Vikram rolled over his bed. ‘No’ he said aloud to his friends. ” I do not enjoy gatherings and parties, especially those dances that I can’t do, so I do not wish to come,” he told his friends over the phone and then disconnected the video call.
Immersed in his books he found peace in his company. A cup of masala chai, soft music, a book, and Vikram was sorted.
“Slow down will you?” beamed Seema in a frightening tone. But Riddhi was in no mood to listen. Her car raced faster. Soon they arrived at her favorite disco. Riddhi loved fast-paced music and parties. Seema was her best buddy. Tonight they would dance and party hard.
“Hey what about the chemistry project to be submitted tomorrow, are you done with it, Riddhi? ” Seema asked casually. “Oh gosh, I have forgotten about it, I need to complete it right away.” Saying this Riddhi rushed out of the disco. Seema followed her.
Her messy room made it difficult for her to find her chemistry project. Somehow she found her file and began working on it. Soon it was dawn.
Vikram tucked his chemistry project neatly into his backpack. Then he looked at his clean room and smiled. He left for his college project submission.
The professor applauded his effort and asked him to help another student who was lagging. “Miss Riddhi, you will take Vikram’s help to complete the project, and if there’s any excuse this time, you won’t attend any chemistry lectures for the entire month,” the professor instructed Riddhi.
Vikram was in a fix. He knew Riddhi and he would never get along. They were poles apart. But still, this was only one project so he wanted to get over it as soon as possible.
Riddhi munched a few chips and drank her cola, while Vikram had his masala chai. The cafe was a good place to begin with the project. Over his laptop, Vikram explained a few concepts to Riddhi and she began nodding and writing.
An old couple present in the cafe didn’t know how to use the internet to book a taxi. Riddhi saw them struggling, and soon she offered them help. The cab was booked and the couple left happily blessing Riddhi.
A few days passed in the Cafe. Riddhi got to know the shy Vikram closely. And Vikram found out more about the messy and outgoing Riddhi.
Vikram spoke softly and calmed hyper Riddhi whenever possible. On the other hand, Riddhi made friends with that old couple and asked them to join them at their table. Vikram soon discovered that the old couple had some boarding problems in Mumbai, so he spoke to his neighbor who was a broker, and arranged for an apartment for the old couple on an emergency basis.
Though reserved Vikram never shied away from helping people. Riddhi with her warm and chirpy behavior made a place in everyone’s heart. Vikram admired Riddhi as a human being and Riddhi loved Vikram’s calmness and stability of thoughts.
The chemistry project was done and submitted. “I think we can be friends,” quipped Riddhi softly to Vikram. “We will be in touch,” was all Vikram could say.
The old couple at the cafe arranged a small Valentine’s get-together for their close friends. Vikram and Riddhi were invited too. Vikram was reluctant but upon knowing Riddhi was coming he suddenly changed his mind. On the other hand, Riddhi didn’t enjoy such small gatherings, but she agreed to come as she would get to see Vikram.
The old couple offered cupcakes, cocktails, and sandwiches to all their guests. And then shared a few pearls of wisdom with them.
We will define love in just a few words today. “Love means feeling beautiful in your skin when your partner loves you just the way you are, without wishing to change you, then you have found your love. A soul mate with flaws and a few strengths.”
Riddhi and Vikram gazed at each other. Yes, they loved each other just as they were. Only their eyes spoke and that was it love was confessed.
Valentine’s Day meant loving despite differences. The old couple knew their purpose was fulfilled. They left the cafe leaving the two love birds, immersed in love.
The Momma Clan 
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