chapter 4

Fiza wakes up early in the morning because of her regular habit. As she opens the window, a cool breeze touches her softly as if welcoming her to the new city. She had forgotten that morning in Mumbai is later than Kolkata. Fiza doesn't want to hit the bed again. So, she goes to the balcony next to the living room to welcome her first morning in Mumbai.'Good morning. Why did you get up so early in the morning?' Aarav asks.'It's my habit. I forgot that Mumbai wakes up later than Kolkata.''Yes, morning is late here, but Mumbai doesn't sleep at night.''Oh yes, I forgot. Is Shalini awake?''No, she is a late riser.''Why did you wake up?''It's my jogging time.'Fiza remembers once Aman had said that if you want to know a city, watch it when it is awaking. She never got a chance to see Kolkata when it was awaking. Although Mumbai never sleeps, she thought to see it in the early hours.'May I come with you?' Fiza asks Aarav.Aarav gets surprised. 'Yes, why not?' Aarav happily welcomes the proposal.'Shalini?''Don't worry, she will understand.''Give me 2 minutes to change my night dress.''Till then, I will make coffee for us.''Okay.'Aarav always wanted Shalini to go jogging with him. But, Shalini loved sleeping over anything else. Aarav and Shalini think differently. Aarav believes in quality time, but Shalini wants quantity. If Aarav gets time, he helps Shalini with her household work. To Aarav, it is the quality time he enjoys with his wife. But, Shalini likes luxury dinners on weekends and at least one luxurious foreign trip per year to post photos on social media. People eat when the food is in front, but Shalini takes at least 10 minutes to start eating, as it is more vital for her to post pictures with food on social media than to eat. Sometimes the food gets cold, but she doesn't care. Earlier Aarav used to get angry, but now he laughs.It's the first time Aarav feels that there is someone like him.'I'm ready. We can go.' Fiza brings out Aarav from his thoughts.Aarav gives her the coffee. 'Is it okay?''It's not okay; it's damn good.'Aarav smiles.It's the first time Fiza saw the dawn. Early mornings are always refreshing. The cool breeze and the chirping of birds make one happy. Very few people and street dogs are on the roads, no traffic noise. Only municipality people are cleaning the road. Shalini's flat is in Goregaon East, a prime residential locality. It is one of the posh localities in the city. It is a well-planned locality with well-developed roads that are potholes-free. 'Do you jog regularly?' Aarav asks Fiza.'No. I do yoga.''No?' Aarav is surprised. 'Then, why did you come?''I want to start my life afresh.''That's good, but I run 10km a day. It would be too much on the first day. (Pause) Okay, we can go to a nearby park. You can take a rest or do your exercise, and I will complete my run.' Aarav is happy to see Fiza's enthusiasm. They go to a park 2 km away from Aarav's house. The park is beautiful, having a separate joggers lane. There are some joggers and morning walkers in the park. The park has an adequate seating arrangement. Fiza sits on a bench to rest, and Aarav goes to complete his 10 km run.'Hello, Good morning.' An old lady comes and sits near Fiza.Fiza smiles and says,' Good morning.''Seeing you in the park for the first time. New in the locality?''Yes.''Where have you come from?''Kolkata.''Are you Mr Sinha's relative?''Yes. How do you know them?' Fiza asks.'Previously, they used to stay in our locality in a rented flat. They bought the new flat just two years before. It's been five years, and they still haven't had a baby.'No matter which modern city people live in, their thoughts never change. They always look for gossip. Fiza thought.Fiza felt annoyed.  Lady was about to ask something else, but Fiza interrupted the lady and said, ' Aarav is calling me. I need to go. Nice to meet you. ', and left that place.As Fiza stroll around the park, joggers and morning walkers passing by smile at her as if saying it's not the time to stroll. The park has a beautiful landscape. It has a children's section also. Fiza finds another empty seat and sits there.After a while, Aarav comes and sits beside her.'How is the park?''Park is beautiful, but people are all the same.'Fiza tells Aarav about the old lady.Aarav smiles and says, ' When people discuss you, it means you have become a celebrity.'Fiza sees the old lady coming toward them.'Aarav, she is coming. Let's go.''Which lady?'Fiza shows him the lady.'Oh, she was our neighbor's relative. Come let me introduce you to her.''No, no, I didn't like her. Let's go. Shalini must be waiting.''Okay. But I would advise you not to run away from people.'Back home, they find Shalini has already made breakfast.'Good morning.' Fiza greets Shalini.'Good morning, dear.' Shalini hugs Fiza.'You woke up so early?' Aarav asks Shalini.'Fiza had left her mobile at home, and I woke up at Arif's call. (To Fiza) I didn't know you are fond of jogging.''Not exactly. I Just went to see the morning city.''Aarav always wanted me to accompany him, but I enjoy morning sleep most. At last, Aarav got a jogging partner. That's why I'm saying you stay here with us.'After hearing Arif's name, Fiza becomes unmindful. Has Arif said anything to Shalini? Arif's thought made her so worried that she didn't listen to what else Shalini had said. Should I ask Shalini about the conversation with Arif? Fiza thought.'Hey, where are you lost? After breakfast, call Arif.' Shalini interrupts Fiza's thoughts.'What did Arif say?' Fiza couldn't hide her thoughts.'Nothing as such just asked you to call back.''But the call log says you have talked for 29 minutes 36 seconds.'Shalini knows that Aarav won't mind that she has talked to Arif, whom she has never met, but she realizes that Fiza didn't like it. But she can't tell her what they talked about.(Continued ............... )