chapter 15

Fiza is very much excited about her trip to goa. It is the first time she will be traveling without her family. Sameer has planned the trip and made all the arrangements. Sameer, Fiza, two from Sameer's team and eight from Fiza's team are going on the trip.'Since you want me to go with them, I am going, but you too have to be with me. I have decided to tell Sameer that I would not share the room with others. I need a separate room for me. Then we can have private time too.' Fiza says to Aman as she sits on the balcony leaning on him and gazing at the stars.'Darling, while you travel you should spend more time outside the hotel room, enjoy the surroundings and meet new people. If you think you will spend time with me even on a trip, then you don't need to go? We are fine here.' Aman says annoyingly.'That means you won't come with me?''Do I have any choice?'Fiza smiles and moves closer to Aman.Suddenly it starts drizzling.'Why does it rain untimely?' Fiza gets off the balcony.'But previously, you loved the rain.''No, I don't like rain anymore.'Fiza closes the balcony door and goes inside. Her phone rings. "Sameer calling ...... " displays the screen.'Hello!' Fiza picks up the call.'Have you completed your packing?''Yes, almost done.''Good. Our flight is at 5 am. We have to reach the airport by 4 am. So, will you go by yourself, or can I pick you up?'Fiza asks Aman what to do. Aman suggests Fiza to ask Sameer to pick her up.'It will be nice if you can pick me up.''Okay, I will reach your place around 2:30 am. I will call you after I reach your place.''Okay.''If you take any medicines, don't forget to take those, and also carry your prescription.' 'Okay.'After hanging up the call, Fiza says annoyingly,' Why do people always ask me to take my medicines? Am I sick?' 'It's not only for you. Everyone should carry medicine while traveling.''Am I doing right by going on a trip alone?'Aman laughs and says, 'You are going with your colleagues. So, you are not going alone. Now, complete your packing, and have dinner and sleep, if you don't want to get late.'Sameer reaches Fiza's place at 2:30 am.'I am worried, Aman. Will I be able to do it?''You can't back off now. You have come to Mumbai to be self-reliant. So, you have to learn to leave without me too.''Aman!!' Fiza cries in shock when Aman pushes her out.'It's not good to keep anyone waiting. Go Fiza, go.''So, you won't come. You have lied to me.''It's not time to quarrel. I will be around you, but you need to get used to being with others.'Fiza leaves with teary eyes. Aman smiles.The city looks different at night. Street lights have illuminated the entire city. The traffic on the roads has decreased. Still, the traffic lights are operating according to their own rules. As it is late at night, trucks are moving on the road. A few cars are showing up, crossing them at high speed. In the high-rise buildings, some flats have lights on. Maybe, someone is reading or watching a movie. Fiza remembers how she used to watch web series till late at night, hiding from her father.A smile flashes on Fiza's face.'What are you thinking?' Sameer asks.'Nothing. The city is so beautiful.''Haven't you ever seen the night city before?''I reached this city at night.' Fiza has known Sameer for some time but never told him anything about herself. No one else in the office also knows about her. She is very cautious about opening up her personal life to her colleagues. Fiza knows what Sameer might ask her now, so she closes her eyes to avoid his questions.Why do you hide your personal life? Your silence makes you mysterious, and I love to solve the mystery. Sameer says inwardly and smiles.Everyone reaches the airport on time. An unknown fear suddenly grips Fiza. Am I doing the right thing? How much do I Know these people? She remembers Shalini's words. Fiza feels like talking to someone. But it being 4 am, she changed her mind.Fiza sits at a distance from everyone to deal with her restlessness. She checks Aman's social media profile. Aman is the only refuge to relieve her stress. Alas! Aman could also be here. Fiza thought.'Hey, what are you doing on your mobile?' Sameer sits beside Fiza.As soon as Sameer comes, Fiza closes what she was watching on her mobile. But Sameer noticed that Fiza was looking at someone's picture.'Fiza, to enjoy the trip to the fullest, none of us will use our mobiles for these two days. Inform your family, friends and boyfriend.'Sameer expected some reaction from Fiza, but she just said, 'Okay.''I'm going to get my coffee. Would you like to have one?' Fiza asks.Sameer understands Fiza wants to have coffee to avoid him. But he wants her to return to him. So, he said, 'Okay.'Every time Sameer sees Fiza, he finds a different Fiza, as if she is hiding a lot within her. Sameer always tries various excuses to befriend her. If Sameer takes a step towards Fiza, Fiza takes four steps back. The more she runs away from Sameer, his urge to get closer to her increases.Fiza returns with coffee, but she doesn't want to sit with Sameer to avoid his questions. She prays to God to help her. Before Sameer can start the conversation, Vinay brings the boarding passes. Fiza feels relaxed.Fiza knows that her team members have planned the trip, and Sameer and his associates joined it. But the fact was that Sameer instigated Fiza's team members to plan the trip. After a lengthy discussion, Fiza's team members decide to go on the tour with Sameer to find his motive. That's why wherever Fiza goes, her team members keep an eye on her from afar.Fiza is unaware of all these things.When Vinay distributes the boarding pass, Fiza gets the window seat, and Sameer gets the seat next to her. To avoid Sameer's chatter, Fiza says,' I will sleep on the journey. So, if anyone wants, can take my window seat.'(Continued ..... )