Love Me Like you do

Chapter 1

It’s already late in the evening.

I was sitting with my grandma, watching our usual TV series. The faint aroma of freshly made coffee lingered in the air as I settled into the cozy evening routine.

Suddenly, my phone beeped. The sound pierced through the quiet comfort of the moment, instantly grabbing my attention.

I picked it up and checked the notification. My heart skipped a beat. It’s him.

Simbu: Hi.

Trisha: Hi, how was your class?

Simbu: It was good. I had a flying lesson today. The weather was great, so overall, it was a productive day.

Trisha: Oh, that sounds nice.

Simbu: But honestly, life here gets lonely. I live alone in a small flat. Most of my time is spent playing online games or chatting.

Trisha: Oh, really? I live with my family, but I spend most of my time online too.

Simbu: You’re interesting. I just saw your pictures—you look so cute and petite.

Trisha: I’m already 21! I think I’m well past being a “little” girl.

Simbu: So, you like being seen as a grown-up woman?

Trisha: Yes, maybe.

Simbu: Okay then, let’s talk about some grown-up stuff.

Trisha: Why not? Let’s talk. (Though honestly, I had no idea what he wanted to discuss, I didn’t want to show that.)

Simbu: I’ve always been curious about something, and since I don’t have a close female friend, I hope you don’t mind me asking.

Trisha: Sure, I don’t mind.

Simbu: Are you sure?

Trisha: Positive. (My fingers hesitated as I typed that, my nerves kicking in.)

Simbu: What do girls do when they feel… moody or, you know, horny?

I froze. What?! As an Indian girl, even voluntarily chatting with a boy felt like a big step for me. Answering a question like that? Completely out of my depth.

Simbu: If you’re uncomfortable, it’s okay. You don’t have to answer.

Trisha: I’ll admit, I still have some growing up to do before I can talk about such topics.

Simbu: Authentic Indian girl.

Trisha: And you’ve clearly adapted well to Western culture.

Simbu: Maybe.

Trisha: Okay then, good night.

Simbu: Good night.

And just like that, my future serious relationship with Simbu casually began.

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The Next Morning

It was early, and the first rays of sunlight streamed through the window. I was helping my grandma with her physiotherapy exercises, guiding her gently through each stretch. The rhythmic creaking of the wooden chair echoed softly in the room.

Then, my phone beeped. I glanced at the screen. It’s him again.

A smile crept onto my face. My grandma, still in the middle of a stretch, coughed lightly to grab my attention. I quickly refocused, helping her finish the exercise before excusing myself to my room.

Trisha: Hi, good morning! Or is it still night for you?

Simbu: It’s the middle of the night here.

Trisha: Why aren’t you asleep?

Simbu: I took a nap earlier, and now I can’t sleep. Plus, I’ve been thinking about you.

Trisha: Oh, really? (I tried to suppress my happiness but couldn’t stop the slight flutter in my chest.)

Simbu: Here’s my number: *********. If you’re comfortable, we can talk over the phone.

Trisha: Okay.

Simbu: Ah, there it is—the Indian girl hesitation. Still not sharing your number with me?

Trisha: Fine, I admit it. But if today’s conversation convinces me, I’ll share my number.

Simbu: Honestly, that means I probably won’t get your number.

I laughed and shifted the conversation to my cousin Shelly’s visa process, explaining the challenges she was facing. Simbu offered to help and gave me the contact details of someone in India who could assist.

“Thank you,” I said, feeling genuinely grateful. After wishing him good night, I ended the chat and immediately sent Shelly the contact details.

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The Next Day – Friday

It was an auspicious Friday morning. I had just returned from the temple, the scent of fresh flowers and incense still clinging to my saree. After parking my scooty next to Dad’s car, I uploaded a picture I had taken at the temple.

Barely a minute later, my messenger pinged.

Simbu: Hello, gorgeous.

Trisha: Hi.

Simbu: Seriously, Trisha, you look stunning in that red saree.

Trisha: I know. A few people at the temple already told me.

Simbu: I think I’ll need to work extra hard to make you my girlfriend.

Trisha: Maybe.

Simbu: I’d love to meet you in person, but that’s impossible for now. How about a video call?

Trisha: I’ll think about it.

Simbu: Too late. I’m already calling.

My phone screen flashed with Simbu’s incoming video call. Looking around nervously, I slipped away to the penthouse for some privacy. My parents wouldn’t take kindly to me video-calling a stranger.

I accepted the call, my fingers trembling slightly.

Simbu: Hi. I thought you wouldn’t answer.

Trisha: I didn’t want to disappoint you, considering you’re all alone in a foreign country.

Simbu: That’s true. I do feel lonely. So, will you keep me company? (He chuckled.)

As we talked, the breeze played with my hair, and I instinctively tucked it behind my ear.

Simbu: Trisha, you look even cuter when you do that.

Trisha: (Blushing.) Oh, stop it, Master of Flirting.

Simbu: Tell me, how can I impress you? I’m ready to do whatever it takes.

Trisha: (Smiling.)

Simbu: Your smile—wow. And your eyes… I can’t help but notice how expressive they are.

Suddenly, my mom entered the room. Panicking, I hid the phone under my saree at my waist. My mom asked me to switch on the light and sit properly. I nodded and waited for her to leave before retrieving my phone.

Simbu: Don’t worry, I didn’t see anything inappropriate. (He grinned.)

Trisha: (Blushing even more.) You’re such a pervert.

Simbu: I tried not to look, but Trisha… your waist is perfect. I wish I could hold it just once.

Trisha: Simbu, I think we should stop here. (I ended the call abruptly.)

Later, Shelly called me, excited about her visa process. She thanked me for sharing Simbu’s contact, saying the person he referred to was incredibly helpful. Before ending the call, she invited me and a few friends for a treat at Domino’s the next evening.

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