Swara Bose sat up in her bed staring at the screen. Ms Anubhavi, he called her. Not that she was experienced in these matters. Her own affairs almost always ended with the guy unable to understand her obsession with Indian ethnic wear.

Sharmista switched on the lights. "Shona, you are still awake?"

The bond between Swara and Sharmista was that of best friends. They could speak their hearts out without worrying about prejudice. "Mishti, you are also still awake." Swara gave a cheesy smile.

When Swara's mother passed away, her father, Dr Shekhar Bose took an overseas job to recover from the loss. He decided to keep the 8-month old Swara close to him, often juggling between her and the demanding occupation. The struggle continued until Dr Sharmista made appearance in their lives. At age of nine, Swara supported her father's decision to take his chance at second love. In a simple wedding ceremony, both the doctors tied the knot. It was also that ceremony that initiated Swara's interest in traditional outfits. When the time came to choose her major, she chose fashion designing.

An year after their wedding, Sharmista had to return to Kolkata to care for her father. She brought Swara back to India while Shekhar stayed in London. Two years later, Swara was in her Grade six when they both moved back to London.

"You were texting on your phone when I came. You are not dating anyone right now."

"Nope. Actually, the story is a little different." Swara explained how she connected with Mr S.

Sharmista scrolled through the conversation and asked, "Are you sure he texted you by mistake?"

"Ofcourse. Don't worry, Mishti. I know what you are thinking. Except for the number, he has got nothing on me, neither profile photo nor my name. The number itself is on Dida's name. Even if he can track with wrong intentions, he would be fed his lunch."

They laughed together at the infamous aggressive behavior of Sharmista's mother. Her father had succumbed to ill health but her mother still refused to permanently move out of India.

"That reminds me. Shona, this time, let us convince Ma to come with us."

"But she likes it here. She wants to stay with her sister, scold her nieces and chit chat with her kitty party friends. We might be taking away her happiness for ours."

"You are right." Swara's phone lit up with notification. "Mr Ajnabee has replied. Remember what you told me. You will not share your personal details."

"Fine, M... Mishti." Swara replied, remembering her promise to Sharmista that she would not call her Mom and treat her as her friend.

Swara wondered for a while whether she should reply. It was after all a steanger on the other end. Then she decided to see where this goes and replied.

The reply stunned Swara. How did he know of her dilemma? She took a while to reply that.

~♡~☆~♡~

This part was heavy on the chats. There is not much to give as Swara's introduction.

I will try to be more regular with these updates now that my other book is completed.

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