I half expected him here with Maria. My hunch never lies to me. Without a word I sat infront of him and my client. Maria smiled not knowing the heights of tension between us.

"Dwijain, this is Samar my fiancee. He runs a company." She happily introduced him.

Is she blind or did he lie to her about his past?

I smiled and nodded my head. If I had to get on with this stupidity then I am willing to do it as my company needs this project to progress in the market. We were never short on money but we had our difficulties.

"Oh darling! We know each other! Worked on some project in my last company." he said smiling at me. Maria nodded her head as if understanding him.

"He had company similar to yours, a project went bad and he was accused of it when the fault was his employee's , you know how corporate world works Dwi. I am glad he came out of it. Samar works for a company which specializes in making speed boats and all." Maria said and I nodded my head. So she knows he has been to jail. Love indeed is blind and the person who trapped her with his lies is talented.

"May I ask why am I called here and not my girlfriend?" I questioned Maria who became silent for a moment as if thinking about a reason to make me meet him.

"I wanted you to reconsider our project seriously, I am not at all comfortable with the design you have presented to me. I mean it can be good but what if your manufacturer is not making it right?" She commented. Samar smirked.

"You can discuss these details with my manager Maanya. She would be able to provide details and explanations regarding all the issues. I am just a designer here. I am sorry I cant help you. Will definitely let my manager know about your queries. If we are done here, can I leave?" I said making both of them flinch with my bluntness. Samar had unknown expression hearing her name. I closely obeserved him and made myself calm.

It is not worth fighting with him. I was at battle with him for more than two years. It is not worth it!

"Maanya? Your girlfriend or manager?" He asked.

"I dont like to discuss my personal life with outsiders. My managers name is Maanya." I replied curtly. His face fell and Maria was busy trying to convince me.

"Maria, with all due respect. We are here as a team to help you. As per contract you have signed. You cant change manufacturer suddenly. It will only delay our work. You can submit written note about all the changes you wish and difficulties you felt. We would resolve it." I said not backing away. Even Maria knows, she needs to pay hefty amount and I dont think it will look good on an Olympian career.

"I would like you to consider Samar's company for manufacturing the surfboard. They are highly proficient in this field. I thought you would convince your girlfriend too. She seems to be highly stubborn." Maria spoke. Samar sat straight in his seat trying to figure out if Maanya is my girlfriend.

"So this was the reason. I am sorry to disappoint you Maria. We respect our clients demands but only before we proceed with test piece. Once we are done discussing with a manufacturer, we wont be sharing our plans or designs with anyone else. A rule our company follows highly. If you are not satisfied with our work, you are free to back out and we shall proceed according to the terms mentioned in the contract. I do not wish to talk more than this and if you still consider our deal, I suggest your assistant to contact our manager. I am not paid for this, hence I will not discuss further." I said getting up from my chair. Her assistant tried to stop me but I didnt. Samar can use anyone to degrade me but not my Maanya and Jose.

Walking back home, I realised how different my life was back in India. I left this environment, people, profession and chose to stay away from all the things but time and again, I was reminded of the incident which changed my life. After an hour of walking, I reached home to find Maanya waiting for me at the front door. As soon as she saw me, Maanya ran and hugged me tight.

I was lost and found by her.

Forever grateful.

"You did not sleep?" I asked her. She smiled cutely nodding her head as no. Hugging her back I swayed back and forth walking ahead. She giggled like a baby holding on to me.

"How was your drinks with Maria?" She asked and I smiled at her jealousy.

" Well...eventful." I answered to which she scrunched her nose. Flicking it playfully, I made her stand and took her shoes off. It's too cold out there. Maanya held my head to stabilize herself while I smiled at her cuteness. Jose laughed from far. She held my collar, stood on her toes to kiss me. I was happy to see her open up slowly. Words fall short how madly I am in love with her. Pulling her on to my shoes I walked backwards which made her giggle. Jose handed us hot chocolate as Maanya curled her body against me.

"Anish is missing. Where is he?" She asked quiet confused.

"He is on a mission. Do not worry. We will go back home together." I said as she nodded her head in understanding. We discussed what all could be done with Maria, Jose went silent as if thinking about Maria itself makes him remember about her.

"I have to talk with you, will you come to my room?" He asked looking at me. Giving Maanya a kiss on her forehead I followed my friend. He sat in his chair looking distraught. I did not know what to say.

"I know I shouldnt say this but I have to." He started.

"You better stop being in this profession. Where ever you are trouble follows. I am tired of loosing people. You need a break. Just wait it out and come back! I know he's back. He won't sit right until he gets back at us." My friend spoke making me smile.

" When did I ever back down Jose? I won't go ahead unless they chose you. Maria has no other way out now. She needs to pay twice the amount we secured her for, more over you and Maanya are important to me. I can't disappoint you both. " I said patting his back. He look strained, tired and disappointed.

" I miss her. " he confessed.

We all do. That's the beauty of human memories. No matter what we think we had we certain someone. When they are gone. It comes back ten fold to remind us how great our life was when they were there.

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Unedited.

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I know this is Iike filler chapter. Please support me. I just need time off for myself. Also let me know what are your positive affirmations for new year or simple things you wouldn't want to change about yourself in coming year.

Happy holidays everyone!