"Hello, is this Ramdhonu (Rainbow) Décor's phone number?" Titli asked, her voice tinged with anger.

"Yes," replied Tiasha, who was the receptionist at Ramdhonu (Rainbow).

But Tiasha was more than just a receptionist. She handled customer orders over the phone, managed the company's digital marketing, and juggled a multitude of tasks. In the world of Ramdhonu (Rainbow), it was Tiasha and her distant coworker Arnab who took care of everything. Arnab was the boss, responsible for fabric design, colouring, packaging, and coordinating deliveries. In this small world of theirs, Tiasha and Arnab were a team.

"Did you receive my order for a green curtain on your website? I saw the picture, but the shade I wanted was not available even after two modifications," Titli inquired, her disappointment palpable.

"I'm really sorry, ma'am," Tiasha responded apologetically.

"Your disappointment is evident, but it doesn't benefit me. Right now, I want to speak to your senior," Titli declared.

Tiasha felt a bit nervous. Handling customer complaints was more challenging than managing the workload. Arnab, on the other hand, had a knack for dealing with difficult situations and preventing any negative social media feedback. Tiasha had tried to approach Arnab several times for guidance, so as not to make any mistakes, but he remained unresponsive.

"Brother, the lady wants to talk to you," Tiasha said, holding the receiver at a distance and gesturing towards Arnab.

Arnab was in the middle of some work but stopped to take the call. He greeted the customer politely, "Hello, good morning."

"Why say 'good morning' to me? Listen, if I don't get the green curtain by tomorrow afternoon, there will be consequences for you," Titli threatened, her voice dripping with anger.

Arnab held the phone, looking worried. Even though he was accustomed to dealing with irate customers, he could sense something different in Titli's tone. A feeling that he was hiding for so long. A voice that reminds him of that. But instead of getting distracted again, he shrugged off the feeling. He took a deep breath and began working on a solution.

Meanwhile, Titli, on the other end of the line, was fuming. She hung up the phone abruptly, her mind racing. She glanced at the clock, her fingers trembling with anxiety. Then, with a determined expression, she picked up a pile of paperwork, straightened her posture, and dove into her tasks, ready to take matters into her own hands.

****

Titli had opened her laptop at home for a Zoom meeting as she didn't have a permanent office in Kolkata. She was working from home. The clock showed five in the evening. At that moment, the doorbell rang. Titli and her mother, Mina Devi, were both surprised, so Mina Devi went to answer the door. Titli didn't leave her seat. She heard the door close a while later.

Then, Mina Devi placed a carefully wrapped parcel on the dining table and left. Even though Titli was in the middle of her Zoom meeting, her curiosity got the better of her. She knew only her presence was necessary, so she quickly tore open the wrapper with a single tug.

"Fuck!" Titli exclaimed in anger.

She had muted herself in the Zoom meeting, so her outburst went unnoticed.

"Who brought it?" Titli asked her mother, excitement in her voice.

"A gentleman," her mother replied with a smile.

Then, in a hurry, she left the drawing room and carefully shut the main door behind her. She took a moment to catch her breath before peeking through the door's peephole. After a brief pause, Titli reluctantly opened the door a crack.

"Listen. Who is it?" Titli asked cautiously to the man who was walking down the stairs.

From the sweet voice, Arnab could tell it was Titli. His mind raced as a series of events played out together. After that, a lot of things happened altogether. Long hair, and a loose-fitting T-shirt-clad woman who seemed a bit flustered, the soft knock, the slightly dishevelled appearance, fell on him. Thank god he could hold her at the right time. Otherwise, she would end up hurting down the stairs. Their eyes met. Titli's heart pounded, and it might have leapt out of her chest.

A sudden rush of memories overcame Titli as she stared at Arnab, her childhood playmate, standing in front of her with a bewildered expression. The same man stood before her who had once turned her down. The sudden flashback left her speechless. She closed her eyes in fear that it might be one of her nightmares but ended up in Arnab's arms. Their breaths mingled with each other.

She had to blink several times to regain her composure.

He smoothed her hair from her face and their eyes met once again.

"Arnab!"

"Titli!"

****

The living room was abuzz with conversation as two childhood friends, Titli and Arnab, reminisced about their first encounter in kindergarten. They had journeyed together through school and college, growing up side by side. As they reached adulthood, they found themselves spending less time together. But suddenly, everything changed.

Arnab's father passed away, leaving him to shoulder new responsibilities. He had to manage his family's affairs and household chores. Titli, on the other hand, pursued a master's degree in Mumbai. While her friends were busy with relationships and dating, she remained single and focused on her goals. Titli put in extra effort to help Arnab, both with his work and personal life, yet he never reciprocated her feelings.

"Sometimes I wonder if you're even aware of my existence, Arnab," Titli remarked, her voice tinged with embarrassment.

Arnab let out a half-hearted chuckle. "Yes, your order is still pending, and I can't seem to get it right."

"Are you crazy? You are still worrying about that order? And here I am, thinking about our old memories. Thank God Arnab, you left that order hanging. And You came to deliver it yourself today. What if this was otherwise? What if we hadn't met? Think about that," Titli scolded him.

Titli and Arnab found themselves getting closer once again, both emotionally and personally. Gradually, the barriers they had erected between them began to crumble. Despite their differences, they had a unique bond that couldn't be broken easily. Over the next five to six years, they lived far apart from each other. Yet, when they met again, they were rediscovering their shared history.

"Mom, didn't you recognize Arnab?" Titli asked.

"No. Actually, I saw him last when you guys were in class ten during the board exams. But if he had revealed his name, I would have figured it out immediately," Mina Devi explained to her.

Titli's mother knew that Titli had always liked Arnab. That wasn't any secret to her.

Their discussions became a daily affair, filling their home with stories and laughter. Titli's father was also extremely liberal and open-minded, having risen from humble beginnings himself. So there were no objections from him regarding their bond.

"Arnab, remember from my childhood how I have been always obsessed with colours, especially green? So, don't mind if I had been such a pain in your ass about it," Titli said, trying to ease his discomfort.

"Titli, today I need to leave for the office," Arnab said while stopping them in between abruptly.

Titli's face fell. She didn't want to leave him. Not after getting him so close after all these years. There were a lot of things that needed to be questioned and answered. Yet, with a heavy heart, she had to bid him goodbye for the day.

"Okay, I am leaving you for today. But remember, you have to visit us regularly until the day you can give me the green colour I am looking for," Titli replied with a smile, a sense of nostalgia creeping into her voice.

As Arnab began to descend from the stairs, Titli felt a pang of sadness. She had found her childhood friend again, but now she had to let him go. Arnab smiled a little, nodding his head while starting his bike.

Arnab started the bike and revved the engine, his mind filled with a myriad of thoughts. Although he could easily blend into the crowd with the right colour, this issue held a personal significance. His shirt was unbuttoned, just like his heart. Today, it was untamed, not following the rules he had set for himself. Today was different. As he sped away, Arnab's heart felt heavy with a mix of emotions. He thought about how much Titli meant to him, even though he had never expressed it. Today, he felt like a mischievous child again, caught up in the whirlwind of their shared memories.

****

Rain poured heavily on the beautiful marble balcony, creating a dense, rhythmic pattern. The floor was completely soaked, and the raindrops danced in harmony. Yet, neither Arnab nor Titli paid any heed to the downpour. Both of them sat side by side, leaning against the railing, completely drenched.

They spoke softly, sharing stories and laughter as the rain continued to fall. Arnab had Titli resting her head on his shoulder, a gesture that made her heart yearn for more. But the courage to place her head on his shoulder remained just out of reach. Arnab sensed her desire and began to sing a song, his voice resonating with warmth and melody.

Arnab was a good singer, and the sudden song filled the air. But halfway through the song, a note went slightly off-key due to the interruption caused by the rain.

Their conversation continued as they sat on the rain-soaked balcony, the heavy downpour serving as a backdrop to their heartfelt connection.

When Mina Devi didn't find both of them in the house, she came towards the balcony. She smiled seeing the scene before her. She had never seen Titli this happy before. She thought about the impact Arnab has on her daughter. She wanted them to settle down. A wish she holds so dearly in her heart.

Today marks the twelfth day since Arnab's first visit to Titli's house, bringing the parcel. Since then, he has been coming every day, rain or shine, and chatting with Titli. Mina Devi has been wondering what they talk about. What does Arnab say about their relationship? She plans to ask them more questions later. But today, as they sit together on the balcony, Arnab's hand on Titli's shoulder appears a hope, that maybe... possibly the good news is on the way.

Arnab immediately withdrew his hands when he noticed Mina Devi standing behind them. He felt a little embarrassed thinking about what she might be thinking about them. Even though he was a regular guest in Titli's house since childhood, a lot has changed. Something needs to be tamed that once was free when they were children.

"What are you two having for lunch today?" Mina Devi inquired casually.

"Mom, could you make some fried fritters today?" Titli requested, preventing Arnab from saying anything further.

"Of course! I'm coming with tea and fritters for you both," Mina Devi replied, smiling, as she left them alone on the balcony.

In all of Titli's life, she had never seen Arnab shed a tear or express his feelings openly. He had always kept a distance from emotions and difficult conversations. But today, it seemed like Arnab was fighting a battle within himself. Beyond the lush green trees in the distance and the vibrant colours of the world around them. Arnab had always been the owner of Ramdhonu (Rainbow) Décor, but his personal life remained a mystery grey to Titli. Would he finally share his true feelings with her? Would Titli be able to grasp the depth of his emotions?

Arnab continued to gaze at the distant greenery. His thoughts were electric, racing through his mind. Titli, beside him, lost in the same gaze.

"Look at how beautiful the greenery's fair has been set up. As if the fairground," Titli said in amazement, her eyes locked onto the vibrant green of the surroundings. Titli's words left Arnab speechless, a jolt of electricity running through him. Then, he abruptly stood up, ready to leave for the day. His face showed a glimpse of something unusual. Before Titli could inquire further, Arnab had left, saying goodbye to her.

Titli was taken aback, her surprise evident. It was clear that he was hiding something. Could there be someone else in his life whom Arnab couldn't make up his mind to tell her? As tears welled up in Titli's eyes, thinking about every possibility of his uncertain leave, she didn't even notice when Mina Devi came there with tea and fried fritters before her. Everything seemed to fade away under the tears that had built in her eyes. Was Arnab content with seeing Titli only as a friend all this along?

****

Today, Titli and Arnab sat in her bedroom, engrossed in conversation. There was a purpose behind Titli's plan for today. Mina Devi had gone out, leaving them alone in the apartment.

"You know, Arnab, I've figured out why you couldn't get the shade of green right for the curtains all these days," Titli began.

Arnab's voice quivered, and he looked apprehensive. It seemed like he had been holding back a truth for a long time, a truth that he had never shared with anyone. Is it really the day when everything is unveiled between them?

"Why?" Arnab finally asked.

Titli was a bit more confident today.

"Wait, I will tell you. Do you remember the day in our college fest where you couldn't match the colour of the background side wings and got a good lecture that day from me?"

Arnab lowered his head, nodding a silent yes.

"Honestly, I think I might have a psychological issue with colours," Titli said while chuckling. "My father keeps insisting that I should see a doctor about it." Arnab was listening to her carefully all along.

Titli chuckled and continued, "Maybe it was an excuse to get close to me?" This time, her voice dangerously dripping with hope and possibilities.

Arnab's heartbeat kept rising. Only a 'yes' was needed at that moment for them to unleash every boundary they have been holding so far to become one. Titli's face was too close. There was an expectation in the air, a moment of anticipation. Her breaths fell on Arnab's face and he could hardly control himself.

Both of them were on the edge, waiting for something unspoken to surface. The question of whether they could move beyond friendship hung heavily in the air.

He didn't look up at her eyes. He knew the moment they would lock gaze, Arnab wouldn't be able to stop himself. All these years' hidden emotions would surface his actions, and it would take a fraction of a second before he would take Titli along with him while drowning in such temptation.

He took a long breath. The time seemed to have slowed around them. His chest was heavy with thoughts and unleashed emotions. Titli's sudden closeness isn't helping any of it. Yet, he had to control. He cannot reveal the truth to her.

He wasn't sure why such a colourful person like Titli would want him to be a part of her life.

"Today, that I could match your colour perfectly, I think it's time to move forward. I don't know if I can come tomorrow."

He stood up. But Titli was ready today. She held his wrist, stopping him there. One sudden pull had crashed Arnab along with her. A mere inch separated their lips. Titli isn't ready to back down and hold the stare. Arnab didn't know what to do. As if everything happening today is an indication that he will soon lose all the leash in front of Titli he is holding so far. His lips wobbled. Only eyes talking with each other, and he knew what Titli's eyes were telling him.

He somehow gulped down the temptation.

"Don't you want to know the answer before leaving?" Titli asked, her voice so soft that it was making every possible thing hard for Arnab. "On that shelf, there are two letters. One green and one yellow. Go and read the words of my heart." She pushed Arnab toward the shelf as he stood to remove the curtains.

Arnab looked around but everything has turned grey in front of him today. Like his heart, his face fell. He couldn't understand why it had to be him always to lose what he had desired the most. Once again, like many years ago, he knew he had to leave her again.

"You and your colours," he said, angrily, as he stepped out of the apartment.

"Wait," Titli called. "You know I can't live without colours." She cried at him.

But she wasn't sure if her cries had reached his ears. Because the sound of closing doors overrode her own voice. Arnab had left her alone again. She fell to the ground, distraught. Her childhood love didn't get a success.

The world outside didn't matter. The rain had stopped, and the sky had cleared. Their love story had just ended right there, and nothing else seemed to exist at that moment for her.

****

After that incident, Arnab and Titli didn't see each other for many days. Both of them are in pain, but they're also determined. They have resolved not to contact each other directly. During this time, Titli consults with a doctor about her colour perception. She wonders if her condition can be corrected.

"Your daughter needs to understand that there's a world beyond the colours of the rainbow," the doctor tells Titli's parents. "Where it's white, black, or even grey, the day she grasps this, everything will be fine."

The doctor's words offer a glimmer of hope for Titli's parents that day, suggesting that Titli's colour perception might improve over time.

****

It's been a week. Titli's anger has been calmed. Only restlessness reaches its peak, and she decides to contact Arnab. She sends him a text message and also tries reaching out through WhatsApp. But Arnab doesn't respond to any of her messages. His silence leaves Titli perplexed and anxious.

In her desperation, Titli makes a phone call to Tiasha, the receptionist at Ramdhonu (Rainbow) Décor.

"Tiasha, can you tell me where my brother is?" Titli inquires.

"Brother... I mean, I don't really know..."

Tiasha's hesitation cleared that she was taught to lie. The rest of the work was quite easy for Titli.

****

In the late afternoon, Arnab found himself engrossed in work at a different location. The hum of productivity was suddenly interrupted by the resonant chime of a doorbell. Startled, he swiftly made his way to the entrance and swung the door open. There stood Titli, adorned in a radiant red saree that perfectly complemented her matching blouse. She looked nothing short of stunning, her presence akin to that of a radiant bride.

"Uff, could you please get me some water? I got all sweaty while looking for your place," Titli exclaimed in a playful manner as she entered, her vibrant attire contrasting with her cheerful demeanour.

With a sense of enchantment, she proceeded to remove her sandals and gracefully settled onto the bed. "Could you adjust the fan speed? It's so hot out there."

Arnab, taken aback by her sudden and striking appearance, found himself momentarily at a loss for words. Her lively attire and playful banter left him utterly speechless. He had been meticulous in ensuring that Tiasha would never reveal his address to Titli, yet here she stood before him.

"Okay, leave the fan. Come here," Titli coaxed with an inviting gesture, drawing him closer. Arnab, still in a state of mild shock, obediently joined her on the bed.

Titli then produced two envelopes, one green and one yellow, and extended them toward Arnab. "Take the green one and read what my heart says."

Arnab's expression remained frozen as if he had been caught red-handed.

"Oh, I completely forgot that you're colour-blind. Tiasha mentioned that you see the colour green as grey," she remarked with an impish smile.

Arnab, still grappling with a whirlwind of emotions and embarrassment, remains silent, his face conveying his chagrin.

"Look at me," Titli softly whispered, breaking the momentary silence. She gently opened the two green handbags she had brought with her. Inside each bag lay a small green and yellow flag, each bearing the same message: Will you be mine?

Arnab's eyes darted between the two flags, and his heart raced as the weight of the moment settled in. Overwhelmed by emotions, he felt a surge of warmth and happiness that he couldn't identify. The question on the chits echoed in his mind, and he knew that Titli's love was offering him a chance he had always yearned for.

They had emerged into a tight hug with each other, not ready to leave now.

"Tell me you won't leave again!" Titli asked as she kissed his forehead.

Arnab chuckled softly as he too, kissed her eyes and then her cheeks.

Their lips crashed into each other as they devoured each other. As their lips met in a passionate kiss, the world around them seemed to fade away, replaced only by the intensity of their connection. Temptation and raw emotions fueled the fire between them, and their embrace grew tighter as if they were trying to convey years of unspoken longing.

While they were losing themselves in each other, Titli remembered something. She reluctantly pulled back, her breathless voice barely a whisper. "Tell me, how do you make sure that the colour green is correctly identified? Tiasha said you didn't even take her help."

At that time, they both were lost in each other's touch. Arnab was not ready to leave her for one second as the warmth of her body had settled into his own. Still, he managed to answer her; while pushing the door of the wardrobe with his pointed finger. There's a playful smile on his face as he opens the wardrobe, revealing a collection of various items – each draped in different shades of green.

As Titli watches, she sees a spectrum of green clothing, carefully arranged and organized. It's as if Arnab has created his own unique rainbow of greens, each shade meticulously selected and labelled. The attention to detail is striking, showcasing his dedication to understanding and appreciating the world of colours despite his colour blindness.

Titli is genuinely touched by this display of affection and effort. She realizes that Arnab may not see colours the way most people do, but he perceives them differently, with an artistic and thoughtful touch that is all his own.

Their love story, filled with vibrant hues and the warmth of rediscovered emotions, was only just beginning. That evening was filled with the rainbow of their love. Shades that were waiting years long to be filled on the canvas. On their heart.

Neither of them could withdraw the emotions that had once been tamed and now only the sound of pleasing moans, soft whispers and laughs filled the air. They knew, finally after a long, the shades of grey had finally decided to return with a rainbow, coloured with their love.

****

"Can you handle this?" Arnab asked his voice almost a whisper, his eyes locked onto Titli's.

Titli's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she replied with a playful tone, "I've been waiting too long to turn you down tonight."

Arnab, his gaze intense and commanding, warned with a playful edge, "Think twice before you say yes, miss. Once I claim you, there will be no turning back."

Titli's response was filled with unwavering determination as she whispered, "I would never turn my back on you, Arnab."

With that, any restraint Arnab had left evaporated, and he pressed his lips against hers once more, their passion igniting like wildfire. Sweat beads formed on their foreheads as their bodies intertwined in a fevered dance.

Arnab's desire reached a crescendo, and he could no longer contain himself. Titli's tender touch had fueled his hunger, driving him to the edge of his control. With a swift, decisive movement, he entered her. A soft, sensual moan escaped from Titli's lips, and Arnab silenced the next with a fierce, devouring kiss.

"To now and forever, to the rainbow of our love," Titli whispered, her voice filled with emotion. A small tear glistened in her eye, but Arnab was quick to kiss it away.

Arnab caught up in the intensity of the moment, pledged with all his heart, "To now and forever."

****