HER POV
Shresth's and his eyes kept locking onto each other, creating a loud silence.
I kept fidgeting with my keychain. I'll remove it today and change the purse.
"Tara, try this mojito. It tastes exactly like the one we used to drink at that old shop," Eddy said.
"Are you in love with old shops?" Mr. Lost laughed.
"Yes! It seriously tastes like that. Order one for me too."
"Take this. I'll order one for myself," he offered, handing me the glass.
"No, it's yours. I'll take another one."
"Okay. As you say."
We all continued eating our food, and then Mr. Lost broke the silence.
"Guys, let's exchange gifts," he said cheerily.
"What gifts?" They all looked at each other.
"Weren't we bringing gifts for each other?"
"We don't know," they all said in unison.
"No problem. We brought some things for you guys." I opened my bag.
"Wow! Cake and brownies. I love it," Eddy exclaimed.
"What's with that reaction? You look like a kid," I laughed.
EDDY'S POV
She literally laughs like a kid.
"I love brownies, and I love getting them for free."
"Hey! Nothing is free. We'll also be giving something to them," Sriya pointed out.
"No need, guys. Giving gifts isn't meant to be that formal."
"Look who's being mature—the tiffin snatcher," Shresth interrupted, and everyone broke into laughter.
"You remember how she used to send me to fill her water bottle and finish my lunch in that time."
"You—Mr. Lost. Aren't you remembering too much, huh? Want a beating?" She raised her fingers at him.
"Tara, you're so sassy," Sriya sent her flying kisses.
"I know I am," she continued with a hair flip.
How can someone be cute and—
No. I'm not meant to say this.
"Show your gifts, Lostie," she said, picking up his bag.
"It's been years, Tara. When will you call him by his name?" Tanisha joked.
"I don't think I ever will. Calling him by a nickname feels so comfortable," she said, resting herself on her palms.
"I don't think she needs to. Whatever she calls me becomes my identity. Even the guard in her society knows me as Mr. XYZ—like it's a fill-in-the-blanks thing."
"Yes! They're filled based on your actions—like Chef, Lost, Cutie."
She paused. "Cutie? No, you ain't."
But you are, Tara.
HIS POV
"Guys, I brought different gifts for you. Open the one with your name slip."
"Where's mine?"
"I'll give you yours at home."
"Why? We also want to see it."
"Very bad. You're being biased."
"Yes! A good one for her and an okay-ish one for us."
"You guys haven't even opened yours!" I screamed.
"I forgot hers at home. She kept calling me again and again to hurry up."
"Wait. What. How. You—you forgot my gift, Mr. Lost? You are seriously lost,"
and yes, she started beating me with her bag.
"Thanks, bro. I love the bag," Eddy interrupted to save me.
"Yes, we do too," they all said in unison.
"Excuse me, shall I bring the bill?"
"Yes, you may."
Oh my God. I don't know how much it'll be. My savings are gone.
"The bill is Rs. 7,900/-."
"So divided by five would be Rs. 1,580," Eddy mentioned.
"Here's our contribution," Tara said, handing over Rs. 3,160.
"But the share is only Rs. 1,580," Shresth added.
"Oh! It's ours. He gave his money to me since he lost his purse last time, so I suggested he keep the money with me."