chapter 23

It's been four days since Fiza came from Shalini's house. After a long time, Fiza is enjoying her "Me time". She is going to the movies, shopping, and learning to cook various dishes. Fiza is redecorating her flat. Now instead of eco-friendly decor items, she has decorated her flat with items made from waste materials. Fiza made every item of the home decor herself. Fiza removed the portrait of a girl in pain, anger and fear that she had painted a few days ago. Instead, she painted some happy pictures.Now, Fiza's days start with morning ragas. She wakes up early in the morning and plays Indian classical music on her phone. She listens to music while jogging too. After returning from jogging, she cooks her breakfast while listening to music. Listening to songs has become her habit now. She listens to music until Aarav calls her. These days Aarav calls her at least twice - after reaching the office in the morning and before sleeping. Sometimes Aarav calls during lunchtime too. Aarav is always worried about Fiza as he has seen Fiza breaking down after what Sameer did to her. He has heard that Fiza was in depression for a long time. She is still under medication. Fiza has repeatedly requested not to tell anyone, so Aarav cannot even tell Shalini as she can tell Arif. On Aarav's request, Fiza had taken leave and came to stay with them, but Shalini's interrogation forced her to return to her flat. Aarav is trying to convince Fiza to ask her mother to come and stay with her for a few days, but Fiza is still adamant.Fiza's phone rings.Seeing "Abba calling .... " Fiza gets surprised. Fiza's mind trembles with sudden unknown fear. Is everyone okay at home? She thought.Fiza picks up the phone with trembling hands.'Hello.' Fiza's voice was trembling.'Happy birthday, beta.'Fiza gets astounded. She couldn't believe her ears that her Abba wished her on her birthday. She couldn't find words to reply; only tears rolled down her eyes.'Fiza beta, are you there?' Junaid asks again.'Yes, Abba.''Happy birthday, beta.''Thank you, Abba.'Before Fiza could ask about his well-being, Junaid handed over the phone to Shabana.'Hello, beta, Happy birthday. I wish you all the happiness in your life.' Shabana says.'Thank you, Maa.'Abba might not have called by himself. Maybe he had called unwillingly, but he could have asked how his princess was doing in an unknown city. Fiza says inwardly.'Beta, what is your plan?' Shabana says.'Haven't thought yet, Maa.' Fiza says absentmindedly.'You could have come to Kolkata. It's been a long time since I saw you. As you have taken leave, you could have come for seven days.''Maa, Can I talk to you later? I have some work.' Fiza tries to avoid Shabana.'Okay, beta. Enjoy your day.''Okay, Maa. Bye.'Fiza hangs up the call.Shabana regularly pleads with Fiza to return to Kolkata. Abba doesn't even ask about my well-being. How can I return to his house? Fiza says inwardly.Fiza's phone rings again. Seeing Arif's name on the screen, Fiza mutes the call. Then she thought that if she didn't pick up the call, Arif would call Shalini, and she would come and start interrogation again.Fiza picks up the call.'Where were you?' Arif asks.'I was doing some work. Why did you call?''What do you mean? I called to wish you.''So, wish.''Why are you annoyed today? It's your birthday, dear. So, be happy.'Fiza was about to say something when she heard Junaid scolding someone. She understands it must be Arif who has convinced him to wish her. Although Fiza understands Junaid himself hasn't called her, she is happy hearing Abba's voice after a long time.'Thank you.' Fiza says.'Wait. I haven't wished you yet.''Thanks for convincing Abba to wish me.'Arif understands that Fiza has heard Juniad scolding the driver. So, there is no point in giving any excuse.'Actually ...' Fiza interrupts Arif and says, 'Arif, come to the point.''You are always in a hurry whenever I call you. Happy birthday, dear.''Thank you.''What's your plan?''Nothing.''Would you like to celebrate your birthday with me?''Are you crazy? You are in Kolkata, and I am in Mumbai. How is it possible?''Nothing is impossible. The word itself says “I'm possible”.'Fiza giggles and says,' You and your dialogues - all boring.''But, I am serious.'Fiza gets a notification of a waiting call. Even though she knows it's time for Aarav to call, she checks to be sure.'Arif, I have to go to the market to buy vegetables. So, I have to hang up now.''Order something from the restaurant and enjoy your day.''No, I would cook.''Okay, today's celebration will be from my side. So, you don't have to bother.''Really? I don't want to starve.'The doorbell rings.'Someone is at your door.' Arif says.Who would have come now? Fiza thought.Fiza opens the door and finds a delivery boy with a bouquet of white lilies.'Happy birthday, Ma'am.' The delivery boy says.'Who sent it?''Arif sir.''Arif, did you send me anything?' Fiza asks.'Yes, a bouquet of white lilies. Don't you like it?'Fiza takes the delivery and closes the door.'They are beautiful. I am surprised that you still remember that I love white lilies. Thank you.' Fiza replies.I remember everything about you. Arif says inwardly.Fiza keeps the bouquet on the table.Again the doorbell rings.'What have you sent now?' Fiza asks Arif.'Open the door.'Fiza opens the door and finds a delivery boy from Zomato.'I haven't ordered anything.''Ma'am Arif Sir has ordered Bahubali Grilled Sandwich from Vasu's Sandwich Corner.' The delivery boys.'Arif, have you ordered breakfast?' 'Yes, I told you that today's celebration will be from my side.'Fiza takes the delivery and closes the door.'You are crazy.' Fiza says.'Without craziness, life becomes boring.'The doorbell rings again.'Now, what have you sent?''I haven't ordered lunch yet.''Then who has come now?''Open the door.'Fiza opens the door and gets surprised to see Aarav.'Aarav?''Who have you been talking to for so long?''Are you okay?''How can I be okay when you don't pick up my call?''Arif, I will call you later.' Fiza hangs up the call.What happened to Aarav? Arif thought.(Continued ..... )