And once the sun sets, a new phase, the phase of the moon begins. But if it is a new moon, then the sky is lonely, without its shining beauty.

It's true, today is Ruhee's last day at Aayan's house. Ruhee's mother had called Aayan's mother, asking her to drop Ruhee at home before 7pm. It was a big day for all of them. Especially, Aayan and Ruhee, they had formed together an unknown bond in the past three months that they cannot name. Even if they wanted to name it, they had no clue what to. It was like the air around them, they could feel it, but not see it.

It was Saturday, Aayan didn't have work, but he left home early. Maybe he didn't wanna see Ruhee unpack? Maybe, but he just didn't wanna stay at home. Aayan was just driving around the city, making no stops. He glanced at the dashboard from time to time. He had got Ruhee a present long back that he wanted to give her, but was never able to build up the courage, and now, she was leaving, him.

Around 12 noon he came back home, to see Ruhee trying to bring down her briefcases, but was finding it hard to. Aayan quickly ran up the Stairs to help her. He went to hold onto the handle, but held Ruhee's hand that was on the handle, instead. He stared at their hands together, several emotions coming to him. He looks up at Ruhee, and their eyes meet, various emotions swirling in their eyes. Some happy, some sad and some unknown. They just stared at each other when Aayan, unconsciously squeezed her hand. Their contact broke, and Ruhee pulled away her hand. Aayan looked away and carried her briefcase down, to place it near the front door. He ran back up to carry down her other briefcase, while she bought down her carry bag. They placed it down and just stood their awkwardly, not saying anything to each other.

Sahma walks out her room and calls Ruhee. Ruhee looks up at her and gives her a smile, as she walks towards her. They vanish into Sahma's room, leaving Aayan standing there. Aayan looks at Ruhee's packed luggage and then towards his room. He wanted to go up and into his room, but he couldn't build the courage to. So, he walks into the living room and sits on the sofa. He pulls out his mobile and types.

Aayan - She is leaving today.

He waits for a few minutes, and he got his reply.

Zubair - Who is?

Aayan - Ruhee.

Zubair - Where to?

Aayan - Her home.

Zubair - She'll be back soon. Gonna miss her? 😏

Aayan takes a deep breath. His friend can be dumb sometimes, but he is all he has as a friend.

Aayan - Three months of our marriage is over today, and she is going home tonight.

Zubair - Oh!

Zubair - So? You knew this was going to happen.

Aayan - I did, but never expected it to be so soon.

Zubair - Do you not want her to go?

Aayan - I don't know, man.

Zubair - What about Ruhee? Does she wanna stay?

Aayan - I don't know that as well.

Zubair - Then find out what you want, then what Ruhee wants, and act accordingly.

Zubair - Listen Aayan, I have never seen you behave the way you do with Ruhee.

Aayan - Behave in what way?

Zubair - The protective, caring, loving, happy way. You are a different person with her, man. A better person.

Aayan - What if it's just because I have never been so close to any girl before.

Zubair - Then, that means you have never met Farheen. 😒

Zubair - Aayan, think and act before it's too late, and you regret it.

Aayan - Okay, man.

Aayan places his mobile on the couch next to him and leans back. He closes his eyes to think, but his mind is blank. The only thing that is running in his head is that Ruhee is going to leave in a couple of hours. He looks back to his mother's room when he hears the door open. Ruhee and Sahma come out with sad smiles on their faces. Ruhee was holding a leather box in her left hand, as she uses her right hand to squeeze Sahma's hand. Aayan stands up, seeing them walk out the room. Sahma looks at Aayan and says, 'Come Aayan, let's have lunch.' Aayan nods his head and walks towards the dining table. Aayan and Sahma settle down, as Ruhee serves them.

Ruhee has made cumin rice with pepper Mutton gravy, today. She serves it to Sahma first and Sahma smiles up at her. She goes to serve Aayan, but Aayan only stares at his plate, like it is gonna give him ideas from preventing her to leave. Ruhee sits in her seat as Sahma says, 'This is gonna be the final meal we eat together as family.' Ruhee gives her a sad smile as they all begin to eat.

After lunch, they sat in the living room talking. Soon it was 6:30pm, time for Ruhee to leave. They stood near the front door. Ruhee gives Sahma a tight hug and says, 'I am going to miss you alot, Ammi.' Ruhee pulls back and tears are evident in her eyes. Seeing her tears, Sahma's eyes also begin to fill up, 'I'll miss you too, dear.' 'I'll call you daily, Ammi. So you better take you medicines on time, and make sure you eat well, even if you don't like it.' Ruhee tells her sternly, but trying to swallow her tears, 'You also don't be stubborn and take care of your health, Ruhee. You are very precious to all.' Sahma says, cupping Ruhee's cheeks. Not able to form anymore words, Ruhee just nods at Sahma, as a traitorous tear falls from her eye. Ruhee wipes it away and holds Sahma's hands and says, 'Bye, Ammi.' 'Bye, My dear.' Sahma says. Ruhee looks at the house one last time and walks out the front door, which was held open by Aayan.

Aayan had already placed Ruhee's luggage in the car. They get in the car and drive on to the road. The ride to Ruhee's home was silent. No one spoke or said a single word. None of them even glanced at each other. Ruhee stared out through the window, and Aayan kept his eyes strained on the road ahead. Aayan thought it was very soon, but they had reached Ruhee's house. He switched off the engine, but none of them got out. Only the sound of their steady breathing could be heard inside the car, 'Don't stay at work too late, Ammi doesn't like to eat alone.' Ruhee finally says, in aclow soft voice, still not looking at him. Aayan nods his head, 'Ask your chef to pack your lunch at times or if possible daily. Don't eat take outs always.' Ruhee says again, in a low voice, 'If Ammi, doesn't like the chef change it, her choice is important.' she says, and Aayan nods again.

Ruhee's voice was getting heavy, 'Sit and talk with Ammi...' Ruhee began but she was cut in the middle, 'I'm going to miss you, Ruhee.' Aayan finally says. Ruhee turns swiftly to look at Aayan, as he turns to look at her aswell. They just stare at each other, trying to swallow each other's presence. Aayan slowly moves forward, closer to Ruhee's face, staring into her eyes. Their breathing pick up as he moves closer, but he stops few inches away from her face. With the help of his right hand, he opens the dashboard and pulls out a small brown paper bag. He moves back, still looking in her eyes. He holds her right hand, and places the bag in her palms.

Ruhee breaks the eye contact and looks at the bag. She looks back at Aayan and then at the bag. She opens the bag, to pull out a rectangular navy blue box, with the name Fossil imprinted on it. She looks at the box and frowns. She opens it, and a surprised gasp escapes her lips, as she looks up at Aayan with soft eyes. Aayan gives her a small sad smile. She looks back at the box with her beautiful small smile, 'Oh Aayan, when did you get this?' she asks him, staring at her gift. Aayan just shrugged at her, as he stared satisfied at her reaction.

Aayan had gifted Ruhee the couple watch, which she had fallen in love with at the mall, that read Hubby and Wifey. Aayan wanted to gift it to Ruhee, but he never thought it would be a farewell gift. Ruhee closes the box and hugs it to her chest and looks at Aayan and says, 'Thank you, Aayan.' with complete sincerity. Aayan nods his head and says, 'I wish you wear these watches with the man whom you want to be your husband.' Aayan says in a voice above a whisper, but Ruhee heard it and her face drops. Ruhee looks away and says, 'My family must be waiting.' Aayan nods his head and gets out of the car and Ruhee follows.

Aayan pulls out Ruhee's luggage from the trunk. Ruhee takes the backpack while Aayan insists on carrying her briefcases. Ruhee opens the gate and they walk upstairs. She reaches her floor and rings the door bell with her right hand, while her left hand held her gift to her chest. The door opens after a few seconds and Ruhee's mother's smiling face appears. Ruhee smiles back to her mother as her mother pulls her into a hug. Ruhee's mother's eyes water, after having her daughter home after along time. Aayan greets her mother and enters the house, and places Ruhee's luggage in the living room. Soon, the entire family comes out and welcomes Ruhee with open arms. Aayan just stands their, awkwardly staring at the happy family.

Ruhee's father walks up to Aayan and hugs him, 'Thank you for taking care of my daughter.' he says. They pull back and Aayan says, 'She was my responsibility, sir.' Ruhee's father nods at him. Ian also comes to greet his boss and they ask him to sit down. Ruhee had gone in with her mother and sister, along with her luggage, while Aayan, Ruhee's father and Ian, chit chat in the living room. After few minutes, Ruhee comes out and Aayan looks up at her and smiles, to which she smiles back.

Aayan stands up as he says, 'I think I should leave, now.' 'Oh no, you should stay back for dinner.' Ruhee's father says, standing up, 'Thank you sir, but Ammi must be waiting for me at home.' Aayan says. Ruhee's father looks at his wife and she nods at him, and goes in. Ruhee's father takes hold of Aayan's hands in his and says, 'Thank you once again for taking care of my daughter. I hope she wasn't troublesome?' 'Abba!' Ruhee scowls at her father. Aayan smiles at her face and says, 'No sir. Infact, she is the one who took care of me.' Aayan says, looking at Ruhee and Ruhee's face softens.

Ruhee's mother comes back holding two big bags. She hands it to her husband, who hands it to Aayan, 'You and your mother were never able to have a decent meal at our place, but please have this.' he says. Aayan was about to deny, but the expression on Ruhee's fathers face made him change his mind. Aayan accepts it and says, 'We'll enjoy this well. Now, if you'll excuse me.' Aayan walks out the door, 'Abba, I'll drop him off and come.' Ruhee says to her father and follows Aayan down. They were now standing before Aayan's car. He had placed the bags in the back seat.

Aayan and Ruhee stand before her house awkwardly, 'I hope you like my Ammi's cooking.' Ruhee says, after sometime, 'Yeah.' Aayan says, 'I should leave, so...' Aayan adds after sometime, and starts to walk towards the drivers seat. He is about to open the door and get in, when Ruhee calls him. He turns around to see her standing behind him. They were now facing each other, 'I really thank you for the gift. I love it.' Ruhee begins, to which Aayan nods, 'I was not able to get you a gift. So, instead...' Ruhee says and moves closer to Aayan. She was now only inches away from him. She stands on her tiptoes and extends her face towards his face, and places a lingering kiss on Aayan's cheek. As soon as Ruhee's lips touch Aayan's cheek, his eyes go wide and his heartbeat accelerates.

Ruhee pulls back and says in a low voice, staring into his eyes, 'I'll miss you too, Aayan.' Ruhee says, and turns around to quickly walk back into her house. Aayan stood still in his place for a few moments longer, but soon regained his composure. He got in his car and drove home. He walks into his house and places the bags of food on the table. He walks to his mother's room and opens it, to see her praying. He slowly closes the door and walks up stairs. He stands in front of his room and places his hand on the door handle, but hesitates to open it.

She won't be in there, giving me a smiling face as I enter.

Aayan takes in a deep breath and opens the door. He walks in and looks around his now empty room. He walks over to the closet door and opens it, to find Ruhee's side of the closet empty. He walks into the washroom and opens the cabinet, to find her two racks empty. He closes the closet door behind him and looks at the couch, which was empty as well. He sits down on the couch and leans his head back, and closes his eyes. For some reason, he also felt empty. A lone tear leaves his left eye.

She is gone.