The night of the meteor shower ended abruptly. After kissing Manik for the second time last night, she pulled away and left, not looking back, leaving behind a highly confused Manik. Sonakshi had never done something like this before, and when she thought about it that way, she realised that for Manik such random, meaningless kisses were normal. She just couldn't sleep properly, she was tossing and turning in confusion, a lot of thoughts clouding her mind...

On the other hand Manik,to his surprise, was thinking about the kiss...A LOT. 'Isn't this supposed to be just like another kiss- meaningless and impulsive- then why am I over analysing that moment so much?' Manik thought as he sat on his bed, trying to process what happened earlier that night... And both of them kept thinking about that moment, until sleep finally took over them.

***

The next morning

Sonakshi woke up to a text from Manik. She was hesitant first, and even considered ghosting him for a few days, but then she opened the chat anyways.

M: want to catch a movie today?

She wanted to, but she couldn't, she knew she wouldn't be able to dissolve the awkwardness between them so soon, so she texted him back, and he replied immediately:

S: maybe sometime later, please?

M: whenever you are comfortable. Just remember I won't ever judge you... EVER

S: I know :)

M: there's no need to feel awkward or embarassed about last night ok? Nothing will change how I look at you as a person, you're still the same Sona to me! 😚

Sonakshi sighed in relief and decided to be as transparent with him, as he was with her, so she texted back.

S: I feel kinda precarious in general, but I can't really date you... I'm attracted to you... Maybe even like you, but I can't...

M: I agree on that, too much work. All that people do in a relationships, is talk about the relationship. It's like a Ferris wheel.

S: huh?

M: Nothing, have a good day Sona :D

S: You too Manik :)

***

It was Saturday, nearly 3-4 days after their awkward yet special interaction. They didn't meet since then, but texted each other once in a while, to check up on how the other was doing.

Sonakshi gave it a thought, and texted Manik, suggesting that they watch a movie on Monday. Undoubtedly, Manik agreed.

S: hey, wanna catch a movie this Monday?

M: would LOVE to, unless you're comfortable :)

S: I am.

M: fine I'll choose the movie then, see you ;)

***

Manik and Sonakshi met just outside the cinema almost half an hour before the showtime. "So what's the movie about? Sci-fi?" Sona asked. "No, a horror movie... because ofcourse you aren't that interested in space so..." Sonakshi kind of fumbled with her words..."uh..so..uh...why horror?" Manik teased her, "Why? Are you scared darling?" "Uh...no..no, not at all...why would I be...at the end it's fiction na..so.." Sona replied still fumbling. Manik put his hand around her shoulder, trying to calm her down, and said, "you've my hand to hold of you're scared ok, and I can sit like this throughout the movie...I don't mind!" Sonakshi gave him a light pat and said, "Besharam!" "Bachpan se baby!" Manik replied, still teasing her, as they made their way inside the cinema.

***

Sorry for this short and boring chapter! Next one will be better for sure!!