The corridor was bustling with people. Some were wearing white coats as they walked about carrying reports and clipboard. Some were sitting on the chairs lined against the wall with a look of worry. The odor of disinfectants swirled in the air. However, no one seemed to be frazzled by what was happening around, except him. He was walking down the long passage, desperate, as he headed towards his cabin.

"Hey, Akshit, wait up."

The man turned around, gingerly. Flushed, he spoke up, "Hi, Saumya. I have to go somewhere. Anything important?"

"Uh no but," narrowing her eyes, she continued, "aren't you going to the cafeteria?"

"No, uh, actually I have to go meet a few friends," he answered. He was sure his change in demeanor wouldn't go unnoticed. How could he have been so foolish?

"Oh sure. Bye," Saumya's voice rang in his ears. He felt almost guilty for turning his back but there was no time to waste. What if she has already come by it? That would surely be a recipe for the disaster.

Standing in front of his cabin's door a sudden nervousness which he had tried to numb for so long gripped him in its vines. How could he leave it there?

Wishing that it was still intact, he entered inside. The cabin was exactly as it had been. The files were scattered on the table but he had eyes only for that small box. Damn it! Where did I keep it? He frantically threw things hither-tither in hopes of finally finding the box when it suddenly presented itself. He hastily picked it up.

The velvety texture of the rose shaped box brushed his fingers as he opened it. Inside lay a beautiful diamond bracelet. The big azure solitaire surrounded by vines of silver leaves. It had been his mother's and now it would be...

No way! How ironic! I definitely need a psychologist examining me.

Shoving the box in his pocket he went to the one place his mind was set on.

Standing in front of the wooden doors of the familiar cafe, he was hesitant. He didn't know why he was acting so weirdly. Why he was so nervous to talk about it to his friends? Brushing his thoughts away, he opened the door to Books And Coffee as the familiar jingle filled the air.

Looking around the rustic cafe with numerous round tables and chairs, he found his friend sitting at the usual table.

As he reached the table, his friend got up. Wearing a light blue jeans and tee, he clapped a hand on his back and said, "Long time no see, bro. Howdy? What is it that you wanted to talk about?"

"I believe we should treat ourselves with some coffee first. I, for one, definitely need it."

Nodding, the two friends sat down.

The waiter came and took their order.

"Hmm so now tell me, Akshit, what is bothering you?"

"Actually Vivek," he started, his eyes cast down as he scratched his neck.

"Wait up bro," with widened eyes, Vivek said, "You're nervous man. Do you like someone?"

Taken aback, Akshit exclaimed, "What?! How ridiculous can my friends be?" He said with an exaggerated flailing of his hands.

"Bro, it's so obvious. Okay now tell me all about this girl."

"Uh actually it's Saumya."

"Care to tell me who she is," Vivek interjected.

"If you listen, then of course."

Vivek nodded.

"So we're friends and neighbours. I think I like her but she is a puzzle. I mean when she smiles, her smile never reaches her eyes. She looks like a very happy girl on the outside but she isn't. Her family died three years ago and now she lives with her 8 year old cousin. I really want to help her but I feel clueless. I can't bear to see her angry or sad. It's like a trigger in me goes off." He huffed a defeated sigh at the end.

Humming in response, Vivek said, "Bro, are you sure you're not psycho-analysing her?"

"I am a psychologist. It's my job," he replied, exasperated.

"I believe it would be better if you spend time with her. Let her know you are there to support her. I believe you should take her out. That may help you get to know her better."

"I know but I get so nervous whenever I think about it."

Smiling, his friend said, "Bro, show that you're confident. Not in an arrogant way but in a sweet way."

"I'll try," Akshit said meekly.

"Great, so tell me how you started liking her," Vivek said enthusiastically.

The rest of the time, Akshit narrated all the events since the last three weeks. Occasionally, Vivek would tease Akshit and receive some punches. Finally, it was time he did what he should have done.

Akshit was walking towards Saumya's cabin. Vivek's words seemed to have instilled confidence in him. He reached her cabin which was situated towards the end of the white hallway.

As he opened the door, he found Pihu standing there, a file in hand.

"Good afternoon, Sir," she greeted.

"Good afternoon, Pihu. Where is Saumya?" he asked.

"Ma'am has gone in the children's ward. Actually, a boy has to be operated but he is so frightened. That's why Ma'am has gone to remove his fear."

Nodding, he said, "Thank you."

Turning around, he strode towards the children's ward. Logically, he shouldn't have gone but he was curious. Curious to know how she would handle the situation. He believed that if required he could definitely help. After all, it was his area of expertise.

He reached the children's ward. It was colourfully decorated with paintings of various animated characters. There was Mickey Mouse and his entire crew, Ninjas and animals and what not. Many beds were lined across the large room separated by curtains. Therefore, it took him some time to spot Saumya. He hid behind the curtain of the adjoining bed to see what she was talking about.

Through a small opening between the curtains, he saw a young boy, no more than 6, lying on the bed. Wearing blue clothes, he was staring intently at Saumya, who was sitting at his bedside.

"Hello, Baby, I am Saumya. What's your name?"

"Hello, my name is Karthik."

"Wow great name. Do you like watching cartoons?"

Smiling he said, "Yes I love watching Doraemon."

With a sweet smile, she said, "I love Doraemon too. Did you watch the latest Doraemon movie?"

With this, the two chatted about all the Doraemon movies. Suddenly, a nurse came to inform them that it was time for the operation.

"Please, doctor, I don't want to go," he pleaded.

Saumya's expression softened on hearing his words.

"Baby, you are a brave boy, right? You know what brave boys do?"

The boy shook his head innocently. It pained Akshit to see such a sweet child wearing a mask and connected to so many monitoring devices.

"Brave boys fight with their fears. You know fear can only scare you if you allow it to. You are a brave boy. You must fight with your fears."

The boy looked confused.

"Okay tell me, what do you want to become when you grow up?"

"I want to become an aeronautical engineer," he replied with twinkling eyes. His voice was strained.

Smiling, Saumya said, "Wow, great choice. Tell me if you don't fight with your illness and get well, will you be able to achieve your dream?"

The child shook his head gently.

"You need to work hard to fulfil your dream, right? Let me tell you a secret." Leaning close to his ear, she said, "You know there are many people who dream but very few who fulfil their dreams. You are one of those special people. You are strong boy. Are you not?"

The boy's eyes lit up. Nodding, he smiled.

"You are a very special boy, Baby. You can fulfil your dreams."

"Really?" the boy asked.

"Yes, you can. Are you ready?"

The boy nodded his head.

Patting his head, she said, "All will be good, friend."

With this she turned around and went away.

How can you Saumya? When you're so sad yourself, how can you be the ray of sunshine for someone else? You truly amaze me. Dropping his gaze at his pocket, he whispered, "Soon. Very soon."

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