It’s been two days, and he still hasn’t called.
Just two days, but it feels like a decade. In this short time, Simbu had become the sunshine of my days and the moonlight of my nights.
During these two days, I went to my new college with my parents to complete the admission process. Most of it was done, but today I had to return for a few pending formalities.
“Dad, can you drop me at college?” I asked.
He smiled and replied, “Trisha, why did I teach you to drive if you’re not going to use it? Take the car today. You’re already a good driver—there’s nothing to worry about. If you face any issues, just call me.”
With his encouragement, I took the car. My mom and dad seemed happy to see me driving on my own.
Once at college, I was finishing the paperwork when my phone buzzed. It was him.
My heart skipped a beat, and my eyes lit up as I answered.
“Did you miss me, Kannama?” he asked.
I smiled and replied honestly, “Yes.”
“Listen, Kannama, come to DS Hotel immediately,” he said.
“What?!” I exclaimed, confused.
“You know the hotel, right?”
“Of course, it’s the only star hotel in town. Simbu, don’t tell me you’re here!”
He chuckled. “Come, and you’ll find out.”
I hung up, my hands trembling. I quickly submitted the papers and headed back to my car.
---
At DS Hotel
I parked in the hotel lot, unsure how I managed to drive there. My thoughts were racing. Once I arrived, I called him.
“Simbu, this is my hometown. I know so many people here, including the hotel owner. Why don’t you come to the car parking instead?”
“Okay, wait there. I’m coming,” he said.
A tall figure emerged from the hotel entrance, walking toward me. It was him—Simbu.
As he got closer, I couldn’t decide whether to laugh, cry, or just stand frozen.
He stopped right in front of me, smiling.
“Hi, Kannama,” he said softly.
I shook my head, still in disbelief. “Seriously, Simbu?”
“Yes,” he said. “I couldn’t hold back anymore, so I flew here to see you.”
“Okay, get in the car,” I said nervously. “This isn’t the right place for us to meet.”
He climbed into the passenger seat as I started the car. I silently thanked God for the UV-protected windows, ensuring no one could see us from outside.
“Drive to the underground parking,” he said. I followed his instructions and parked in a secluded spot.
He kept staring at me, and my phone buzzed. It was my mom.
“Trisha, did you finish your work?” she asked.
“Yes, Mom. I also ran into some old school friends here, so I’m talking with them. Can I come home a little late?”
“Okay, but make sure you’re back before lunch,” she said.
I nodded, hung up the call, and turned to Simbu, who was still staring at me like he was trying to memorize every detail of my face.
“What?” I asked, smiling nervously.
“Your driving skills are amazing, Kannama,” he said, his voice laced with admiration.
I laughed softly, but my smile faded as I felt his intense gaze. The air in the car was thick with his masculine scent, making me feel even more flustered.
He leaned closer, and I instinctively raised my hand to caress his jawline, feeling the roughness of his trimmed beard.
He smiled, then leaned down and kissed me. The fresh minty scent of his breath sent shivers down my spine.
I whispered his name, “Simbu,” barely able to contain my emotions.
We’d done playful, intimate things over video calls before, but this was different. This was real.
“You’re even more beautiful in person than in your photos,” he said, making me blush as I looked away.
He gently tilted my chin upward and kissed my forehead, then my nose, and finally my lips.
His kiss was deep, slow, and passionate. I held onto his arms tightly, feeling the strength in his biceps. His touch was electrifying, and his kiss made my heart race.
When he finally pulled away, he smirked. “So, this was your first kiss.”
I turned my head, trying to hide my embarrassment. “Maybe.”
He laughed softly. “Kannama, it’s obvious. You’re not very good at hiding things.” He playfully bumped his forehead against mine.
“Okay, let’s go to the cafeteria and talk,” I suggested, trying to change the subject.
“Kannama, I don’t have much time. I’m only here for one day,” he said.
His words caught me off guard. “What do you mean?”
“Shall we go to my hotel room?” he asked.
I opened my eyes wide in shock. “Simbu!”
“Kannama, I didn’t come all this way just to talk,” he said honestly.
He wasn’t wrong, but his boldness made me nervous.
---
In His Hotel Room
We took the lift to his room, standing close together. His scent was intoxicating, and his hand held mine tightly.
Once inside, he swiped his room card and pulled me in. The door closed behind us, and the room filled with the sound of our tense breathing.
We stood facing each other, the atmosphere thick with anticipation. Neither of us spoke, but the unspoken emotions in the air were overwhelming.