Strong connection develops between Karno and Devaki amid uncertainty and unexpected revelations during their meetings.
Devaki made her exit as seamlessly as she had arrived, leaving Karno eager for their next encounter. A few days later, they found themselves at Madras Coffee House, a quaint and slightly dilapidated café in Connaught Place. This time, Karno had chosen the venue, and Devaki, unfamiliar with the place, curiously examined the peeling plaster on the damp walls. The café’s high ceilings amplified their conversations, creating an echoing ambiance that seemed to heighten the gravity of their discussion.
Without warning, Devaki posed a peculiar question, “Have you ever seen someone drown, Karno?” This unexpected inquiry caught him off guard. It reminded him of a bizarre moment from his childhood when his friend Murli had asked him a similarly strange question in school. “Have you, Karno?” she pressed on, and he shook his head, bewildered. “Why? Have you?” Devaki’s expression remained serious as she recounted a haunting story about a villager who had vanished for days before his body was discovered nearby. Her narrative resonated deeply, prompting Karno to reflect on the nature of being lost, even in familiar surroundings.
In that moment, he invited her to his home, asking, “Will you come home one day?” Devaki, who seemed to embody a mix of intrigue and caution, accepted the invitation but requested that he also invite a couple of friends. Karno had hoped for an intimate moment alone with her, but he respected her desire for company, even if he wondered if she feared his intentions. Despite his attraction to her, he was determined to cultivate their relationship slowly, wanting it to develop naturally rather than rush into something physical.
As they prepared for his friends’ arrival, Karno’s mind wandered. He envisioned their relationship as a slow-moving train, one he could jog alongside before finally boarding. Their meetings had been brief, yet he found himself inviting her into his life. Meanwhile, Devaki likely viewed him with a mix of curiosity and caution, straddling the line between friendship and something more sinister.
When Rhea and Sandip arrived, Devaki’s demeanor transformed. Her smile widened, and she exuded a charm that captivated the room. Karno noted her ease in engaging with others, moving seamlessly between conversations, from mundane topics to deep reflections. It was as if she had tapped into a hidden energy, and Karno couldn’t help but admire her charisma.
As the evening unfolded, they opened a bottle of wine, only for Karno to discover that Devaki did not drink. This realization shifted his approach; he understood he would need to be authentic without the usual social lubricants. Sandip, a musician, began strumming his guitar, prompting Devaki to mention an ex named Faiza, who had also played music. This casual revelation stirred something within Karno, but he chose to distract himself with memories of cricket, imagining himself in high-pressure scenarios on the field.
In the midst of this, Devaki turned to him and asked, “Am I the first chance encounter of your life which is this memorable?” Her question lingered in the air, hinting at the depth of their interactions and the complexities that lay ahead in their evolving relationship.
