The Candyfloss Love

Next Morning

Ishani was brushing her teeth. She looked at herself in the mirror.

"He's younger. He's just flirting. That's it."

These thoughts swirled in her head like a storm on repeat.

From outside, Koyel yelled, "What happened after that?? He held your hand and then what? Tell me everything!"

"Nothing! Nothing happened." Ishani raised her voice but ended up mumbling, "His roommate came. He was shocked to see me there…"

Koyel plopped onto the bed, clearly disappointed. "You didn't kiss?"

"Don't you think it's too early for that? I barely know the guy," Ishani said, tying her hair into a quick bun.

"Whatever. God knows when you'll even see him again. The deal's signed. He's not gonna drop by our office anymore."

"It's not a web drama, Koyel! It's my life," Ishani replied, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "Things take time. Now let's go, we're going to be late."

Koyel followed her like a sulky puppy. "All I'm saying is—don't walk away from a connection just because he's younger than you. That's stupid."

"Got it, Koyel. Noted. Thanks," Ishani replied, already halfway down the corridor.

At the Conference Room

Buzz.

"Promotion coming this year, huh?"

The text came from Saikiran—her junior from college—who was sitting beside her in the conference room.

Ishani shot him a deadpan look.

Buzz.

"It's ok. I won't tell anyone ;)"

She blinked. Twice. Maybe thrice. Then, as soon as the meeting ended, she grabbed Saikiran's coat and dragged him into an empty room.

"What the hell was that message?" she asked, her voice just above a whisper.

Saikiran smirked. "You can read it again if you want."

"Don't be sneaky. It's not even confirmed yet."

He leaned against the wall, licking his lips. "I want a treat."

Ishani folded her arms. "What kind of treat?"

"PS-5," he said, staring into her eyes, waiting.

A long pause.

Finally, Ishani sighed. "Done."

Saikiran whooped under his breath. "Yes! You're the best senior ever."

He winked and walked out, leaving Ishani shaking her head, half amused, half annoyed.

After three weeks

"Oh, these days were too long. It felt like ages," Koyel groaned as she and Ishani waited for the elevator.

"I'm too tired to even breathe," Ishani mumbled, her voice flat with exhaustion.

"Hey, ladies," Saikiran's voice cut through the air as he joined them by the elevator.

"Hey Sai, wassup?" Koyel smiled faintly. Ishani gave a lazy wave.

"You both look nearly dead. Coffee might save you." He glanced at Ishani. "Come on, I won't take no for an answer."

Before they could protest, he was gently nudging them toward the food court.

"Koyel, what will you have?" Saikiran asked as they reached the counter.

"Frappe for me," Koyel said, stretching.

"And I know her preference," he added with a soft glance at Ishani. "I'll be right back."

As Saikiran walked off to order, Koyel leaned toward Ishani.

"He knows your preference?"

"In college, we seniors used to make the juniors bring us coffee. He knows I like latte, maybe that's why," Ishani shrugged, trying to sound casual.

"That was ten years ago, Ishani. He still remembers?"

"I remember your preferences too," Ishani shot back.

"Yeah. I'm your best friend, your roommate, and I live with you. He doesn't."

Before Ishani could respond, Saikiran returned with their drinks. He handed them out, then sat down across from them.

"So, Ishani…" he began, deliberately avoiding Koyel's eyes. "When are we going to the... you know."

Ishani shot him a warning look, almost panicked.

"Where?" Koyel blinked, eyes darting between them.

"Atul wanted a joint presentation from me, Ishani, and Sudhir. Thought we'd do it at Sudhir's place," Saikiran covered smoothly.

"Ahh, work stuff." Koyel nodded and sipped her frappe.

"Tomorrow, seven?" Ishani asked quickly.

"Cool," Saikiran replied with a smile, but his fingers drummed lightly on the table as if trying to quiet something beneath the surface.

As Ishani looked away, distracted, he watched her for a second longer than he should have.

"You don't even know how much I look forward to this," he thought, sipping his coffee slowly.

Across from him, Ishani had returned to her thoughts, barely noticing.

"What an idiot. All he wants is his PS5," she assumed, completely unaware of the quiet ache behind his grin.

Next Evening

"She looks pretty," Saikiran thought, catching sight of Ishani standing outside the gaming store. She had a scarf wrapped loosely around her neck, her hair tousled by the faint winter breeze. Even in Hyderabad's mild chill, there was something oddly cozy about the evening.

"Hey," Ishani waved, her smile faint but real.

"I thought you'd ditch me," Saikiran said, walking up with a grin.

"I'm a woman of my word," she replied, rolling her eyes playfully as they entered the store together.

Inside, the bright lights and shelves stacked with shiny gadgets made Saikiran feel like a kid again. But the price tags brought him crashing back to earth.

"It's a thirty-thousand-rupee console. I'll pay half. I mean, I appreciate that you came all the way," he said, half-sincere, half-testing.

Ishani shot him a quick glance. "Come on. Pick whichever edition, version, or whatever you want."

Saikiran hesitated, then chuckled softly. "You do know you've ruined every future woman for me, right? No one's ever buying me a PS5 again."

Ishani smirked. "Maybe try buying your own next time."

He laughed, but fell silent. There was something almost shy in the way he looked at her—like he was memorizing the moment.

Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed down the aisle. Ishani turned instinctively.

A familiar figure stepped into view.

"Oh—Dhiraj?" she said, brows lifting in surprise.

Saikiran turned, his expression tightening just slightly as his gaze followed hers to the man entering the store.

The easy warmth between them dimmed for a moment, replaced by a shift in air that only one of them fully understood.