend the event.

"Woah, Lasya you are good to go. I am so sure that you will rock this event and we will win again this time", Shravas said with a proud feeling, lacing in his voice.

"Let's see. Unity brings success and we are together so yes, I believe we will again win" Lasya said as a matter of fact.

"Alright," Shravas said as he continued to shut down his laptop. "So, what shall we do now? We go out a bit and have something to eat or place an order here?" He asked as he adjusted his shirt and ruffled his hair.

Lasya's ear perked up on hearing his idea of what to do next. Without thinking much, she replied.

"Shall we visit a nearby temple here?", She hesitatingly asked him not to look into his eyes thinking he might not agree with her.

"Of course we will go, and while coming back we shall dine out in the nearby restaurant. What say? He asked her for which she smilingly nodded.

"Yeah, that will be a good idea", Lasya said excitedly.

"Okay then. I will get my wallet and we will be ready to go", he said and went away to his baggage to get his wallet.

"If you don't mind, can I use the washroom here", Lasya asked and felt a crimson creeping her jaw.

"Yeah, sure why not", Shravas said and showed the side of the door. He didn't look at her as he knew she felt a kind of embarrassment asking for the same. He continued to do his work like removing the charging socket of the laptop and getting his phone etc...

After freshening up, she looked at herself in the mirror, "Not bad Lasya. You have to win tomorrow but first let's go out with him", she murmured in front of the mirror and a small smile erupted on her face. This is the first time she is going out with him and that too in a new place.

Well this is going to be exciting and "I hope I will enjoy being with him and he also should enjoy my company", she prayed silently.

Locking the bathroom door, she came outside and walked out of the room and Shravas also trailed her.

He removed the card from the card holder and locked the door behind and he started to leave ahead.

*-*-*-*

"Shravas wait", Lasya said. He then turned and knitted his brow in confusion.

"I think I should go inside again and get my purse. Cause I didn't bring money when I came to your room",  Lasya stated as a matter of fact and was about to open the door when he took the keys from her hands.

"Hey, my keys!" She exclaimed.

"Yes, it's yours", he said sarcastically.

"Give it back to me", she retorted.

"Nope, It's fine you don't have to use your money Lasya. I am going to treat you. Also when a gentleman like me is here, there is no need to use your cash", he reasoned with a smile.

She raised her eyebrows and crossed her arms across her chest. Anyone can tell by looking at her, that she is getting frustrated, and invisible smoke might come out of her ears any time soon.

"Hope you have locked your room properly", Shravas asked as to change the topic but she remained silent and continued to glare at him.

So the best thing anyone could do is to run. Yes, Shravas ran away to the nearest elevator faking frightened expressions.

He could hear her laughter from behind and it seemed she was also running to catch up with him. He quickly got into the elevator and it was about to close but he kept his leg between thus stopping the door.

She slowed down her pace panting and huffing kept her hand over her chest calming her racing heart and then walked inside the elevator.

He removed his leg from the door and within seconds, the door closed and the elevator started moving down.

"That's not fair Shravas. Let me treat you please", Lasya said after panting.

"It's fine Lasya. You can treat me next time in our Bangalore", Shravas replied shrugging his shoulders.

Lasya sighed.

*-*-*-*

Within a blink of their eyes, they were on the ground floor of the hotel and headed directly to the lounge area.

They started checking Google for temples and found one Hanuman temple nearby.

"Ok we will go to Hanuman temple as it's nearby", Shravas said.

"Wow, that's great. He is my favorite idol. So I will enjoy visiting him", Lasya replied happily.

"Well, perfect then. I will check with the receptionist for a cab so that we can get going and you just wait here until I come. Got it?", Shravas said for which she nodded her head and he went away to the reception area.

*-*-*-*-*

"Get in Lasya", Shravas opened the door for her.

"Aww thank you for being a gentleman", Lasya cooed and got inside the car.

They both settled and Shravas gave the temple location.

'She is with me here, and look at her how happy she is', Shravas thought mentally.

Lasya was looking around the city as the buildings were passing by very fast.

'My lucky charm, my little hearts', Shravas smiled looking at her.

'oh wow, so many huge buildings we have here', Lasya thought.

"Are you enjoying the drive, Lasya?", Shravas asked.

Turning her head, she looked at him smilingly, and took a minute to reply; "Well I must be honest here Shravas. I have never been to any places. The only place I have been gone to was Goa for my friend wedding. Hope you remember, we have met there for the first time", Shravas nodded his head and asked her to continue.

"So being here in Delhi is a small dream come true. I wish to travel one day, I don't know whether I will get a chance for that but still, I wish and it's not that I am not happy being where I am. I have no one to depend on and it was always my Ritchie. So yeah, I want to have financial freedom so for that I am studying harder and would like to get a good job in the future. That way I shall wish to travel along with my Ritchie. So yes, I am enjoying this trip and this drive, Shravas", she finished feeling emotional.

Shravas understood her feelings and felt happy that she got this opportunity to visit Delhi.

"I am so happy for you Lasya. You will achieve good things in life. I am so sure about it and I also know that your dream of traveling will surely come true someday", Shravas said touching her palm.

Lasya felt warm coercing her body and shifted in her seat. A shy smile was erupting on her face and couldn't do anything about it. Shravas also felt the same and they had a small eye lock where they knew something was brewing in their hearts but didn't dare to voice it out.

Lasya was the first one to withdraw her palm and kept on her lap. And they continued their journey to the temple.

*-*-*-*-*

Upon reaching the temple, Lasya went ahead to get Pooja things like coconut, sesame oil, and bananas to offer to the Lord.

After getting everything, they stood in the queue to offer the darshan. There was no rush as there were very less people. So their number came quickly and entered the temple.

Lasya gave the things she brought to the priest as an offering to God. She prayed for their well-being, her well-being, and his well-being. Also prayed for tomorrow's event.

'Hanuman, Lasya here. I have come a long way from Bangalore to Delhi to participate in a Nationals event which is going to be held tomorrow. Please let me and Shravas, who is standing near to me do our best and hope we can shine and bring pride to our college. I request you to take Shravas's good care since he was unwell a few days back. He is weak, yeah I know he will not show it but still need your help. Please let him stay always in the healthiest way possible. Then last but not least, I wish everyone in this world is in harmony and good health.' she mentally requested with a smile.

Meanwhile, Shravas was watching her every step. He noticed that she is more religious since they have entered the temple environment.

'she is a devotee of Hanuman. Hmm..so her favorite God is him. Okay, point to be noted, he thought.

While standing in front of the statue, he also started praying. He is not that devotional but still believes in God.

'God, I know I never ask you for anything. But today I came here along with my love Lasya. She is my everything. I love her God. Please let me cherish her forever in my life. Please allow her to be mine. So, I just want one thing which is her happiness. She is praying now with a smile on her face. Please fulfill all the wishes she is now asking for. I will always be grateful to you', he also prayed mentally chuckling to himself.

Together at the same time, they opened their eyes to meet the powerful statue erected in front of them. Lasya's eyes were slightly teared up and it was about to fall. But she just blinked away and joined her arms in front of God. Shravas also found some calm inside his heart as if God had listened to him. He also swore a smile on his face and turned to look at her. She was already staring at him with unknown emotions in her eyes.

When he was about to understand what it was, she masked her emotions with an emotional face. He sighed and gestured for her to go front and collect sacramento from the priest. She nodded her head and went away leaving him alone.

The priest gave her two packets of Sacramento which she accepted wholeheartedly. Later they took 3 pradakshina around the temple and then occupied themselves in a corner for some relaxation.

They ate Sacramento in silence. The temple atmosphere was silent and beautiful. It was not crowded, unlike some temples in South India. There were only a few people since they had visited in the early evening. Devotees have started to come and some of them were already engaged in bajans.

"Shall we sit here for a while, please?" Lasya asked with hope-filled her eyes.

He smiled at her and nodded his head in affirmation.

"Thank you. I always love to visit the temple before any auspicious occasion or if there is something big to happen. It gives me solace and some kind of satisfaction. Also, I am not an opportunistic but a very religious person even though I rarely get time to visit temples. But I pray mentally a lot" " she said dreamily.

"Also, Hanuman is my favorite and he listens to me always", Lasya winked at him. 

"Wow, then you have a supernatural friend like a customized Jeanie", He teased her knowingly.

She wanted to smack his arms but he dodged sideways avoiding it. She frowned seeing her hit had missed and he laughed out loud seeing her antics.

"You look cute when you frown Lasya", He said staring at her.

Listening to him, she turned and looked into his eyes and gave me a 'don't mess with me' look.

He chuckled and raised his hands in surrender.

*-*-*-*

After a few minutes, they decided to head back and get to a restaurant for a heavy dinner since they had missed their lunch.

They reached a famous restaurant and placed an order of lavish delicacies. Lasya didn't know such foods even existed. She was drooling over the food that was in front of her not knowing what to taste first.

Shravas chuckled.

Frowning, she asked him, "What is so funny?"

He thinned his lips and shook his head in nothing.

"Then, instead of laughing tell me which one is good to taste first. I am confused", she sadly said ducking her head.

He forwarded his hand and touched hers to which she looked above and locked her eyes with his.

"I am also not sure, but what if we try together", He wiggled his eyebrows. "We will have an alternate so that we can share and know the taste of it. What say", He reasoned and questioned her.

She placed her index finger under her chin in a way as if she was thinking and about to consider his idea.

"Yup, that will be a good idea. We shall do that together", She then looked at both sides of the table with a cute frown sworn on her face. Then she continued, "You first take a bite and later I will take another bite of it. I guess that will be a good idea".

He grinned at her and gave a thumbs up.

Lasya started using the knife to cut the food into two so they could taste every item evenly.

After 45 minutes, they were full and their stomach felt heavy.

They both let burpees and chuckled at each other.

"Since our hotel is nearby, shall we walk?", Lasya asked.

"Are you sure?", Shravas enquired.

"Yup, I love walking. And it will be good to have a nice evening walk since our stomachs are so full", Lasya giggled.

"The food was tasty, right, Shravas?", She asked covering herself and rubbing her arms for warmth.

Seeing this, with a smile, Shravas entwined their fingers, startling Lasya a bit.

"Yeah, it was awesome. I have never tasted something like this before. But" he paused and looked at her and their fingers. He smiled and continued directly looking into her eyes, "but having it with you was the most beautiful thing I ever did. The food felt like heaven".

She shied and looked away blushing a bit. He squeezed her fingers more tightly to which she gasped out loud.

"You are so warm", Lasya shyly said.

Shravas chuckled and thought mentally, 'What should I do with you little hearts?'

they continued walking towards the hotel.

Within 10 minutes, they reached their hotel corridors.

Before turning to their respective rooms, Shravas pulled her towards himself. She collided with his hard chest and he wrapped his arms around her petite waist tightly. She was breathing faster and his heart was also racing as if they were in a marathon.

"Good night Lasya. I honestly admit, I had a good time with you and you made my evening worth more than anything", he said looking into her eyes.

Lasya couldn't believe what she saw in his eyes, 'Love? And that too for her?'.

Shaking her thoughts away, she wiggled herself in his embrace and desperately wanted to flee from there not able to meet his intensity.

"What about you Lasya?", Shravas slowly asked.

Lasya looked into his eyes again and she was damn sure that she could drown in his beautiful eyes. But then, these are all infatuations and nothing serious.

'get a grip Lasya, why would he have love towards me?', Lasya mentally scolded.

"Yeah, it was good. I enjoyed it a lot. Thank you, Shravas and... And... could you please give me my room key", Lasya gulped with hesitation.

He smiled and started leaning towards her cheek.

He could listen to her racing heartbeat which was beating just like his. She was affected by his closeness and his fragrance was intoxicating.

"What are you doing Shravas?", Lasya breathed out.

"What did I do?", Shravas acted innocent.

Sighingly, she closed her eyes instantly and waited for his actions. He smirked and placed a chaste kiss on her cheeks. He let his lips linger there long.

He slowly kept her room key in her palm and gave her a slight press there.

He then pulled away and winked at her.

Lasya hurriedly pushed him away opening the door and closed it as soon as possible.

With a smile, Shravas returned to his room.

*-*-*-*-*

Thank you for reading
I hope it was a good read.