Alina spent roughly one-week pacifying Meera, but she was adamant and in no mood to forgive her. Mikael realized and, on many occasions, he had asked if everything was fine between them. None of the girls revealed anything yet kept behaving strangely.

One evening after work, Alina and Meera walked out of the office building together. Alina opened her mouth to initiate a talk but to avoid her Meera hitched a ride home with Ravi. Alina let out a sigh as she watched her friend speed away on the bike. She bit her lip and retracted her step. As she stood to wait for an auto, she kept impatiently checking her watch. Alina pushed back the sling of her handbag and looked up at the road. Just then, Mikael's scooter stopped in front of her. She exhaled deeply and watched him remove his helmet and look at her.

'What happened, Alina? Where is Meera?' He glanced around. Alina hesitated.

'Ravi got her a ride.' – She took a step closer to him, - 'Hey, wanna grab a cup of coffee?' She looked at him with eager eyes. Mikael happily agreed. Alina smiled to herself as she sat behind him. She clenched his shoulder and observed him closely. He seemed indifferent though.

Together, Alina and Mikael walked inside a CCD café. They sat opposite each other at a small table in the middle of the crowded café.

'What will you have?' Mikael enquired.

Alina smiled moving her hair behind her ear, - 'Filter coffee. And what about you?'

'Cappuccino.' He commented and rose from his seat. As he walked towards the counter, Alina fished out her hand mirror and touched upon her lips, kohl, and hair. She adjusted her small silver Jhumka and pulled on the long sleeves of her yellow Kurtha. She quickly straightened in her seat as Mikael approached her. He observed her with an eyebrow raised.

Alina cleared her throat.

'Okay.' He exclaimed and leaned forward placing his hands on the table, - 'Tell me what is up with both you and Meera?' He observed her reaction. Alina was taken aback by the sudden question. She stammered and shook her head.

'Nothing.'

Mikael kept looking at her, his gaze piercing into her eyes making her uncomfortable.

'Hmm, we had a fight.'

Mikael scoffed lightly, - 'I guessed that. It was obvious.' He leaned back. Alina pressed her lips tightly and began darting her gaze all over the floor. She could not tell him the reason of their fight; she will fall in his eyes and Alina can't afford that.

'Mikael, before I answer that. I want to know—do you have any feelings for Meera besides friendship?'

Her question seemed to have answered his curiosity. His expressions relaxed, he sighed glancing to his side and then at her

'You girls fought over me?' He shook his head in disbelief. Alina felt her cheek turn red, she leaned back and then shifted forward, pulling her chair closer to the table.

'Look, Mikael. I think-- I have feelings for you. Perhaps its—' she licked her lips, - 'love. I don't know.' – she shrugged, - 'I want to find out.' She held his hand. Mikael looked down at their joined hands and then at her.

'Are you willingly to—if you are interested in someone else then—' She stopped and looked at him. With no response from his side, she felt her heart fill with sadness as heartbreak overtook her. Disheartened, she retracted her hand but stilled as Mikael held her hand in a soft grip.

After an excruciatingly long minute, he spoke, - 'I am. Alina,' – He patted their joined hands, - 'I always had feelings for you, a strong feeling. Even I am not sure if I am in love with you, but I do want to find out. But—' He paused.

Alina leaned forward grabbing his hand with both her palms, - 'Is this hesitation because of Haider?' Then don't worry, I will talk to him and—'

'No, it is not him.' – He sighed slipping his hand from her grip, - 'It is your fight with Meera. Alina, she too is important to me. She has been with me. On my side. When there was no one with me. I can't bear my friends fighting.' He confessed. Alina was partly relieved. She nodded but before she could say anything, a voice boomed from the speaker above them.

'Order no. 78.'

Haider was surprised that he was enjoying his stay here. He loved spending time with the kids by teaching them music. He was glad he could utilize his passion for music this way. Also, listening to Amaal play guitar and reminiscing fun memories with Uncle Joy brought him immense happiness and peace. He couldn't grasp how one week flew by so quickly. Also, here in Mussoorie, he experienced his first snowfall.

One evening, Haider was distraught sitting alone in the room and doing time pass with Television or his mobile. There was still no response from Alina. Honestly, he had given up hope. Banerjee was his only source to know about her. But he didn't involve him, yet.

After a while of fidgeting with a car's magazine, he tossed it on the bed and climbed down. Deciding to explore the place as there were still many areas of this colonial building, Haider walked out of the room. Also, he made mental note of taking out some time, tomorrow, to roam around the hill station.

As Haider walked through the corridors. He stopped in his tracks upon hearing muffled scurrying sound from the activity room. He turned his head and squinted his eyes. The wooden and brass door was wide open, and a dark figure rummaged inside.

'Hey!' He called and noticed the figure straightened. He took quick steps and as he neared the room, he increased his pace. The figure kept still with its back facing him. 

It is nice to see Alina and Mikael wanting to give a chance to each other and their feelings. Also, I hope the girls patch up *please* And, and, and, who is this person in the activity room? Go and find out, Detective Haider...

Drop your thoughts in the comments, my lovelies *smiles* and Stay Tuned for the next update *lots of love* *hugs and kisses*