He almost laughed at her. Her face was pink with exhaustion. Drops of perspiration lined her forehead. Her hair stuck to the sides of her face.

'I think you could do with some help', he offered.

'No. I can carry on my own', Tara wasn't pleased with his offer.

'Oh C'mon, what's the harm.', Karan objected.

'I said its ok'. Tara said bluntly.

They stared at each other for a while. Then, Karan stepped out of her way & gestured her to go ahead. He stood there & watched Tara go. Suddenly one of the packets in Tara's hands tore & many masala bottles spilled out. Tara got alarmed & looked helplessly at the rolling bottles. Obviously embarrassed, she looked around & left the bags from her hand. Karan reached upto her & started handing over the bottles to her one by one.

He looked straight at her & said 'All things cannot always be done alone'.

Tara stared at him silently as he collected all bottles & put them in other bags.

'All things cannot always be done alone'.. Karan's voice rang in Tara's years till night. She was disturbed by him passing this statement. He is wrong. Why did I quietly listen to this? I should have answered him back. Of course I can manage alone. I have been doing so all this while.. but deep inside what pricked her was that Karan was right. It was true that she had been living life all alone, but it wasn't easy. She drifted into sleep with memories of the past.

Karan started visiting school more often. He helped out Tara winding up school work & preparing for the next day. Though she still spoke minimal, Karan could see in her eyes that she had started accepting him. She was the same with everyone, but with him, things were different. Often, she kept aside work specifically for Karan, assuming that when he comes, she would ask him to do it.

One day, she waited and waited, Karan didn't turn up. The sun set but no sign of Karan. She was disappointed. Where was he? Why didn't he come today? He never told me he wouldn't be coming.. She spent a restless night with her mind totally on Karan. She disturbed the next day too. During school, she fumbled & dropped things, not knowing what she was doing. She waited eagerly for school to end to see whether Karan comes. And sure, he came.. smiling..

'Where were you yesterday? You didn't even tell that you won't be coming? Atleast you should have told me??!!', Tara confronted him.

Karan said nothing. He just kept on looking at her with a slight twinkle in his eyes. Tara kept on staring at him unmoved. Karan couldn't help but smile. Tara realized what had just happened & suddenly became conscious. She blushed, smiled slightly & turned away.

Karan felt a sense of triumph. My first step ahead.

One Sunday, to give her a surprise, Karan landed at the Aashram in the morning. He found Tara drying papad with several other ladies. She looked so beautiful in the plain white salwar kameez, with her long hair tied up in a bun. There was a different glow on her face that he had never seen before. He stood against a tree and bserved her from a distance. He could look at her for hours. As he looked at her fondly, he didn't realize that there was someone else observing this scene. Taijimaa looked at Karan and understood what was happening. She went upto him.

' You are Karan, right?'

'Yes?', Karan was surprised. Karan folded his hands to say Namaste.

'So you are the reason for Tara's happiness. She has never spoken about you but I know its you..'

Before Karan could digest this, he saw Tara come running in their direction.

'Karan??? How come you here??', Tara asked merrily. Karan noticed she was wearing gold loop earrings. She looked extremely pretty.

'Hi. Just to give you a surprise', answered Karan smiling.

'She is Taijimaa. The best mother in the world!', said Tara, hugging Taijimaa.

'Ok, ok. Tara why don't you make our special litchi milkshake for Karan?? Karan has come here for the first time! We must give him special treatment', Taijimaa beamed at both of them.

'Oh yes! Come, Karan..', Tara called out to him and started moving towards the aashram building. She looked so happy.

Taijimaa smiled at Karan, giving him a knowing look & turned back to watering plants, as Karan also moved towards the building.

Karan felt restless & uneasy after reaching home. Tara is so happy & cheerful these days. She is actually smiling. Am I really the reason for her happiness? Is she smiling because of me? Does she also feel some bonding with me?

There's only one person who can help me in this. I must visit Taijimaa again & speak out to her.

'Good morning, Mrs. Mathur! How are you??!!', exclaimed Karan on reaching the Principal's cabin.

"Karan young man. So nice to see you again. I am fine, thank you. so you are here to check up our little ones. Come, I will intoduce you to Tara', reciprocated Mrs. Mathur.

'Tara? Someone new?', asked Karan.

'Yes. She has joined us recently in our Play school.' Mrs. Mathur called through the intercom for Tara.

'Come, Tara. Meet Dr. Karan', Mrs. Mathur beckoned Tara as she arrived at her cabin door.

Karan turned to face Tara. Karan was captivated by her looks. Tara was dressed in a plain black sari. No make-up or jewellery. Her long hair was tied in a braid. She look so innocent, yet so calm. Can anyone be prettier than her? She is an angel!!

'So, Tara. Nice to meet you', Karan tried to strike a conversation, as Tara led him to the play school. 'Where are you from?'

'This way please' was all Tara said.

Karan was taken aback & stopped walking. Tara kept on walking. That calm face. Was there a storm of emotions beneath? I just have to uncover this mystery.

Throughout the check up, Karan kept on glancing at Tara. But she showed no interest in him. She was totally engrossed in her work and the kids. At times when Karan met Tara's eyes, he smiled back, but Tara showed no signs of recognition.

'All children covered, I hope', Karan asked while departing.

'Yes, thank you', answered Tara.

Karan silently looked at her. Tara looked back at him straight in his eye, not flinching a bit.

What's in these eyes? Pain? Questions? Hope? Fear? I'm going to find out

'You know what, you are a mystery. I wont rest till I discover you', Karan confronted her. He winked at her & left.

Tara stared at his diminishing figure without blinking. Slowly, she turned back to her work & forgot all about Karan.

That night, Karan couldn't sleep. In fact, he had been restless the whole day. Thinking about Tara. He went through a mix of emotions. Happiness. Anxiety.

Next day, he again walked into St. Joseph School. He found Tara walking towards the school main building carrying a huge pile of books & a few toys. The straps of her purse kept falling off her shoulder. Her dupatta was traling on the ground behind her. She looked helplessly at her dupatta but couldn't do anything.

Karan ran upto her, elated to see her.

'Aah. Let me help you', Karan started picking up the toys.

'No. Its okay, really. I can carry', insisted Tara.

'Are you sure? I mean, I can carry half the load'

'I said its okay'.

Karan stopped insisting.

'Ok, if you wish. So you are free now. Tiny tots gone home?'

'Obviously'

'Where are you from?'

'Calcutta'.

'So how come Calcutta to Nainital?'

Tara remained silent as if she hadn't heard Karan. And kept on walking as if Karan was not with her.

Karan was mystified. And felt a little annoyance. Why the hell is she so unfriendly?

He went to meet Mr. Mathur.

'I had an interaction with that new teacher, Tara the other day. Don't you think she's weird. I mean, she's so withdrawn and aloof!'

'Tara. Sad story, that girl has. How else do you expect her to be? After losing her husband after just 1 year of marriage?'

Karan was shaken. That angel, a widow?

'But she is a strong girl. Or atleast, trying to be. Fighting it out all alone. It isn't easy for a single woman to manage alone in this world. That too after going through such a big trauma. And you know how high such people's self respect is. They hate to see sympathy from others. Hence, though I've told you, make sure you don't show it to her. We must support her'

Karan's heart went out to her. No wonder, she never takes help from me. How did I expect her to even talk to me?

I will bring back her smile. I will fill her life with colours again.

(To be continued..)

Everything in the house reminded her of Aakash. The wind chimes on their bedroom balcony. Aakash had got them on Friendship Day. The bangle stand on the dressing table. The kitchen curtains, which they had painted together. The big green suitcase that they took along to their last Shimla trip. They broken glass of their living room show-case, which accidently broke when Aakash was playfully tickling Tara and she ran around like a kid.

These are Aakash's memories that I treasure. But these are too painful. Still feels that Aakash will walk in just any moment. But then.. I would be waiting all my life & he would never come..

One day, Tara's home door-bell rang. Anjali opened the door. It was her in-laws. Anjali, slowly, let them in. They didn't seem happy seeing Anjali.

'Where is Tara?', they demanded.

Anjali just pointed towards the bedroom. 'Oh no! Things don't seem to be okay', she thought.

She soon heard loud voices coming from inside.

'We have been trying to reach you since weeks! And no response?? What do you think you are? Just within 1 year of marriage, everything has gone wrong. First, Aakash moved out of home. All for you. Poor guy worked so hard to get you this luxurious house. My poor son! You took his life..!!', her mother-in-law accused her angrily. 'And look at her. Still wearing coloured clothes. Don't you have any shame? You have no right to stay in this house now. We don't want to keep any relation with you..'

Tara was petrified on spot. Her tearful eyes became wide with fear. She felt lonely and weak. It was extremely painful for her to go through this. I am Aakash's killer?? I? She suddenly wanted to go away somewhere and leave her old life behind. Aakash's love will be with me forever wherever I am.

She thought about it whole night & as the day dawned upon her window, she saw a bleak ray of hope. She knew where she had to go.

Without saying a word to anyone, she left for Nainital. To her Taijimaa's place. Her Taijimaa was a widow, who ran a Stree aashram in Nainital.

I hope I'm doing the right thing. She thought on her way to Nainital. Would Aakash be happy about my decision if he knew? She looked towards the sky from her train window. I hope you are looking at me, Aakash.. Your little doll still needs your guidance. She remembered how Aakash spent hours patiently searching for jobs for her & preparing her resume. Tara had lost touch with her academics & Aakash became her teacher. He got her through a good job.

There have been times when she traveled outstation for official work but today she felt unconfident. She looked at everyone with suspicion. Everyone seemed to be a thief or rapist or killer. How will I live through this whole life without Aakash??

She finally managed to reach Nainital and rushed into the comforting arms of her Taijimaa. She could finally feel secure. These were the comforting arms she needed. Taijimaa was her father's close friend's wife. She was a widow now & her children stayed out of country. Taijimaa loved Tara and her sister like her own children. She let Tara cry indefinitely. For a few days, Tara sat alone, looking outside her room. Taijimaa spent lot of time with her.. talking about good things.. giving her motivation.. Soon, Tara started eating and walking around the aashram premises. She spent hours looking at the far off valleys, lush trees, colourful flowers; icy winds trying to blow away her pain.

One warm, sunny morning gave her an inspiration to get up on her feet. I cant be living like this. I have to take care of myself as Aakash did. She got ready and walked towards the city. She let her heart lead. She stopped in front of a huge school gate. St. Joseph High School, it read. She wandered in. She spotted a playschool in their premises. Little Flowers Play School. Young, energetic, sweet-looking kids were playing outside the building. She smiled looking at them.

Within 3 days, she had an appointment as a teacher in Little Flowers Play School. At last, her life had some direction.

Soon, her life got into a rountine. Not only did she teach at the school, she did extra work at the school till evening. Back at the aashram, she either helped cook food or paint bedsheets and curtains. Every night, she spoke to Aakash in her heart. Like she used to speak to him during dinner everyday. 'You know what that snobbish Aarti did today.??? And you know.. Boss gave so much work today,.. God, I got so tired.. And guess what. Rajesh is getting married. And even..', And Aakash listened to her patiently. She had difficulty in closing her eyes to go off to sleep. Something is amiss from my life. How I be content and sleep. Aakash. He has created a space that no-one can ever fill..

(To be continued..)

The phone rang. She almost ran to pick it up.

'Hello? Hello, Tara? This is Rakesh here.. Aakash's collegue..', he sounded nervous. Tara felt some sort of an alarm. Is everything ok?

'Yes, Rakesh???? What happened??, she answered loudly. There was lot of noise in the background.

'Tara. I got a call from Aakash's cellphone. Someone else was talking through it. They said Aakash has met with an accident & is being taken to hospital.. M G Hospital.'

Tara didn't hear what he said later. The phone just dropped from her hand. M G Hospital was on the other side of the city. She rushed to the bedroom & took the jacket lying on the chair. She hurriedly locked the door & wore whatever sandals she saw.

The journey to the hospital seemed endless. All kinds of thoughts crossed her mind. She forced herself to believe that a miracle would happen. She then remembered to call on Aakash's cellphone and talk to the person holding it.

'Sister, it seems a bus was overtaking his car; but a jeep was coming from the opposite with no lights on. So the bus turned left sharply. ..'

Right into my Aakash's car... Tara was overwhelmed with emotions.. of sympathy.. for her husband... With no fault of his... look what happened to him... She panicked and her eyes were full of tears. Her throat ached badly..

She threw money on the seat of taxi and rushed into the hospital. Hospitals always scared her. She was crying uncontrollably when she asked the reception about Aakash. The attendant had difficulty in understanding what she was trying to say. Finally she got to the floor & saw Rakesh with another collegue. They looked subdued.

'Come, Tara..', he said.

'Where?? I want to see Aakash.. How is he.. where is he.. I don't want to go anywhere..', she was frightened. She felt lonely.

They escorted her to Doctor's cabin.

'I'm sorry Ms. Tara. We couldn't save her husband. His rib cage was badly damaged. His right side totally crushed..', the doctor said quietly.

Tara heard in shock. She then buried her face in her hands and cried till it hurt.

None of the people around her disturbed her.

'Take me to Aakash', she managed to say.

She stood at the room entrance, where Aakash lay. She couldn't move a step ahead. She walked to his bed slowly and sat on the bedside chair. She put her arms around his neck and cried.

'Kya taare kabhi aakash se juda ho sakte hai??. Taaro ki jagah Aakash mein hai; aakash ke dil mein.. (Can the stars ever be away from the sky?? Stars' place is in the sky.. in sky's heart..', Aakash would say if ever he was away from her or she felt lonely and scared.

I am lonely now, Aakash. Come back. Why did you go away without telling me anything. What will I do now. I am incomplete without you. My life is nothing without you.

She stayed there whole night. And didn't sleep for a second. In that whole night, she lived the past 1 year again. From the time he and his family came to see her till this day. Aakash had transformed Tara from a girl to a woman. Tara was immature & timid. Aakash gave her strength & wisdom by his maturity & confidence. I can't fight the battle of my life alone. I need you. 'Of course, you can. Is this what I have taught you? No. You are my brave girl. You can do it', Aakash would have said. Tara's tears flowed just more at this thought.

I don't want to live a life without you, Aakash. I am coming to you..

I hate love.

-- Anonymous

She made it a point to talk to him daily. They also exchanged long mails. Varun felt that the distance between them had brought them closer. There was a strong bond between them. They met online daily and discussed their day routine.

'You know, Varun. Today Mom was saying that I should start looking for a guy for myself. Wow! So exciting na! But Varun what type of a guy would suit me? Tell na! You know me the best..' she asked one day.

Varun felt really subdued & disconnected his webcam so that Yamini couldn't see his changed ex-pressions. He just couldn't control his emotions.

'Hey! What happened to your webcam!' Yamini asked. Luckily, she forgot her question and didn't ask again.

7 months later..

It was almost closing time when Yamini's cellphone rang. She smiled when she saw who it was. It was Varun.

'Hi!', she said.

'Hey! There's some good news. I'll be coming there for a few days. so keep yourselves free. And I'll give you a surprise when we meet. No no no. I am not telling anything now. You need to wait!', he said happily.

It really made Yamini's day. There were still 20 days to go before Varun came. Nevertheless, she was happy.

That night, as she was preparing to go to bed, her mother came to meet her.

'Yamini. We've seen a guy for you. We want you also to meet him. It's time for you to get married unless, of course, you have seen someone yourself. I think this boy will be a good match for you.'

Yamini was quiet. She switched off the lights and stared into darkness. She couldn't sleep for long. She suddenly picked up the phone to call Varun but checked herself. She somehow couldn't face Varun while telling this.

Well, Yamini did meet him, not once, but a couple of times. But her heart wasn't with her. She was very uncomfortable doing this.

The day came when she would finally meet Varun. They had decided to meet at Barista. She was nervous. How would she break the news to Varun that she was seeing a guy???

She waited anxiously at Barista, absentmindedly playing the paper napkin. It was raining outside.

Finally, Varun entered. His hair and face were wet because of rain. His hair fell on his forehead. She probably noticed for the first time how handsome he looks. He had a strange ex-pression of exhilaration on his face.

He surprised her by giving a kiss on her cheek.

'Before you pester me for the surprise, I'll give it to you myself. I am being transferred back! So, no need to go back!! I am back, Yamini'

Though she was happy, she couldn't express her happiness and kept mum on the marriage topic. This is not the right time to tell him.

She spoke less to him in the coming few days. She thought to herself. Why am I nervous telling Varun about my marriage? He is my best friend. I am supposed to be sharing everything with him. Marriage isn't even finalized. Why am I not able to muster enough guts to tell him?????

She finally told him. Varun stopped calling her. Neither did Yamini contact him. Varun took to smoking again. He couldn't pay attention at work. He sat till late at workplace, but didn't work. He didn't eat or talk to family and friends. He cursed himself for not telling Yamini his feelings. Maybe Yamini would have said yes. Yamini's condition wasn't any better. She avoided meeting the guy. She gave no answer to her family's questions. She spent most of her time alone. She was frustrated, disturbed & distressed. She didn't know what was happening to her. Who will help me? She often cried in unhappiness. She wanted to make everything all right. But how?

One Sunday morning, she was oiling her hair, when she got a call from a school friend, Ritu.

' Yamini!! How are u yaar! Long time, really. I called you to invite you for my wedding. It's on coming Friday. You have to come, ok? Bring Varun also', she said.

Yamini's heart sank on hearing Varun's name. How do I tell her that the person with whom I used to spend my whole day, no longer talks to me?

'By the way, are you and Varun marrying?? We are all waiting for the news!', Ritu continued.

'Varun?? Errr... no.. I mean, why . Varun???', Yamini asked, amazed.

'C'mon! You both make such a good pair. Not just that, you both understand each other so well! You can't find a better match than each other. Oh, don't tell me this isn't going to happen. We'll be disappointed man!'

Yamini stood there with eyes wide open as if in shock.

What is this feeling I am going through right now? Anxiety. Elation. Relief. A small fire was again getting ignited within her.

She didn't think more. She threw the phone on her bed and ran out of home. She frantically searched for an auto to go to Varun's place.

The journey to Varun's place seemed really long. Sometimes she laughed to herself. Sometimes she felt a lump in her throat. On reaching his place, she ran up the stairs and rung the doorbell.

Varun himself open the door. It took a few seconds for him to register that Yamini was at his doorstep. He looked at her awkwardly. Yamini was dressed in pink and white striped pajamas and a plain white t-shirt. Her hair was tied in a bun, which was coming loose. He didn't know what to say.

Yamini was panting profusely.

'Varun...'. She laughed and cried together. Her ex-pressions showed joy at one moment and grief at other. Her eyes were wet with tears and her throat ached.

Varun brought his arms ahead to hold her,

'Varun... I... I mean, you... Varun....' she struggled to speak.

Varun suddenly held her tight and put his hand on her lips.

'Sshhhh'.

And they hugged each other and stood there endlessly. Yamini let her tears flow freely. Varun was the most precious thing to her at this moment. She was so blind. How couldn't she see that he was more than a friend to her? No one could keep her happier than him. And she almost lost him. She took a deep breath. Her heart was at peace now. Now she knew what her heart had been asking for so long.

And they did go to Ritu's wedding together, hand in hand.

Yamini was out of touch with him for 1 week now. This was unusual. They were never out of touch for more than 2 days. Am I so unimportant to her now? He panicked. No, it can't be. He called up at her home. Her mother responded.

'Varun! Long time dear. You don't have time for us? You didn't even come to see Yamini? She has been bed ridden since 5 days.'

Varun just banged the phone down and rushed to Yamini's home. What has happened to my Yamini?

As he had full freedom at her place, he just said 'Hello' to Yamini's Mom & ran to Yamini's room. Yamini looked like a kid sitting there. But what was this? She had become so thin. Her skin became dark & her eyes were sunk in. Something was seriously wrong.

'Yamini', he managed to say.

The moment she saw him, she looked down & started crying. He hurried to her & took her in his arms. She hugged him tight.

'It's okay, Yamini. What happened? Tell me. Something is wrong? Look at me, Yamini! '

She refused to look in his eyes. It took a long time for her to open up.

'He doesn't love me, Varun.. I though he loved me.. but when I told him, he laughed at me and said he said he can never love me. I am not his type.. and now I hear that he already has a girlfriend. Varun, I made a fool of myself. He and his friends laugh at me. I can't face anyone. I can't go to college now. He never loved me. And I thought, by his actions, that he loved me...'

She cried hard. Varun was quiet. There were too many shocks to cope up with. Firstly, the fact that Yamini started loving someone else. Then, she didn't even think of sharing this with Varun. He couldn't see her plight. His feelings came later. First, he had to make her ok.

'You didn't do anything wrong. You are pure, Yamini. That guy doesn't know what he has missed. He has missed a gem, that's, you. You can keep your head held high. You are not a fool. He is a fool! Promise me. You'll start going to college soon. And no need to take this medicines. My best friend is fine. She doesn't need all these medicines. She needs laughter'

'Varun. Please sit with me for sometime'

He managed to hide his tears and wiped her tears. Atleast he was happy, he was there as a shoulder for her again.

He took leave from work for a week & visited Yamini daily. They ate together. He brought comedy movies & they saw them together. They played board games. They spoke of school & college days. Yamini's laughter was like God's gift for him.

Once, when they were having juice.

'Varun. I am sorry. I didn't tell you about him. I was losing touch with you. I agree studies and assignments were taking up time. But he was taking all my attention. I thought of nothing but him. I feel so guilty. How could I forget my best friend, for a bastard like him.. I know you are feeling bad that I ignored you'. And she became sad again.

Varun looked down and didn't say anything. He never spoke about his feelings. But he was happy. Yamini could still understand his emotions.

Soon, Yamini recovered. She became lively again but matured too. 2 years passed & both of them got jobs; Varun's job was outside city.

'Varun. Lets go to our favourite spot', Yamini decided.

And they went to the end of the city beach. They sat down on the sand and watched the sun set.

'Varun, remember the time.. Many years ago, you tried explaining to me how it is day in one part of the world and night in he other..'

'Yes. And you kept arguing that in our place its day and its day at your grandparents' place in Hyderabad also; and so my theory was wrong..'

They laughed.

'And how I was throwing chits at you in History class in. 6^th standard I think, right? And by mistake one chit fell on Sir's desk!!'

Varun smiled. But he was thinking something else. Was this the right time to tell Yamini about his feelings? They would be separating. God knows where they would land up. But he was scared. Yamini was just out of a trauma. She didn't want to upset her again. Nor did he want to spoil the purity of their friendship.

'Will we always be there for each other, Yamini', he asked, looking straight at the sun.

Yamini have him a puzzled look.. She looked confused. He took his hand.

'Varun! We are best friends. No one dares take my place, ok?? I was about to lose you once, Varun, because of my foolishness. Not again. No one can fill the empty space that you occupy', she replied sincerely.

They sat silently, wishing for each other's happiness.

Yamini came to drop Varun at station. They couldn't say anything to each other. They looked here and there, at people passing by, at hawkers, beggars. Finally, the engine driver honked the horn loudly. Yamini's heart skipped a beat. She stared speechlessly at Varun as he boarded the train. She suddenly had the urge of hopping into the train herself. The train started. Yamini stood rooted to her place. She raised her hand to wave to Varun and stood in that position without moving. Varun was quiet too. He waved to her.

'Bye Yamini', he said to himself and watched her figure become smaller and smaller.

Yamini kept standing there even after the train was out of sight. She suddenly felt lonely and scared.

My best friend, who was always by my side, has gone away. What do I do without him now? When will I meet him again? Will those days return? I took for granted that Varun is always there for me. But he is gone. Will he still be there for me whenever I want him?

With a heavy heart, she moved towards exit and wondered what turn their friendship would take in future..

V: Today we'll study trigonometry.

Y: Trigo? That's easy yaar. We can do it. Why? You have some difficulty with trigo? Want me to teach you??? Heee heee.!!!

V: So tell me what is Sin 2A

Y: Errr. Ya, its.. 2 Sin (A+B). No. Wait!!! What was it yaar. Let me check.. Oh yes.. its 2 Sin A Cos A. Anyway, there's still lot of time for mid-terms. I will do it by then..

V: 20 days left.

Y: WHAT???? Shit, yaar. Tell me something yaar. Whats in the syllabus??!! Whrer's my book???

V: Who asked you to spend so much time for garba classes?? Garba classes at this time??? Only you can think of such a thing.

Y: You will never know because you can't dance. It's an art, my dear.

V: You won't get marks for Garba. You'll get marks for THIS.

Y: (Pouts)

V: Ok now. Lets start.

Y: Hey! Lets plan a picnic after exam. We'll call our whole gang. And yes, your Rita Darling also.. Happy?? How about Alibaug? Or Mahab....

Yamini was totally dependant on Varun for inspiration & motivation. He brought her up when she felt low. He gave her the right advice. He brought out the best in her. He supported her in her adventurous & at times, childish endeavors. Yamini made Varun's life colourful. She pumped life in his days. She never let him feel alone or dull. Varun knew that she would never leave his side, come what may. Though she seemed bubbly & child-like, she understood Varun well. She was soft hearted & always needed a shoulder to cry on.

But did they have feelings for each other??

'What?? Marry Varun?? Let me pass school Man.!! You talking about marriage now??!!! Haa haa. Anyway, Varun is too boring & slow for me!! He is just right for Ms. Beauty-n-no-brains!!!

Rita was Varun's then girlfriend and Yamini thought she had no brains. 'Where did YOUR brains go when started on with her?!!! Amusing, Man!!', Yamini would tell Varun.

The last day of school didn't affect them much as they had both decided to study commerce in the same college. And as luck would have it, they managed to get into the same college. And yes. Rita went to US for studies & thus, became history. Life was party for 3 years. Yamini managed to make Varun a more social animal than what he used to be. They still spent most of their time with each other in college & classes. Their friendship was famous in the entire college. They were considered as One. They together participated in college festivals, picnics, treks, movie shows &parties. Either, both of them went or none.

College too ended and they decided to walk on different roads. Varun took up Chartered Accountancy while Yamini took up MBA. They continued to stay in the same city but hardly met once a month. They developed a social circle within their professions. They still spoke to each other daily and shared their experiences. Both of them had cellphones now. At times, Yamini didn't respond to his call or said she was busy. Some times they couldn't talk for a day or maybe, a couple of days. Those times, Varun would think about Yamini.did She go to college today? What did she wear? Did she pay attention in class? Did she complete the assignments on time? She never does anything on time. She doesn't take notes. Does anyone help her? Did she get upset over something?

CA was a tough course. Auditing at clients location would frustrate Varun. Just one call or message from Yamini would restore all his energy & enthusiasm. He found himself getting jelous of Yamini's college friend circle. They got all her time now. Had they replaced him? He longed to meet Yamini & hear her laughter. He wanted to talk to someone who understood him. He started smoking. He became lonely, with no one with whom he could talk & discuss. One look into Yamini's dancing eyes & he would forget all tiredness. But these occasions became rare now. In his heart he knew, he is still Yamini's best friend. They still spoke as much as they could & shared everything with each other.

Once, he had a vision that he was married to Yamini & they were holidaying in Kashmir. It was such a pleasant vision. He smiled. It seemed as if this was the most natural thing to happen. He instantly called Yamini but got no answer.

His smile faded as reality struck him. Shit. I am in love with Yamini.

(To be continued...)

I saw a little girl of around 3 years of age running in my direction. She w2as very fair with curly jet-black hair, huge almond shaped dark brown eyes & an enchanting smile. She uncannily reminded me of someone.

'Aastha!!! Stop Baby!! Oooff..' A thin, young lady in a simple white and green salwar-kameez came running & calling behind her.

I looked at her & kept on staring. I couldn't believe my eyes that I was seeing her after 7years.

It was Nandini. My girlfriend few years ago. I was unsure how to react. I suppressed by urge to go up to her & speak to her. After all, she left me and went away. She never contacted me again. Just because she was happily married to a rich guy she forgot all about me? Did she ever wondered what I must have gone through? And did she ever miss me? As she passed me, I looked at her more closely. I noticed her ex-pressions. My Nandi didn't look like this. This cant be my Nandi.

My gut feel made me suddenly stand up in front of her. 'Excuse me. Are you Nandini?' I asked.

She turned to look at me. After a few seconds, her eyes showed slight signs of recognition, but her face was as blank as ever. 'Oh, how are you', she replied dully.

Words didn't come to my mouth. What has Nandi done to herself? My Nandi was so cute. Her kohl filled huge dark brown eyes were always twinkling with mischief. She talked non-stop gibberish. Her dazzling smile broke several hearts everyday. And her long black hair. Her hair would be all over in my car when I cleaned my car every morning. She always wore bright & crisp clothes. And she loved long, dangling, sparkling earrings. Instead, I saw small, dull eyes with dark circles under them. Her short hair were tied in a tiny ponytail. She wore gold stud earrings & a faded salwar kameez. Looked like she hadn't smiled since ages. What has happened to her?

'How come you here? Any problem?', I asked.

'My mother has been operated on', she replied blandly.

I didn't know how to get her to talk.

The little girl spoke up. 'Mummy, is he my new Papa??'

Nandini looked surprised, but I could see the increased sadness in her eyes. I was equally stunned. New Papa?

'No, baby. We have only one Papa. If that Papa goes away, you have to stay with Mummy'

'But everyone has a Papa, I also want Papa'

Nandini became conscious of my presence. She debated in her mind as to what to say & gave in to the sad fact.

'Hey Aastha, we were supposed to call the nurse!! Nani must be waiting! C'mon, Cmon, lets rush!!!', she said, putting on a cheerful mask.

Aastha immedietly forgot about her Papa demand & struggled to get down from Nandini's arms.

'Ok, I'll go'. And she was gone.

I rushed after her & followed at a distance. I waited outside their room. Nandini spotted me. I looked at her expectantly. She came out.

'What is it'

'Can I talk to you for just 15 minutes'

'What'

'Please Nandini. Just 15 minutes'

'OK'

We went to the empty waiting room.

She sat down silent.

'Nandini.. all this.. is Aashtha your.. I mean, where is your.. is everything ok..', I struggled with words.

She looked straight in my eye.

'I am divorced'

'Why???!!!!!', I was shocked.

'Because Rishabh has become a big man now. He found a much smarter, financially independent, intelligent woman. Even my in-laws approve of her & say, what's the harm if their son wants someone who can match his intellect.'

'But you too are a career woman, Nandini. I remember you handling Head of Dept role at such a young age. And you got such a fat sal..'

'I used to. That is past. I was a career woman. I used to earn a fat salary. I quit working 6 years ago. My mother-in-law has arthritis & she complained that her daughter-in-law isn't paying attention to her and home. Anyway, what value does a housewife have. Always taken for granted. I guess I became too involved in home that I failed to see Rishabh's affair, which had been going on since 2 years. She is his colleague. He traveled; spent long hours at office, many times didn't turn up for dinner. I didn't assume anything because I myself have been a corporate person and understand the schedules. But never imagined that .....'

I went back in our past. I hated her work. Her travel plans developed suddenly. She traveled wi