She was standing in the living room. The walls were covered by many photos, some of her parents, of her Chachu and Chachi and some of her as a child. There was a big telephone in one corner of the room. The sofa and furniture was old fashioned and by the mere guess, she knew it was her Papa's taste.

"Saumya, why are you standing there? Come and sit here. A new Ramayan show is being broadcasted. Let's watch it," her mom spoke up.

It was then that she noticed her entire family sitting on the couch, facing the LCD screen. she wondered.

"Okay, Mom." Saying this, she went and sat beside her mom.

"Saumya, how was your MUN?" her Papa asked.

"It was great, Papa. I was the best spokesperson from Canada."

"Canada?" he said with a puzzled expression.

"I was the delegate from Canada."

Shaking his head, he said, "So, when are your board exams?"

"Papa," pouting she continued, "My exams are from February." Whining like a kid, she said, "Mummy, see no one lets me forget for even a minute that my exams are next month."

"Aww my baby," her mom said in her sweet voice, caressing her hair.

Jerking away, she said, "Mom, I am not a baby. I am already 16."

"You will always be my baby."

Rolling her eyes, she turned towards her Chachu.

"Chachu," she called.

"Hmm speak up my baby girl."

Sighing with frustration, she said, "I am not a baby. When will you all realise this?" With a dreamy smile, she said, "By the way, you know I have found a new book which I will read after my exams."

"Since you don't want to study, I suggest we should get you married two years later," her mom teased.

"Mom..." she whined.

Laughing she said, "Okay we will get you married at the age of 26. Happy?"

"Mummy, my studies won't be completed by then."

"My lovely girl, first give your exams. I must admit, though, board exams can be really a handful," said her Chachi.

With a rueful smile, she said, "Yeah and you know what? I have had no classes since December. In December, we had our pre-boards. After that we had revision holidays."

"Aww don't worry. Your classes will begin soon," her Chachi reassured.

"It's ten already. we should go to sleep," her Papa commanded in his strict tone.

One by one, everyone got up and went to their rooms until only Saumya and her mom were left.

She looked so lovely. With her short and stout figure, she looked so kind and gentle. Her eyes twinkled with tears. Her face had the radiance of a thousand suns. Her lips were stretched in a smile. Caressing lovingly, her daughter's hair, she turned around to leave when her daughter's voice stopped her.

"Mummy, please don't go. Everyone has gone already. Please don't leave me alone," she said, her voice pleading, almost on the verge of cracking. Tears glistened down her fair face. Her lips, full and pink, quivered in a low strain of anguish and sorrow, courtesy of her prolonged solitude.

Keeping a reassuring hand on her shoulder, her mom said, "Saumya, you can't change the course of life. Some things are bound to happen. As much as man would want to have control over everything, we don't. We can't. Saumya, I know you miss us. I know you are sad but, have you ever wondered, what about your life ahead? Are you planning to remain single all your life?"

With a frown, she said, "But mummy, how can marriage reduce my sorrow?"

Laughing lightly, her mom said, "My dear baby, it's not marriage that will help you but the support and love of someone else. You know, what helps us to move on is not our will alone. We are all humans. We yearn for the affection, care and concern of someone. It's this love which helps us to move on."

Nodding, she said, "Okay, Mom."

She hugged her mom tightly lest she should miss her last opportunity.

"I should go now, Saumya. Always remember, time heals all the wounds inflicted by it."

Taking a deep breath, she nodded. She watched as her mom turned around. She had a divine and stately glow. Saumya watched as she started fading into nothingness. For many sonic moments, she stared at the misty remains, where only seconds ago her mom was standing.

She opened her eyes to face the reality. There was a sharp pain in her neck. Rubbing it, she got up. She was now sitting on the sofa in her living room. Slowly, the events of the previous night dawned on her.

Saumya, remember what Mom said? This is a new beginning. You have to be hopeful. She somehow felt relieved as she quoted, "Time heals the wounds inflicted by it."

She walked towards her room. Akshit was sleeping peacefully. He was curled up on the bed like an infant. Saumya had the urge to sigh dreamily when her mind interrupted- Saumya, are you mad? You aren't supposed to be so cheesy and emotional.

Leaving behind her temptation, she went towards the window. She tip toed in her room. It almost felt like she was a child trying to steal cookies. The feeling was not only distant but also foreign.

After pulling the curtains, she quietly turned around to find Akshit sitting on the bed. She was shocked to see him already awake.

"Don't worry, I was already awake," he said to reassure her.

"Then why did you act like you were asleep?" she demanded, raising an eyebrow. Saumya, stop it. When did you become this bossy? her brain chided her.

"I was not acting. I was merely trying to fall asleep again."

"Whatever lets you sleep at night." Smirking, Saumya turned towards the window to face the orange rays of the morning sun. The two stared at the sun for many moments.

Akshit, isn't she great. Saumya cares for you. She is so beautiful. Her face looks so child-like. There is no trace of worry on her forehead as she stands near the window with closed eyes. You should definitely ask her out. Remember what Surbhi had said. Saumya likes you.- his heart advised.

"Akshit, do you like the Sun?" Saumya asked. She was already sitting beside him.

"Yes." Turning to face the morning sun rays, he continued, "Sun is so hopeful. Sun's rays are not only essential for our existence but also for our sanity, I believe. Sun reminds us that dark and hopeless nights are always followed by a gleeful day." Pausing, he asked cautiously, "I presume you're not very fond of the Sun. What do you like?"

With slightly widened eyes, she said, "I love rains. I love bathing in those misty droplets, forgetting about everything. That calmness, the petrichor smell, it fills me with pleasure. All the thoughts wash away with those drops and I am led into the thoughtless bliss of God's Love."

Sighing with pleasure, she turned towards Akshit. She felt relieved. A strange feeling, a feeling of satisfaction filled her heart. It felt so good to unburden her emotions after a long time.

"I guess personal inclination goes a long way," he said.

"Agreed. For Affection; Mistress of Passion, sways it to the mood of what it likes or loathes."

Smiling widely, he asked, "An admirer of Shakespeare?"

Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she said, "Not an admirer, as you would say, but I love to remember the words which truly encourage me."

Her heart was racing with each passing second. She could feel herself drowning in his tempting brown eyes.

He was mesmerised. She was not only beautiful but also had a great insight. Her wits, her bossy attitude, everything attracted him more and more with each passing day. He could feel himself getting lost in her dark eyes.

The crow's croak brought them back to the reality.

He could see her cheeks tinged pink. Aww is she blushing? She looks so cute- his heart admired.

"Akshit it's not my place to ask you this but if it's possible please don't go to the hospital. Take rest. It's Eid-ul-Fitr today. There will be no lectures," she requested. Her bossy self long gone. She was already standing near the door. Her eyes held an unknown emotion.

Somehow, he felt compelled to say yes. Instead all he managed to mutter was a small okay.

"Akshit, tea or coffee?" Saumya asked.

"Coffee."

With a satisfied smile, she went to the kitchen.

She was busy preparing her famous frothy coffee in the kitchen, humming the lyrics of her favourite song. She felt so delighted today that she couldn't suppress her heart's plea. She took a step back, as she tried to ignite the stove, when she bumped into someone. She closed her eyes. With flailing arms, she awaited her doom. Instead, she was held firmly by two strong arms. Slowly opening her eyes, she saw Akshit staring at her. His ears were slightly pink. She wanted to swoon the very second he saved her but a wall, a force was stopping her from doing so.

He wanted to surprise her so he went and stood behind her. Even though it was quite childish in his opinion, he couldn't restrain himself. Now he realised he was wrong. She was so busy in singing that she didn't realise what was happening around her. Just as he was about to surprise her, she unexpectedly stomped on his foot. He wanted to wince in pain but her falling figure needed to be rescued first.

Standing straight, she muttered a small sorry while staring at her feet.

"How is your fever?" she asked.

"It's better."

Nodding, she said, "You go in the room. I will bring coffee."

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