He fell for her the moment he saw her at the funeral of his best friend. He couldn't come at their wedding as he was away in Australia and today he was here, watching his best friend burn in a huge pyre. He had mixed emotions. He was sad , too sad but when he saw her face behind the roaring flames, his heart skipped a beat.

He felt bad that how can he think like this for the widow but the pull was magical. Her swollen eyes, puffed lips, red nose, dishevelled hair, white saree made her look like Helen of Troy. People dispersed after the funeral, some had tears in their eyes , some had important phone calls and chats going on. He went near her with folded hands and introduced himself. She had faint idea about him, reciprocated his condolences with a faint lifeless smile. He wanted to hug her tight and feel all her pain wash away on his shoulder. She excused herself and went to her gloomy parents, who took her to the main hall for last prayers.

Back home, his family was excited to have him back after so many years, His parents wanted him to meet all the girls they had selected for him and get married as soon as possible. But his mind was elsewhere, still stuck in that gloomy face. Later that night, he called his another friend Ryan and took number of Fiza. Whole night, he kept tossing and turning in his bed, thinking about her. In the morning, his mother asked him if he was worried about anything, but he just laughed it away.

At 2:00 pm he called at Fiza's mobile, " Hello! " she said. "Ahem! Hi! I am Bobby. I met you yesterday, Krish's friend from Australia, if you remember?". "Oh yes, I do." She spoke in an almost dying voice with no interest. "If you don't mind, can i see you for a while. Please don't take me wrong, just for a couple of minutes, over coffee?". "Why?" she asked. "I am going back in few days and i miss not seeing Krish for all these years. I just wish to meet you and talk a little about him and know him more." "Mmmmm, alright. See me at cafe Beany stroll at 5pm today." "Oh! That's great, see you then. Bye!" "Bye!" she said and hung up.

He was excited to see her. Wore his new sky blue shirt, took some white lilies and reached the cafe at 5:00 pm. She was on time, she wore a pale skater dress with bare make-up. He made her sit, gave her the lilies and ordered two cappuccinos. He asked her if she wished to eat anything? "The usual!" and laughed out loud. Entire cafe started looking at her. Such a sober woman few minutes ago was now wincing with laughter. Bobby shushed her and ordered chocolate truffle with a smile. They held hands and congratulated each other.


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