"Appa....amma is calling to have breakfast"
Jwala shouted while packing her tiffin.

"I'm coming"
Prakash replied from the living room still engaged in reading the newspaper turning pages.

"Kanna, call your appa once again. He must be studying in the newspaper for the nth time"

Jwala giggled and went to call her father.

She smiled seeing him seriously engaged in the newspaper and peeped her curious eyes to see what was making him so hooked up.

"Young, talented business entrepreneur strikes again"

Her eyes widened briefy seeing Vihaan's picture below. It was an interview session. She could only read the initial lines. Her lips curved upwards and eyes twinkled before her father closed the paper sensing her presence.

She pouted briefly. She wanted to read more.

"Alright kanna...let's go and have breakfast now"
Prakash patted his daughter's cheek affectionately and went to the dining table followed by Jwala.

The table was filled with laughter. Funny conversations exchanged in between tea. The warmth erupted from the little family was enough to make each day brighter than ever.

"Amma...do you remember what I've said yesterday ? They will come evening. Can you manage it alone ? Shall i take half day leave ?" Jwala bombarded her concerns at her mother.

Shalini, her mother- the ever calm person in the family spoke up,

"Take a breath first. I can manage it. Its not that we have 50 or 100 guests. Calm down kanna" She chuckled shaking her head.

"Hmm..okay" Jwala pouted making them laugh.

"Appa, dont forget to take your medicines. I've kept the diabetes tablets in this box, and here this is your bp medicine..."

"Okay okay....i think its time for you to go now"

"Huh ? I know you are eager to send me. I've counted the chocolates inside fridge, if one of them is missing then appa, you will see my different face" She glared at him making Prakash laugh.

"Okay madam. I'm not eating any of those. When your amma is guarding it like a treasured vault, then why would this poor man risk his life ?"

He said making both of them laugh.

"That's better for you"

Jwala kept her laptop and some essentials in her bag before heading towards the front door.

"I'm going sweethearts. See you in evening. Bye bye..."

"Okay kanna. Be careful"

They watched her till she disappeared from their sight just like how they used to do ever since she was a child going to her school.

Jwala was the light of their lives. She was enough to make the home so lively. Her parents brought her up teaching the values of life and how to be well-mannered towards others. Even though she was rich, Jwala was down to earth. Now she donates a part of her earnings to the orphanage too. Those kids bring a genuine smile on her face.
_____________________________________________

Each second felt so sparkling dreaming about the lady who had occupied his heart since a few days. He doubted whether he was falling in love or was in love already. Her smile, giggles, thoughtful gestures, unspoken words, silence, shyness, nervousness everything that he recalled made him attracted more towards her. And in all this, her smile- that damn beautiful smile which can light up even the darkest of the days and hearts of the people was haunting him sweetly making him distracted in his office works.
The staffs must have noticed him smiling unusually, but he didn't care anything.
Vihaan had never been so happy from the warmth and solace radiated from her. She was as soothing as a calm lake. He couldn't help but thinking about her. Vihaan wanted to take each step carefully since he faced a heartbreak years ago. He wanted to know her better, her family and everything that surrounded her.

Breaking his chain of thoughts, his PA reached in his cabin.

"Excuse me sir ? We have a meeting today at noon"

"Yes Aanandhi..i remember. Have you cross checked the presentation and other arrangements ? I dont want anything to go messed up. Clients are coming all the way from Japan if you remember"

"Yes sir. I've cross checked everything. Don't worry"

"Sure then you can go" He dismissed her with a smile.

Later on he checked and prepared himself taking a mental note on what all key points to focus on.

Soon his thoughts were paused hearing the shrill of phone.

"Hello amma ?"

"Vihu, are you busy ?"

"A little bit....what's the matter, amma?"

"Can you come to college in evening to take me home ?"000

"Of course amma. Isn't there practice session today ?" He asked trying to be cool masking his excitement to know the answer.

"Yes...Jwala will be with me too"

"Ohhh okay. I'll see you in the evening. Bye amma. Have lunch on time"

"You too. Bye Vihu"

He smiled briefly looking forward to the evening that has been really special to him nowadays.
_____________________________________________

The meeting progressed afternoon as Vihaan - the tall and dominant figure in the room started presenting his ideas meticulously pointing out the advantages of the current plan and disadvantages of the old plan. The screen lit up with a brilliant choice of words explained by a charismatic man in formals drawing out all the attention that was meant to be his.

"This is a hybrid model combining solar and wind power for the new manufacturing plant. A little complicated though. But we can achieve it with the combined effort"

The confident aura and undefeated charm of this young man was received well by the clients. As they discussed more on the project asking questions and seeking clarifications, they knew that Vihaan was so passionate about this. His enthusiasm was reflected in each of his works making him grab a position in the top ten entrepreneurs of Asia.

He felt a sense of pride and satisfaction for the accomplishment he had achieved as he answered every questions precisely and peacefully.

The positive feedback from the team made his afternoon more happy. But he was more than happy for seeing that someone special who has occupied his thoughts since a few days.
_____________________________________________

Vihaan was waiting inside the car after making a call to his mom to inform that he had already reached.

"I'm coming Vihu"

After two minutes, he saw his mother and Jwala walking together talking something and smiling.
Today she wore a beautiful yellow saree, her curves perfectly accentuating in that.

This girl had such power to distract him.

"Come in ladies" He gave a pleasant welcome as they got in the car.

"Did you wait too long ?"

"No amma. I just came. How was your day ?"

"A good day. But tired"

"Hmm.. actually i had some meetings too which went pretty well. I got the deal"

"I know right, my son" Ramya patted his shoulder expressing her token of appreciation.

Jwala was watching the mother- son duo with a wide smile. Their's was a bond, inseparable.

"Jwala is all silent. Feel free to talk alright ?"

"Atleast you should give a space for her to talk. Poor girl must be traumatised hearing you blabbering"

"Ouch ! Dont use such heavy words amma. It hurts..."

Jwala giggled.

"I was hearing you both talking. Umm..actually i want to invite you both to my home today. My parents are expecting you both"

"Ayyo.. you shouldnt have bothered, dear"

"Arey amma. She called us with love right ?... Lets go no" Vihaan asked his tone rather soft like a small boy asking permission to his mother before going out to play.

Ramya took a while before answering.

"Okay. We will come, Jwala"

"Amma must be waiting for you both"

Ayyo she shouldn't have bothered. Ramya was concerned now.

"Its no problem" Jwala smiled.

"But i need to freshen up" Vihaan spoke up.

"That's fine. We can practice until then. Right amma ?"

"Yes" Ramya said making him smile.
____________________________________________

It was around 6 PM.

"Why this boy is taking so much time ? Even girls won't take much time to get ready"

Ramya sat on the sofa beside Jwala making her giggle.

"It's okay amma"

"No really... i wonder how his wife will cope up with him for this matter. Out of everything, he takes time only to get ready"

Jwala gave a small laugh tucking her hair behind ear.

"Hey..I'm ready, ladies"

"Phew ! Atleast you got down now"

Jwala watched him - he was dressed up in a midnight blue shirt and black pants, walking down as charismatic as ever with his silky hair bouncing at every steps he took. His left hand was tucked in the pocket and the familiar scent of sweet at the same time, a manly cologne hung in the air, which Jwala secretly enjoyed.

Her eyes widened a little seeing him flashing a charming smile in her direction. It was not that she had not seen him smiling before, but today felt different. She passed a genuine smile back at him and looked outside pretending to check the weather not wanting to make him obvious that she was checking him out. But she was oblivious to see the small smirk formed on his lips.

"Come on, amma...why dont you appreciate me a little for my handsomeness ?"

"Ah ! There he goes. And if i appreciate you will keep floating in the air"

Jwala laughed wholeheartedly seeing their banter, surprising him.

Her laughter was as sweet as honey. And he felt he wanted to record it in his phone just to keep hearing it often.

He shook his head at the crazy thought.

Its no use of me asking this to you amma. Come lets go.
_____________________________________________

"What should we buy, amma ? Since we are going to her home for the first time"

"Ayyo. Please dont bother. We are fine" Jwala interrupted.

"No, Vihu is right. We should buy something. What would your parents like ?"

"We have everything at home, amma. Please... "

Ramya didnt give an ear to her and continued telling Vihaan to buy fruits, sweets and some snacks.

Jwala facepalmed herself.

"Thats a lot" Her eyes widened when she saw Vihaan keeping two big bags filled with foodie goodies inside the car.

"What all you have bought ?" She tried to peep inside the bags.

"Nothing much, Jwala" Vihaan assured her though she knew it was so much.

"Make sure to eat all these okay ?" Ramya pinched her cheeks.

Jwala pouted a little making her chuckle.
_____________________________________________

The black sleek Mercedes Benz reached infront of her home. Jwala was the first to get down and welcome them.

Ramya's and Vihaan's smile widened as they checked out the surroundings of the beautiful home. A variety of plants were there too, each- specially given care. Although her home wasn't as large as theirs, it still was a big one.

Meanwhile her parents too reached to the front door to welcome their guests.

"Amma, come inside..." she welcomed Ramya excitedly and glanced at Vihaan too nodding her head giving a warm smile which reflected back from his.

"Wait this is...?" Prakash frowned looking at Vihaan trying to remember something from his memory.

Jwala exchanged glances between both of them while Vihaan was clueless about what her father was indicating to.

"This is...Vihaan right ??"

His eyes lit up in surprise. Her father knows him. Of course why not ? You both are from the same field.

"Yes..uncle.." he smiled warmly.

"Come inside....i was completely unaware of this" Prakash was genuinely surprised.

Jwala smiled at both of them and went to the kitchen to get refreshments.

Shalini got bonded with Ramya as they matched the same vibe while Vihaan politely answered the questions Prakash was asking.

"You shouldn't have bothered. These are a lot of things"

"That's nothing. We are coming first time here" Ramya dismissed warmly.

With her saree tucked in her waist, Jwala appeared carrying a tray containing tumblers of refreshments. She brought the tray towards everyone. Subtly, Vihaan's eyes locked with Jwala while she handed him the glass. She gave a small smile and dashed back to the kitchen, her heart racing. After a while, plates of snacks were also served infront of them.

"Feel free to have everything. My wife prepared it"

Prakash proudly spoke while Jwala sat on the armrest of the sofa near her mother.

She listened everything Vihaan was talking with her father, about business of course.

He smiled as a small kid receiving valuable advices from his father as Prakash gave him some tips about the field according to his knowledge.

Jwala excused herself from the group as she wanted to freshen up.

As she went to her room, Shalini was accompanied by Ramya to the kitchen, Vihaan watched the photo frames on the walls guided by her father. Most of them was of Jwala in her childhood. Others were of her parents' and Prakash's achievements. Vihaan chuckled seeing a photo of her probably when she was 3 or 4 years old wearing just a little short, with hair tied up on either sides sitting on a toy elephant.

"This is when she graduated" Her father pointed at each photos, explaining how much they loved her and proud of the girl she has become now.

Vihaan listened to everything attentively wanting to collect every information regarding her.

"Uncle, then why didn't she pursue your field ?"

"She used to say that wanted to be a teacher ever since she was young. Her choices are ours too"

Vihaan smiled nodding his head.

Just then Jwala descended downstairs, wearing a prussian blue kurta which somehow coincided with Vihaan's midnight blue shirt. Her damp hair was let loose over shoulders, few strands fastened with a clip from both sides. She looked so elegant without any makeup, in her natural look. The small red bindi was tantalizing as Vihaan couldn't blink his eyes off her.

As she was going to the kitchen casually, her appa called.

"Kanna..why don't you show him around the house ?"

"Uh...umm....okay..." she said nervously playing with the end of her hair.

Vihaan thanked her dad in mind for setting up this opportunity.
_____________________________________________

As they walked upstairs, everything was silent between them save the banter of their parents running in the backdrop.

Vihaan admired the beige painted wall and few mural paintings framed on it.

"Are these paintings your selection ?"

"Umm..yeah...kind of...but appa's too. He loves art as much as me while amma is into gardening"

"Great choices" Vihaan smiled at her.

She led him to the common balcony, which was her cozy space set up with a small wooden table at the middle, few chairs and a swing on the opposite side. Various plants were neatly arranged in the background. The little space was simple yet so beautiful.

"This is the balcony. I sometimes sit here and read books. I love this space" Jwala chattered enthusiastically.

"Please ....sit.."

Vihaan took a chair while Jwala sat on the chair opposite to him.

"I'm sorry... you must have been engaged with lots of works back at home. Did I invite you without informing beforehand ?"

"That's fine. I needed a break too. There wasn't much works today"

Vihaan partially lied as we know how much work duties he has ! Just to spend some time with her ....to the strange beautiful budding feelings.

Jwala smiled matching the sparkle of her eyes that spoke volume.

"I liked this space too. It would be perfect to have some fritters with tea on a rainy day"

"Exactly. That's what we do on rainy days. I drag appa and amma here and we will enjoy the rain talking endlessly"

Jwala didn't know why she was opening up too much with this man. But she didn't care. It all came natural infront of him. Maybe him being the good listener or their shared thoughts on similar things...she felt comfortable.

"Great ! I can see how well your parents bond together. It would so nice to have them vibing with you. We mostly haven't spent such a rainy day. Now I'm a little jealous of you" Vihaan chuckled hiding the tinge of sadness in him.

"Don't worry. You can experience these anytime"
Jwala encouraged him.

"Or ...why don't you come here ? We all can spend good time. And amma would make crispy spicy onion pakoras..."

Vihaan lifted his eyebrows surprised. Jwala bit her tongue feeling embarrassed at her blurting.

"I...i meant... " she stammered before Vihaan interrupted.

"Sure... why not ? On next rainy day, if I'm free I'm taking my car here"

"Umm...Sure..." Jwala smiled not completely retrieved from the previous embarrassment.

"So...you love reading ?"

"Yes..I do... mostly fiction and some philosophy"

"Perfect ! I read non fiction" Vihaan uttered.

"Ohh nice"

That's when Vihaan's phone started ringing. He looked at the caller ID to see it was his office colleague.

"I'll call you later. Anything important ?"

Getting a no, he disconnected the call.

"You could have taken that"

"Nothing much important. Don't worry"

Jwala and Vihaan got more comfortable with each other. They shared some funny incidents that happened when they were young and their profound love for certain food, music etc.

"I've a guitar somewhere here. Next time when you come here, can you sing me "nenjukkul peidhidum" ?"

"Sure ! If you don't run away hearing my singing"

They laughed together. Time didnt feel like ticking as both souls got lost in endless conversations.

"Jwala....come downstairs. Did you already kill him with your talking ?" Shalini shouted from downstairs.

"Ufff ! Amma I'm coming" She rolled her eyes dramatically which Vihaan found
cute. He chuckled and got up from his seat followed by Jwala.

"I think we need to go. Otherwise we are going to get an earful from both of our mothers"

"Yeah" She smiled sheepishly and walked downstairs.
_____________________________________________

"Aunty...that's enough. I don't eat a lot for dinner"

Vihaan tried to stop Shalini from putting a lot of biriyani on his plate. But all his attempts went in vain as Jwala and Prakash chuckled lightly exchanging knowing glances. Shalini never let her guests go with half filled tummy. She always make sure to feed them food till their neck.

"You're coming here for the first time. Don't make excuses"

He chuckled shaking his head.

Jwala served for Ramya.

"My mouth was watering ever since you opened this lid of biriyani in the kitchen" Ramya explained.

"Then have more" Shalini encouraged both of them.

As Vihaan took the first morsel of food into his mouth, he felt a burst of flavours of different spices, fried onions and cashews in it.

"Mmm...this is awesome !" His eyes lit up as he continued to have it without wasting any time.

"I second that. This biriyani has a lot of unique flavours. What's app me this recipe whenever you are free" Ramya told Shalini.

"Have you both exchanged numbers already?"
Vihaan and Jwala asked simultaneously earning a bout of laughter from others.

"Yes,why not?" Shalini said casually making Ramya nod at her in agreement.

Jwala reached out for the raita bowl which Vihaan wanted to fetch.

She moved towards him and served in his plate.

"Thank you" He smiled making her smile back too.
_____________________________________________

*Burp*

"That was one of the best biriyani I have had in my life. Thanks aunty. And the gulab jamun was tasty too" Vihaan complimented Shalini.

"But you ate only little" She complained.

"Little ? Aunty you fed me three meals in one go. I've to work out extra to burn the calories"

Jwala hid her stifle standing beside Prakash.

"Nowadays kids are behind workout, gym and everything. Doesn't eat well" Shalini murmured audible to them.

"Exactly. I'm fed up telling this to him" Ramya agreed.

"Now it's not safe for me to stand here for more time"

Jwala and Prakash laughed together at Vihaan's reply.

"Uncle, aunty...it was a nice evening and lovely talking with you all. We will take a leave now"

He side hugged both of them making them hug him back.

Jwala watched it splendidly. He captured her parents heart in the first meeting itself.

"We are glad to hear that. Both of you should come again" Prakash and Shalini said together.

"Sure uncle..please visit us too. We would love to have all of your presence"

They nodded making him smile.

"Shalini, dont forget to share those recipes to me"

"Will share tomorrow" Shalini smiled at her new friend who matched with her vibe.

Vihaan and Jwala watched them with smiles shaking their heads.

"Amma, what's that on your hand?" He asked seeing a bag in her hand.

"Oh...that's some avakkaya pachadi ( mango pickle) Shalini gave me"

Vihaan felt to face palm himself.

"I dont think bringing you here is a good choice"

"Nuvvu po ra" ( you go boy )

Shalini chuckled at the duo.

"Bye uncle..bye aunty.." Vihaan briefly waved at them sitting in his car.

Jwala's eyes locked with his for few seconds conveying gratefulness of the exciting evening which they both didnt want to end.

They watched him driving the car out of their gate.
____________________________________________

"Such a lovely family. No wonder Jwala is so down to earth. Her parents are so comfortable to talk with. What do you say, Vihu ?"

His mind already recounting the conversation they had, he barely heard what his mother said.

"Yeah..."

"Are you listening to me ?"

"Yes amma.. I'm hearing"
_____________________________________________

The situation back at her home was also not different.

"Her mother is so enthusiastic and quick learner. I really have to share my recipes to her" Shalini bantered while cleaning the plates.

"That's right. And Vihaan, how simple and easy person he is ! Doesn't have any air of arrogance even when is one of the top entrepreneurs of whole Asia. I was genuinely suprised at his ideas and way of handling every tasks perfectly" Prakash exclaimed.

"He is raised so well by his mother"
It was Shalini's turn.
" Nowadays such boys are rare to be seen"

Jwala smiled hearing it. Indeed he has took a place in her parents' heart.
_____________________________________________

Vihaan paced back and forth in his room occasionally coming outside to check his mom.
He recognised lately that he didnt have her number. But then he was sure that it must be in his amma's phone. Instead of asking her directly, he wanted to get it without telling his mother. For that he was seeking the right opportunity to grab her phone.

Finally putting an end to his waiting after what seemed like 10 minutes, she went to the washroom leaving the phone on the table.
Without waiting another moment, he dashed towards the table and eagerly searched the contacts.

'Jwala' was typed in the search bar. He quickly typed her phone number in his phone and saved it.

Just then the door clicked open.

"Vihu ? What are you doing here ?Didn't you sleep ?"

"Uhh....amma I...I came to have some water"

"Okay. Now go to sleep. I'm also going"

"Good night amma"

"Good night Vihu"
_____________________________________________

Vihaan looked at the ceiling and back to his phone. His mind urged him to message her.

He recalled the warm conversation they had.

Finally he pressed the sent button.

"Hey...Vihaan here ....slept ?"

Jwala who was already getting ready for the bed, took her phone hearing the notification sound from an unknown number.
Her eyes slightly widened and lips curved into a smile.

After a minute, he received her reply.

"No..I'm about to. What about you ? And where did you get my number from ?"

"Let's say I've my ways for things. I just got in the bed"

"Ohh ...I think I might know from where you managed to get my number"

"I don't expect any less from you"

Jwala sent a laughing emoji while settling herself onto the bed.

"Today was awesome. And thanks for the amazing dinner"

"We are glad"

"So...everyone slept ?"

"Yeah..I guess so..."

"Hmm....it was so nice talking to you"

"Same here....to be honest I didnt know you were this fun" She smiled warmly tucking a strand of her hair that fell off from the braid.

"Of course I'm not some arrogant boss" He sent her a voice message chuckling.

"I didn't mean that"

"Hmm..Any weekend plan?" Vihaan asked intrigued.

"No plans for now"

"You joining me for the flower show and exhibition that has opened recently ?"

"Really? I wanted to go there ever since I heard. If it won't be a problem for you...then I'll join you"

Vihaan shook his head laughing seeing her replies.

"Hey...I really enjoy you talking. So that's no problem"

She bit her tongue hiding her face in the pillow.

"Okay then see you tomorrow"

"Yeah...bye. Good night"

"Good night Jwala"

Their hearts raced. Both of them were smiling at the warmth of their talks. They wanted give a chance to each other, to explore where it ended at. Vihaan loved the way she made him comfortable with her talks.
While on the other hand Jwala was pleasantly surprised seeing him talking freely.
The world now seemed more beautiful as if it shrunk to the two of them.
____________________________________________

Yours,
Aiswarya2018.