It had been over four months since Randhir went to Mumbai. Sanyukta buried herself in books, attending lectures, practicals and tutorials regularly without cutting a single class. She wanted to keep her promise to Anju who too had gone to Mumbai a week ago to attend a course in education management. Before she left Anju made suitable domestic arrangements for her daughter. A helper would come in the morning to assist  with the cooking and cleaning so that Sanyukta's studies were not disrupted. In addition Anju took regular feedback from her teachers about her academic progress. Mother and daughter spoke to each other twice daily and Anju was happy to know that Sanyukta was living up to her expectations.

Contact with Randhir became infrequent. Sanyukta checked her phone off and on to see if there was a message from him. When he did text her it was to say that he was swamped with classes and work. Sporadically he would surprise her by pinging her when she was almost asleep and they would end up chatting for minutes. Sanyukta always felt rejuvenated after these chats. She told him about Anju moving to Mumbai. "Good, now plan a trip to Mumbai around Christmas or New Year's time." He advised her. "Mom won't agree." She replied. "Spring her a surprise, it will be less complicated. It is only a weekend, not a big deal!" He offered a solution, identifying a suitable weekend when she would be free. Before she could react he booked her to and fro bus seats online. She only realised it when she got a text confirming the bookings.

"Why did you pay for me?" She protested. "Because it is small change for me, and in return I want you to get some things, I'll text you a list. It will give me a valid excuse to come by and meet you!" He replied before signing off. Sanyukta felt as pleased as punch. Trust Randhir to churn out such ideas, she told herself. Anju could get a upset but that was nothing an affectionate hug could not tackle with. She was truly missing her mother, the last time Anju had to travel for work Randhir had been around to occupy Sanyukta's thoughts. She swept aside the disruption by studying some more.

That evening she went to the old temple to offer prayers. This place was her refuge and she had spent many pensive hours sitting on the stone steps, keeping her feet dipped into the cool water. She reflected on how dull Diwali had been that year. Anju had made traditional snacks while Sanyukta helped her. Like everyone else they decorated the home with oil lamps and rangoli. Not that they did anything different in other years. Sanyukta knew she was merely reacting to Randhir's absence. She had hoped he would return for Diwali but his family had flown to Mumbai to join him instead. They did the Diwali puja in their Mumbai office. 

Sanyukta let the little fish in the pond nip at her feet, she found this fish pedicure routine comforting. "I am meeting him soon, temple fish! And I cannot wait to see him." She addressed the piscean shoal that carried on feasting on her feet unaffected. The buzzing of her phone distracted her. It was Parth calling and she answered immediately. "Mowgli, haul over to my house. The old gang is meeting up for old times sake. I know that your Mom's not home either." His own parents were on a trip to Bangalore and he had the house to himself. "Ok, what time?" She asked, getting her feet out of the water. She felt excited, she was going back to that house after months.

She went home, solved a Math paper quickly and then changed her clothes. She remembered to call Anju to inform her about her whereabouts. Anju hesitated a bit and cautioned her not to stay too long. Soon Sanyukta grabbed her phone and keys, locked the door and made her way to the Shekhawats. She was early. She began lending Parth a hand in setting up the drinks and snacks. In a few minutes Vidushi, YoYo and Sahil arrived. They greeted each other. "Hi Sanyukta, I wasn't expecting to see you here!" Vidushi said softly, taking care the boys did not hear her words. "Parth invited me and I consented!" Sanyukta replied and went inside to bring in bottles of flavoured sodas. 

Soon they were unwinding over beer and cocktails, nibbling salted cashewnuts, olives, cheese on crackers, salads and cocktail sausages. Just then Jiggy and Kaustuki arrived and the gathering became boisterous. As usual Sahil was in charge of the music and he played jive numbers. Parth-Vidushi as well as Jiggy-Kaustuki formed pairs while Sanyukta alternated between YoYo and Sahil. When no one was looking she quickly downed a beer. The alcohol loosened her up and her dancing became less inhibited. "Wish Randhir was here, he has stopped partying after going to Mumbai. Says he has no time!" Parth grinned. 

Sanyukta felt warmth coursing through her veins. It could be the alcohol and dancing, or is it the mention of Randhir having no time for evenings out, she wondered. In a few minutes she slipped away on the pretext of using the bathroom. She hardly realised when her feet carried her to Randhir's room. She turned the doorknob, let herself in and switched on the lights, closing the door behind her. His room was the same as she remembered. She plonked herself on the beanbag in the room, reliving her fond memories of having shared the space with him. She remembered the first time when he had literally plucked her out of the mango tree outside his window and into the room. How she had sneaked back to look for her lost earring, how he had half-willingly let her share his bed and the palpable sexual tension between them during the time. She could do anything to have those days back, she admitted to herself.

She hardly realised when the door swung open and Vidushi walked in. "What are you doing here,  Sanyukta?" She asked. "Nothing, just sitting!" A dumb question deserved a similar answer. "Don't let your infatuation mess up your head, your studies may become affected." Vidushi advised. "Have you never had a teenage crush, Vidushi? You know how it feels. There's nothing more to it!" Sanyukta responded. "Shattered dreams make bitter tears!" Vidushi pushed the envelope further. Her only intention was to warn the young girl about possible heartache. "I know that Vidushi, and I also know it takes two to tango! I am in this alone so I accept the blame squarely." She replied listlessly as she got off the beanbag. 

"Come on, let's go to the others!" Sanyukta switched off the lights and led Vidushi out of the room. Notwithstanding Vidushi's intrusion it had felt good to be in the room filled with his essence. She knew Vidushi wasn't wrong, but the mind often craved the forbidden. She went back to the dance floor and began moving to the music. Dancing was therapeutic, it dispelled any unwholesome thoughts. She had another beer and nobody reacted, this was nothing unusual in Goa. Later that evening she said an early goodbye to the others and Sahil dropped her to her doorstep on his bike before returning to the party. She made a video call to Anju to assure her she was home in time, avoiding any mention of the beers. She brushed, changed and switched off the lights. Her thoughts were still filled with Randhir and she pulled Bambi closer into her arms.