747 words
~

My phone rang. "Ayan bestie" I switched on the light and checked the time. 3 am - perfect time for love or heartbreak. Ayan is devoid of both.

"Hello ayan, not sleeping?" I sensed something fishy going on in his head and i was correct.

"No...Yes...actually not. Just wanted to talk to you." He voice halting at every word, careful and constrained.

"Are you ok? We just talked few hours ago." I was puzzled. He didn't respond. I could feel his hesistation. "Turn on the web camera of your laptop. We need to talk." I demanded. Nothing is more vivid than a face to face conversation. I needed to study the contours of his face. That would only solve the puzzle he created in my brain.

"Its ok farha I am fine. You don't have to worry about this." He said raising a bundle of suspicions.

"For God's sake, do as i said. Turn on the video chat." I tried lowering my voice at night but I couldn't. I threw my blanket away and took out my laptop. It took few minutes to set up my appartus and there he was on the screen. His face looked woe begone, still managing to smile cheerfully.

"Were you crying?" I chuckled. His countenance as somber as water left undisturbed. It was a rare delight to see him so cute. I remember his cutest ever look when he was whipped by his father for bunking tutions and messing up with his brother's bike.

"Boys dont cry." He said somewhat torn. What harm should universe suffer if the boys on earth cried their heart out? Tears are not gender biased and they shouldn't be stopped when one  has all the cause to shed them. I left that phylosophy to myself and enquired him jestingly.

"What is the matter. Since you woke me up at 3, i am not going to leave you until you satisfy me with your thoughts." I made it clear.

"I will be leaving next week. Just wanted to meet you before I go." He said rubbing his back neck.

I could here the bells ringing in my heart. Going where and will he propose me? but first i have to interrogate him before i make any assumptions. "Is your project over? You said it will last a year or so."

"No, it wont continue any further. The management decided to dump that frivolous act of mine." His purposeful laugh couldn't hide his worry.

"Any reason for such drastic decision. It was going pretty good i suppose." I thought about his car and all comforts. Are they terminating him?

"Not technical but financial. Company is not willing to fund me on this project anymore neither i am able to raise loan to continue with it. I am going back Mumbai." he said grimly avoiding eyecontact with the web cam.

So the matter rested here. My eardrums unable to believe his setback.

"How much does it require?" I wanted to help him though i am not Bill Gates daughter.

He kept quite. Thought for a while and shook his head and smiled weakly."Leave that. Tell me will you return within a week or should i wait for you a little longer." He leaned forward to the screen. His hands clasped together and his eyes abait for my reply. I will never be able to fathom his depth. He is a parady. His career is on the verge of extinction and he is pretty worried about bidding me farewell.

Not again. Mr. Alien, i wont give up on you so easilu. I am not waiting for you adieu, Mr ayan. I am waiting for your 'i do'.

"I will return but first tell me the cost of your project." I said determined.

"Stupid farha, its not a lollipop but a massive project. You better stay out of it." He said angrily

"Ok fine. I am not coming. You can go wherever you want to." I knew his weakest nerve to press.

"20 lakhs as of now." He said immideately after my warning. "Tell me that you will be coming soon." He was impatient.

"Yes, i am coming." I said punching the screen right on to his face. "Bye, let me sleep now.

A little terrified to lose him but a lot satisfied to have him in my life. Placing the laptop beside the lamp, I pulled up my blanket right upto the neck and and slept.
~

*Hey readers, do you think farha will help ayan?*
Thank you dear readers, please vote and comment.