Moran - Dare to Love

Part 12

Hey guys, thank you for your votes and comments.

Continuing from the last part,

*****

With Diwali going away, the winter season starts.

Trees started losing leaves.. But the scene was still beautiful in the university campus.  These trees line either side of the road leading to the university dormitory block for the girls. Underneath the trees, students are standing in groups, catching up with one another about what happened during the holidays. Ofcourse, there is never a shortage of couples in the more secluded spots, cuddling and displaying their affection for each other… even though the weather was becoming colder.

Monami’s roommates have not returned to the campus, so she has the room all to herself.  She spent her day reading, surfing the net and recording the details of working with Karan on a journal. It was a once in a lifetime experience.  She wanted to keep a note of everything that had happened.

********

This was also one of those afternoons when Faizi called. Monami was lying on the bed at that time.

“Your voice sounds funny.  Are you ok? Toothache ho raha h kya? Ya phir kisi ne aapke face par toh nahi mara jiski wajah se swelling aa gayi ho isliye aap ki awaaz aisi aa rahi hain?”  asked Faizi, imagining many things at a time..

Monami tried not to laugh. She has a whitening mask on her face. It’s hard to talk when you don’t want to open your mouth.

“Mask! What’s up?” She answers.

Faizi was amused.  He turns to Karan and says: “Hey Karan, inki awaaz ek dam sheep jaisi Dubai de rahi h.. It's kinda whiny but it's cute.. aap janaab sunana pasand karenge?"

Karan answered : ”Why would I want to hear her distorted voice?”

By this time, Monami has removed the thin piece of sheet from her face: “Hey, maine apna mazak udwaane k liye phone answer nahi kiya hain."

Faizi laughed and told her the reason for the call: "Let’s have lunch together. I’ve found a flat for you.”

“I’ll treat you. Come over to the campus.  There’s a restaurant nearby that does a nice fish dish.”

****

There’s a lot of small eateries around the campus. Monami picked a restaurant that does a good lamb and fish casserole. It’s a popular choice amongst the students. 

- Does he own suits of any other color?  Monami wonders.  At least he looks good in a black suit. Hang on, why should she care what Karan wears.  

They stand at the entrance, waiting for a waiter to show them to their table.  Karan takes a look around.  The place is filled with the smell of chili, fish and lamb.

“They source their fish from the fish market every morning.  It’s guaranteed to be fresh.  And so is the lamb.” Monami looks at Karan, “Tumne pehle kabhi try ki hui hain yeh?"

Karan takes a glance at her.  He doesn’t answer her question.

Monami passes the menu to Faizi: “Tumhe kuch aur bhi order karna hai?"

Faizi asks the waiter: “Can we order a steamed fish as well?”

“Sorry, we specialize in lamb and fish casserole.  The kitchen prepares the food in the morning. We don’t have any whole fish filets left. The portions are quite large, it should be more than enough for the three of you.”