infatuation
I had just completed my 12th board exams, and I got holidays before starting my bachelor’s degree. So, my family and I planned to visit my grandparents’ house for the vacation, which would last about two months.
I started packing my things—my clothes and all my essentials—into one big bag in which I could easily fit, as I am 5 feet 4 inches tall, so it was easy for me. I filled my bag with my favourite clothes and shoes.
Later, I helped my younger brother, who is 6 years old. His name is Aman. I helped him pack his clothes and toys.
After that, I realised that I had left my accessories unpacked. So, I went upstairs to my room and packed my perfume, chains, rings, and a bracelet printed with the name Annie, which was gifted to me by my childhood friend. By the way, I’m Annie.
My family and I had breakfast and then started our journey to my grandparents’ house in our car. My father has his own business, so you could say that we are well-off. My father and I are both into cars, and we often argue while selecting a new car to buy. He promised to gift me a Mini Cooper if I scored more than 90% in my board exams.
Later, we stopped on the highway for a restroom break and then drove straight to my grandparents’ house. It had been almost two years since I last met my grandparents, so we got a little emotional at first, but soon it turned into laughter.
That night, my grandmother cooked my favourite biryani for dinner. I was extremely happy because I love the biryani made by my grandmom, and it had been two years since I last had it. I enjoyed it so much that I literally ate half of the quantity she made. After that, I had my favourite ice cream, which my grandfather bought for me.
Later, my mom, my brother, and I went for a small walk in our community. My mom and grandmother slowly started gossiping as usual, while my brother and I played and ran around with Charlie, our Golden Retriever. My grandfather bought Charlie when I was four years old, and whenever I visit my grandparents’ house, I spend most of my time playing with him.
After that, we went back home. I took a bath, watched my favourite cartoon, Doraemon, and after a while, went to my room and fell asleep.
The next day, I woke up at 11 in the morning, which is not usual at all. But since I was at my grandparents’ house, it felt completely normal. Then I freshened up and went downstairs to have breakfast, which again is usually unusual for me.
Later, I went for a walk with Charlie, and there I met my friend Tina, who lives in the same community. We talked a lot, and then I came back home and had my lunch. After that, I took a power nap for about two hours, which again felt totally normal.
Later, Tina came to my house and asked me to come to a birthday party and also to meet my parents. I got dressed according to the dress code, which was western wear. I wore my favourite red bodycon dress. After that, Tina came to my house, and we both went to the party, which was in our community itself.
Then Tina and I reached the party. Tina introduced me to her friends, which was cool. All of us talked about ourselves—basically introductions. After that, Tina and I danced to a couple of songs.
Later, a guy came and hugged Tina. He was her best friend from school as tina said. Tina scolded him for being late to the party and then introduced him to me. I don’t know why, but I felt nervous. Still, it was okay—he was cool, handsome, and tall. His name is Laksh.
After that, Tina went to the washroom, and Laksh started talking to me. He asked about my studies, where I came from, and other stuff. Then he suddenly asked me, “Are you single?” I paused for a second and nervously answered yes. There was a prolonged silence for about a minute. Then I asked him about his relationship status, and he said, “Yes, I’m with Tina.” I was confused at first, but later I thought it was okay.
Soon, Tina came back, and the three of us got drinks. It was my first time having alcohol, but Tina and her boyfriend kind of encouraged me, so I had it. Later, the three of us started talking normally. I asked Tina, “How long have you both been in a relationship?” She replied, “No, Laksh and I are just best friends from childhood.”
Then I asked Laksh, “You said that you both are in a relationship.” Tina immediately scolded him and said, “Stop doing comedy.” She then explained that he was just joking. I was like, fine, okay.
After that, we said bye to Laksh and started heading home. I was drunk, and Tina asked me to come over and sleep at her place, so I went to her house.
Later, I got a friend request from Laksh. I froze for a second and then accepted it. He texted me, “Have you reached home?” I replied, “Yeah, Tina and I are having a sleepover at her house.” He said, “Cool, good night. Have fun.”
Later, Tina gave me clothes to change into. We talked for some time, and then we both went to sleep.
The very next day, I went home. The moment I woke up, I freshened up and had my breakfast. Then I started checking my Instagram. I saw a message from Laksh saying, “Hey, good morning.” I giggled to myself and replied, “Good morning.” The next second, I got another message from him: “I enjoyed last night, and it was nice meeting you.” I replied, “Me too, I had fun.” He liked the message.
Later, I was helping my grandmother make lunch while we shared some funny gossip. Since I was at home, I was wearing an oversized tee with shorts and had my hair tied up in a bun. I was cutting vegetables when the doorbell rang. I went to open the door and saw Laksh standing in front of me. My grandmother came from behind, invited him inside, and introduced me to him. She said that Laksh is the grandson of my grandfather’s friend and that they used to live in our community.
Laksh and I stood near the dining table while my grandmother went back to cooking. We were both shocked and started laughing when we looked at each other. My grandmother then started talking about me and my studies to Laksh, which he already knew from the previous night.
Later, I went to my room and changed my clothes. When I came back, I noticed Laksh standing near the dining table. He looked at me from top to bottom and smiled. I smiled back. I couldn’t help smiling to myself again while working in the kitchen.
My grandmother asked him to have lunch since he was familiar with our home, and we both ate together. After that, Laksh said he would leave. I took Charlie out for a walk, and we started smiling and talking about the coincidence. We discussed our interests, and he asked me if I watch movies. I said yes and told him that I love movies and series. He then started telling me about his favorites, and I felt happy listening to him.
Later, he left the community, and I returned home. I was lying on my bed when he texted me, “Do you want to watch the third season of The Summer I Turned Pretty?” I replied immediately, “Definitely, it’s my favorite series.” He replied, “That’s great, you’ve got good taste.” Then he said, “Okay, I’ll pick you up in the evening.” I replied, “Okay.”
Later that evening, he came to my home, greeted my parents, and asked them if we could go watch a series together. Since my family already knew his family, they were okay with it. He took me in his Mini Cooper, which was super cute.
Later, I told him that I love Mini Coopers and mentioned that my father said he’ll gift me one if I get more than 90 percent in my boards. He said, “Great,” and then asked which car my father owns. I replied, “Mercedes GLS.” He looked amazed, and I made an attitude face inside. Then I added that we also own an Audi and a Land Rover. He replied, “Cool,” and said that we have a couple of similarities. I smiled and said, “Yeah.”
We reached his house, which was quite big and nice. He introduced me to his family and told them that I’m the granddaughter of his grandfather’s friend. They looked surprised and started talking to me about my life, my studies, and other things.
Later, he took me to his room and gave me a room tour. His room was full of car posters and car models, along with some dumbbells. I thought to myself that he might be into fitness. Then he removed his shirt in front of me and changed into a T-shirt. I saw his abs and instantly confirmed that he’s into fitness—damn, he had shredded abs.
We sat on his bed and started the first episode of TSITP. We were both keenly watching the series and didn’t utter a single word throughout the episode. After it finished, we decided to take a 10-minute break. We talked about the series and our favorite characters. He said he liked Belly, and I replied that I liked Conrad. Then he asked my opinion on Belly. I said that I hate her—she’s so confused, loves both Conrad and Fisher, and makes the whole series shitty. He laughed loudly, and I laughed too, and soon we went deeper into the discussion.
Later, he went downstairs and brought chips and Coke. We continued our discussion while enjoying the snacks.
He asked me, “Did you ever kiss somebody?”
I paused, then answered, “No.”
He asked, “Why?”
I replied, “Because I’ve never been in a relationship.”
He said, “Oh, I got it.”
Then I asked him why he had asked me that question. He replied, “Just to know more about you.”
I said, “Okay,” paused for a moment, and told him I’d use the bathroom and come back.
When I returned, I sat beside him and asked, “What about you?”
He replied, “What about me?”
So I asked, “Have you ever experienced a kiss?”
He said, “No.”
I felt happy inside and asked, “Why?”
He said that he had also never been in a relationship.
I replied, “Oh, isn’t it?”
He said, “Why? Are you doubting me?”
I said, “No,” and added, “Usually guys who go to the gym have girlfriends.”
He replied, “That doesn’t mean everyone does,” and asked, “How do you know I go to the gym?”
I said, “I saw the dumbbells,” and pointed at them.
He said, “But there’s a possibility that the dumbbells don’t belong to me, right?”
I said, “Okay, fine. I saw your abs.”
He said, “Oh, so that means you were watching me?”
I laughed, and he laughed too. Then he said jokingly, “Say directly if you’re interested in me.”
I laughed again.
Suddenly, he came closer and kissed me, then went downstairs.
I was shocked on the outside but happy on the inside, though I made a shocked face.
He came upstairs again, and even he looked confused. There was complete silence as we started watching the second episode—only the series was playing.
After finishing the episode, he asked me how it was.
I said, “It was good,” and nothing more.
He noticed that I was confused, and then he kissed me again, placing his hand on my waist. This time, I kissed him back. I had mixed feelings inside me.
Later, I asked him to drop me home. He said okay, and we drove to my house. Before I stepped out of the car, he kissed me again. I kissed him back too, holding his neck, and then went inside.
That night, I kept thinking about him. I checked my phone once in a while, hoping for his messages. I kept thinking about his lips—how they tasted sugary, probably because we had Coke.
I lay on my bed with mixed feelings and countless scenarios running through my mind. Still thinking about his lips, I eventually fell asleep unknowingly.
The next morning, I woke up to the sound of my phone buzzing. Still half-asleep, I grabbed it from beside my pillow.
Laksh: Good morning.
A smile automatically spread across my face. I replied almost instantly.
Me: Good morning.
After a few minutes of staring at the chat, replaying last night in my head, I finally gathered the courage to text him again.
Me: Do you want to come over in the evening? We can finish the rest of the episodes.
There was a pause that felt longer than it actually was.
Laksh: I was hoping you’d ask. I’ll be there.
The entire day felt slow after that. I helped my grandmother around the house, played with Charlie, and kept checking the clock every now and then. By evening, I changed into something comfortable—a soft top and jeans—and tied my hair loosely.
When Laksh arrived, my heart skipped the same way it did every time I saw him. He greeted my grandparents politely, exchanged a few words, and then we went to my room.
We sat on the bed, turned on the TV, and resumed the series. At first, there was a small gap between us, an awkward space filled with unspoken thoughts. Slowly, as the episodes went on, he moved closer. Our shoulders touched. Then his arm rested gently around my waist.
I looked at him, and without thinking much, I leaned in and kissed him. He kissed me back immediately, his hand tightening slightly at my waist, pulling me closer. This time, there was no confusion—only comfort.
We continued watching the series like that, wrapped in each other’s arms, occasionally talking about scenes, occasionally just smiling at nothing. By the time the final episode ended, it felt like time had flown.
The next day, we decided to go to Tina’s house together. My heart was pounding the entire way because we both knew what we were going to tell her.
As soon as we sat down, Laksh spoke first.
“Tina… Annie and I kissed.”
Her eyes widened in shock. For a second, she just stared at us. Then suddenly, she laughed and pulled both of us into a tight hug.
“Finally!” she said. “I knew something was going to happen.”
I laughed nervously and added, “We’re thinking about being in a relationship.”
She smiled warmly and said, “You both are perfect. And I fully support this.”
The next day, the three of us went shopping together. Tina was unusually excited, dragging me from one store to another. While trying on dresses, Laksh suddenly paused and looked confused.
“Wait,” he said. “Why are we shopping like this?”
Tina looked at me and burst out laughing.
“Because tomorrow is Annie’s birthday.”
Laksh looked at me, genuinely shocked. “What? Why didn’t you tell me?”
I smiled shyly. “I wanted it to be a surprise.”
He shook his head with a smile and said, “You’re impossible.”
Before leaving, I invited both Tina and Laksh to my birthday party the next day. Tina immediately started planning outfits and decorations, while Laksh just looked at me with that soft smile that was slowly becoming my favorite thing.
As I went to bed that night, I realized something had changed—not just between Laksh and me, but inside me too. For the first time in a long while, everything felt new, warm, and full of possibilities.
And this time, I wasn’t confused at all.
That evening, my birthday celebration began. Relatives and friends slowly filled the house. Laughter, music, and chatter echoed everywhere. Tina was there, helping me with everything, but my eyes kept drifting toward the door.
I was waiting for Laksh.
Just when I had almost given up checking, he walked in. The moment I saw him, my heart pounded with happiness. I tried to act normal, but my smile gave me away.
Soon, it was time to cut the cake. Everyone gathered around, clapping and cheering as I made my wish and blew out the candles. I spent the next hour talking, laughing, and receiving gifts from my relatives and friends.
At the very end, Laksh came up to me and handed me a small, neatly gift-wrapped box.
“I made this specially for you,” he said softly.
“Open it after the party… when I’m gone.”
That sentence alone made my heart flutter. I nodded excitedly, thanked him, and watched him leave.
After the party ended and everyone went home, I went to my room. I opened every single gift one by one—clothes, accessories, perfumes—but I deliberately kept Laksh’s gift aside.
I’ll open it tomorrow morning, I thought. Let it be the first happiness of my day.
I slept with a smile on my face.
The next morning, I woke up unusually happy. The first thing I did was grab the small box Laksh had given me. Sitting on my bed, I slowly unwrapped it.
The moment I opened it…
I froze.
Inside was a handmade bracelet, made of tiny beads—with my name printed on it: Annie.
My hands started trembling.
Without wasting a second, I grabbed my phone and called Laksh.
“Laksh, you need to come over right now. I need to talk to you.”
His voice sounded worried. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes… just come. Please.”
Within some time, he arrived. I didn’t say anything. I simply showed him the bracelet.
“From where did you get this?” I asked.
He looked confused for a second and then replied honestly,
“I made it for you. I sat the whole night doing it.”
I was stunned.
Without saying a word, I ran to my cupboard, opened a small box, and took something out. I placed it in his hand.
It was another bracelet—almost exactly the same. Handmade, beaded, with my name on it.
Now it was his turn to be shocked.
In complete confusion, I immediately called Tina and asked her to come over.
When Tina arrived, we showed her both the bracelets. The room was filled with silence, confusion, and unanswered questions.
Suddenly, something clicked in my mind.
I ran downstairs and brought my birthday album, which was about six years old. We sat together on the floor and started flipping through every page carefully—laughing at some pictures, pausing at others.
Then…
the last photo.
All three of us stared at it.
It was a picture of three kids—
Me, Tina… and Laksh.
Tina’s eyes widened.
“I remember this day,” she said slowly.
She turned to me and explained, “Laksh used to live in our community back then. Later, his family moved away. The three of us used to play in the park every evening. But after they left, we lost touch.”
She looked at Laksh and continued,
“I met him again in college. That’s when my parents told me we were childhood friends.”
I looked at Laksh, completely overwhelmed.
Tears filled my eyes.
I hugged him tightly and said through my tears,
“This bracelet… this was my favourite bracelet. I always believed that the person who gave it to me was definitely my best friend from childhood.”
He hugged me back, holding me close, as if afraid to let go.
All this time, destiny hadn’t brought us together randomly.
It had been bringing us back.
