Suhita turned the pages as her eyes glistened with tears, her heart overwhelmed with emotions as she read about Chitra's past. She wondered if this was the autobiography of the author, her thoughts were disturbed by the ringtone of her mobile. She picked up the call smiling at the caller's name.

"Suhi, what are you doing?" Asked her mother in a joyful tone.

"Nothing much ma, just reading a book. What about you?" She replied, staring at the sky as the evening rays of sun casted a warm glow over the nearby buildings and the mango tree swayed slightly to the gentle wind's beat.

"Did you have your lunch?"

"Ma! It's about to be dinner and you're asking about lunch?" Questioned Suhita, unable to understand her mother's thoughts.

"Well, I just want to know if you had it or not. So you're ordering again?" Her mother asked concerned, about her daughter's health.

"Of course!" Suhita stated the obvious.

"I don't understand why you'll order when you know how to cook," wondered her mother.

"Cause it's tasty-"

"And unhealthy!" Completed her mother.

"I'll try to cook tonight," surrendered Suhita

"Good! And I'll be back home by the day after tomorrow," informed her mother.

"Great! Looks like the deal is on!" She congratulated her mother.

"Kinda, still need to meet the writer and finalize it."

"Woah! So Nandy is back!" Exclaimed Suhita.

"Aye Suhi!" Warned her mother.

Nandy is short for Nandita, a nickname of her mother which she absolutely hates but a name her husband never misses a chance to tease. Nandita was a renowned director once upon a time for her heart touching message oriented light hearted films. It's been a decade since she last directed. She decided it's time for her comeback.

Suhita hung up the call and went to prepare dinner for herself. She cooked Pongal and relished the delicacy with groundnut chutney.

After having her dinner, Suhita settled on her bed and continued reading the book. The upcoming second half of the book caught her attention due to unexpected twists and amusing humour.

● ● ●

Neil rushed and hugged his mother tightly, unable to bear the pain of losing his loved ones again.

A decade ago Neil's father and Sunil died in an accident. Just an hour before the family wished them a safe journey, Neil was grumpy that he couldn't go on the trip with them. Nobody expected what was to come. The children couldn't bear the loss especially Chitra, this was the third death she lost her loved one to accident. Neil was the one who stood strong and consoled everyone when he himself was shattered inside. He managed to overcome grief by accepting the laws of nature.

Neil introduced chess to Chitra to distract her for a while. Over time she dedicated herself to the world of chess. One of the reasons she loved chess is that she had control over moves unlike her life. No matter the outcome of the game, she loved to be the master of her game. A four sided box with numerous pieces to play each having their own limits yet everyone is needed to win a game.

Neil's mother hugged him back and assured him that there's always sunny days after the storm. He reminded himself of today's beautiful memories that he'll cherish life long and went to bed in hopes of his future with Dhara.

The peaceful sleep of Neil was disturbed by the ringtone of his phone. He squinted his eyes due to the sunlight peeking his room and saw who was calling him. His face at once beamed with a huge smile as he wished her good morning in his husky morning voice.

"It's nine o'clock and you're still in bed Neil!" Yelled Dhara slightly disappointed that she'll have to wait for him a little longer.

"What do you expect, it's Sunday! Also look who's working on a holiday, " retorted Neil.

"Fine, meet me at Naturals. I won't wait for more than half-an-hour," ordered Dhara.

"As you say my Sivagami," replied Neil.

Before he could be showered with beautiful curses by Dhara he cut the call and dashed into the shower. He quickly got ready within fifteen minutes. Skipping his breakfast, he sneakily slipped out and went to meet his darling fiancée.

He spotted her from outside the ice cream store as he parked his bike. Chuckling like an idiot he went inside and took a seat in front of Dhara.

Before he could speak a mango ice cream was placed before him by the waiter. Dhara was already enjoying her Sitaphal ice cream. Neil took a bite of mango scoop before resuming the conversation from morning.

"So what's the matter?" He asked, relishing the ice cream.

"Nothing important, first enjoy your ice cream," replied Dhara, thinking of ways to break the news.

"How do you know that I'll eat mango, what if I wanted to eat chilli guava," asked Neil, glancing at Dhara with a knowing smile.

"Who says you can't? There's no rule that you should have only one scoop of ice cream in a day," replied Dhara reciprocating his smile.

"Ah, our kids are gonna be spoiled by their mother!" Teased Neil.

"Well at least one of the parents needs to do it," Dhara teased him back with a wink.

Neil stared at Dhara in disbelief as blood rushed to his cheeks.

Sensing it as the right time Dhara broke the news,"Neil, I'm going to Mangalore today."

Neil choked on his ice cream. Dhara fished out a water bottle from her bag and handed it to him.

"WHAT?! You're running away to Mangalore?" Asked Neil as reality slowly set in.

"I'm going to Mangalore not running away Neil," replied Dhara, controlling her laughter as she expected this reaction, the reason she decided to tell him in person instead on the phone.

"Yeah, same same," mumbled Neil.

"I'm going there due to work. I've to deliver the saree to the bride and no I can't courier because it is a wedding piece and I cannot take any risk, " said Dhara knowing that's gonna be his next question.

"What about your employees?" Questioned Neil.

"They're busy and the bride was my first customer back then, I can't miss this opportunity to thank her," replied Dhara.

"And when are you leaving?" Enquired Neil.

"In about two hours," answered Dhara.

Shock would be an understatement for Neil to process the ongoing situation, meanwhile the same goes for Chitra.

● ● ●

Chitra reached Mangalore in the early hours of the morning on Sunday. She peeped out from the window of the bus to look at the magnificent sunrise. As the bus reached her destination, she covered her face with her stole and got down the bus careful not to meet that person. But luck was not in her favour.

She carried her luggage and walked towards the hotel as it was nearby and a five minute walk from the bus station. As she reached the entrance of the luxurious hotel, her mobile rang.

She answered the call as it was Dhara. Dhara excitedly spoke that she'll be coming to Mangalore that evening. They decided to meet the next day at Woodlands to have the popular Mangalore buns.

Chitra cut the call, removed her shawl and turned around to be surprised by someone who recognized her.

"Chitra, what a pleasant surprise!" Exclaimed the gentleman.

"Suchit, very pleasant indeed," replied Chitra, clearly not liking the surprise.

Glossary

Sivagami - The name of the Queen in the film Bahubali known for her fierceness and leadership.

Sitaphal - custard apple