Fawaz sat on his chair and opened his laptop, the first thing that popped up was a mail. He smiled seeing the mail was from Miara. Without wasting time, he opened the mail.

Hey Fawaz,

I got your mail yesterday. But thanks to the time difference I couldn't reply, you know I reply instantly for you. But Australia and India there is a huge difference.

I just want to let you know that I am fine and happy. My job in sales is also going good. Thanks to you I could complete my MBA.

Thank you for being there for me, even though because of me so much happened in your life. Tell me what's up your side, did you find her?

Miara

Fawaz quickly typed a reply knowing well he will be getting the reply by tomorrow. He told about himself, only good things, adding that she needn't feel guilty about whatever happened, because everything that had happened, happened because of him and not anyone else. He also mentioned that he hasn't found Maha yet and now he has given up hope. Maybe Maha doesn't want to be found. After sending the mail he closed the tab and leaned back in his chair. He looked up at the ceiling.

Whatever happened five years ago still fresh in his mind, always reeling in front of his eyes and stabbing his heart. How stupid and impulsive he was then? He ruined everything.

And after she was gone, he realized his love for her. After he lost her forever did he realize how much Maha meant to him and how madly in love he was with her. No, he is still madly in love with her.

After Maha had walked off, away from his life Fawaz had sat for the Nikaah but he couldn't bring himself to marry Miara. He felt a void in his heart. He couldn't sit through, seeing him restless Miara took few minutes time to talk to him. After talking with her, he realized he had fallen in love with Maha. How and when he doesn't know. And mutually both Miara and Fawaz had called off the wedding. His parents weren't happy.

'Is this some joke? Have you taken marriage as a joke? You idiot.' His father had yelled. Fawaz had hurried to Maha's home. Mrs. Shah was surprised to find a fanatic looking Fawaz. She was then shocked and angry when she knew about the wedding. Fawaz was frustrated when he found Maha hadn't come home.

Fawaz searched for her, fanatically, everywhere but in vain.

Three years of searching, crying and sulking over losing Maha, Fawaz became mildly depressed. Few months of therapy and medicine he recovered little and in two years, life slowly came back to track, still, things never returned to normal. She never returned to him.

After that day nothing was normal, his parents were not in talking terms with him. His mother spoke something at times but not his father, he lived his life like he never had a son. It pained Fawaz, this life without Maha pained him. But he knew he deserved this.

For the rest of the day, Fawaz spent working. He didn't even bother having lunch. Many of his colleagues asked him to accompany them for lunch but he politely refused. Nowadays Fawaz prefers staying alone.

**************************

After working hours, he packed up and left his cabin. As he stepped out from the elevator he found Mrs. Shah speaking with some of their colleagues. When they saw Fawaz they smiled and greeted him, except Mrs. Shah who once again looked away. Fawaz greeted them and walked away, he didn't want to make Mrs. Shah feel uncomfortable.

He sat in his car and drove back home. Not feeling excited to go home either. At the time the closed walls feel like it will close on him, he feels suffocated there.

Later that night, Fawaz sat out on the lawn. He took a puff of a cigarette and leaned back in his chair. He stared up at the sky. The stars and moon being his only company. As he sat there he felt a soft palm on his shoulder and he is startled. Someone snatched the cigarette from in between his lips. He looked up annoyed, his frown turned into a smile when he saw the person to be Maha. A scowl on her face, her lips tightly pressed.

'How many times I must tell you, I hate people who smoke?' she asked placing her palms on her hips. She glared at him. Fawaz found her cute, she looks very adorable when she is angry.

'I am sorry.' He said

'Not like this...hold your ears.' She said with an angry pout.

Fawaz nodded and held his ears and repeated, 'I am sorry.'

Maha smiled and threw the dead cigarette butt, she leaned forward wrapping her arms around his neck. She hugged him. He smiled, his eyes moist with tears. Having her in his arms made him feel alive again, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer. He smiled hearing her gasp. He closed his eyes, a lone tear escaping from his eye.

'Fawaz.' He heard a voice and opened his eyes. He is surprised to see he is seated in his seat, alone. His mother stood beside him holding an envelope and a glass of warm milk. For peaceful sleep, his mother suggests he drank warm milk. Though it makes not much difference but he drinks it nevertheless, at least there is some interaction with his mother as this excuse.

'Here, there is a letter for you and here.' she placed the envelope on the table and forwarded the glass of milk to him.

'Thanks.' Fawaz smiled at his mother. He noticed her eyes glistening with unshed tears, he knew then how difficult it would be for a mother to not talk to her son. She nodded and turned around walking briskly towards the main door. Fawaz watched her till she disappeared in. He then leaned forward picking up the envelope, he wondered whose it is.

He smiled on seeing his best friend, Zeeshan's name. He quickly opened the invite.

It is an invite to Zeeshan and Maham's marriage anniversary and baby shower. He felt very happy for his friend, he is going to be a father. The joy of being a father must truly be great. Fawaz thought sadly if Maha had been with him he too would have been a father. He shook his head.

'Dehradun?' he re-read the invite to confirm. Yes, it is Dehradun. He then remembered that Dehradun is Zeeshan's paternal home. Fawaz then looked at the invite again. Baby shower? Should he go, he wondered.

His gaze fell on the address, Dehradun. Something about the place made him want to go. His heart kept nagging him to, you must go, it said. Fawaz looked the invite once again.