His heart sank deeper. It felt as if all his efforts had gone in the drain. He couldn't believe he was so stupid. He shouldn't have listened to Vivek. He was suddenly brought out of his thoughts by a vigorous pulling on his shoulder.

"Where were you lost, Akshit?"

"Uh I'm sorry... I shouldn't have..."

"Are you alright?" she asked with a hint of a smile.

"Yeah it's..."

Laughing, she said, "Why do you always have to complicate things, Mr. Serious Psychologist?"

"I know... I'm really sorry..." he trailed as Saumya got up.

Great you idiot, way to go. But wait, why was she laughing? Is she really angry?

"Are you going to get up because I really don't know the way to that cafe," she asked, smiling.

He was caught off guard. He hadn't expected that. Is she alright with the date?

Getting up with the speed of lightening, he asked, "Hey do you prefer car or...?"

"I guess we should go by car. I mean it's quite sunny outside and we might get dehydrated."

Humming in response, Akshit walked towards the cafe door beside Saumya.

"So which type of coffee do you prefer?"

Seriously Akshit, you got nothing else to talk about.

"Hazelnut Latte. What about you?"

"Cafe Americano. By any chance, do you know Books and Coffee?"

"Oh the cafe a couple of blocks away?"

Shit Saumya, you didn't know about the cafe.

"So you know about the cafe, huh?"

He had turned to look at her. The whole parking area was nearly empty. It's concrete floor was really hot that particular afternoon. The Sun rays were streaming directly on her head, making her black locks look golden like an angel's halo. Her hair was tied in a bun with a few wanton strands framing her round face. Her eyes were shining due to the light within. He had always known that she was a ray of sunshine but for the first time he had seen it himself. Her eyes weren't drooping with fatigue like usual. They were energetic albeit not happy. A blush had crept up her round white cheeks.

Fidgeting with her fingers, she replied, "Uh yeah it's hard not to know about it when you work nearby."

They had already reached Akshit's car. It was a black beauty unlike her dark blue. Like a gentleman, he opened the door for her.

Her old self would have rolled her eyes. She was a woman not a baby. However, the vines of baseless courtesies had already wound around her self. Somehow, a warmth spread through her heart at his kind gesture. As much as she used to hate it until 3 years ago, she had subconsciously been craving it since a long time.

Sitting on the driver's seat, Akshit ignited the engine.

"So how's Delhi?" she asked.

"It's good. I have a lot to catch up on. Most of the places have changed drastically. However, the people haven't changed," he answered.

"That's good. How's Aunty?"

"Mom's good. She will return on Sunday."

"That's great. Sanyukta Di's delivery date is fast approaching, right?"

"Yeah and Harsh is really tensed. Di is giving him a hard time with her mood swings."

Saumya suppressed the urge to giggle. She looked up to find Akshit looking at her through the side view mirror. Suprisingly, it didn't seem creepy to her. On the contrary, she felt a bit self conscious. He was smiling sweetly at her, his dimples more prominent than ever.

Aww he is such a sweetheart - her heart mused.

Oh you stupid heart. I would have been better without you. Don't let your guard down. You have known him for a bit over 3 weeks only - her brain chided.

Akshit found her so beautiful. He wondered how she would have looked when she used to smile genuinely. He was staring at her through the side view mirror when his heart chided - Will you stop staring at her like a creepy mime? Say something.

"So the other day you told me you liked soulful songs. I was wondering if we could do a collab. I would play my guitar and you can sing."

Really Akshit, you have nothing better to talk about.

She didn't know which beast had possessed her as she zealously answered, "Sure."

"Just trying to remember, in which school did you study?" he asked.

"Sanskriti School," she answered absentmindedly as she stared out of the window.

Akshit pulled the car on the pavement.

"We've reached," he announced.

Seriously Akshit, she is not blind.

They got out of the car and entered the cafe. It had been ages since Saumya visited Books and Coffee. It had changed so much. The last time when she had been there was with her bunch of friends. The furniture was still the same; polished and intricately carved.

Akshit led her towards his usual table.

Getting seated, he asked, "Were you one of those nerdy toppers? I am assuming that you were."

"I wouldn't..." she trailed as he gave her a pointed look.

With a resigned sigh, she muttered, "Yes, I was nerdy."

"So I thought. Where did you go for higher studies?"

"UK."

"That's great. I thought you studied here. Where in the UK?"

"King's College, London."

"That's awesome. When did you come back to Delhi?"

Her body stiffened at that question. With blank eyes and a pale face, she muttered, "3 years ago."

Akshit was shocked to see the sudden change in her demeanor. He no longer saw a worry laden, responsible and caring woman. All he saw was a vulnerable, insecure and lonely girl.

"I'm sorry. I had no idea."

With a forced smile on her face, she said, "It's alright. There was no way you could've known that. Let's not spoil the fun."

The rest of the time, the two barely talked. Akshit took this as an opportunity to look at her. Saumya just stared at the table.

They sat silently, listening to the radio. The loo blowing from the car blowers, making them sweat.

To Saumya, the silence felt eerily comfortable; almost peaceful. It had been long since she had been in such an appeasing quietness.

For Akshit, it seemed to be his failure. For once, he had expected to see his Saumya smiling. However, he seemed to be the very cause behind her melancholy.

"Akshit, why are you going towards home? Hospital shift is not over yet, for me at least," Saumya inquired turning towards him.

"Today is the last day before Summer Vacation. It means today is half-working day."

"But what about my car?"

"Surbhi took your car to her house, remember?"

Humming in response, Saumya leaned against the back rest.

The car was pulled in the driveway of her house.

As she got out of the car, he said smiling, "Bye. See you later."

"Bye," she said, smiling.

As she rang the doorbell, Esha opened the door. She stood in the doorway blocking her way.

"Esha, stand aside."

With a knowing smile, Esha stood aside. Saumya walked towards the kitchen and drank some water.

"So care to tell me what was Akshit doing in our driveway?"

Gulping, she replied, "We went to have some coffee from Books and Coffee."

With widened eyes, Esha squealed, "Di you went on a freaking date and you didn't care to text me."

"I did not go to a date. It was a friends' hang out."

"Di, I know you're not so naive."

Saumya awkwardly turned around.

"No, it wasn't a date."

"Di, I don't want you to be so lonely. I know you don't want to but come on. No guy would be so naive as to keep following you everywhere." Keeping a hand on her shoulder, Esha said, "Di tell me why did you agree to go with him? You always reject anyone who asks you out."

"I...I..."

"Why did you allow him to come home for dinner everyday? You have never allowed anyone to come home so frequently."

"But how do you know? You weren't..." Saumya said, shocked.

"I know I wasn't even here 3 years ago but Surbhi Di told me everything. Answer my question Di. Why?"

Saumya's heart was thumping against her rib cage, threatening to pop out. Her breath was ragged.

"I... I don't...I can't..."

Sighing, Esha said, "Di, I believe you should face the reality." With this, Esha walked away.

Saumya stood there, clearly shaken as she stared at her sister's retreating figure.

"Do I really like him?" she questioned her heart.

But I can't. How's it possible?

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