It's like any regular evening of my life. Sitting in the office, stroking my fingers against the keyboard lost in my own thoughts. Though I am in my 4*4 cubicle physically, my mind is all over the world. For a while I'm in the mountains, the very next moment I'm in the kitchen of my house "What cook may have prepared today?"
In midst of all these, my phone rings and the number on my screen puts me in dilemma to receive it or not. My heart wants to listen to this voice but mind warns about it very strongly.
Lastly, I picked up the called to listen to that sweet voice almost after 2 years. Shivani: "Hello"

Me after taking my own time : "He... He.. Hey, Long time. How are you?"

Shivani: "Yeah, it's been long. I am fine. How about you? How is everything going?"

Almost lost in that soft voice, it took me a while to realize what to answer "Yeah, everything is great. It's been going good. Same old work shit. So how come you called?"

Shivani: "There is a party at my place. Kinda small get together. Everyone is joining. Anchal, Reshma, Mrinal, Siddhu, Anshu. So you are cordially invited. I know you have been avoiding us a lot but still how shall we give up on you, Mr. Bing?"

This draws a curve on my face. She knows exactly where to hit. She knows I am a big fan of Chandler Bing from FRIENDS. For a second I thought declining it again but there was something which compelled me to say "Yes, I will be there. What time do you expect me?"

She replied"I am surprised. How come you agreed to it, in the first attempt? I can't believe. Don't you want me to request you 4-5 times more or say please please till you agree or confirm endless time over messages?"

This jolted me for a moment and made me realize people actually make an effort. Also with my default pessimistic nature, I took it as a sign, does she really want me over there? Are these words real or sarcastic?
Anyhow without further ado, I replied in an elegant manner. "Your words are my command, my lady"

We both laughed together and she said "We expect you thereby 7:30. Also since you will be coming via Koramangla, please get 2 boxes of tender coconut ice cream from naturals"

I immediately reacted " You still eating all this junk. Is zero figure a dream for you now?"
She took it sportingly and threw the ball in my court "I have become a zero myself now."

Now it took me by surprise and I asked" Really??"

She replied "Wait for the surprise!!! Anyhow you are coming over. I don't want to ruin it for you. See it yourself and don't forget to get the ice cream"
I looked at the watch while on the call. It is 5:30 already. I replied" I will be there definitely, but probably half an hour late. I have to go to the house. Change to something comfortable. I will be there by 8"
She sounded happy and replied "Ok, but don't be late. Else you won't get the chicken curry, I just prepared."

I was even more excited now because her chicken curry is one of the most amazing things on Earth.
I said" I am leaving immediately" with a hint of drool in my mouth.

We both hung up at the same time. I just did a quick scan around and to my to-do list. There are a few things pending but I thought of taking it as a challenge and continue with it on Monday. I started folding my laptop, unplugged my charger and rounding up the extended wire.

Meanwhile, my manager came from somewhere.... Contd....