DAY 3

Yellow tulips decorated in the flower vase gave a golden radiance to Kabir's cabin.

"How's she? " He enquired.

"She is fine but she misses you Kabir. " A female voice on the other side of phone answered.

"I will come to meet her in a day or two." He said.

His conversation was interrupted by Meera's entry. He ended the call abruptly.

"Sorry I forgot to knock. " Meera said. She sat on the chair and stood up again.

"Sit down. " He said.

I don't think I have lived upto your expectations. With so much of changes on the subject matter i found it difficult to complete. She said and handed over the project file to Kabir. She looked at Kabir with a downcast expression. He felt a strong urge to be near her and give her a soothing hug.

"My dad used to say winners never quit. Take this paper. " He said gently.

"What is this?"

"I knew you will face trouble in preparing the report. You know the subject well but in past two years there were radical changes which you were not updated. I have jotted down all the amendments that happened. This will help you to complete the project easily. "

She stared at him incredulously.

" You did it for me?" Her voice stammered. A fluttery feeling in her belly made her nauseated. She was shivering.

"Yes. " He said.

She left the cabin speechless.

"How was your meeting with Kabir? Mrs. Eva enquired. Mrs. Eva was Meera's immediate colleague. She was a middle aged and a pleasant woman.

"Well I don't know what to say." Meera said in a low tone.

"Why are you perspiring so much? Kabir is sometimes nasty with his employees, specially when they don't complete their work on time. Don't get overwhelmed by his arrogance. "

Meera immediately hid the paper at the back.

Arrogance? Does he fire his employees? Meera asked.

"Yes he does but in private. Meera just be calm and get going with the work he has given." Mrs. Eva said in a soothing tone.

Meera took the paper given by Kabir and started her work. The list of updates was so impeccably done by Kabir that she completed her project within an hours time.

She emailed the report to Kabir. After few minutes she got an email from Kabir.

It was written:

Well done Meera.

Kabir was unable to have his lunch. He was surprised with his ability to make difference in Meera's life. The visuals of her floral smile which had the ability to fill fragrance in his cabin gleamed in front of him.

DAY 4

Kabir was wandering in the lush green farm. He felt a soft touch on his back. It was Meera fluttering her eyelashes.

" Let's stroll in this paradise." She said softly. They both leisurely walked around the pastures holding each other's hand.

He didn't wake up perspiring this time. The whole dream was so captivating and beautiful. It seemed as if Kabir's heart healed from his enduring pain.

Meera entered his cabin cautiously. Her pulse rate was rising as she wanted to know the reason for yesterday's compassionate gesture.

"Meera I was waiting for you. There's a good news. " Kabir said.

"What's that? " She asked forgetting that she wanted to ask him the reason of his kind gesture

"Our investors are extremely happy with your project. They are specially delighted with the reasons you have written for the projections. You have hit the nail!"

"Really!" She exclaimed curbing her happiness.

"Yes and they want you to make a presentation. They will fix a meeting in a day or two. We both will attend it. Be prepared."

Her whole body was flooded with warmth. She felt as if she was reincarnated. It seemed to be ages when she heard words of appreciation. Suddenly life showered her a whole bouquet of it. She was lost.

She acknowledged his invite and left the cabin.

She left an aroma in Kabir' cabin that had the power to heal. An aroma which went upwards seeking light. Divine light. Everything was magical.

It was raining in the afternoon and Kabir felt an urge to go home. He tried to concentrate on his work but in vain. Finally he informed his secretary and headed home. Just as his car crossed the main gate he saw Meera. She looked tensed.

"Meera what are you doing? Are you going home early ? "

"I am going to pick-up my baby from his crèche. He is not well." She said.

"I will drop you. Come in quickly, it's raining outside."

She quickly got in his car. She was desperate to be with her baby.

"Your husband didn't come to pick up? " He asked reluctantly.

"He is out of town. Will reach tomorrow morning." She said. Kabir could feel her apprehension. He wanted to console her but the situation was quite uncomfortable.

When they reached the crèche, Meera just ran inside without looking back at Kabir. After few minutes she came with her baby. He was sleeping in her arms.

"How's your baby? You want to take him to the doctor?" He enquired.

"No the crèche called the doctor. I want to go home. Will you please drop me."

"Can I leave you in this situation alone? Sit backseat. "He said.

Kabir made sure that Meera settled at her home.

" I should leave now. " He said after he was sure that Meera was relaxed.

"A cup of coffee?" She asked.

" Maybe later. I should leave now." He was rigid and restless to go home.

She caught his hand without giving him any scope for movement. He freezed just staring at her blankly.

"Why do you do this for me?"

"Do what?" He asked with a shaky voice.

"You go out of your way to help me. I know this corporate world. No one helps if there is no vested interest. What's your vested interest? "

Her question came to him as if he was hit by thousands of arrows inside his heart.

"I am just being courteous, Meera." He said. There was an unusual stillness in him.

"No there's something more to it." She said shaking her head.

He gave her a silent look and moved out of her house. She exhaled and sat on her sofa.

Her whole body was numb.

© POONAM