I balanced the pile of books on my hand as I made my way into the HighMan's cabin.

"Move please." I kept chanting in a pleading voice loud enough for everyone crossing my way to hear.

"Morning, Fairy Love." Greeted the elf of fairy cry and I passed a smile on to him, even as I dashed passed him without a word. He helped me in pleading Mansi's case of love by providing evidence from Fairy cry on how bad Mansi was weeping after her lover Daniel left her. So, I owe him a big smile in spite of my hurry. I am late for my today's case.

The proceedings had started already and I entered into the cabin making a thud noise turning all eyes to me.

"Fairy Love." Said HighMan in an admonishing tone.

"Sorry. I am extremely sorry." I said implored making my way to my designated seat. "I had to collect the evidences, HighMan, else I wouldn't have been late." I said earning a disapproving glare from him. Why? I have not been late except the other three times (or was it four), so he cannot hold it against me.

"So, why are we gathered here this fine morning?" questioned HighMan

"Allow me to explain, master." Offered elf of Fairy Breakup. With a disapproving glance at me, she began to speak, "HighMan, the kindest, Fairy Love here has filed petition against Fairy Heartbreak to stop her from touching mere mortal..." he lifted the paper to read the name and said, "Rajeev Singh Rathode."

"Is it, Fairy Love?" asked HighMan looking at me. I nodded biting my lower lip. "Again?" he asked rising his eyebrows.

This was the second case I have filed against Fairy Heartbreak trying to stop her from doing her work in this one moon cycle, which makes it the thirteenth case in this one revolution. Lords of lords, she must hate me for this. But, I can't help it. I, Fairy love, after witnessing how much in love an individual can be, cannot allow them to be separated. Though, HighMan always try to reason that heartbreaks are part of a mortal's life, I cannot let sadness fall on someone who deserves happiness. I have won only two out of the twelve cases I fought this revolution and I am happy that I bought change in life of Mansi and Iva with my pleadings. Fairy Birth just yesterday showed me how happy Mansi is with her first daughter with Daniel. Similar happiness is what I expect for Rajeev with his lover Ridhimma.

"HighMan, the kindest." I said as I straightened myself on my seat. "Let me explain to you how much trouble Rajeev has endured. Ridhimma is the only good in his life." I said as my hands worked on picking the required papers.

I took extra care in approaching Rajeev and Ridhimma for Rajeev had a tragic past. His father left him and his mother when he was only three years old. His mother fell into depression because of the separation and fell ill. Poor Rajeev had to grow up all alone with only a distant relative who was appointed to take care of their family business with his wife acting as a nanny for Rajeev. He being treated by her worse than elf of Fairy Anger is completely different story. When my elf bought few scenes stored in the form of his memory, I was convinced he was mute, because he hardly spoke and always kept to himself. So, I took extra time in reading his file and finding a good partner for him in his college friend Ridhimma.

"I object." snickered Fairy Heartbreak. "HighMan, allow me to produce a detailed report on his life as and how I got from Fairy Praise and Fairy success." she said as she passed on a report to HighMan through her elf. "Rajeev Singh Rathode took on the family business, when he was twenty and ever since been the favourite of Fairy Success. Even Fairy praise has been kind to him by adding lots to his career. And don't even get me started on how Fairy Money refuses to leave his side since birth. Nothing I have read makes me feel that he has endured a lot." concluded Fairy Heartbreak giving me a mocking look.

"With all due respect to all the Fairies gracing his life, HighMan, I am afraid that Fairy Compassion has never been his guest. He has suffered from childhood and he deserves love and compassion. I believe Ridhimma is only way for him to get true love."

"True love?" uttered Fairy Heartbreak with a mirthful laughter."Did you say true love Fairy Love? Ha! Always immature and blinded, just like your mother." She said. How dare she comment about my mother! "HighMan, be kind enough to take the witness of Fairy Lust." She requested and as if on cue Fairy Lust entered the cabin

"HighMan, hope I am not late." She said bowing dutifully. HighMan waved at her to explain her perspective. "The two mortals in discussion, Rajeev and Ridhimma, have been subjected to my interference again and again many times in past couple of moon cycles that they started to resist my intervention now." She said making me gasp. Fairy lust is my closest companion as we mostly work together. To see her testify in this case like this only means she is telling the truth for she cannot go against me.

"HighMan, the kindest, after sincere discussion with Fairy Infidelity, I am obliged to reveal that we both together visited Ridhimma when she was in a party with Rajeev's friend Ajay."

I looked accusingly at Fairy Infidelity, but she only shrugged helplessly. Of course, we cannot visit a mortal unless they are craving for us deeply. This only means Ridhimma intentionally wanted to cheat Rajeev. How could she? Where did I go wrong? Is it because I reduced my visits to them to make love happen for another couple? Didn't cupid do his job properly this time as well? That old bloke is losing his charm, I think it's time to recruit his son.

"With reference to all evidence presented, HighMan, the kindest, please allow me to visit Ridhimma Kashyap and let her break Rajeev Singh Rathode's heart." Fairy Heartbreak requested.

It was evident what the judgement is going to be. I didn't wait to hear the end as I walked out of the cabin dejectedly. Why is this happening to poor Rajeev? When I realized ever since his birth no one from my family, not even my first cousin Fairy Smile visited him often. My heart naturally went out for him. I badly want good things to happen him. What do I do now?

I was walking to my room lost in my own thoughts, when a note fell on my path. I picked it up and read.

"He will find TRUE LOVE."

I looked around and found an elf running away, only that I was not able to recognize whose elf it was.

*_*_*_*_*

I tiptoed into the house trying to locate Rajeev Singh Rathode. My elf informed that Fairy Heartbreak has already broken Rajeev's heart through Ridhimma. Fairy Sadness and Fairy Tears have been busy since as they were visiting Rajeev often. What alarmed me was finding Fairy Death extremely nervous in the morning. It was rumoured that one of her illegitimate sons Gnome Suicide has escaped her hawk sight and was out on the loose. He easily attracts the likes of Rajeev. I had initially planned only to send elf of Fairy Happiness to Rajeev so that any worry that might attract Gnome Suicide will be eradicated. However, Fairy Happiness refused to send her elf stating that she cannot do anything of that sort without proper paper works and orders. So, I sneaked to the mortal world to check on Rajeev.

***

A loud crash startled me and I followed the sound to find Rajeev sitting on a couch with a glass filled with alcohol. A bottle was crashed in front of him, which might have caused the noise. He seems upset. Fairy Sadness was not around, but seems that she has left a generous portion of her touch on him. Poor mortal!

If the mourning continues with similar intensity for another three hours, forty five minutes and thirteen seconds, Gnome Suicide will plant first seed of doubt in Rajeev's mind. I should stop it. Only way to bring him out of this would be to make him fall in love again. Fairy Happiness cannot repulse the pull of voice of love from mortal. I should make his love calling very strong and intense. What in the room he loves the most?

I looked around to find anything that would shift his thoughts from Ridhimma. There were office files, laptop, alcohol, food, flower vase. No, none of this will change anything. Golf, he likes golf. But, how will I make him remember his love for his favourite sport? Will that be strong enough? Anyway, with intent to try, I made the golf set fall down to get his attention.

I turned to capture his reaction. His eyes narrowed as if he was trying to comprehend something, he lifted his finger to point at the direction. I guess my plan is working.

"Hey." He said with a hiccup. "Who are you? What are you doing in my house?"

My eyes widened in shock. Was he able to see me? How can that happen? I looked over my shoulder and down on my body. I am wearing my invisible cloak, then how can he see me? There is something wrong.

I was about to escape by using my spell, when I heard him fall on his back trying to walk. That man just wants to add more to his already miserable life. If Fairy Pain visits him then Fairy Hope will leave him temporarily and that will easily attract Gnome Suicide. I went to his side immediately to help him stand on his feet.

"Who are you?" he asked

"I..." Oh! Who am I?" Well, I ... I am ...elf... I mean servant. New servant" I said

"Servant! Why would I need a new servant? Ratna didi just left after completing her works." He said sitting back on the couch.

"Oh! She forgot to cook for you. So, asked me to finish it."

"But, I said I will cook." He said narrowing his eyes. How can a mortal remember logics after alcohol?

"She said you seemed unwell so I should help you with food." I answered. My friend Fairy Lie is going to be so proud of me.

"Food!" he snickered. "Help with food? Yeah, feed me to oblivion." He said

A sudden idea popped in my mind. He loves food. Maybe that can bring him out of misery. I casted a spell to bring all his favourite food to the table.

"Tada! All your favourite food." I said pointing at the table.

"Fuck!!" he swore. "How did these come here? I didn't see it before."

I bit my tongue cursing my stupidity. How can I forget rule no 353. Never use magic infront of mortals.

"It was always here?" I lied. "You didn't notice?" I feigned innocence.

His eyes shimmered with gleam as he walked towards food.

Yes!

Without even bothering to be served in a plate, he began tasting the food.

"This type of food can only be served in heaven."

"I know." I nodded understandingly

"Delicious! How did you manage to cook so well?"

Burp! He smiled at me sleepily closing his mouth. "You should come here often and cook for me." He said.

"Chocolate, eat chocolate mousse." I said

"No... I am full." He said patting his stomach.

"No, you have to eat this now." I insisted.

"Heavy." He waved dismissively. "If I eat more than I can manage it is close to poison."

"Hey, don't say that word. You don't want to attract Gnome Suicide." I chided

"Who?" he asked confused

Ignoring his look, I kept the plate of chocolate in front of him. Chocolates are made with a part of Fairy Happiness' essence. They are the best thing in the mortal world that helps to forget worries. He should eat it, because his love for food hasn't yet managed to pull in Fairy Happiness down. Even I am not able to do anything about it.

I saw him move towards the window staring at Moonie-Mi (moon).

"No...No..'" before I could do anything Fairy Memories stroked his heart.

"It was once such full moon night, when I took her for a date first time and we had chocolate mousse." He said turning to look at me. I immediately hid the mousse behind me and smiled at him. "She always orders only my favourites. She always took care of me. Then why did she say that we are not working and we should break up?"

No! No Fairy Tears at least.

"We both..."

"... are not meant to be." I said completing his sentence.

"Excuse me!" he looked at me.

"Yes." I said as I sprinted to stand near him. "I guess you both were not meant to be. You deserve much more than her. You deserve someone who loves you truly for who you are. True Love." I said

"True Love!" he snickered mockingly. "It is a myth."

"No, not at all. True love exists." I argued. How can he stand in front of Fairy Love and say that true love is myth. "True love exists. A pure love that is beyond anything that is worldly exists."

"How convincingly you are talking about true love." He said." Have you experienced?"

"I..." I stopped speaking as I realized I haven't. I have only heard about True Love from my mother. She often spoke of it as if from experience. I have no idea about it.

"Just book words, huh?" he asked looking at me with a mocking smile.

"I don't know about true love, but I know that you deserve better." I said with a determined look.

"I have always been unlucky in love. I am not surprised I am cheated by destiny once again. My father didn't love me. That is why he left me. My mother loved my father more than me. That is why his absence affected her more than my presence. My uncle and aunt loved money and power more than me. They never failed to tell me how unlucky I am. "he said with a single tear drop escaping his eyes and my heart immediately felt heavy.

"You don't lack love, Rajeev." I said taking a step closer to him. "There are many around you who love you. Thousands of your employees and their family love and respect you for being the kind boss that you are. The children of the orphanage that you visit every week love you unconditionally. Your best friend Manny owes his life to you after you saved him from bankruptcy. He loves you like family. Why are you searching love where it is not present?"

He looked at me completely stunned. "How do you know all this?"

"Tales of a good person travels far beyond galaxies." I said

He chuckled as he took a step closer to me. "Thanks a lot." He said. "For food, as well as, for your words. No one has ever taken effort to genuinely make me happy."

"Are you happy?" I asked excitedly as I looked around to find Fairy happiness, but I didn't find her.

"Where are you looking?" he asked chuckling.

"I am looking for Fairy Happiness." I replied absent minded.

"Who?"

"How can you be happy, when Fairy Happiness is not here?" I asked

"Well, I am happy not because of Fairy whatever. I am happy because you are being very sweet to me." He said

"You cannot be happy because of me. You can only love because of me." I said

"Love because of you or love you?" he said raising his one eyebrow with an unreadable smile on his face. What is he trying to say?

"What did you tell your name was?" he asked

"I don't have a name." I said as I took a step backward. Why is he trying to come closer to me?

"No name? How do people call you?"

I wanted to say I am Fairy Love, but I think he will laugh at me again.

"Love." I mumbled as I hit my back on the pillar sandwiching me between the pillar and him.

"Love?" he said tilting his head to the side making me dizzy. "I like love. But, how can everyone call you love? Now, only I want to call you love."

What is wrong with him? What is happening? I didn't even touch his heart with love, then how can he talk like this to me? Did cupid visit here? But that old bloke should be brooding after my scolding. Now, how can he feel love without my intervention? Did I use any wrong spell that instead of love for food love for something else kindled?

I was too busy in deliberating various things in my mind that I failed to notice that he has bent down to meet my face and we were very close to each other. So close that our lips could easily touch. This is so wrong.

My eyes widened in shock not just because of our proximity, but because I think I just saw Fairy Lust in the garden. Why is she here? Will she complain to HighMan that I am visiting a mortal without permission? I have to stop her. Before I could act on my instinct, I felt warm lips engulf my lips and his hands on his own accord went around me unknotting the strings of my robe. What is happening?

***

The bright Sunony-Sa (Sun) played hide and seek through the drapes and I kept staring at the sky. Deep inside the skies resided my people, in the land of Fairy Heaven. They, I am sure, must have known by now that I spent a night with a mere mortal. Yes, spent a night thoroughly enjoying a unique way of expressing love.

I turned to my right to find Rajeev sleeping peacefully with his arms around me and his face hid in a pillow. Yesterday felt like a dream. All this must be a dream I suspect, because there cannot be another reason for me to act so mindlessly. I let him lead me in doing whatever he wanted to do forgetting the fact that he is a mortal. He kissed me, disrobed me, cherished me and loved me. The realization hit me like ice on rock. Love! Is this love? The love that I kept spreading to the world, love that I speak about so fondly but never experienced. When mother wanted me to take her duty for one revolution, when she is away with other masters to discuss about creation of new world, I thought everything I learned through theories and memories will help me. How wrong I was. All this seems completely different.

I leaned forward and placed a kiss on Rajeev's lips making him frown a bit. Why does seeing him make me smile now? I feel as if I can spend tons of revolutions just looking at him. Is what I am feeling is how everyone in love feels? How obliviously I was doing my duty without any experience. I wonder is that why I matched wrong people like how I did with Rajeev and Ridhimma? What will HighMan say about this?

The thought of HighMan frightened me. Fairy Lust must have told about my encounter with Rajeev. How will HighMan deal with it? I can take any punishment thrown at me, but what if they do anything to Rajeev? I caressed Rajeev's hair lovingly wondering how it would feel to live a life with him like a mortal blessed by Fairy Happiness and to have Fairy Birth visit us with a baby like Mansi's. But, I can't do it. I am a fairy. Mixing with mortals is fatal for both of us. If not for my sake, at least for Rajeev I have to leave him. Fairy Heartbreak is not here, so that means my departure will not affect him. Maybe he will forget everything due to alcohol's influence or I could plead Fairy Forgetfulness to visit him. Only best thing for him is me leaving before he wakes up. I collected my golden robe that was discarded last night along with my invisible cloak and dashed outside.

"Serinium Kasatam." I said a spell to take me back to my home, but before the rays of Sunony-Sa could pick me up a counter spell blocked my path. I turned to find HighMan standing behind me with a knowing smile.

"Forgive me, HighMan it is my mistake entirely. It was I who wanted to make the mortal feel better." I apologized

"I should have stopped you from mingling with Fairy Lie as a kid. I see a very bad influence. "he said jokingly. I looked up at him confused. Why is he not angry?

"HighMan, the kindest. I would like to apo..."

"No, No. You don't have to Fairy Love. " he said. "Nothing that was not willed by the god has happened in this mortal world or in our world." He said

"What do you mean?" I asked confused.

"How can he (god) give responsibility of making the entire universe fall in love in the hands of an immature without a clue about love?"

I still didn't understand what he meant.

"Fairy Love, now you are of age to know the most sacred secret of our kind." He said. "Walk with me while I explain." He said passing me in long strides and I ran behind him immediately to catch up with him.

"Only someone who knows the pure impact of love can be suitable to spread it responsibly. So, with all your theory sessions over in the school of Fairy Heaven, now you are here, in this mortal world, to experience love practically."

I looked at him baffled. Was all this planned?

"Not planned, destined." He said as if reading my thoughts. "Every Fairy is destined to endure the fate of their namesake. Fairy Sadness lives in one of the worlds to experience every trouble caused by sadness. This explains what kind and amount of sadness a mortal receives in particular situation. Similarly Fairy Love, that is you, have to live in this mortal world called earth in order to experience what love is in the eye of mortals."

"But, how..."

"This is how your mother met your father." He said shocking me

"My father? Was he a mortal?"

"Yes, a mortal from planet Massosi not from earth, but you have found your soul mate in earth." He said waving at the direction of Rajeev's house.

"Soul mate!!" I gasped

"Your soul mate chooses you. Even from million worlds away you can hear their cry. So, I was not surprised when you sneaked to earth to sooth your crying lover. That is also the reason why he was able to see you."

My face immediately flushed hearing him refer Rajeev as my lover.

"What now, HighMan? What about my fairy duties? "

"What Fairy duties? Aren't you just filling in for your mother? I believe she must have already returned to her desk. She is back from her long trip."

"But HighMan how can I live a mortal's life. I have no experience. How can I forget I am a fairy?"

"You can never forget who you are. All your powers will be stored away in your brain. You cannot use it until you are here, but you will always remember who you are."

"But how can I manage as a mortal?"

"A new identity to fit a mortal life will be implanted inside you soon. Fairy Knowledge is working on it."

"Oh!" I said with a grin. This entire prospect seemed very nice especially the part that I get to live with Rajeev.

"More questions?"

"Yeah, what about Rajeev?"

"Your mortal lover? What about him?"

"What happens to him after I leave the mortal world for Fairy Heaven later?"

"Oh! That." He said with a sly smile. "Who do you think the elves of the fairies are?"

I gasped loudly with shock. "Do you mean the elf of all fairies is their husband?"

He shrugged smiling.

"My mother's elf who acted as my elf for one revolution is my father."

"I am sure you are a smart girl." He said. "Now, it is time for me to go. See you after thirty seven years, six months and three seconds. Please tell your lover to not drive harshly before that and get yourself killed in any other accident."

I chuckled as I understood what he meant.

"Bless you." He wished before he vanished into air.

When I entered the room, I saw Rajeev sitting on the bed with half sleepy eyes searching for me around the room.

"Hey, where did you go?" he asked spotting me.

"Nowhere." I said as I fell back on the bed with him on top of me.

He bent down his head and kissed my lips lovingly. "I wanted to do this as soon as I woke up." He said grinning making me chuckle. "At least now tell me your name."

"My name....." I waited for a minute before answering. "My name is Pooja. Pooja Anand. "

"Pooja." He whispered near my ears before placing open mouthed kisses on my shoulder.

"Rajeev." I shrieked as he bit my jaw and pushed him slightly.

"I like the sound. I can get used to it." He commented before starting to kiss me probably in the mind to continue what we did last night.

7 YEARS LATER

"What are you doing in my kitchen?" I asked placing my hand on my hip.

Rajeev dropped the cookie he was holding and looked at me like a deer caught in the light.

"Were you sniffing it, Mr.Rathode?" I asked

"What did you add in them?" he asked

"Dough, chocolate, butter you know the usual." I said dismissively.

"Are you sure?"

"Why?"

"Mr. and Mrs. Verma were practically drinking blood from each other's throat while they came here but now they are behaving all lovey dovey. It must be something about the cookies they ate."

I rolled my eyes at my husband's imagination as I took the plate from him.

"It could be that or..." he said, " it could be Misha."

"What? What do you mean?" I asked alarmed

"I mean have you not noticed how Misha spreads warmth everywhere she goes, right? It is as if her smile has effect of love."

"That I am sure after all she is future Fairy Love."

"What?"

"I am just saying that you are crazy. Don't spread rumours about my daughter especially on her birthday party." I said whacking his arm.

"She is also my daughter, Mrs.Rathode."

"Sure she is. That is why she was adamant on having four tier cake on her fourth birthday."

"My princess deserves the best."

"Good. Now carry that cake to the living room without damage." I ordered making my way back with the cookie plate.

"You act as if I am your servant and you are my master."

I held the door open before turning to look at him, "That is true, dear husband, very true." I kissed the air and winked at him making him shake his head mirthfully.

And that is how TRUE LOVE feels.

***