The gravel crunched beneath his boots. Kunj wiped off the sweat that was dripping down the side of his face. His undershirt was already clinging onto him from perspiration, while the red and black plaid shirt that was knotted around his waist was doing wonders in leveling up the heat factor.
He looked over his shoulder and saw a red pick-up truck coming from miles away. He slumped his shoulders as his body reacted to getting some form of assistance. He began waving his arms in the air, the motion only swirling the hot air and making him feel nauseous.
The truck stopped a few meters away from him. With minimal energy, he ran towards it and headed towards the driver's side.
"Hi, I was wondering if I could get a lift towards town?" His eyes squinted behind the black sunglasses.
"Sure! Hop on in." She answered enthusiastically, with a grand smile on her face.
"Thanks!" He replied with equal energy.
He sprinted towards the passenger's side and got in. The cold air that hit him was heaven sent. He felt his pores breathing again, his lungs opening up and learning how to function again.
The driver laughed.
"Oh don't worry I'm not laughing at you." She answered with a chuckle.
"Then?"
"I actually think you're doing much better than me. If it was me out in that blazing heat, I probably would have been laying out on the road. Dead." She added the last bit with the raise of her eyebrows.
"Oh I don't think that's true."
"Oh?" She peered towards the right before making a left turn.
"You look like you can survive a desert."
"Just don't ask me to prove it."
Kunj chuckled.
"So where you from?" She asked, resting back in her seat.
"Colorado."
"What brings you to Texas?"
"Was looking for a new change."
"So you decide to come further south?" She asked, furrowing her brows.
"Okay, how about personal reasons?"
"That sounds a lot better."
"Are you from around here?" Kunj inquired feeling exposed with the minimal information he offered.
"Kind of."
"What does that mean?"
"Moved here about a year ago."
"From?"
"Can't say. I ran away." She smiled tightly at him.
"Guess we both have secrets."
"Bet mine are better than yours." She teased.
"Wanna test it out?"
"Maybe some other time." She turned her steering wheel to make a right. "If you can get me drunk enough."
"Bet it won't take that long."
"Hey! I can hold my liquor really well okay." Her voice rose as she defended herself.
"Well let's just say I'm the type of guy who has to see it to believe it." He answered smiling at her.
"Okay then Mr. Non-Believer. Prepare to lose your wallet to me."
Kunj chuckled and shook his head. He hadn't expected to be so at ease with her. Probably he felt this way because she's a woman. The fact that she's not showing any signs of intimidation from him could factor into it as well.
"I can take care of myself."
"I didn't say anything."
"It's the look you're giving, sweetheart." She turned her head to face him. Smilingly, she said, "It says it all." Turning back to the road, "Plus, given your dehydrated state I could easily take you down."
"Now don't get cocky."
"It's God's honest truth."
"Guess we'll have to put that to the test as well." Kunj said cheekily.
"Well, here we are." She announced pulling up in front of a diner.
"Thank you so much!" Kunj said genuinely. "Do you want me to pay you or something?" He reached into his jean's pockets.
"Oh please!" She swatted him away. "If you stick around long enough, buy me dinner?"
"Deal!" He extended his hand out towards her.
With a huge grin on her face, she shook it. Still smiling, Kunj got out of the truck and shut the door.
"See you later?" He asked courteously.
"See you later." She replied.
Reversing the pickup, she drove out of the parkway for the diner.
It was until Kunj had reached the door that he realized he hadn't even asked her name.
Book Talk
Anupamaa
