Shree returned and sat at the table with Sharan, the images replayed in her mind like an unwelcome film reel. The tenderness that once defined their connection now felt tarnished by the echoes of vulnerability and a sense of betrayal.

Disgust crept in as Shree remembered moments of passion and desire—instances where she had willingly shared herself with Madhav, the boundaries blurred by the intensity of their connection. The shame lingered, a heavy cloak that seemed impossible to cast aside.

As Shree struggled to reconcile the past with the present, Sharan's voice brought her back to the reality of the dinner table.

Sharan couldn't help but notice the lingering discomfort in Shree's demeanor. Concern etched his features, and with genuine care, he asked, "Shree, are you okay?"

For a moment, Shree attempted to mask her internal turmoil with a faint smile and a nod.

They finished their meal, indulging in the sweetness of gulab jamun for dessert. The flavors, though delightful, couldn't entirely mask the bitter undercurrent of Shree's emotions.

As they strolled back to the campus, Sharan engaged in light conversation, sharing his enthusiasm for football. However, Shree, lost in the labyrinth of her thoughts, found it challenging to divert her focus from the haunting memories of her marriage to Madhav.

Reaching a park bench, Shree decided to confide in Sharan. As they paused, Sharan, sensing the need for a heart-to-heart conversation, stopped alongside her. "What's bothering you, Shree?" he asked gently.

Shree took a deep breath, her eyes revealing a mix of vulnerability and hurt. "I'm married to a multi-millionaire named Madhav Ramakrishna," she began, her voice carrying the weight of unspoken pain. "I'm pregnant with his child, but Madhav is ghosting me, and it's hurting me."

As Shree poured out her heart to Sharan, the park bench became an intimate confessional where emotions flowed freely.

"I loved Madhav so deeply," she began, her voice tinged with both fondness and pain. "Our marriage was filled with laughter, shared dreams, and an unspoken understanding that made each day beautiful." Sharan, empathetic, nodded, encouraging her to continue.

"Then, a misunderstanding crept in," Shree recounted, her eyes clouded with the weight of the past. "It was like a storm, tearing through the happiness we once had. Madhav started to withdraw, to ghost me, leaving me in confusion and heartache."

The hurt in Shree's voice was palpable as she continued, "I've tried so many times to reach out. I called him so many times to tell him about our baby, but he won't pick up. I send him so many text messages begging him to call me. It's like he's cutting all ties with me, and it's breaking my heart."

"Do you want to call him from my mobile?" Sharan offered.

Shree quickly nods and Sharan gives her his mobile. She quickly dials Madhav's number and waits for him to pick up.

Her eyes glow up as he answers.

"Hello?" He asks.

"M-M-Madhav! This is me - Sh-Shree. I have been trying-"

Shree stops midsentence as Madhav abruptly ends the call. In defeat Shree returns the mobile back to Sharan.

"Sharan, it feels like he's made a choice to walk away, and I can't force him to stay." Her words hung heavy in the air, revealing the depth of her despair.

Tears welled up in Shree's eyes as she spoke of the impending journey of pregnancy. "I'm going to have to go through this all alone in a country I'm not familiar with," she confessed, her vulnerability laid bare. "It's not just the physical pain; it's the emotional agony of being abandoned in the midst of something so significant."

As she wiped away a tear, he gently reached for her hand, offering a reassuring squeeze.

"I can't imagine how difficult this must be for you," Sharan expressed, his eyes reflecting a genuine concern. "But you're not alone, Shree. I'm here for you. Consider me your friend, your support here."

A small smile tugged at Sharan's lips as he continued, "And hey, if you need someone to talk to, or maybe even a partner for those bizarre pregnancy cravings, count on me. I've got your back."

Shree, despite her tears, couldn't help but chuckle at Sharan's light-hearted offer.

"Shree, I might not understand everything you're going through, but I promise to stand by you, to support you through the ups and downs."

Shree, touched by Sharan's sincerity and the unexpected lightness he brought to the moment, nodded appreciatively.

"So, any pregnancy cravings right now?" he asked, genuine curiosity in his eyes.

Shree, touched by his concern, blushed slightly. "I've been craving masala corn."

Without hesitation, Sharan's face lit up with enthusiasm. "That's great. I was expecting something bizzare like ice cream and chicken tandoori. I know a spot nearby that serves the best masala corn," he said, extending his hand towards her. "Let me take you there."

Shree, feeling a mix of gratitude and bashfulness, accepted his hand. Their fingers interlocked, and she smiled.

As they reached the masala corn stall, Sharan bought a big portion for Shree.

"Here you go, the best masala corn in town," Sharan declared, handing her the steaming bag. Shree took a bite, savoring the flavorful explosion of spices and the crunch of the corn. A satisfied smile played on her lips as she enjoyed the pregnancy craving she had been yearning for.

Noticing her joy, Sharan, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, decided to lighten the mood. "Hey, Shree, want to hear a corny joke?" he teased.

Shree, still relishing the masala corn, chuckled at the play on words. "Sure, hit me with it," she replied.

"What do you call the corn's dog Pupcorn"

Shree burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the night.

"I have a better one!" Shree jumps. "Who is the popcorn's favorite character? Mary Poppins."

Sharan laughed. "Oh I came up with a corn pickup line!"

Shree looks at him in surprise.

"Do you have candy corn? Because I want to whisper sweet things into your ears."

"Awww that's so cute!" Shree exclaims. "This might sound corny, but you are a-maize-ing."

"I get that compliment a lot!" Sharan flashes a smile. "So, should I call you cheesy popcorn, delicious caramel corn, or sweet corn? I am utterly corn-fused."

"What do you think?" Shree asks.

"Sweet Shree Popcorn!" Sharan replies and Shree laughs.

"OMG I like that!" Shree says.

As the night embraced them with a gentle breeze, Shree and Sharan made their way back to the campus. The soft glow of campus lights painted a serene atmosphere as they approached the student accommodation.

As they reached the entrance of the student accommodation, Shree turned to Sharan with a warm smile. "Goodnight, Sharan. Thank you for tonight," she expressed, a genuine appreciation in her eyes.

Sharan returned the smile. "Anytime, Shree. If you ever need someone to talk to or another late-night masala corn run, you know where to find me," he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

Shree, wrapped in the quietude of the night, made her way to her living quarters, the events of the evening settling in her thoughts.

Sharan watched her, a contented smile playing on his lips as he admired the grace in her steps. There was a subtle warmth in his heart, appreciating the unexpected connection forged during the evening. The sight of Shree, the gentle sway of her steps and the echo of their shared laughter still lingered in the air.

To be continued...