Where Love Waited Memories

Meher Khanna

This chain always breaks when you see me coming with food?

She raised an eyebrow.

Meher Khanna

How convenient.

Aarav finally stood, wiping his hands on a cloth.

Aarav Malhotra

Did you bring mirchi (chillies) with the samosa?

Meher’s eyes lit up.

Meher Khanna

Of course. It’s not even a samosa without that. Come.

She didn’t wait.

She turned around and led the way toward the back garden of her house,

Where the swing hung from the old mango tree, creaking slightly in the wind.

The late afternoon sun was casting long shadows, and the air was thick with the scent of rain-soaked leaves.

Aarav followed.

He always followed.

They sat cross-legged on the swing, the plate between them.

Meher poured tea from the kettle she’d smuggled out of the kitchen, holding the cups with expert hands.

Meher Khanna

I swear, if Amma finds out I used the gas again for tea, she’ll throw me out,

She giggled.

Aarav Malhotra

She won’t

Aarav replied calmly, taking the cup.

Aarav Malhotra

She adores you.

Meher Khanna

She adores you more.

Meher Khanna

She says you’re the good boy next door.

Aarav Malhotra

I am

He said with mock pride.

She rolled her eyes.

Meher Khanna

Please. You’re a total bore.

But her smile softened the insult, and he accepted it, the way he always did.

There was something sacred about these moments , him and her,

Talking about nothing and everything under a tree that had witnessed the better part of their childhood.

Meher Khanna

You know

Meher said after a while, sipping her tea thoughtfully,

Meher Khanna

Only three more months of college left.

Aarav nodded.

Meher Khanna

And you’ll go away.

He turned to look at her, but she was staring into her cup now.

Meher Khanna

For Air Force training

She added, her voice light but slower than usual.

Aarav Malhotra

You’re happy about that

He said quietly.

Aarav Malhotra

Weren’t you the one who pushed me to apply?

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