Better Together

3 | ride

Chapter 3 : The Ride

They dined in silence until he began coughing, his face turning a shade of crimson. When the coughing persisted, he unfastened the top button of his shirt. Ruhaani quickly picked the jug and poured some water in his glass. "Here, take this and look up."

He shook his head taking the glass from her hand, his fingers brushing over hers. "I think I ate a chilly," he uttered in between his coughs and quickly drank the water she had poured into his glass.

"Feeling better?" She asked as he blew air out, like his mouth was on fire.

"Yes," he muttered, embarrassed. His intolerance to chillies always left him a him in a embarrassing situation.

"Are you allergic to it?"

"Uh, not per se. But I have pretty low tolerance to them. I uh," he looked at her to see if she was still interested to know or had just asked that out of politeness. He had her complete attention. He swallowed and continued, "it leaves me with a rash on the tongue or mouth. I am fine."

She nodded. "You can have my coke if that helps. It's cold and sweet. I am not particular about not sharing food and drinks."

"No, thanks. I am fine."

She nodded. "Do you want to order something else?"

"No, I am quite full actually."

"Okay," she said although unconvinced. His plate was empty. He had eaten a little bit of rice and half the roti after the starters.

She wiped her fingers and placed the dirty tissue on the plate to give him the hint that she was done.

He instantly took the cue, "shall I call for the check?"

"Yes, we can split the bill."

"Please, allow me." He said gesturing to the waiter. The waiter didn't have to be told in particular, he simply brought the bill quickly.  

In minutes they were out of the restaurant.

"How do you plan to go home?" He asked turning to her as they reached the valet desk.

"I uh, I will take a cab. Actually my car ran out of battery today so it's still parked at my office."

"I can drop you, it won't be a problem." He said looking at her.

She hesitated but didn't reject the offer. It was past ten and she didn't want to take a cab, it was an hour's drive. "It's an hour's drive from here."

"My driver will drive, so I don't have a problem."

"Okay, if you insist." She said diplomatically, really wanting to take the offer.

Ruhaani passed him a smile as he shut the door of the car immediately as she sat in. He then walked around and got on from the other side. She gave his driver the address and he put the location on to navigator. After confirmation of the correctness he started the car. The car was well maintained, had a pleasant fragrance and the air was maintained at a cool temperature.

The driver perhaps sensed the heavy silence and asked if he should turn on the radio. Aadarsh turned to her, expecting an answer.

"Sure," she said softly.

The driver turned on the radio keeping the volume at a decent level such that they could still converse if required.

"How long have you been working for Womanica?" He asked to kill the difficult silence that was building.