The Kiss

Oh my god, is that you? I can't believe it! How have you been?

I think it's 16! Oh my god, it feels like yesterday we were running wild through Delhi causing trouble! You've changed so much too! I spin you around, admiring how much you've grown

Yeah, I did move to Mumbai at first, but we ended up parting ways about a year ago. I shrug casually. He wasn't all he was cracked up to be. But we don't have to get into all that. I'm in New Delhi now for a bit - just visiting my sister. I grab your hands. So tell me everything! What have you been up to all these years?

Anthropology? I raise an eyebrow. That's amazing! We were always curious about the world, so it suits you. Come on, I know this cute little cafe nearby where we can catch up properly. I want to hear everything...and share plenty of my own stories too. I give you a playful wink. Some things never change, do they?

This place has the best masala chai in the city. I pick up my cup, inhaling the warm aroma. They know me well by now. So, tell me about America! I can only imagine the stories you must have... I settle back in my chair, eyes sparkling with interest and a hint of mischief. And how are those classes treating you? Master's programs can't be easy...

Well, culture shock must be an adventure in itself. I reach out and gently brush your hair back, studying your face. I think I can imagine. It's always been easy to picture you somewhere exciting, making a life for yourself... My voice drops slightly, taking on a more intimate tone. But I'm sure those classmates of yours get to see more than just your intellectual side.

My eyes sparkle with laughter as I cut through the awkward explanation. Oh, my dear, no one gets that flustered unless there's a good story to tell. I lean in closer, voice dropping to a playful whisper. Come on, share. I've heard worse - I think you might remember some of my own escapades from back in the day...

I let out a soothing laugh. Oh sweetie, you always were so endearingly naive. There's no shortage of men who'd love to be swept off their feet by a smart, exotic beauty like you. I reach out, gently tilting your chin back towards me. Why don't you tell me more about this guy...?

My lips curl into a sly, knowing smirk as I watch you try to hide your face. I gently pull your hand down from your mouth, eyes never leaving yours. And...? How was it?

I chuckle lightly. Enchanting guys? Sweetheart, men are often much simpler than they pretend to be. Sometimes it just takes being confident in yourself, finding that spark, and holding onto it. I take your hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. Tell me more about what fizzled out. Was there another guy? Did you lose interest?

Or was it something else entirely...?

My expression softens immediately, and I slide closer to you on our cozy little bench. No, I'm not happy to hear you've been so hurt. I gently brush a strand of hair from your face. You know I'll always be here for you, whether in Delhi or half a world away. There's no need for all this past pain to have kept us from supporting each other.

We were both moving forward with our lives, sometimes taking different paths than expected. But here we are now... I wrap an arm around you, drawing you closer. And I couldn't be more glad, even if a bit of a mess brought us back together again. I press a light, comforting kiss to the top of your head. You're back now, and we can help pick each other back up. Sound good?

Good... I let the sentence trail off, just letting us be for a moment, taking in the warmth and closeness. Then I sit back up, eyes sparkling with mischief once again. I don't know if you noticed, but life's been going along just a little bit too predictably for my taste. I think this little reunion might be just the catalyst for some excitement and adventure we've both been missing...

Don't play coy with me, darling! I reach out to tap your nose lightly. With this spark between us...a little rebelliousness...I say we shake things up a bit, like old times! I lean in close, my voice lowering into an intriguing whisper. There's so much more to life than just school and routines.

I match your laughter, eyes sparkling with amusement. I reach out, fingers brushing across the back of your hand. Oh, so quick to assume the best, are we? Well, I don't know about all that just yet. But let's start a little more...under the surface, shall we? I lean back, an air of mystery dancing in my voice. I happen to know an amazing party tonight, invitation only. They've got incredible food, drink, and music, not to mention some fascinating company. Care to join me?

A low chuckle leaves my lips. Someone could say that, yes. I set down my cup, fingers drumming on the table lightly. But think of it this way - why limit ourselves to the ordinary when we have access to so much more? And who knows - you might find the kind of excitement you've been missing over in America. I give you a pointed, daring look. So what do you say? In or out?

My eyes sparkle with delight. Oh, I was hoping you'd say that! I slide out of the booth, reaching for your hand. Let's go get ready then. We can swing by my place if you need to change. This is going to be fun!

Well, you can message your friends from my phone - I'll make sure they know. And don't worry about clothes! I give you a sly grin. I have more than enough to lend you something. We'll figure it out at my place. I start tugging you along again. Come on, I don't want to waste any time!

I beam, pleased you like the apartment. I know, right? There's just something special about Indian designs. I toss my shoes aside, gesturing for you to do the same as I head towards a room off to the side. Follow me, we'll get you dressed up for that party in no time! I push open the door, revealing a spacious room overflowing with clothes, shoes, and accessories. Welcome to my closet! Let's see what might fit you...

Of course, be my guest! I point down the hall. Bathroom's right there. There should be some fresh towels in the cabinet. Let me lay out a few more options and I'll meet you back here in a bit? I begin sifting through the clothes with renewed energy.

Ah perfect timing! My eyes light up as I take in your fresh, clean appearance. I've picked out three different looks for you - which one do you like best? I gesture to the bed, where three outfits lie artfully arranged. One consists of a flowy blue tunic, another a sleek black jumpsuit, and the last a playful pair of red shorts with matching top.

Fair enough! Jumpsuits aren't for everyone. I tap my lips thoughtfully. The party's supposed to be pretty eclectic, so you can't go wrong with any of these, really. But if I had to pick... I trail off, giving the two remaining outfits a final glance. Actually, surprise me! Which one catches your eye?

I smile as you step out, twirling around in front of you to get a full view. Oh, you look great! I walk over to you, adjusting the sleeves slightly. I knew it would suit you. That blue really brings out your eyes. I stand back to admire you once more. Now let's find you some accessories to complete the look.

That's what's so refreshing about this! You get to experience something completely new. I gently slide a silver necklace over your head, watching as the pendant falls into place. And I think this new look will be just what you need to really let loose and enjoy tonight. My eyes meet yours in the mirror, sparkling with excitement. You're going to make quite the impression, I can tell you that much!

Not exactly someone I know well... I pause to study your look once more before I answer. A friend of a friend, let's say. They mentioned it was going to be a memorable night and I couldn't resist the opportunity to reconnect with you. My smile widens mischievously. Besides, who needs to know the host when you've got an invitation, right?