chapter 7

Fiza gets up early in the morning. She is happy today because from now she can be with Aman. After breakfast, Fiza moves to her new flat with Shalini and Aarav. Since it is well furnished, they had nothing much to do. They put up curtains, bed covers and sofa covers and did some cleaning, and the house became livable.After arranging Fiza's new house, Shalini insists on going for a movie and lunch at a restaurant. But Fiza proposed to cook at her new home for them. Aarav happily accepts Fiza's proposal. So, Shalini has to agree to their wish even if she doesn't want to. After a long time, Aarav goes to the local market to buy vegetables and fish. These days he orders everything online. But the joy of going to the market and choosing good vegetables is different. When Aarav was in Kolkata, he used to go to the market whenever he got a chance. Aarav remembers those days.Shalini and Aarav help Fiza with cooking. Shalini could not imagine that Fiza cooks so well. She cooks dal, pumpkin fry, mixed vegetables, fish curry and tomato chutney with papad. Aarav and Shalini enjoy the food. Both praise her cooking.After lunch, Shalini and Aarav go for a movie. They ask Fiza to accompany them, but she refuses and stays home. Fiza feels a little tired. So she lays down and sleeps soon.The road is wet with drizzle. Water has accumulated here and there. But, the traffic is moving very fast. A man is trying to cross a busy road. He has a bouquet in hand. There is no zebra crossing. He looks left and right and crosses the first lane. As he proceeds to cross the second lane, a car hits him from the left and throws him away. Flowers from his bouquet spilled out into the road.Fiza wakes up. She is sweating profusely. After a long time, she saw this dream again. This dream has haunted her for a long time. Her throat has become dry. Fiza gulps water and lets out a long breath.Fiza's phone rings. 'Arif calling .......' displays on the screen. Fiza picks up the call, 'Hello!!''Hello dear, why are you sounding low?'Once Fiza thought of telling Arif about her dream. But then she changes her mind. It is my struggle, so I have to fight it all alone. She said inwardly.'No, I just woke up. That's why maybe you felt like that.''Wow, you have already had your first nap at your new home? How was the first nap?'Fiza remains silent.'Have you settled everything at your new home, or should I come for help?''Aarav and Shalini have helped me in settling everything.'Usually, Fiza does not like to talk to Arif, but today she feels good talking to Arif.To continue the discussion, she changes the topic,' How are you?''It's a surprise.''Surprise?''Yes, you have asked about my well-being, which you never did before.''You always inquire of me. So in courtesy, I thought to ask about your well-being.' Fiza giggles.'I am honored.''For what?''I made you giggle.'Fiza wanted to thank Arif for what he did for her but couldn't say a word. Yes, you can make me smile even amid sadness. You are always there whenever I need you, even if I don't tell you. I don't know how you understand my needs. Fiza says inwardly.When Fiza doesn't reply, Arif says,' Fiza, Are you sleeping?''No, I am listening.''No, you were thinking about me. Right?'Fiza wonders how Arif understands every time, 'No, why should I think about you?''Then why were you silent?''How can you speak so much?’Fiza is still sitting on the bed and talking to Arif. As the daylight fades, the room gets darker. Fiza turns on the light while talking to Arif and goes to the balcony. The setting sun is not visible from her balcony. Fiza suddenly remembers that her balcony is in the east, so she won't be able to see the sunset from there.'Fiza, why are you silent again?' Arif asks as Fiza is not responding.'No, I am watching how God is painting his canvas.''Yah, sunset is beautiful.''Yes, the color of the sky is changing every minute, and the clouds are increasing its beauty.''Can you see the setting sun from your balcony?''No, it's the east side. Moreover, there are many high-rise buildings around.''Okay, when I come, we will go to the beach and watch the sunset.'Fiza doesn't like Arif's attempt to get closer to her, but she can't behave rudely to him.'Why will you come?' Fiza asks.'Can't I come to meet my friend?''Yes, but as you know, I am joining a new office, and the city is also new for me, so I will be busy adjusting to the new environment.''Don't worry, dear, I am not coming soon.'As it has become dark outside, Fiza comes in and switches on the lights of the living room and goes to the kitchen to make her tea. It is the first time she is all alone. I wish Aman would have come. She thought.'Fiza, where are you lost?''Nowhere, just going to make tea for me.'Fiza heard a sound in her other bedroom. She opens the door, and happiness appears on her face.'Aman.' Fiza said in a low voice, but Arif heard it clearly.'Aman? Fiza, what did you say?'Fiza understands her mistake.'No, nothing. Arif, I will hang up now. I am feeling an intense craving for tea. I will call you later. Bye.' Fiza hangs up the phone hurriedly.Arif gets worried after disconnecting the phone. I heard it right; she said, "Aman". Arif said inwardly. Should I call Shalini and ask her to check Fiza? Arif thought. Later he changed his mind as Shalini's flat is far away from Fiza's apartment, and it would be unwise to disturb them on the weekend.Arif feels restless as he can't discuss this with anyone, not even Fiza's parents, as they will get worried.Many thoughts are rushing to his mind.Should I visit Mumbai immediately? Arif thought.No, if I visit, things may get worse. I have to be patient till Fiza chooses me. Arif's inner mind says.Arif's restlessness continues.After some time, I will make a video call. Arif says inwardly.(Continued ....)