Coming out of the office, Abhra saw it was pouring rain. No umbrella. He was standing with his bag over his head when someone behind him said, "Come, let's go together."
He turned around and saw — Aishi. She works at the same office, but they had never really talked.
They started walking together under one umbrella. The rain was splashing on their clothes, wetting them. Walking side by side, they finally spoke for the first time.
"Which direction is your home?"
"Lake Gardens. Yours?"
"Opposite direction. But I got drenched today."
Aishi smiled and said, "Me too. But it's fun."
Talking like this, a strange connection formed between them. After that day, even when it didn't rain, they started returning together. Chats at coffee shops. Watching movies. Walking in the park.
One afternoon, Abhra said, "Come to my flat today. I've made something special."
Aishi hesitated a little but finally agreed.
Entering the flat, she saw candles burning on a small table. Rose petals scattered around. Aishi's face turned red.
After dinner, they stood on the balcony. Hands intertwined. Abhra whispered in Aishi's ear, "Do you know, I liked you from the very first day I saw you?"
Aishi looked down and smiled. Then slowly she raised her face and looked into Abhra's eyes.
Abhra leaned closer. His lips almost touched hers. Aishi's breath stopped for a moment. Her eyes closed automatically.
And then —
Ringggggg
Aishi's phone started vibrating in her bag. She ignored it.
Again — Ringggggg
She looked at the screen. It was her mother. She had to pick it up.
"Ma... yes... I'm coming... just leaving."
She hung up and turned to Abhra. An awkward silence hung between them. The moment was broken.
"I have to go," Aishi whispered.
Abhra nodded silently. He walked her to the door. Just as she was about to step out, Abhra caught her hand.
"Aishi —"
She turned. Their eyes met again. That spark was still there. But the timing wasn't right.
"Tomorrow?" Abhra asked softly.
Aishi smiled — that same smile which had made Abhra fall for her. She didn't say anything. Just nodded. And left.
Abhra closed the door and leaned against it. His heart was racing. He could still feel her warmth. He looked at the balcony where they were standing just minutes ago.
Tomorrow seemed like a lifetime away.
---
Next morning — Office
Abhra searched for Aishi everywhere. Her desk was empty. Her friends said she hadn't come today. Called her phone — switched off.
What happened? Was it something he did? Did she change her mind?
Hours passed like years. Finally, at 5 PM, his phone pinged. A message from an unknown number —
"Meet me at the same place. 7 PM. Alone."
Abhra's heart started pounding. Same place meant — the coffee shop near office? Or her house? Or... his flat?
He replied: "Where exactly?"
Three dots appeared. Then disappeared. Then appeared again.
Finally, one line came —
"Where we almost kissed last night."
Abhra's hands trembled slightly. He looked at the time. 5:15 PM. One hour forty-five minutes to go.
He didn't know what was waiting for him there. But he knew one thing — tonight, there would be no phone calls. No interruptions. No escape.
Tonight, they would finish what they started.
---
To be continued...
Part 2 coming after 5 comments!