[Masalatruth]

Chapter 1: Into the world - quick introduction to characters 


Ramya and Dilip grew up in a world of expectations. In their small, conservative town, their futures had been decided long before they finished college. They were cousins, their paths intertwined by parents who saw their studious natures as a perfect match.
Ramya was the product of strict girls' colleges—brilliant but sheltered. Dilip, equally academic, had spent his years in boys' colleges, leaving him shy and awkward around women. Despite their traditional upbringing, they shared a modern dream: to escape the confines of the village and build a life abroad.
But reality was expensive for two middle-class scholars.
"We can’t afford to just move," Dilip had whispered during one of their supervised meetings. "We need a bridge. If I get a teaching contract in Canada and you finish your PhD, we’ll be unstoppable."
Fortune seemed to favor them when Dilip secured a three-year contract at a Canadian university. But their parents threw a wrench in the gears. "You go nowhere alone," they declared. "Get married now. Take Ramya with you. We won't risk you finding someone else across the ocean."
Caught between their dreams and their respect for their elders, they surrendered to the wedding.
The Third Night
The wedding festivities were over, but the air in their bedroom felt heavy.
"It’s over, isn't it?" Ramya whispered, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Our plans have collapsed. We’re going to end up stuck here, just like everyone else."
Dilip sat beside her, his voice firm. "No. We’re going to Canada. Both of us."
"How?" she asked, her eyes filling with tears. "I have to finish my PhD here first. You have to go and build a foundation there. How do we explain being apart?"
Dilip was silent for a long time, the gears of his mind turning. "I have a plan. It’s risky, and it won't be easy."
"Tell me."
"We tell our parents I’m taking you with me," Dilip said. "But instead, you go to Chennai. You enroll in the PhD program at the city college. I’ll go to Canada, work, and send the money for your fees. We build our future in parallel, thousands of miles apart."
Ramya gasped. "What if they find out?"
"They won't," Dilip promised, taking her hand. "They rarely leave the village, and they struggle with technology. We can manage the video calls. We can make them believe we are together."
"I'll stay in a hostel," Ramya decided, her resolve hardening. "You build the base in Canada, and I'll build the career here."
Chapter 2: The Terrace Room
A month later, they stood in the sweltering heat of Chennai. The first crack in the plan appeared immediately: the college had no hostel vacancies for PhD students.
Desperate, Dilip called Ramu, a distant acquaintance who worked as a caretaker in a city apartment complex.
"Anna, I need your help," Dilip said, keeping his voice steady. "A relative of mine—a student—needs a place near the college. Do you know of anything?"
"Actually, Dilip," Ramu replied, "there’s a small terrace room in F-Block. It's basic, but the landlord might agree."
To protect their secret, they told no one they were married. Dilip introduced Ramya as a distant relative. The landlord was strict: "No men allowed on the terrace. If I see a boy, she’s out."
A Bitter-Sweet Goodbye
They moved her things into the tiny room—a single space with a small kitchenette and a bathroom. It was a far cry from a family home, but it was their gateway to freedom.
As the sun set on their final days together, the weight of their innocence hung between them. On their wedding night, they had been like children. Dilip remembered the soft click of the light switch, the way Ramya’s breath caught as he helped her untie her saree. They hadn't known the mechanics of intimacy, only the warmth of skin against skin and the sting of "hickeys" left as marks of a brand-new devotion. They were pure, fueled by a romance that didn't need experience to be felt.
Now, Dilip stayed across the way in G-Block with Ramu and Raj, the building’s plumber.
"Stay as long as you need, Dilip," Ramu said, pointing to the top of a bunk bed. "This is Raj. We handle the maintenance here. The security guards handle the rest."
"Thanks, Anna," Dilip said, his heart aching. "I leave for the airport in two days."
"Did that girl get settled in the other block?" Ramu asked casually.
Dilip looked out the window. Fifty meters away, he could see the light in Ramya's window. "No I think she didn't come here. I haven't heard."
That night, the sounds of the city were harsh. Ramya lay on her thin mattress, the silence of the room echoing her loneliness.

The air in the G-Block terrace room was thick with the smell of kerosene and Raj’s signature spicy dried-fish curry. They sat on the floor around a newspaper spread out like a tablecloth.
Ramu scooped a handful of rice, his eyes drifting toward the window that faced F-Block.
"Did you see the new tenant in the F-Block terrace?" Ramu asked, gesturing with a drumstick. "She moved in yesterday. High-class girl, looks like. Lots of books, very quiet."
Dilip felt a bolt of electricity run down his spine. He kept his eyes fixed on his plate, carefully mixing his rice to hide his shaking hands.
"Oh? I hadn't noticed," Dilip lied, his voice sounding thin to his own ears.
"She’s a beauty, but looks a bit lost," Raj added, leaning back against the wall. "I saw her struggling with a heavy water can earlier. I almost went over to help, but she left already. 
Ramu laughed, a deep, raspy sound. A girl like that, alone in the city... she’s like a target. I wonder who her family is. They must be brave to let her stay in a terrace room by herself."
The Near Miss
Dilip swallowed a lump of dry rice. He wanted to scream, “She’s my wife! I’m the one who put her there!” Instead, he forced a casual shrug.
"Probably just another student," Dilip said. "Chennai is full of them."
"True," Ramu agreed, "but most stay in hostels. This one... she looks like she’s hiding from something. She doesn't even come out to the railing to look at the view. She just stays inside, light on until 2:00 AM."
Dilip’s heart ached. He knew why she stayed inside—she was terrified of being seen, and even more terrified of being alone. He knew that light stayed on because Ramya was afraid of the dark.
"Anyway," Raj said, pointing his spoon at Dilip. "You’re lucky, Thambi (little brother). You’re heading to Canada. No terrace rooms, no leaking pipes. Just snow and big buildings. You won't have to worry about local gossip like we do."
Dilip looked at the two men. They were good people, but they were strangers. He was leaving the person he loved most in the world just a stone's throw away, and he couldn't even admit he knew her name.
A Silent Communication
After dinner, while Ramu and Raj were busy arguing over a cricket match, Dilip stepped out onto the balcony.
The night was humid. He looked across the gap. Ramya was standing by her window, her silhouette visible against the yellow light of the room. She was looking toward G-Block, searching for him.
He didn't wave. He didn't call out. He just stood there in the shadows, a silent guardian, watching his wife settle into a life of secrecy while his roommates joked about the "mysterious girl" next door.

A new life for the innocent village couple is about to begin..

[Masalatruth]

Chapter 3: Horizons Apart
The steam from the coffee cups between them couldn't mask the heavy atmosphere of the restaurant. It was Dilip’s final day before his flight, and the weight of the coming three years sat like a stone in Ramya’s chest. Tears blurred her vision as she looked at him.
"I've never been truly alone, Dilip," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I don't know how I'll manage. Between the pressure of college, cooking for myself, and keeping up the apartment... what if I can't do it?"
Dilip reached across the table, taking her hand firmly. "We will do this together, even if we are miles apart. It’s just three years, Ramya. Think of the future—a better life for us in a new country. It’s a small sacrifice for a lifetime of being together."
Later, they walked back toward the apartment in a comfortable silence, soaking in the last few minutes of shared air. Ramya had begged to see him off at the airport, but Dilip remained firm.
"Ramu and Raj are driving me," he reminded her gently. "If you come, people will ask questions we aren't ready to answer yet. We have to keep our marriage a secret for now."
They made a pact then: a daily call, no matter the time difference. They promised to share every detail of their lives, leaving nothing out. The farewell was a blur of salt-stained cheeks, lingering kisses, and a heartache that felt permanent. As the door closed behind him, Ramya felt the silence of the apartment for the first time.
New Beginnings in Chennai
Ramya’s first day at college felt like stepping into a different world. Coming from a quiet village, the noise and pace of Chennai were overwhelming. She kept her head down, struggling with her schedule and the stares of her peers, until she met Shiny.
Shiny was everything Ramya was not: an extrovert, loud, and effortlessly confident. She seemed to know everyone by name within an hour. While other students teased Ramya for her shy nature and village roots, Shiny took her under her wing.
"Don't worry about them," Shiny said, throwing an arm around Ramya’s shoulders. "I’ve got you. If anyone bothers you, they deal with me."
Ramya watched Shiny with a mix of awe and curiosity. Shiny dressed in a way that would have caused a scandal in Ramya's village—short kurthis, leggings that showed her frame, and necklines and a bit of cleavage that were bold and modern. Yet, strangely, the boys didn't tease her. They respected her, perhaps even feared her a little.
By the end of the day, they were inseparable. Shiny loved the home-cooked food Ramya brought, even suggesting that Ramya move into her apartment once a spot opened up. For the first time since Dilip left, Ramya felt a glimmer of hope.
The Great White North
On the other side of the globe, Dilip landed in Canada to a biting chill and a massive culture shock. He was picked up by Hari, a professor at the university, and his wife, Priya.
Dilip froze when Priya greeted him. Not only was she wearing a T-shirt and shorts in public, but she stepped forward and gave him a brief, friendly hug. Dilip’s heart raced. In his conservative upbringing, a married woman hugging another man—especially in front of her husband—was unthinkable. But Hari just smiled, completely unbothered.
His new life was a whirlwind of luxury. The apartment Hari had secured for him had a private gym and an indoor pool. That evening, Hari took him to the communal gym to meet the rest of the faculty.
The sight left Dilip speechless. The women were working out in sports bras and leggings, laughing and joking with the men as equals. He felt like an outsider, clutching his modesty and his traditions. He tried to be polite, but speaking to women who were dressed so "casually" made him stutter with shyness.
The Midnight Bridge
Late that night, Dilip finally got his SIM card working. The video call connected instantly. In Chennai, it was a bright, humid morning; in Canada, it was a cold, dark night.
"I met a girl named Shiny," Ramya said, her eyes glowing with a bit of newfound confidence. "She's so modern, Dilip. She wears whatever she wants and people actually respect her for it. I want to be like her."
Dilip nodded, the image of Priya and the women at the gym fresh in his mind. "It’s the same here, Ramya. A woman hugged me today—Hari's wife. It’s just the culture. I was shocked at first, but... we have to learn to blend in. If we don't adapt, we’ll look like aliens here."
Ramya went quiet for a moment, then nodded slowly. "I’ll try. I'll start slowly, maybe learn a bit from Shiny."
As they hung up, both felt the distance, but for the first time, they also felt the pull of the new worlds they were about to enter.

[Masalatruth]

Chapter 4: Cracks in the Shell

One week had slipped by since Ramya and Dilip landed in this whirlwind of a new life. While the skyline was beautiful, the social landscape felt like navigating a minefield.
Ramya noticed the difference every single day. When she walked down the hallways, she felt "male eyes" trailing her—sometimes teasing, sometimes mocking her quiet demeanor. Yet, no one dared to pull those stunts with Shiny. Shiny moved through the world like she owned it.
One evening, unable to suppress her curiosity any longer, Ramya turned to her roommate. "Shiny, can I ask you something personal?"
"Yeah, shoot," Shiny replied, not looking up from her vanity mirror.
"How are you always so... active? So studious and bold? I feel like I'm constantly shrinking, but you just stand your ground."
Shiny turned around, a small, knowing smile on her lips. "Look, Ramya, a girl has two choices. She can let her beauty be a burden and be shy, or she can use it as a weapon. I choose the weapon. I don't hesitate to ask for help—in fact, I expect it. Most of my assignments, my grocery runs, even my local shopping... some guy or the other gets it done for me."
Ramya blinked, stunned. "But... isn't that awkward?"
"Not if you stay in control," Shiny said firmly. "If you act shy, boys try to dominate you. If you are bold, they hesitate to cross the line. I dress how I like, and I command respect by the way I speak. It’s all about the attitude, babe."
Ramya sighed, looking down at her hands. "You are great, Shiny. But I’m from a small village. I don’t even have the guts to tell a guy what to do, let alone command him."
"If you don't control them, they will control you," Shiny warned, her tone softening. "You have to become bold. Don't worry, just take your time."
Ramya watched Shiny closely over the next few days. It was like a masterclass in confidence. Shiny would casually handshake with guys, hop on the back of their bikes for a lift, and always had someone dropping her off or running her errands. Ramya, meanwhile, did everything herself, too terrified to even make eye contact.
Saturday at the Beach
The weekend brought a trip to the resort. While the rest of the gang plunged into the waves, Dilip sat apart on the sand. The vastness of the ocean only made him feel more homesick.
Hari ran over, kicking up sand. "Hey Dilip! Come on, man, join the game!"
"No, no, you guys carry on," Dilip waved him off. "I’ll come in a bit."
A few minutes later, Priya walked up. She was wearing a bikini with a sheer sarong tied loosely at her waist. She looked effortlessly comfortable. "Dilip, don't be a spoilsport. Come play!"
She reached out, grabbing his arm to pull him toward the water. The physical contact sent a shock through Dilip. He started shivering, his face turning beet red.
"Leave me! Just go!" he shouted, pulling his arm back abruptly.
Priya froze, startled by his outburst. She began to turn away, looking hurt. Suddenly, reality hit Dilip like a cold wave. What am I doing? he thought. If Hari finds out I shouted at his wife, he might kick me out.
"Priya! Wait!" Dilip scrambled to his feet and rushed toward her. "I’m so sorry. Please... I didn't mean to shout."
Priya stopped, looking at him curiously. "What happened, Dilip?"
"I am from a very traditional village back home," he stammered, his voice low. "I have never seen girls in... modern clothes like this. And a girl pulling me... I just got scared. It’s all new to me."
Priya’s expression softened. She had noticed his hesitation since day one. "Dilip, it’s okay. But you’re in a different world now. You have to be more open. Forget the 'village rules' for a while."
"I will try," Dilip promised. "I want to mingle with the gang."
"I’m more than happy to help you find your feet," she said with a warm smile.
Later that afternoon, Dilip actually joined the basketball game. In the heat of the match, he found himself giving high-fives to the girls and laughing when they scored. For a few hours, his shyness vanished into the game. As they packed up, Priya caught his eye and nodded. "Better."
"Thanks," Dilip replied, feeling a genuine spark of confidence.
The Mission
That night, back at the apartment, Ramya and Dilip sat together, reflecting on the day.
"Dilip, are we really too naive?" Ramya asked quietly. "Too 'rural type' for this place?"
"Yes, dear," Dilip sighed. "Even I was thinking that today." He described the beach—the bikinis, the casual touching, and how no one thought twice about it.
Ramya shared her observations of Shiny. "She commands them, Dilip. And here I am, getting teased by random guys because I’m an introvert. It’s like they smell my fear."
They sat in silence for a moment before Dilip spoke up. "We need to take steps. A mission. This next week, I’m going to start speaking to the ladies here. Just casual talk, to get comfortable."
Ramya looked worried. "I can’t just start talking to guys or asking for help. People in class will think I’m 'that kind of girl' or have a bad character."
"Then don't start at college," Dilip suggested. "Try here in the apartment."
"But I don't know anyone here."
"What about Ramu Anna and Raj?" Dilip pointed out. "They are the apartment helpers. If you make them your friends, they can help you with the daily chores and heavy lifting. It’s a start."
Ramya nodded slowly, the gears turning in her head. "Okay. I will try."
Both of them ended the night with a silent pact: it was time to stop hiding and start opening up to the world.

[Masalatruth]

Chapter 5: The Art of Social Survival
The apartment complex had organized a group outing to a high-end entertainment zone. Dilip joined his neighbors, Hari and Priya, in their car, but as the skyline shifted from familiar streets to a posh, gleaming district, his grip on the door handle tightened. This was a world of glass, neon, and effortless luxury—a world entirely alien to his humble village roots.
While the others jumped into the games with easy laughter, Dilip felt like a ghost. When it came time to order food, the menu was a minefield. Hot dogs, gourmet sandwiches, artisanal milkshakes—he didn't know what they tasted like, let alone how to order them without sounding like he had just stepped off a bus from the rural hinterlands. He retreated to a quiet corner, trying to shrink into the upholstery.
Priya, ever observant, walked over with a kind smile.
"Hey, Dilip! Still playing the shy guy?" she teased gently.
Dilip looked up, his face tight with anxiety. "It’s not just shyness, Priya. I’ve never been to places like this. I feel... out of place. Like everyone can see I don't belong."
"I get it," Priya replied, sitting across from him. "But you’ll never belong if you don’t try. It’s just a skill, like anything else."
"I worry about Ramya," Dilip admitted, his voice dropping. "If I feel this small, how will she manage? She has a very traditional, rural mindset. She’d be terrified to even speak in this group."
"But you both chose this life, didn't you? To settle here?" Priya tilted her head. "We’re a community. We support each other. You aren't alone in this."
Dilip nodded slowly. "We’ve talked about it. We want to improve, to take small steps."
"That’s the spirit!" Priya cheered. "Now, start small. Have some pizza and a drink. Don’t worry about the 'right' way to eat it. Just enjoy."
As Dilip took a bite, tears pricked his eyes. The kindness felt heavier than the insecurity.
"Make sure you help Ramya feel comfortable before she joins us," Priya added, patting his shoulder. "She’ll need you to be her bridge to this world."
Dilip watched his friends laugh. He found himself mentally converting every dollar spent into INR, his mind reeling at the cost, but he suppressed the urge to panic. He wanted this life. He wanted this community. He resolved right then to transform himself—and to lead Ramya through that same transformation.
Back at the College: Lessons in Power
Meanwhile, Ramya was having a different kind of struggle. She sat with her friend Shiny, looking defeated.
"Shiny, I tried to act bold like you, but it didn't work at all," Ramya sighed.
"What happened?" Shiny asked, leaning back.
"I asked Rammu, the worker at my apartment, to pick up a courier for me. I tried to be firm, but he didn't even look at me! He just said he was too busy, even though he does favors for everyone else."
Shiny rolled her eyes. "That’s because you requested him. You have to show authority, Ramya. They need to feel that serving you is a privilege."
"But I'm not his boss," Ramya protested.
"Watch," Shiny whispered. She spotted a student named Mani walking nearby. As he approached, Shiny leaned forward slightly, adjusting her posture to ensure her cleavage is visible. "Hey, Mani? I need these photocopies from the library. Get them for me, okay?"
Mani blushed, tripping over his words. "Sure, Shiny! Absolutely. I’ll bring them to you right away."
As he scurried off, Shiny turned back to a stunned Ramya. "See? I didn't beg. I didn't even know him well. But I made him feel like I was rewarding him with my attention."
"But if I did that, he'd just tell me to do it myself," Ramya argued.
"That’s the secret," Shiny said, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Drop the 'shy girl' act. When I leaned in, he was too flustered to say no. Use your confidence as a tool. If you act like a queen, they’ll treat you like one."
The Pact
That night, over a video call, Dilip and Ramya shared their vulnerabilities.
"I felt so insecure today, Ramya," Dilip confessed. "We have to change. We have to adapt to this culture if we’re going to survive here."
"I feel it too," Ramya agreed. "The city is so different from home."
"Let’s make a pact," Dilip suggested. "Small steps every day. You need to start dressing more modernly and speaking to men with more boldness. Start with the people you know—like Ramu or Raj at the apartment."
He paused, thinking of the lifestyle in the West. "Eventually, you’ll even have to be okay with things like swimsuits and socializing at pool parties. It’s common here."
Ramya gasped. "A bikini? Dilip, I could never!"
"Maybe not yet," Dilip said. "But let’s update each other daily on our progress. We need to be bold."
The Training Ground
Ramya decided her first mission was to command respect from Raj, the younger, trendier maintenance worker who came by every morning to check the water tanks.
Day 1: Normally, Ramya wore a shawl over her nighty when stepping out. Today, she ditched the shawl. When she saw Raj, she took a deep breath, channeling Shiny’s confidence.
"Hello!" she called out.
"Yes, madam?" Raj replied, stopping in his tracks.
The word 'madam' gave her a surge of power. "Could you bring the milk from the ground floor box every morning? It would save me the trip down."
"Sure, madam," he said quickly. Ramya beamed. Mission accomplished.
Day 2: Success was short-lived. Raj walked right past her to the tank, empty-handed.
"Did you forget the milk, Raj?" she asked, her heart sinking.
"Sorry, madam. Forgot. You pick it up today, I’ll get it tomorrow," he said casually.
Ramya felt a sting of failure. Shiny wouldn't have been ignored, she thought. I need to be more 'captivating'.
Day 3: Ramya decided to up the stakes. She finished her bath early and put on a kurti—but without the leggings or the shawl. The hem ended at her knees, exposing her legs, and the neckline was slightly lower than her usual modest attire.
As Raj approached, she stood on the balcony drying her hair.
"Hi, madam. You're ready early today," Raj said, his eyes lingering on her for a second longer than usual.
"Yes, I have a special class," Ramya replied. She noticed him glance down at her legs, and she felt a strange spark of thrill.
"Madam, I forgot the milk again..." Raj started, sounding guilty.
"It's okay," Ramya said smoothly, mimicking Shiny's movements. She leaned forward slightly over the railing. "I'll go get it myself."
The shift in her posture worked instantly. Raj’s eyes widened, and he suddenly looked very eager to please. "No, no, madam! You stay here. I’ll go get it right now!" He practically ran down the stairs.
Ramya watched him go, a triumphant smile on her face. She went to her mirror and checked her reflection. Nothing was really visible, she thought, but the hint of it was enough to make him run.
Later that day, she told Shiny about her victory.
"Good improvement," Shiny remarked. "Just remember: keep them under your control. Don't let the attention go to their heads."
"I will," Ramya promised. She was beginning to realize that "boldness" wasn't just about clothes—it was about the power of being seen.

[Masalatruth]

Chapter 6: Steps Toward Change
Dilip received his first month’s salary and called Ramya over a video call.

Ramya: Hi Dilip! Lately, we haven't been able to talk much. You called me like this after such a long time.

Dilip: Yes, dear. We're running to build our future. It’s just a matter of three years—it will pass quickly, and then we’ll have our best life.

They continued talking about their finances, future plans, and families. Finally, Dilip asked:

Dilip: Ramya, did you manage to take the next step toward becoming bolder?

Ramya: Yes, Shiny is helping me. She is my inspiration! I even got Raj to bring the milk packets up from the ground floor daily.

Dilip: Wow, that’s great progress! You didn't just speak to a guy; you got him to do some work for you.

Ramya: Yes, but lately, I noticed he’s losing interest in talking or helping me. He just drops the milk outside and leaves for work.

Dilip: What do you mean?

Ramya: Well, Shiny told me that unless we look attractive, guys won't stick around. They need a reason to interact with us. I tried to look a bit modern with what I had, but it didn't work because all the girls here are extremely modern. I still look quite traditional and rural.

Dilip: Ramya, if you come here, you'll be shocked. Women here dress very modernly and do everything independently. They drive and manage things on their own. I want you to reach that level too.

Ramya: I’m trying, but...

Dilip: But what?

Ramya: Shiny said I need to work on my overall appearance. Looking modern with a good hairstyle, trendy clothes, and makeup gives 50% of the confidence right away.

Dilip: I understand, Ramya. Okay, I got my salary, and I’m sending you some money. Go with Shiny or get your hair cut, apply some makeup, and buy nice clothes.

Ramya: Sure, Dilip. Will you select a dress for me?

Dilip sent pictures of shorts and t-shirts.

Ramya: Yeah, I’ll try these.

Dilip: What about this one?

He shared a picture of a bikini.

Ramya: Chi, I can’t wear this!

Dilip: See, Ramya, if you aren't confident in your own body, you can't wear things like this. You need to get comfortable with these modern styles.

Ramya: I will try...

Dilip: You know, Priya gave me a hug right in front of her husband. A friendly hug is very normal here, and others will hug you too. You need to get used to it.

Ramya felt a bit annoyed because Dilip kept comparing her to Priya, and also because another girl had hugged him.

Ramya: I will try.

Later that weekend, Ramya went shopping with Shiny. Shiny helped her pick out some kurtis, leggings, shorts, and t-shirts. She also got her a push-up bra and suggested she wear it. Afterward, Shiny took her to a beauty parlor, where Ramya got a stylish new haircut.

When it was all done, Ramya could barely believe her eyes—she looked like a stylish, city-bred Chennai girl.

Shiny: Time to test it out! Anyone will fall for you today.

Ramya decided to try her new look on Raj, viewing him as a starting point. Her primary goal was simply to make a male friend.

Early the next morning, Ramya woke up, applied light makeup, and put on a t-shirt with a knee-length skirt for the first time. She snapped a picture and sent it to Dilip.

Dilip's Message: Wow, nice improvement! But you still look like a cute village girl.

In truth, Dilip was pleased with her progress, but he held back his full praise. He felt that if he complimented her too much, she would stop pushing herself, so he teased her slightly to keep her motivated.

Ramya picked up a box of sweets she had bought during her shopping trip and planned her next move.

Meanwhile, Raj walked up to the terrace, left the milk packet outside her door, and climbed up near the water tank to finish his work.

Ramya stepped out, picked up the milk, walked over toward the tank, and asked Raj if he could drop by her apartment before he left for the day. He agreed, noting to himself that Ramya looked completely different today.

When Raj finished his work, he came to her door.

Ramya offered him a sweet and said, "Eat this. Today is my parents' birthday."

Raj: My hands are dirty, let me wash them first.

For a brief second, Ramya thought about feeding it to him herself, but she hesitated. She wasn't comfortable enough to act that casual yet.

After washing his hands, Raj took a sweet.

Raj: Thank you! It’s been a long time since I ate a sweet.

Desperate to build a friendly bond, Ramya said, "You can come over anytime you want sweets! I always keep some stocked."

Raj: Can I ask you something?

Ramya: Sure, ask.

Raj: You look very different today.

Trying to act confident and modern, Ramya replied, "I am actually quite modern! I’m planning to settle abroad, though I dress simple for studies."

Raj: That’s nice. You look good. Thanks again!

Ramya: It's okay.

As Raj turned to leave, Ramya gathered her courage, reached out, and offered a handshake.

Ramya: Thanks for coming, friend!

Raj: I’m just a worker here, madam.

Ramya: That doesn't matter. You can still be my friend.

She then shared her phone number with him. Ramya felt a surge of happiness knowing she had taken a real step forward.

From that day on, Raj sent her simple "Good morning" and "Good night" messages. Ramya responded regularly and occasionally asked him for minor help around the house, which he happily provided whenever he was free.

One evening, Dilip called her again.

Dilip: Ramya, did you try the shorts you bought?

Ramya: Not out in the open yet. I wore them once to sleep at night, but that’s it.

Dilip: Hey, those aren't even as short as what girls wear here. Why don't you at least wear them at home?

Ramya: I’ll try. What about you, sir? Have you made any female friends yet?

Dilip: Priya still talks to me well, but with others, it's just basic greetings. I have their numbers, but I don't know how to be as casual as the others, nor do I know what to talk about.

Ramya: See? You’re shy too! At least I made a friend.

Dilip: You mean Raj?

Ramya: Yes, we’re friends now. When I ask for help, he assists me with groceries and small chores. In return, I cook and share food with him.

Dilip: I think we both have a long way to go.

Ramya: Yes, we do.

Dilip: Raj is easy to talk to because he’s a simple guy. Making friends with college peers will be harder.

Ramya: The thing with college friends is that they often go out on bike rides, coffee dates, and dinners. First of all, that’s an expensive lifestyle. Second, I’m not ready to go out to movies and hang out in big groups yet. I need more time.

Dilip: I’ll increase your allowance from next month so you can gradually socialize with that crowd too.

Ramya: Let's see. I have time, and I'll learn step by step.

Dilip: Okay dear, I miss you. We’ll do this together and settle in Canada without having to struggle in a quiet village.

Ramya: Definitely, dear.

They ended the call. A moment later, Ramya received a text from Raj with a "Good night" image.

She thought to herself, I’m shy, but I’m trying to open up. Raj is even shyer—he only sends standard morning and night texts and still calls me 'madam.' I wonder if this is a real friendship or not.

She decided to text him back.

Ramya: Hi

Raj: Hi! Aren't you sleeping yet? I see your light is still on.

Ramya: Yeah, just finishing some work.

Raj: I just had dinner. Ramu Anna went to sleep, so I’m just walking on the terrace.

Ramya looked through her window curtain and saw Raj walking on the terrace in just shorts and a vest. She wondered whether she should ask him directly about their friendship.

Ramya: Okay. What time do you usually sleep?

Raj: I’ll walk for a bit, listen to some music, and then head to sleep.

Ramya: Don't you talk to your family?

Raj: I’m an orphan, so I don't have a family. Just Ramu Anna as a friend.

Ramya: Hey... so am I not your friend then?

Raj: You are a rich madam. I’m just a low-wage worker. How can we be friends?

Ramya: So you think I only talk to you out of pity? I genuinely thought of you as a friend.

Raj: No, madam, actually...

Ramya: Just call me Ramya!

Raj: Okay... I will be your friend, Ramya.

Ramya: That’s better! Can I ask you something?

Raj: Yes, madam.

Ramya: If you call me 'madam' one more time, I’ll stop talking to you!

Raj: Sorry, Ramya! Ask away.

Ramya: In the beginning, whenever I asked for help or requested milk, you avoided me. But later, you started helping. Why was that? You help everyone else normally.

Raj: Honestly, everyone else treats me like a basic worker—I do the job, and they tip me. But you are young. I’ve never spoken to a girl younger than me before. Usually, girls don't talk to workers like me at all. I was too shy to look at you or speak to you. You also looked very traditional, and I didn't want to do or say anything that might make you uncomfortable or misunderstand me.

Ramya: Then how did you get comfortable with me?

Raj: It was when you invited me over, gave me sweets, and even shook my hand. No one has ever treated me like that before. Even now, it brings tears to my eyes.

Ramya: Hey, we’re friends, okay? I’ll be a friend to you just like Ramu Anna.

Raj: Thank you.

Ramya: So, what are you doing now?

Raj: Just walking around.

Ramya: Do you always walk after meals?

Raj: Yes. Do you?

Ramya: I never used to, but I can!

Raj: If you come out to your balcony or terrace, wave at me!

Ramya: Okay, let me wrap up my work and I’ll tell you.

Ramya felt proud of herself. Remembering Dilip’s advice about wearing shorts, she gathered her courage and decided to wear her modest, knee-length shorts with a basic short-sleeved t-shirt. It was her first time stepping out in casual modern clothes, even though it was completely normal in their apartment complex.

Heart pounding with excitement, she stepped out onto the open corridor and texted him.

Ramya: Hi, I’m walking outside now.

Raj walked over to the edge of his terrace. He could see a figure standing below, though it was hard to see clearly in the dim moonlight and scattered apartment lights. Both of them waved at each other.

Raj: I can't see you very clearly, but thanks for coming out and waving!

Ramya: Hey, we're friends! It's just a friendly gesture, so relax.

They continued walking and texting each other. Eventually, both walked toward a bright light pole near the corner where the building blocks connected.

When Raj saw Ramya in shorts for the first time, he was caught completely off guard. Out of sheer shyness, he avoided looking directly at her, keeping his eyes turned toward the night sky so he wouldn't stare at her legs or the print on her t-shirt. Wanting to be respectful, he quickly excused himself.

Raj: I should head back to sleep now. Good night!

They both went back to their rooms. Sitting on her bed, Ramya texted him again.

Ramya: Raj, are you okay? We were chatting fine over messages, but when we met outside, you acted strange and left early. Did I do something wrong?

Raj: I was just worried that our friendship might be ruined...

Ramya: Why would you think that?

Raj: It was the first time we met outside of work, late at night. You were wearing shorts, and I had an urge to look... and read what was written on your shirt. But I was afraid you would feel uncomfortable or misjudge me. That's why I felt shy and left. Sorry...

Ramya smiled to herself, realizing that if she was shy, Raj was even shyer.

Deciding to be bold, she snapped a quick selfie showing the text on her t-shirt and sent it to him. It read: Modern Woman 1986.

Raj: Oh, nice design!

Raj: Is this your first time wearing this?

Not wanting to sound completely inexperienced, Ramya replied:

Ramya: I wear shorts and tees every night to sleep!

Raj: Oh, okay! It’s just the first time I've seen you at night, so I didn't know.

Ramya: Normally I don't go outside in my sleepwear, but since you're my friend, I felt comfortable coming out.

Raj felt deeply touched by her words.

Raj: Thank you, Ramya. Good night!

Ramya smiled as she put her phone away. She felt accomplished after her very first real conversation, nighttime meet-up, and photo share.