"3RD PERSON POV"
"BACK TO THE PRESENT"
The morning sun began its slow climb into the sky, casting soft golden rays across the city of Hyderabad. Inside the guest room, Suryakantham lay curled up in bed, hugging her blanket tightly. Her face was peaceful, a gentle smile resting on her lips as if she were lost in a beautiful dream.
Sunlight streamed in through the large glass wall, painting her face in a warm glow. Outside, birds pecked at the damp ground in the garden, and the soft sound of water dripping from leaves echoed gently, remnants of the heavy rain from the night before. The sky was clear, a rare and perfect blue.
A light knock came at the door.
"Suryakantham, I brought coffee. Are you awake?" Aravind's voice was soft but clear.
There was no reply.
He waited a second before speaking again, "Suryakantham? Are you awake? I'm coming in."
With that, he pushed the door open and stepped inside, holding a steaming cup of coffee in his hand. His eyes fell on her sleeping figure, and he smiled quietly.
He walked over to her side, careful not to make too much noise, and gently placed the cup on the table next to the bed. Then he leaned down slightly, brushing a stray hair from her face.
"Suryakantham," he said softly, "wake up, girl. It's already morning."
Hearing his voice, Suryakantham slowly opened her eyes. A soft smile spread across her lips as her gaze met Aravind's. Before he could even react, she suddenly reached out, grabbed his collar, and pulled him onto the bed.
Caught off guard, Aravind let out a surprised sound as he stumbled and fell beside her. Before he could sit up, she wrapped her arms around him tightly, burying her face into his chest.
"I know I'm still dreaming," she mumbled, her voice muffled and sleepy. "You're just my imagination… someone I created after my stupid breakup."
Aravind smiled, amused and a little curious. "Oh? And why do you think that?" he asked, gently brushing her hair with his fingers.
She let out a small laugh, her voice still drowsy but laced with warmth. "Come on… you just randomly appeared in a café I've never seen before, on a route I've been using for years. And you say it's been there for two whole years? That makes no sense. Then you help me out, you're ridiculously cute and way too handsome. You invite me to your home, treat me kindly, don't try anything, and even cook amazing food? People like that… only exist in dreams."
Aravind chuckled, his eyes softening as he looked down at her. "Well," he said playfully, "if I'm a dream, I hope I'm a good one."
He smiled and continue, "Oh? But what if, when you wake up, I'm already gone?"
Hearing that, Suryakantham gave a soft laugh and said, "Yeah… maybe. But before I wake up from this dream… let me kiss you."
She leaned in slowly, her face just inches away from his, eyes half-closed and heart racing.
Just as her lips were about to touch his, Aravind gently freed himself from her embrace and stood up beside the bed. Surprised, Suryakantham blinked in confusion and sat up slightly.
"What happened?" she asked, puzzled.
Aravind gave her a soft smile, leaned down a little, and flicked her forehead gently with his fingers.
"Ahh! That hurt!" she said, rubbing her forehead.
He chuckled and replied, "Of course it hurts, sleepyhead. Because this isn't a dream."
She stared at him, wide-eyed. They looked at each other in silence for a moment, and then her face turned bright red. She quickly fell back on the bed and pulled the blanket over her head, groaning, "Oh my god… what did I just do… what did I do…"
Aravind rolled his eyes playfully and said, "It's okay, Suryakantham. Get up now."
Peeking out from under the blanket, her cheeks still burning, she asked, "You're not… angry, right?"
Aravind smiled warmly and said, "No, not at all. In fact, I'm honored that someone like you thinks of me that way."
"I didn't mean to… I just—" she started, flustered.
"It's fine," he said gently, pointing to the cup. "Now come on, get up. The coffee's getting cold."
Suryakantham looked at the cup by the bedside, nodded quietly, and slowly sat up, her face still red.
She slowly picked up the coffee cup and took a sip, her face still flushed.
Seeing her like that, Aravind let out a soft sigh and said, "Chill, girl. Relax. It's really okay."
Suryakantham looked into his eyes, her voice gentle. "But I really thought it was a dream… I thought you were just something my imagination made up."
Aravind smiled and asked, "Oh? And what do you think now?"
She looked away slightly and murmured under her breath, "Now… I feel relieved and happy that you're real."
Aravind leaned in a little. "Hmm? Did you say something?"
"Nope! Nothing, hmm!" she said quickly, turning her face to the side, pretending to sip her coffee again.
Aravind chuckled at her shyness. "Haha, anyway… I'm outside preparing breakfast. Come out when you're done."
"Okay," she replied softly, still hiding behind the cup.
Aravind smiled once more and walked out of the room, gently closing the door behind him.
A little while later, Aravind was setting plates on the dining table when Suryakantham walked in. She had freshened up, but was still wearing Aravind's clothes. Her own clothes were folded neatly in her hands.
Aravind raised an eyebrow, eyeing the situation.
Suryakantham sat down on a chair with a bright smile and said playfully, "Don't worry, I'll give your clothes back after I wash them."
Aravind rolled his eyes with a smirk. Somehow, though, he had a feeling that those clothes were never coming back.
After breakfast, Suryakantham helped Aravind wash the dishes. They moved around the kitchen in a comfortable silence, their hands occasionally brushing, exchanging soft smiles.
Soon, it was time for her to leave.
She sat inside her car parked outside the house while Aravind stood by the driver's side, leaning slightly against the door. He gave her a warm smile and said, "Alright then, see you in the evening at the café."
Suryakantham nodded but then quickly said, "Wait, Aravind!"
He blinked, a little puzzled. "Yeah?"
Suryakantham reached into her bag and pulled out her phone, holding it out to him with a smile. "Your number."
Aravind chuckled and took her phone, typing in his number. "There. Now you can call me anytime."
"Thanks," she said, saving it immediately.
Aravind stepped back and added with a playful grin, "So, see you in the evening. And hey—if that good person gives your money back, don't forget to let me know."
Suryakantham laughed. "Good person, huh? Sure, I'll tell you. Bye for now!"
She waved at him and started the car. Aravind waved back, smiling as she drove off down the road.
Once the car disappeared from sight, Aravind stood there for a few more seconds, the morning breeze brushing against his face, gently playing with his hair.
He let out a soft sigh. "Alright… back to me and my peaceful little home."
Just then, a transparent screen appeared in front of him.
[Host, you're going to see her again in the evening. Don't be sad. And don't forget—we've still got a long list of movie plots to explore!]
Aravind sighed again, longer this time. "SYS, can't a guy just enjoy a little peace and quiet for once?"
[Of course, Host.]
With that, the screen vanished.
Aravind shook his head with a tired smile and walked back inside the house, finally enjoying a moment of calm.
(A/N: Suggest me some movies that I can use for the next plot, preferably ones set in Hyderabad. Anyway, I already have one movie in mind—iSmart Shankar. The reason I chose this movie is because I want to save Nabha Natesh's character. Her life was ruined because of that idiot protagonist. First, he stalked her, and then, because of him, she died. So, tell me what you think—and don't forget to suggest some more movies!)