With the taxi gently rolling to a stop, Shree found herself at the doorstep of the University. The morning sun, now fully embracing the day, cast a warm glow on the campus, promising the beginning of a new chapter in Shree's life.

As she stepped out of the taxi, Sharan's parting words lingered in the air.

Making her way to the administrative office, Shree acquired the keys to her new apartment and navigated the formalities of signing essential documents.

Laden with the keys and documents, Shree ventured towards the student accommodation. The apartment, a shared haven for her and three other girls, hinted at the shared experiences that awaited.

Upon entering the apartment, Shree discovered a serene emptiness—most of the girls were out, leaving the space quiet and undisturbed. The stillness of the rooms echoed with the potential for friendships and the untold stories that would unfold within these walls.

As Shree wandered through the apartment, the door to one of the rooms swung open, revealing Olivera—her roommate. Olivera, fair-skinned with dark, cascading curls and enchanting green eyes, greeted Shree with an infectious warmth.

"Hey there! I'm Olivera," she exclaimed, her Spanish accent adding a melodic touch to her words. "Are you Shree?"

Shree nodded and before she could introduce herself, Olivera had already enveloped her in a friendly hug. "So excited to have you here!"

With a welcoming smile, Olivera took the lead, showing Shree around the apartment. "I'm Olivera, from Valencia, Spain - call me Oli. I'm 23 and I love marine life. I'm starting the Zoology degree."

"Me and the other girls arrived here few days ago. Let me give you the grand tour!" she declared, leading Shree through the common spaces and sharing anecdotes about each area.

As they navigated through the living room, Olivera pointed to the comfy couch and the small collection of eclectic decorations. "This is our little home. Movie nights are a must here, and plan to take turns picking films."

Next, they ventured into the kitchen.

"Can you cook?" Olivera asks Shree. Shree shakes her head.

Olivera chuckled, "That's okay. We all try our hand at cooking. I can make a soup at best. Helga can't cook much but Sumaiya's Pakistani dishes are deliciosa! She made mutton biriyani last night and we finished it so fast!"

Passing by the laundry area, Olivera explained the nuances of the washing machines and shared laundry schedules. "It's a bit of a dance to coordinate this crap machine, but we manage just fine. Everyone chips in to keep things running smoothly."

The tour continued to the shared spaces where laughter echoed and bonds formed. Finally, they reached the room Shree would be sharing with Olivera. "And voilà, this is our little retreat," Olivera grinned, showcasing the room's unique blend of Spanish flair and cozy charm.

After settling her luggage, Shree expressed her gratitude, "Thanks for showing me around, Olivera. It already feels like home."

Olivera beamed, "It's our home now. Anything you need, just ask."

As the day unfolded, Shree and Olivera, now joined by Helga and Sumaiya, gathered in the common area. Shree soon learned that Helga was pursuing Psychology and Sumaiya was pursuing Finance.

* * * * *

In the dappled afternoon light, Shree decided to make a quick visit to the on-campus supermarket, her steps light as she navigated the aisles. She was walking past the personal care section, looking at the array of balms and soaps.

Turning the corner, Shree found herself colliding with Sharan. A blush painted Shree's cheeks as Sharan promptly offered an apology.

"I'm sorry about that," Sharan said with a friendly smile, his dark eyes reflecting a genuine warmth.

"No worries," she replied softly.

Sharan, his demeanor friendly and open, noticed the balms and soaps in Shree's shopping basket. "Finding everything you need?" he inquired, a smile playing on his lips.

Shree nodded, "I'm just grabbing a few essentials."

Sharan, who seemed to be on his own shopping expedition, had a basket filled with an assortment of snacks. "Stocking up on snacks?" Shree asked.

He chuckled, "I have a lot of reports to grade. And late-night report grading demand proper sustenance."

Sharan extended an invitation that took Shree by surprise. "You know, there's this new Indian cafe that just opened near the campus entrance. How about dinner there? Say, around 5:30 pm?" he suggested.

Shree, pleasantly surprised by the offer, couldn't help but smile. "That sounds lovely. I'd enjoy that."

"Perfect. Let's meet by the entrance around 5:30 pm then. It's always nice to explore new places," Sharan suggested.

As Shree continued her shopping, a newfound anticipation lingered in the air. The prospect of an evening at the new Indian cafe added a delightful twist to her day, and she couldn't help but wonder how this chance encounter might evolve into a shared experience.

Later, as the clock approached 5:30 pm, Shree found herself standing by the campus entrance, a sense of anticipation building within her. She had opted for a pink frock with floral prints. The air carried the fragrance of possibilities as she glanced around, waiting for Sharan.

He appeared on cue, a friendly smile adorning his face. "Right on time," Sharan remarked, a hint of playfulness in his tone. Together, they set off towards the Indian cafe—a quaint spot that promised a fusion of flavors and a canvas for new conversations.

As they entered the cafe, the aroma of spices enveloped them, creating an ambiance that resonated with warmth and authenticity. Soft instrumental music played, adding a touch of elegance to the dining experience. The tables were set with vibrant tablecloths, and dim lighting created an intimate atmosphere.

Shree and Sharan settled into a cozy corner, the menu offering a tempting array of culinary delights.

Sharan, with a twinkle in his eye, suggested ordering a bottle of wine to accompany their meal. However, Shree, preferring a non-alcoholic option, politely declined. "I'll pass on the wine, thank you," she said, her smile softening the refusal.

Undeterred, Sharan then proposed some soft drinks. "Coke or Sprite, perhaps?" he inquired.

Shree, with a gentle shake of her head, declined once again. "Just water for me, please."

Their eyes met as the waiter awaited their order, and Sharan, sensing an opportunity for shared decision-making, suggested trying the crab kurma. However, a memory surfaced in Shree's mind—her mother's caution about avoiding crab for safety reasons during her pregnancy.

"I'd recommend the butter chicken kurma instead," Shree suggested, her tone laced with concern. Sharan, appreciative of her consideration, nodded in agreement. "Butter chicken kurma it is, then, and some plain naan to go with it," he confirmed, signaling the waiter to proceed with their order.

As they awaited their order, Shree couldn't help but notice the tender gaze with which Sharan regarded her. His eyes, dark and expressive, held a warmth that transcended the casual setting of the restaurant. The unspoken connection between them seemed to deepen with every shared glance, creating an ambiance charged with anticipation.

Taking a sip of water, Sharan initiated a more formal introduction, a glimpse into the chapters of his life. "So, I want to properly introduce myself. I'm Sharan Sivakumar. I'm 32, single," he began, his voice carrying a blend of sincerity and openness. Shree, intrigued by this unveiling, listened attentively as he continued.

"I was born and raised in Singapore," Sharan shared, a touch of nostalgia in his words. "My mom is a Singapore Tamil and she worked as a nurse, and my father is a Sri Lankan Tamil. He has a stationery shop in Geylang."

Leaning into the conversation, Sharan revealed more about his academic and professional journey. "I'm the only son," he said, a quiet pride resonating in his tone. "I'm a nerd and I hardly did sports. But I played a lot of Chess back in school. I did my bachelors and masters in Economics at the University of Manchester."

Sharan's narrative unfolded further,  "After that, I worked in the UK as an Economics Consultant for a private firm for four years," he continued, "Eventually, I decided to take up a career as a lecturer. Now I've been teaching here for almost five years." Sharan concluded.

"Tell me about yourself, Shree," he inquired, his eyes reflecting a genuine interest in the person across the table.

With a gentle smile, Shree began to share her story. "I'm 28, originally from Hyderabad. I was raised in Mumbai," she started, the vibrant cityscape of her hometown momentarily coloring her words. "I'm the oldest child in my family." Sharan nodded, encouraging her to continue.

"I have a younger sister named Devi," Shree continued, pride evident in her voice. "She's pursuing a bachelor's in Law."

"My mother is a retired clerk, and my late father worked for the Indian Army," Shree shared.

Sharan listened attentively, and a subtle admiration graced his expression. "Impressive," he remarked, acknowledging the tapestry of Shree's background.

"My father passed away when I was nine," she revealed and continued her narrative. "I did my degree in Business Management, but I initially wanted to pursue English Literature, but my family discouraged me, fearing there'd be limited opportunities."

"I worked as a teacher for a while," Shree continued, her gaze momentarily distant as memories resurfaced. "Eventually, I joined the corporate world as a secretary." A pause lingered in the air as Shree recalled a significant chapter in her life.

As she recollected joining as Madhav's secretary, a transformative chapter in her life, the weight of memories seemed to settle. Shree, caught in a moment of reflection, suddenly excused herself. "I'll be right back. I need to use the washroom." she said with a gentle smile, leaving Sharan.

In the solitude of the washroom, the memories flooded Shree's consciousness like an intricate tapestry woven with threads of love, romance, and eventual heartache. She closed her eyes, and the reel of her past with Madhav played vividly in her mind.

It began with the tender days of being Madhav's secretary, that transcended the professional. The shared glances, the subtle gestures, and the unspoken understanding had set the stage for a deeper bond.

As the scenes unfolded, Shree revisited the moments of falling in love with Madhav. The stolen glances turned into lingering gazes, and their professional interactions blossomed into a profound intimacy that echoed within their hearts.

The recollection then shifted to their wedding— the official commencement of their love story. The vibrant hues of their celebration, the warmth of shared glances, and the promise of a life together painted a picture of happiness and unity.

However, the tone of the memories shifted. A cloud of misunderstanding descended upon their marital bliss, casting a shadow over the once-luminous connection. Shree remembered the subtle shifts in Madhav's behavior, the distance that crept into their interactions, and the unspoken tension that lingered between them.

The most painful chapter unfurled as Shree recollected the time when she needed him the most—when she discovered she was pregnant. The joy that should have marked this moment was replaced by silence, ghosting, and the cruel weight of abandonment. Madhav's sudden withdrawal left Shree in a state of emotional turmoil, grappling with the void that had replaced the once-solid foundation of their relationship.

Shree found herself confronted not only by the painful memories of abandonment but also by the haunting echoes of the intimate moments she once shared with Madhav. The recollection of their love-making, the tender embraces, and the warmth of their shared embraces unfolded like an unwelcome guest in her mind. The vulnerability of those instances now haunted her, and she couldn't shake off the feelings of regret and shame.

The memories played like an unwelcome reel in her mind—the moments where she had allowed herself to be consumed by desire, the whispers of passion that had once seemed so pure. Now, in the stark light of her current situation, they carried the weight of a painful realization.

The sensation of his touch, the shared breaths, and the intimacy they had once reveled in were now tainted by the knowledge of his abandonment. Shree felt a deep sense of betrayal, not only by Madhav but also by herself for having opened her heart and body to someone who could walk away so callously.

All these memories flashed before her eyes in the washroom—a montage of love and heartache, laughter and tears. Shree took a deep breath, steadying herself against the wave of emotions. The ache of longing and the echoes of lost intimacy lingered, painting a poignant picture of a love story that had, for the moment, lost its way.

With resolve, Shree composed herself and returned to the table, where Sharan awaited her, unaware of the tempest of emotions that had surged within her during those moments of reflection.

To be continued....