Chapter 6 : Their Honoured Ego

Chapter 6: Their Honoured Ego

The steam from the coffee mugs swirled into the air. The lost eyes kept on chasing them to the corner of the roof. Where are they heading to? She asked. To some destination, contributing a little in the formation of the clouds and again getting the chance to flow through the river, get purified, and so on so forth. Even these non living merely noticeable things get another chance to survive without providing any tangible proof; but not her.

“Priya.” A click sound made from his fingers made her shudder. “Where are you?”

“Nah nothing!” picking up the cup she sipped the awkwardly cold and tasteless coffee. Wincing her face in response Priya put it back on the table and leaned back. “You tell me what is new in life?” under her deep sigh she asked Aarman.

“Excuse me.” Aarman pointed to a staffer of the cafe. He politely walked to the guest and gestured to know their order. “Please reheat these two; we will place the order in a while.” He said pointing to the dull liquid in their cups. Humbly he took those to reheat. “Now tell me what’s going on?”

“Nothing.” A sudden smile shoots up against her face.

“Really?” Aarman narrowed his eyes on her, making Priya little uncomfortable. “Since when we know each other? If you remember.” He asked keeping his eyes still on her. “Since then you knowingly threw me to a ditch when we were in nursery. Right?”

“Do you need to mention that every time now and then?” she replied.

“Yes. Because people must know what kind of gunda you are. Now tell me what is wrong other than uncle?” he asked again. “and how he is now?”

“Baba is doing good but...” she stopped allowing the staffer to re-serve their re-heated order. “The man you raged over he is concerning me.”

“Why? Are you enjoying the checking out?” He was displeased by the answer. After few seconds his lips curved and he was grinning ear to ear. “Are you?? My God Dodo why didn't you tell me this? Don't forget what I took as a promise from you; and make sure he agrees too.” Aarmaan was definitely elated to find the truth. “But wait. I screwed it up! Give me his number I will apologise to him.”

“Leave it! You did no wrong. My luck screwed it up and its over I think for good.” Priya lamented.

“I think it is not over. I remember that guy from your Post Grad days. You used me to throw him out. I was your boy friend for him. If you were happy for being over, my mad Priya would be here. What happened?” there was care in his voice. Shifting himself to the chair by her, he shoved his hand around. “Tell me Priya.”

“He wants me to proof everything. When I got baba’s news I was on a date with him. After three years Maa was calling me, I reacted the way I felt.” Priya’s voice chocked. “I called him everyday but he denied responding. He was well aware of the situation but no, he didn't cared and today when he actually saw my father’s reports then he reacted. Do I need to give tangible proofs to him? And even right now if he somehow notices us together then he will conclude that we are a couple.” A tear fell on Priya’s folded hands before she wiped off the rest. “And I will make sure I get over him.”

A quick snapping of his fingers made her shiver while in his arms. “What is this?” she pushed away his hand.

“If someone really doesn’t matter, you push them away in a snap. You love this man and you can't push him away. Priya, don't bring your ego in between.” Aarman said. “And about us. It's really difficult to understand. I am lucky I have Reshma in my life. She understands you more than me but this man is...” he stopped wondering in worry, “One minute how long do you know each other?” he enquired.

“Nearly One Month.”

“And you want him to understand our relationship. Are you mad? You need to tell him about us. If he don't understand it we need to make him understand and winning you is a tough game and he did it in one month. Don't let him go.” Aarman took her hands on his. “We have a mad relationship Priya. No one around here will have a second thought about us being a couple.”

“I will put him out of mind.” Sniffing she said. “Definitely. You know something if I go and tell him about us what he will say, no he will not say he will just conclude you to be my boyfriend and I hate proofs in relationship. If there is no faith I don't want to be in such relationship. But I love him.” She sniffed louder.

“Chup kar. Let me talk with him.” Aarman said.

“What you will say I am the God Father to your future kids. Speaking from heaven..” Priya said being annoyed.

“Yeah!!.” His eyes lightened up, “Actually its best. He should know that. You are framing yourself as the mother of his future kids. My God!!”

“Shut up!!” Priya scolded.

“Priya!! Listen to me.” Aarman looked straight into her eyes, “Relationships are very fragile and when you put ego into it, just disaster happens. Don't put your ego in it. Even if you have to take a backseat, take it, but speak to him. Please.” Pleaded Aarman. “If after that he remains adamant, you will do what ever you want.”

Now Priya looks up to see him. “Promise me.” Aarman extended his hand to her. With a smile she guided her hand into his. “Promise.” She said smiling inwardly.

“Now give me a big hug. At last my God children are on my way.” Smiling he hugged Priya tight.

“Shut up!! After 4-5 years, at least.” Scolded Priya. “When you are going to tell about Reshma to your parents?” she asked.

“After having the baby!” Aarman’s reply made Priya chock, “Are you??” her eyes bugged out. The chocked throat made her cough harshly.

“Ya. 3 months.”

“There is something called protection. When you are getting married?” she looked concern.

“These things are common there and it will be the best way to convince maa baba after the baby.” Aarman was casual with his reply.

“I don't believe this.”

“Can we order something? Do you want me to miss my flight? Reshma will kill me then. Day after tomorrow I will see my baby for the first time.” Exhilarating he said.

“That's great but be quick. I am not convinced.” Retorted Priya.

“Okay. Now order something good. Aarman pulled the menu and looked into it.”

~~

It was around 11.30 when Priya reached her place. The cab driver was taking advantage of her for being the lone passenger that night. He charged her double fare putting the reason as non availability of passengers on his way return. She reminded him the charges and cleared that he is already charging hundred bucks more. The cab driver slipped out of the car to the road. He was in a mood to create a nuisance and take advantage of it while Priya was in no mood to give up.

“How much?” the familiar voice from behind startled both the rider and driver.

“540.”

Giving him six hundred rupee notes Ram asked him to keep the change. He stopped the driver from creating any further nuisance and made sure he was gone from there.

“Why you gave him that? Do you have natural reactions to bribe people around? You even bribed the security.” Priya almost shouted.

“He was not in a mood to take money from you. He wanted to create a scene over here even worse than your thoughts. Thanks to God I was waiting here.” Ram expected a thank you from her.

“I am a certified black belt 1^st Dan” gritting the words she replied.

“Thanks for the information. I feel so pity for you.” Said Ram, laughing at her.

“What!!”

“Only because you are a black belt 1^st Dan” mimicking her he added further, “that made your boy friend leave you alone. That great he is.” He smirked.

“I so knew it.” Priya said in disbelief, “You are only that kind of person. I must have not got emotionally involved with you.” She cursed herself.

“Oh! Really. I am sorry that I failed your plan of two timing.” He accused her.

“Did you notice any uneasiness in me when I hugged Aarman in front of you? I didn't. Why? Because he and I both knew what we are for each other. But I feel sorry for hypocrites like you. You will never understand it.” Priya cocked her head folding her hands near her belly.

“What did you call me right now?” Ram came around, “A hypocrite! You want me to believe that he is a friend; right?”

“Yes he is.”

“Really do I look like a fool?”

“No!!” Priya scowled. “You are a hypocrite.”

Ram furrowed, “You want me to believe you. Who dumps me no where and heads towards where I don't know and then come around with a call that your father is not well. Don't I have any right to know what is happening in your life?” he stepped to grab her petite hand in his large palm.

“Stop there.” Priya warned. After he froze Priya voiced, “You have that or I should say now you had! That was the only reason I called you when my father was dying. Yes Ram, he was dying. I never saw him so lifeless. I never saw my mother that fragile. When I should be there holding my wailing mother in my arms. I cared for you more. But I was a fool; I would have never bothered to inform you if I knew you believe with tangible proofs only. I felt shattered Ram. The ma...” her voice chocked, “But why I am saying all these to you. You caught me red handed no? With my Boy Friend.” Priya frowned, “and you know what I am very happy with him, we are planning to have babies very soon.”

“PRIYA!!” he knuckled his fist in anger.

“Don't shout !!!!!” Priya looked back.

“You are breaking up with me?” asked Ram without taking his eyes off from her.

“Breaking? What.” The unusual laugh made his blood boil again. “When we were together? Never. If you can't trust me then stop fooling yourself that you even like me.”

Ram made his fist harder. His face flushed with the displeasure. He wanted to shout over Priya but something was stopping him.

“I think nothing is left between us. Nothing really was there. Both of us were in hurry. Thank God we didn't go long. Take care.” Without giving Ram a chance to speak she walked inside.

Venting his anger on the car Ram kept his car parked outside the apartment for next several hours. Who was that man? This was the only thought going around his head. Almost dawn then, he drove back towards his apartment.

~~

The next two days went uneventful. Both of them successfully managed to dodge each other keeping themselves busy in there own official and personal engagement. Then that face off again happened. Malhotra, the senior most amongst the top officials of the organisation held a meeting after office hours for discussing the health report of the employees, which was due because of Priya’s absence.

The cafeteria was chosen by him to discuss the same. The clerk served them with coffee and some snacks. When everyone sat with a summary of the reports Malhotra initiated.

“So Priya as we were discussing. Shekhar and Priyansh have the worst one.” Malhotra lead the conversation, “We must make this mandatory for every employee. No one should be allowed to skip. If you skip go for the test in their laboratories. We must do this in regular intervals for the good fate of the organization.”

“Yes I support you.” Priya said, “One should be aware of their health. I will be issuing awareness letters to these employees and some of them are sitting here.” Saying she extended the paper towards Malhotra.

“Ram, your name is also here.” Without taking eyes up he announced, “hmm.. mine is here too, Vishesh you too... I see.” Now he looked up and found Ram frowning. “What happened Ram?” he asked.

“Priya, what you found abnormal in my health.” Ram asked her without caring where they were.

“Sir, if you see carefully you have poor reports in Spirometry and your Cholesterol level is just marginally normal.” Priya said pointing to his report summary. 

“It is not bad at all.” Ram retorted, “That you need to issue me an awareness letter.” He sounded offended.

“Ram what's wrong?” asked Malhotra, “She is doing for our good.”

“Look boss. You are senior to me I respect you but what she doing is not really needed. We all are adults and we are aware of our health. I don't want to waste my time in this nonsense.” Pushing back his chair Ram stood up.

Priya also flushed in anger. She kept her calm while Ram decided to walk out. She can hear Malhotra speaking to Ram, who denied staying back.

“Priya don't mind he was having some kind of bad mood from last few days. I will look that he don't over react in future. I appreciate you for these steps please go ahead as planned. What say guys?” Malhotra looked at the gathering. They subscribed to his views.

~~

Same Day , Later that evening..

While Priya was waiting for cab at the stand, Ram’s car screeched to halt. Coming around he stepped in front and asked her to accompany; for he has something important to discuss. She was ignorant to accept but with few people from office around she agreed to come along. Ram drove into the traffic.

“Are you trying to do down me?” Ram started with accusing her.

“I am up to nothing.” Priya maintained her calm.

“Then what was that?”

“I don't have so much time to go through every report and make that list. It was put together by my team and before you say that I have instructed them to put your name as a default feature, then you are wrong. I know how to keep my personal and professional life separate.” Justifying herself Priya sat back maintaining the calm.

“You know what I was a fool that I thought you to be a decent girl. But you are that kind of cheap girl; unless you can prove the man wrong you will not stop.” Priya was accused again.

“I think you are now going no where Ram!” she exclaimed.

“You should address me as Mr. Kapoor.” Ram frowned.

“You are right Mr. Kapoor. What I am doing in your car then?” pushing the door open in between the traffic she dashed into the footpath and in few minutes she vanished in the first turn. Ram cursed himself for pouring his heart out to Priya. He himself gave her an upper hand.

~~

Same night 01:00 am

Priya tried to watch random channels for about 20 minutes to distract her from Ram’s thought. For the 87^th time she read that letter he wrote to her. She held it back again between her hands. The flooded eyes blurred everything around.

With a pull Neha grabbed it in her hands and started reading loudly.. “Ooooo.. love letter.”

“Neha!!” Priya  snatched it back into her custody. “This is not done.”

“Right!! This is really not done. What's happening around? Why I haven't seen Ram around? Is everything okay?” Neha was concerned.

“Yes. Everything is fine and perfect with Mr. Kapoor.” Priya refuted to speak any further.

“What??? Mr. Kapoor??? What was that Priya?” Neha sat in front.

“I have lost him.” Tears rolled down her hot cheeks. “Sometimes I feel caged between my family and him. When I thought of a little warmth from Ram, he also did the same. Why people misjudge me? He even thought Aarman to be my boy friend and accused me of two timing.”

“Should I talk to him?” Neha asked.

“No! No one.” Wiping out her tears she looked down, “If he cannot believe me then let it be. I never wished to have anyone in my life; with Ram I started having feelings, I still feel for him but after today, the way he snatched the right given by him I am sure we were never meant to be.”

“What he did?”

“He asked me to address him as Mr. Kapoor.” Priya replied with flooded eyes. She sniffed.

“Priya. He must be upset. Let me be the moderator. Please you two need one.” Neha again requested.

“No, never. If a relation needs a moderator then it is already dead. No one will moderate. Neither you nor Vikram.” She ordered.

“I don't know about Vikram..” Neha shrugged her shoulders.

“As if I don't know any thing. What you two are up to?” Priya narrowed her eyes.

“Let's not talk about us. I am concerned about you. Four days in a row and you have hardly slept. This way you will fall ill. If you want us not to moderate we will not but go and talk to him.” Neha kept on pleading.

“Neha I will not. He has to believe me first.” Priya stood up. “I am grilled between my brothers and Mr. Kapoor.”

“Hey you meet Kartick! What did he say?” Neha stood by her.

“Said??” there was an unusual grin.

~~

Few days back.

Priya’s father was still in the operation theatre. The eager footsteps hurried to the waiting room, specially arranged. “Maa.” Rohit’s voice alarmed Priya. Leaving her hand she stood aside. “I am here maa. Don't worry. Kartick you sit here, let me check, Reema just coordinate.” Rushing inside taking a head cap and mask from nurse he vanished into the restricted area.

“Di. Why you signed the papers?” Kartick broke the silence. Everyone looked to the boy who looked displeased finding his sister around.

“It was the right thing...” Priya was taken aback when Kartick voice shivered everyone.

“Right thing; what you know about right thing? You left us then why today? What you want to prove? That you are so great!!” Kartik surely disturbed the people waiting around.

“Kartik behave yourself.” Mala scolded the boy. “She is your elder sister.”

“That elder sister who is disgrace to every one of us.” He spitted back.

“Kartick!!!!” Mala raised her voice against him.

“Kakima I should wait downstairs.” Priya gripped her aunt's hand firm gesturing to calm down.

“Ya sure. That is the place for you. Thank you for your kindness. We need no more. Please leave.” Kartick’s sharp reply pierced her. Holding back her tears she walked out of the room. Behind her paced Mala.

“Priya beta wait.” Mala hold her back before she could slip into the elevator. “Where are you going and why? The man inside is your father too and let me tell you something, this man will proudly give your example someday and Kartick should apologise though.”

“I will leave after .....” Priya’s eyes meet her elder brother who was coming out with Dr. Singh. He was not worried but not happy either. The ladies paced up to him. “Dada how's baba?” Her brother looked into her anxious and worried eyes.

“The operation is successful but we have a long way to go.” Rohit said. Closing her eyes she sighed in relief. Excusing himself Rohit walked into the waiting arena.

“Priya there is a market near by. We should go there and have at least two sets of clothes for you.” Mala suggested.

“You are still here??” Kartick’s displeased voice again made Priya attentive. “I will never allow her to meet Baba, Dada tell her that. Who so ever is with her.” He said looking at Mala.

“Kartick we can discuss that later come meet Baba.” He pulled his younger brother towards the destination. Mala was surprised with Rohit’s behaviour that ignored Priya completely.

Later that evening...

Shipra came and sat by her daughter. “Priya.” Looking up Priya noticed Kartick and Reema to be there too. Even Mala was not around then. “You should leave now!” she surprised Priya.

“Maa, baba is still in danger and you...” Priya looked up as Kartick voiced.

“Dare you say that.” He raged. “Will you be happy if he leaves us?”

For the very first time Priya raised her voice, “Enough!!” she shouted, “Since then I am tolerating you that doesn't mean you will keep on bad mouthing me. He is my father too.” When Kartick again opened his mouth to voice; Priya gestured him to dare. “Just shut up!! What I will do that is up to me and no one has the right to order me. If I want to stay back; I will. You cannot stop me. If he is your father, remember he is my father too and no one can take that away from me. Not even me.” Once looking at her mother and then to her brother before she dashed out.

At the reception she asked for Rohit’s cabin. Since her arrival every staff of the hospital got to know that Priya is his sister, without protesting a lady guided her to Rohit’s cabin. After he was done with his last patient for that hour; Priya went inside. “I will not take much time.”

“Sit.”

“Dada, ask Kartick to behave. This is not a place to public our differences.” Priya said.

“I will. He is too young to understand and I can't suggest you anything; you are much independent now. But, what lies in the past drew a line between us. I wish things are different today.” Rohit said under his sigh.

“Thanks Dada for understanding me.” Without any further conversation Priya left his cabin.

~~

“My little brother Neha, that brother whom I cradled, I felt like the luckiest person on the earth when he was born. That brother threw me like a thrash.” Trails of tears scattered all over Priya’s face. “And here Ram. I am caged Neha. I can't bear this any more.” Bawling like an infant she perched on Neha’s arm. Stroking her head Neha felt herself to be the most helpless creature.

~~

Saturday...

Priya was busy looking into some of her files ... when Neha appeared dressed for Party. “Priya you are not ready yet.” She asked.

“For what?” looking back Priya snapped, “Did I forget anything?”

“Don't tell me you are not aware of Ram’s birthday?” Neha hopelessly sat on her bed.

“Ram’s Birthday???” she snapped. “No I don't know.”

“And he invited me not you?” Surprised Neha asked.

“No. He didn't.”

“But you are particular about remembering birthday and all. How do you...??” Neha looked really astonished.

“Neha, today is Saturday and I don't have my HRMS in front that pops the list of employees having birthday so that I can go and wish them in particular with a rose and card from the stock and most importantly I never asked him about birthday.” Priya retorted.

“But why he called me then?”

“I don't know and neither have I wanted to think.” Walking to her closet she checked her purse. Checking her wardrobe she took out a tunic to match her jeans.

“Are you coming along?” Neha asked almost in a whisper.

“No I am not. I am going for shopping. You really remain busy these day. We are running out of groceries and toiletries. I am going to the mall to pick them up.” Walking to the washroom Priya announced.

“Okay then I will ask Vikram to drop you. But are you sure you are not coming?” Neha asked again.

“I don't go any where uninvited Neha and Thanks I will help myself. I was thinking to take out Doot. I will have a ride.” Priya walked to the living room.

“But you will find it difficult to carry those stuff in your bike Priya!” Neha tried some lame excuses to convince her to take lift from Vikram so that she can hijack her to Ram’s birthday party.

“I will ask them to provide home delivery. Don't worry.” Priya thrashed Neha’s last wish even.

While leaving Priya was stopped by Vikram, “Hey hi!”  taking off her helmet she wished him back.

“Priya. Come with us. Ram is very childish. He is missing you too. Ask me. Since morning he is talking about you only. Why you not wished him and all that.. please come along. One among you two has to give up your ego.” Pleaded Vikram.

“I don't have any issue to handle his childish behaviour or ego but he needs to know the importance of trust and without it I think Vikram it is really tough for me to accept him.” Putting back the helmet she ignited her bike, “Wish him on my behalf too. Have fun. And do trust each other; you two look good together.” Smiling to him and Neha she zoomed away.

~~

Late Night, Saturday;

“Sir...” the security rushed in before Ram could slip into the elevator. “A madam was here in your absence; she left this for you.  I tried to reject it but she didn't listened to me.”

“It’s ok.” Taking the packet he looked around it. Nothing was scribbled there. But he knew who could be that lady. After Vikram only Priya has his address and other than her no one would have such courage to invade his space. Priya is the only one who has seen his care only. He can be a beast when the raging blood shoots his brain. So, no other girl will show such daring to do so. Why girl? no one will love to have that dare.

The packet was heavy. She must have left a gift for him, but why like this? She had his address and came here; why can't she wait? She could have called him. Why she didn't wish him? Again egoist in him started to rage. His anger showed up. The grip against the packet harden. By his torment it tore apart. From inside popped out a recorder, which almost kissed its death, when Ram caught it in his large hands. Looking aside he picked up the packet. His heart ached. She actually came to wish him. She could have waited. But for whom, who threw her out just in a click. When he stood up with the packet, he found another weight inside and a rose wrapped in a golden foil lying on the floor. Looking inside he found a medium size box. Carefully opening it he looked to the contents. He found two coasters in it, with his initials inscribed over each of it. Hovering his hands over it, he looked to the recorder and rose on the other hand. Taking stairs to his floor, he came inside and deposited the coasters on the coffee table and the rose in a glass. He waited for while before playing it. With the click it started rolling....

Not only a sweet smile she have a sweet voice. He thought while his ear drums soothed with birthday song she sang.

“How cruel that I couldn't wish you in person? Mr. Kapoor I must address you as asked. So, if anytime I address you by your name; pardon me. I hope you had a great time with your friends. But before the day ends. I need to wish you and speak out my heart.

Mr. Kapoor thank you for that ocean blue envelope. I was thinking that you are nervous when it comes to girls but you are very sweet and decent. If we were together today, I would have loved to be called as Peaches and keen to know the reason behind it. But now when we have started to walk in different paths and before parting forever I would take this chance to pour my heart.

Ram felt her deep sigh. She must be filling her lungs with much needed oxygen.  After several minutes she started again. The recorder rolled with the sounds of bikes and other vehicles.

I am a rebel. Yes you heard it right. I was always and will continue to be what so ever happens in my life. I think rational, than emotional. I hate being emotional but there are times when I think only by heart. That day was one such day, when I left you alone.

She paused for a while again....

My father was dying then, my mom needed me. Ra... suddenly there was a silence... Ram checked with the recorder it was playing.

Sorry! I should be more careful from now. Mr. Kapoor. !! I am thrilled to know that you have such a cool and sweet family. I felt intimidated. Wonder why? Ram heard her chuckle. Rebel remember; that made me little different from my family. As I grew up I became more rebellious. I called off my own wedding and that didn't go good with my family. Ram paused the recorder, “Wedding??” he asked himself. Pouring a drink for himself; he played it again.

Now they couldn't abandon me nah! But there came a distance amongst. I am not so close to my family, but when they called me that day I couldn't stop myself. Mr. Kapoor I am sorry for abandoning you that day. I wish I could rewind that day.

Ram again paused the recorder. He sighed deep and looked out. It started pouring again. The breeze that came inside ruffled his hairs. As he closed his eyes he could figure Priya in front. Her smile, her dazzling hair kissing her shoulder. Her eyes always have a magic twinkle which makes her more beautiful. He always wondered how her lips would taste. Feeling of having them in his shivered him. He has kissed a girl earlier or to be honest he got kissed by her. But this time he wanted to hold Priya in his safe embrace holding her close he want her to melt in him. But suddenly everything seem to so scattered and lost. He played back the recorder.

Mr. Kapoor, I wanted to relive it. But when I felt that you believe in proofs than in words, I withdrew. Mr. Kapoor for me in relation, what ever name it bears should have that trust. Which you definitely don't have on me.

She coughed a little. Then Ram heard some ruffling sound.

Sorry!! She said under her smile I drove after a long time. So where I was, yes trust and you n me. Mr. Kapoor before anything you should bestow your trust on me. If you can't then there is no second thought to the relationship and about Aarman.. she sighed deep.

Yes I love him and he does too. Ram gulped his drink in a single gasp. The glass got thrashed against the wood top bar counter. He has put the recorder to pause and picked it up to throw. But he managed to compose him and put it back into play. He needed to free himself also. What ever was on way he has to bear with it. For the one last time.

Yes you hard it right. We love each other but not as a couple but we share a unique friendship that every one envies. Mr. Kapoor he has already taken a word from me that he will be God father to my child or children what ever. We share every secret, even I know some of his darkest truth that Reshma, her girl friend don't even have an idea off. That's the truth and even if, I can give you a tangible proof about the bond that we share I will not give you.... believe or not!! It's your call.

Ram thought for a while... before playing it back.

Now the most important part. It's your birthday. You are the birthday boy. If I had some rightful right over you I would have asked you to ask for anything as a present. But I even lost the right to call you by your name. Mr. Kapoor I am not as lucky as you. But I wanted to make you little luckier. So at last after fighting with the googlies that my mind gave me one after another I decided to speak my heart and present you on your birthday . She sighed deep this time. I never wished for love but when you came into my life suddenly; yes I thought for a while. I wanted to share myself with you. But I failed. I failed with flying colours... Ram’s heart ached as she laughed. It has a pain. Mr. Kapoor I started having feeling for you with all my heart and now let it rest. Just look around the lawn downstairs. You will find something under the third concrete resting place. For one last time. Pausing the recorder he dashed to the lawn. He looked under the concrete seat and found a packet wrapped in plastic. Its size indicated it to be a cake. He ran back to his apartment. The security stood dumbfound failing to understand the drill. Unwrapping it he found a chocolate cake inside. It almost got spoiled by the rain. Playing the recorder he starred at the cake that lay almost spoiled. Rebel remember!! I am a tough one to handle. She laughed again. Happy Birthday Mr. Kapoor. I wish I could ...... she sighed...That's all for today and now I have to reach your society again. Well before recording this I managed everything, I went there as a prospective tenant and scrutinized where I can leave the packet and I must say the you guys need to change the guard he hardly noticed I were the same person when I duped him in my next visit after an hour or more. Always your well wisher.... Priya.. you can still call me Priya.... the recording ended.

With flooded eyes he looked at the cake. How can I be so selfish?? Cutting a piece from it he took a bite. Slowly walking to the terrace he looked up as the rain drenched him slowly. Opening his arms he welcomed it into him to wash out his ego, his anger, her pain. Closing his eyes he stood there alone, with tears scattered all over his face, unnoticed to the world.

Until We Meet

Love

NB