We went downstairs where my mom had prepared the food. She offered--"You both can have your lunch now, the food is nice and hot or Abhik I will pack you some and Snigdha can have it at her suitable time. What do you say?"

Before I could say anything, Abhik replied, " No aunty, we will have our lunch now itself....if that's ok with you Snigdha."
I agreed and we sat at the table. My mom layed out the food. " Sit with us ma, you have your meds remember." My mom hesitated at first but then sat with her plate.

After lunch, I went to see off Abhik. At the door,
"About the case, whatever it is I'll support you please let me be with you. Let me help you Snigdha."
" You don't know...it's dangerous Abhik.."
"But-.."
" Go home safely and call me once you get there"
" Take care of yourself Snigdha...you make me worry."
with this he left but I kept standing there looking at him till he was visible as only a small dot. I was lost in thought when my mom called me.
I quickly went to her. She told me, " What were you doing there for so long. Go and take rest."
I obeyed without a word and went upstairs. I sat with the journal and started reading it.
The journal contained letters, pictures, small poems and other tits and bits. I kept reading.

Author's pov

Abhik reached home and went in. His frown was replaced by a smile as soon as he...