Renuka and Harsh were holidaying in some of the most picturesque parts of Austria. After touring Vienna and Salzburg they visited the Lake District, staying in a place that looked like a scenic postcard. The picnic weather was unusually pleasant, the air was cool and the sunshine mild, but Harsh wore a brooding look throughout the day. After studying Anju's biopsy report and reading up on endometrial hyperplasia he became even more concerned about her health. "We should not think about each other Harsh, that would amount to emotional infidelity toward our respective spouses!" Anju had said to him years ago just before their inevitable break up.

"You know that would be impossible Anju, at least for me. I am not Superman, I cannot switch off a part of my brain which has our beautiful memories stored forever. You go ahead and forget me if you can, indeed I hope you do. Because I want you to be happy in life, whoever your partner may be." They had never felt the need to lie to each other, they had been close friends before they fell in love. Anju knew Harsh would always hold on to her memories, although he would never try to cheat on Renuka by getting close to Anju or any other woman. To be doubly sure she made it a point to avoid contact with him to avoid complications.

The view across the serene lake was spectacular, Renuka was really glad they had come there. She noticed the distracted look of Harsh but assumed that he was mulling over some business issues. She kept herself busy clicking pictures and chatting with Harsh when she thought he was paying attention to her. They had lunch in a chic little restaurant that served fresh fish caught in the lake and organically grown local vegetables and salad. They sipped their coffee after lunch and Renuka took a break to visit the ladies room giving Harsh some moments of solitude. From his seat overlooking the lake he quietly surveyed the beauty of the picturesque surroundings, wondering how different his life would have been with Anju instead of Renuka.

While in college Anju and Harsh had never discussed marriage or setting up a home together. Their backgrounds were very different and Anju knew it was unlikely for her to end up marrying him, and there had been rumours of Renuka's parents bringing forth a proposal on behalf of their daughter. And one day her own family declared that she was to marry her future daughter's father. Things became awkward between Anju and Harsh thereafter and after a final meeting they decided to end their relationship even when they know that neither would be happy being married to their respective partners. 

Why was life being so unjust to Anju? thought Harsh. Renuka had borne him two children in quick succession while Anju's plight became evident after the neighbours silently witnessed the domestic and emotional abuse she was regularly subjected to. She did her best to stand her ground and not let Harsh find out, though he eventually did. When Anju was pregnant with Sanyukta she forced herself to eat protein biscuits, fruit and dairy products because her husband was vegetarian and she did not dare cook fish at home even if she craved for it all the time. Sanyukta was finally born after Anju miscarried a few times. The birth of the healthy little girl changed Anju's life although her husband was upset to have a daughter. Anju secretly hoped that Sanyukta would build the courage and conviction within her that she had herself lacked.

Harsh continued the family tradition, building a successful business and expanding it to make his fortune when he was still in his twenties. He helped Anju find a teaching job after she became widowed and she made him promise once more that he would not become attached to her. All the money he had made would amount to nothing if anything happened to Anju. He kept imagining, apart from the risk of uterine cancer was she also susceptible to lumps in her breasts, a cardiac issue, diabetic complications, etc? "Que sera sera, whatever will be will be, the future's not ours to see!" Anju would hum the popular tune while in college. The thought made Harsh even more restless. 

Sanyukta's phone buzzed and she answered promptly, she was expecting the call.

"Hullo Uncle, yes, she is fine and resting at home. She has enough time to recuperate before school commences. No, I don't think she will consider quitting, her work has kept her sane all these years, she will never give up." She spoke softly.

"Sanyukta, promise me that you will make sure she gets herself screened for abnormalities twice a year, don't worry about the cost, her health matters more than anything else. And never, never keep things from me, I need to know if there is any deviation from normalcy." Harsh said.

"Sure, I will. I care about her as much as you do, I will ensure she gets herself checked regularly. Please do not worry, I will be a good daughter, come what may!" She repled.

As he finished his conversation Harsh felt a little relieved. He knew Sanyukta was a spirited young girl but she was also very caring. Harsh wished he could do more for Anju and Sanyukta, but the mother-daughter duo were fiercely independent. Next he called up Randhir and spoke to him for longer than usual. After a lengthy discussion on business the conversation veered toward Sanyukta. "She refuses to take a break Dad, more because her mother won't let her remain at home." Randhir told his father.  "Keep her busy at work , she needs that to keep her mind off problems." Harsh advised his son. 

"Hey Mowgli, how are you? Why so serious? Come on, let's have a bite somewhere, I am hungry. I will drop you home later!" Randhir said cheerfully to Sanyukta. "I am not hungry Randhir!" She responded. "There's always room for a coffee and some unhealthy fried snack. Nothing cheers one up like that!" He dragged her to a café on their way home. It was Friday and he was dressed in a casual blue shirt and jeans, looking undeniably handsome. Friday dressing was a norm established by Harsh, letting the staff dress down and take it easy after a hectic working week. "I know I look cool, and you would too, only if you stopped moping!" He told her, forcing some spinach and mushroom quiche in her mouth as he lazed on a bean bag across from her.    

"You must have plans for tonight, I know your friends will help bring in your birthday!" She smiled at him. "Oh, my secret is out of the bag already!" He laughed. "Secret, ha!" She responded. The staff at work had brought in a large chocolate cake and sung for him as his birthday would fall on Saturday, a holiday. It was easy to see that Randhir was popular with the young girls at work, though he maintained a dignified distance from them. "Hi Randhir, there you are, come on, let's meet the gang!" A female voice called out to him. Randhir  was not expecting Rewa in this itsy place, she was more likely to hang around with the ritzy crowd.

"I need to head home for a shower and change first, I'll meet you at the usual place in a couple of hours. I was just leaving here." Randhir rose quickly and Sanyukta followed him as they left the café. Rewa went on her way without paying any attention to Sanyukta who was glad to go unnoticed. Soon they were at Sanyukta's doorstep. "Thanks Randhir, have a good time with your friends. And have a great birthday too!" She gave him a warm smile before he drove off. "He deserves a wonderful birthday!" She thought to herself, wishing she could do something unique for his  special day.