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Amit walked up to the DLF Promenade’s sprawling Food Court. He was carrying a bouquet of white Gladioli flowers in his hands. He had made a lot of effort to ensure that his short wavy hair was nicely combed, which was a difficult task always. As usual he was decently dressed in a black sweater and khaki trousers. Nothing too formal, nothing too casual, and nothing flashy or outlandish.
The Food Court was lined with shops serving all kinds of cuisines including, as Amit noticed, South Indian. The promenade below was full of designer label stores dealing in clothes, shoes, winter wear and mouth-watering chocolates, that this Delhi mall was famous for.
What Amit liked about this place was that it wasn’t too crowded like some of the other malls in Delhi. Amit saw a lot of couples roaming together. Some were obviously students, who had bunked classes to probably watch a movie in the multiplex next to the Food Court. Some men and women were bold enough to be holding hands, their faces in a defiant, don’t-give-a-damn attitude.
It was almost noon and there was still no trace of Naina. But by now, Amit knew from his experience that whenever he was about to call it quits, his relationship with Naina would bounce back. Their friendship, in fact, had been such a roller coaster ride of expectations, disappointments and lost opportunities. Whenever he experienced a high, it would invariably be followed by a steep low. And when he thought all hope was lost, their relationship would rise up like the proverbial Phoenix from the ashes. He had experienced this cycle so many times with her that it was now draining him of all energy.
Amit was lost in his thoughts. He was already thinking about what he was going to say to her. There were so many things he wanted to talk about. Where should he start? Should they grab a bite first, or should they just take a walk around? In any case, Amit was looking forward to spending the rest of the day with Naina.
Amit once again looked around the crowd but couldn’t locate Naina anywhere. He kept waiting and staring at the crowd below for a couple of minutes, till someone stared back in annoyance. And then he saw her from a distance. She was wearing a blue sweater and jeans and sporting a bright red lipstick. There was just a hint of eye shadow and mascara.
She hadn’t changed much, thank God. It was the same Naina he knew. She smiled at him and waved. Ah, that pleasant thousand-volt smile which he was willing to die for. He couldn’t believe his eyes that he was seeing her at last, after a year. He thought he had lost her forever. His eyes started filling up with tears of joy.
Naina was seeing Amit without a jacket, in a non-corporate attire after such a long time. He looked leaner and fitter. His face was even more chiselled. It looked like he was looking after his health well and had more time to work out than before.
They moved towards each other. He handed her the bouquet and she handed him a box of Ferrero Rocher chocolates. Then she hugged him.
“Wow, how did you know that I like Ferrero Rocher chocolates?” asked Amit in astonishment.
“You are not the only one keeping a track of likes and dislikes. I know that you have a sweet tooth. After every lunch session, I would spot you grabbing two pieces of chocolate from your coat pocket,” Naina said with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
“You are really very observant. Thanks in any case,” he said.
“Ah, come on,” said Naina as she hit him on his back gently.
“Why did you never answer my calls and messages earlier? I’ve been so worried,” Amit asked. His questions, as usual, pointed and sharp.
Naina became silent. She didn’t know the reasons for sure. She frequently had Amit in her mind but never could gather enough courage to call him back. She was too shattered with her Singhania & Co. experience and didn’t want her “inauspicious shadow” to fall on Amit’s career. She felt dejected and was in no mood for any social contacts. She also wanted to share her feelings directly on a one-on-basis, if she could help that.
After gathering her thoughts for a while, she said:
“I thought you had moved on. Found someone else. So I didn’t want to bother you.”
“Oh really and what were you doing all that while, not partying?” Amit joked.
“Well I did meet a lot of men. But sadly my taste has been spoilt,” said Naina with a grin.
Amit was stumped for a moment. Both took a seat.
“So how did you again remember me?” asked Naina.
“I saw your icon. I thought you were not well. That concerned me,” said Amit.
“Silly boy! That was just a common cold. But good you called,” said Naina.
“But tell me, why did you not call back? I know what happened with you back in the firm,” asked Amit.
“You haven’t changed. You always ask a counter-question in response to my question. Anyways, it’s always the man’s job to call not the woman’s,” said Naina with a mysterious grin.
“Well, well, well look who’s speaking. You always messaged me during meetings. Remember? Where was the ‘man’s job’ then? Huh?” retorted Amit grinning back.
Naina burst into laughter. “Yes I’m a hypocrite.”
There was silence for a few moments. Then Amit spoke:
“Anyways how’s work?”
“Ummm... Nothing... as usual. I’m presently working with a company as their in-house legal counsel. And yes you know how much I still hate bosses,” she said with a laugh.
“Yah. Me too. I too have been working with someone else. I thought I had seen enough of crazy bosses in Singhania & Co but this one really takes the cake,” he said.
“Why what did he do?” asked Naina.
“He asked me to draft a will for him. There was a standard clause in the will relating to funeral expenses. He didn’t like that phrase. He thought we were already preparing for his funeral and asking him to pay in advance,” said Amit with a big grin.
Both laughed heartily.
“Yah. I know bosses are crazy. They will always be,” said Naina.
“What else is happening?” asked Amit.
“Ummm...Nothing much really. I have been taking Latin Dance and Spanish language lessons in my spare time. This summer I really want to visit Spain. I love Barcelona,” said Naina.
“Sounds great. I intend to visit Turkey and Greece next autumn,” Amit said.
“Yah. Greece is a nice place. Oh by the way I have decided to quit smoking,” said Naina.
“Really? And why is that?” he asked.
“Remember the day you asked why people smoke. That got me thinking. I realised I had picked up this habit because of peer pressure. It didn’t suit my personality. Now I want to be a healthier self. Will you help me?” said Naina.
“Of course. What are friends for?” Amit said.
There was a pause.
“Do you remember how we talked about our dreams? Being our own boss one day? Do you still dream about that?” he asked.
“Absolutely. That dream is non-negotiable for me. How about you?” asked Naina.
“Yah. Me too,” answered Amit.
“What would you like to do?” asked Naina.
“Errr....I want to make stories up,” said Amit with a mischievous grin on his face.
“I don’t get it,” said Naina.
“I want to be a novelist. Tell stories. In fact just now I lied to you. I am not working for anyone at the moment. And that paranoid boss I spoke about? He is non-existent. That’s what I am good at. Making stories up. Entertaining people,” said Amit.
“Wow, that’s awesome. I’m really happy for you. By the way even I lied to you. I too don’t work for anyone currently,” said Naina.
“Really? So do you still want to be a fashion designer?” asked Amit.
“Not only ‘wanna be’. But I have enrolled myself for a Diploma in fashion designing. Once I pass out, I will be in a position to run my own business. That’s something I really want to do,” said Naina.
“Wow, it seems like both of us are finally taking the right steps,” said Amit.
“Yah. Seems like,” said Naina.
Both paused for a few moments. He kept looking at her but didn’t know what to say next.
“Do you have someone in mind?” she asked breaking the silence.
He nodded.
“Really? You found someone. Who is it?” asked Naina, her voice sounding excited.
“Come. I’ll show you,” said Amit.
Both stood up. Amit held her hand and led to the bookshop next door. They looked at their own reflections in the dark show window displaying the latest bestsellers. Amit pointed at Naina’s reflection and looking straight in her eyes said,
“That’s the girl.”
Amit’s heart was beating intensely as he could feel the warmth and gentleness of her hands. Would she now pull herself away? But no. He could instead see a lot of affection for him in her eyes. It was the right moment.
He kissed her. She kissed him back grabbing the back of his neck with her arms.
“You are the one. Come. Let’s live our dreams,” he said.
“Yah. Me too,” she said.
