Standing in front of the big wooden door with intricate carvings, she was deep in thought. It had been quite a long while. The hot loo roughly slapped her slender legs. The hems of her skirt were having a play of their own; gambling with the wind. Her blue top complemented her azure blue eyes. It was quite a novelty of its own and bestowed upon its owner, a beauty to die for. However, she seemed quite oblivious to all the stares that had been directed at her all throughout her journey.

A million thoughts swept the long galleries of her brain. How is she? Will she agree to her request? What about the little angel? Is she alright? All such thoughts tormented her. However, the greatest of them all, was the foreign feeling. The slightly nauseating feeling accompanied by a rush of memories which had painted her past bright.

Finally, gathering enough courage, she rang the doorbell. While waiting for the door to open, she turned around to have a look at the beautiful garden. It was a bit unkempt but that seemed to enhance its natural beauty. Her favourite flowers including bougainvillea and tulips.

The click of the door made her turn around. However, upon laying her eyes on her dear sister, her eyes were flooded with tears. She engulfed her sister in a tight hug.

"Di, I missed you so much. How are you?" she squeaked.

"I am good, Esha but you really seem quite weak," Saumya replied lovingly.

Walking inside, she observed the same old living room, just as it was 4 years ago.

"Princess, come here," Pia shouted from her room.

"Esha, if you want to freshen up, go to my room. I will prepare some green tea for you, okay? Just a minute, your Pear is calling," smiling towards the end, Saumya went in Pia's room.

"What happened Pia?"

"Princess, I can't decide which frock to wear," Pia said pouting.

Shaking her head, she said, "You are so moody. Wait a minute. Let me see."

Suddenly a scream resonated in the peaceful house. With a shocked countenance, the sisters faced each other.

Running towards the source of the scream, the girls reached Saumya's room. The sight which awaited them, made them burst out laughing. Esha was throwing pillows at Akshit. The poor fellow shielded himself with his arms as he tried to convince her with incoherent words.

"Stop," Saumya said in a stern voice. It produced the desired effect as the commotion ended.

"Di, why are you telling me to stop? He is a thief," Esha said incredulously.

"Esha, he is not a thief," she replied in a firm tone with a suggestive look.

With eyes as big as saucers, Esha stared at Saumya, trying to process all the information.As realization struck hard, with a flushed face, Esha said, "I am so sorry, Jiju. I didn't know it was you."

Her words only made Saumya and Akshit widen their eyes with surprise.

Saumya was quick to recover, as she replied with a pointed look, "He is Akshit, sis, not Akash."

With shock written on her face, she said, "I am so sorry for the misunderstanding. Hi, I'm Esha. It was nice to meet you." Saying this she extended her hand.

"Esha, you must go and freshen up. Pia, go and wear your dress. Why are you roaming about in shorts?"

As the two girls exited the room, Saumya had a better look at Akshit. His hair was a mess with a few strands resting on his forehead. He was definitely a bit shocked but he was quick to recover. Still wearing his blue shirt and worn out jeans, he was a complete mess. She felt pity for him. Was his fever not enough of a headache in itself that Esha also had to torment him.

"I am really sorry. I will talk some sense into her."

Scratching his neck, he said meekly, "It's alright. Please don't scold her."

Staring at his attire, she said, "I believe you should freshen up."

"Yeah. Thanks for the dinner and your hospitality. I'm really sorry I ruined your night."

"You did not and please don't thank me. These courtesies are not reserved for friends." Her frown and her abrupt change in tone surprised him.

She was a bit surprised herself for admitting this openly. However, she was grateful that he did not make a big deal out of it.

Smiling, he said, "Thanks. You're too kind, Saumya," pausing, he continued, "I must get going."

"Sure," she replied, reciprocating his smile.

Reaching the main door, he turned around and said, "Bye."

"Bye," Saumya said with a smile. Her heart knew that nothing was the same between them but her brain was busy denying the reality.

Going to Esha's room upstairs, she rapped harshly at the ebony wooden door.

"Coming Di."

With a click of the knob, the door swung open.

"Esha, what's this?" Saumya said with indignation.

With her head hung low, she said, "I am really sorry, Di."

"He is our guest. You shouldn't treat guests like that."

Wrapping her arms around her Di's neck from behind, she said, "I am sorry, Di. By the way, you are really so sweet." A cheeky grin adorned her beautiful face.

"It's not going to work on me, Esha."

"I missed you a lot, Di," she said with sincerity.

"Missed you too, baby sis. By the way, what made you think Akshit was a thief?"

"Actually, he was opening the drawer of your bedside table," pausing, with a known smirk, she continued, "Who is he?"

"He is a mere acquaintance. He is Sanyukta Di's brother."

"Oh so he is Mr. Psychologist."

"How do you know?"

"Unlike you, my lovely Di, I have my sources. However, I can't believe that you were so angry at me because of a mere acquaintance."

"He is just a friend."

With a victorious grin, she said, "See, you just changed your statement."

Involuntarily, fumes erupted on her face. Trying to let her hair cover it, she said, "What are you implying?"

"Nothing." Esha put up that innocent look of hers.

Turning around, Saumya said with assumed firmness, "That's better. I'm going to prepare breakfast."

With this, Saumya went downstairs leaving Esha to sigh in defeat.

"You are so oblivious Di? He likes you. It's evident from the way he looks at you. I know you have a soft spot for him. I will help you, Di. No matter what."

-------------------

The whole day, the girls enjoyed playing various games, age old banters and disastrous food experiments.

Lying on the bed in a haggard state, Esha said, "It was so fun. I am tired yet I am quite happy. I missed you all a lot. I love being back home."

"Agreed. There is no place better than home."

Sitting up on the bed excitedly, Esha said, "Okay so tell me all about it."

"I am so tired. I will tell you tomorrow."

"Nothing doing, Di. Tell me," Esha pouted like a kid.

"Okay, tell me what do you want to know?"

She narrated everything from the school function to yesterday's events, purposely leaving a few unnecessary details. After finishing, Saumya laid on the bed.

Saumya said, "If your thirst is quenched, may I sleep milady."

"Nope."

Saumya glared at her sister.

"Tell me honestly, Di. Do you like him? At least, do you have a soft corner for him?" Esha asked earnestly.

With a sigh, Saumya said, "I dunno. I don't seem to be able to figure it out. I don't want to fall in the deep dungeons of despair again."

Keeping a supportive hand on her sister's shoulder, Esha said, "Don't worry, Di. I understand. Everything will turn out okay. We should sleep now. It's quite late."

Taking a deep breath, Saumya nodded her head in affirmation.

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