It’s been 6 years since that the heartbreaking incident is still sharp in Fatima’s memory and life. While writing, she often dreads back to the past. Aadil crosses her mind quite often. The incident still gives her a shiver down the spine. His disloyalty still looms large inside her. She still visions everything in flashes… It was the night of waiting of their first anniversary… the papers of separation…
Aadil’s voice is perfectly audible to her ears, “…It’s Sudha”.
It was just a matter of few minutes that night, her “Rome of dreams” came crashing down right in front of her.
She still can’t believe, she got herself disowned by her own family to be together with him. Those days maybe he couldn’t talk much of his work, but Fatima never got bored or tired of taking the onus of “building a Rome of love” for the two of them. How could she forget all the “rainbow” colours of her days of romance with him. She’d never be able to forget the charm of the man she fell for the first-time-ever. She sensed the cuteness in those eyes ogling at her, and she still hopes nobody noticed the way she blushed inside. His not-so-happy-but-gentle smile brought a pet-pampering-smile on her face too, and made her heart skip a beat. Such memories may be engraved in her mind, but her eyes turned watery thinking how bit-by-bit her planned “Rome of love” in the “City of joy” crashed by a spank.
After all, the Rome of her dreams had every pillar, every colour on the walls, curtains… wearing their love story. She wanted to make sure they speak their own language of love from every nook and corner of the household. These were some of the minutest of dreams and little joys of Fatima’s life. She had a few things more in her mind, which got discussed in the hush of his arms.
Unable to draw parallels to the two different worlds in Aadil, her attachment and detachment with him left her shattered, crestfallen and there was a scar deep inside.
6 years down the line, not everything seems to be gray after all. Fatima is a 45 year-old famous writer now. In the last 6 years, she has freelanced endlessly. She has also worked as a journalist in two well-known publications. She’s scribbled several short stories and long, whenever she had spare time in between her work.
But she got a huge surprise last year. Last year, one fine winter noon, she received a call from the “Scholars”. She stood up much to her surprise, as she heard she was selected for the “Bookers”. Her novel “Castle in the air” is the world’s avid readers’ new demand now.
Over the phone, it was Scholars telling her, “Ma’am, could you please check your mail. We have sent you an invitation for the “Bookers” at our store in Delhi. We expect your gracious presence for the event on 28th December, 2025. And you don’t have to worry about the rest like your food and stay. We will take care of it”.
Fatima was dumbfounded. She couldn’t believe her ears. For some time she was mum.
After a long silence, Scholars said again, “…. Hello, Ma’am?”, she then replied (hiding her expression of joy) with a “Yes. Thank you very much. It will be my pleasure and honour to be present at your store, in Delhi for the Booker’s.”
Before disconnecting the call, Scholars added, “Ma’am, we’ll make arrangements so that you can reach a day before 28th. After all, 28th will be a big day for you! You will have to be prepared for the authors’ and press meets as well as the paparazzi”.
Quite humorously, they added, “Don’t forget to carry your woollens in your excitement, Ma’am. Delhi is biting cold by the end of December and the beginning of January”. To which, she smiled a little, said “Sure. Won’t forget my woollens in excitement”. The call got disconnected.
But, she was still in a daze, “I’m about to get the Bookers!!! Ohhhh! Wowwww!”. She wanted to share the biggest and the best news of her life with her parents first. Then she wanted to give a call to Aadil with the news. But, to her misfortune, she had to leave that thought aside.
Finally a silver lining after 6 years. The news brought out the child in the 45-year-old Fatima. She started jumping. She felt like she’s on the 9th cloud. She was singing at the top of her voice too, “Tralalalaaaa…”
28th December, 2025, the D-Day! At the Scholars Delhi Store
She wore a sheepish smile on her face as she tip-toed in from the entrance. She didn’t know what to do, so she chose to remain mum and whispered inside, “Gosh! I’m nervous! And rrrr… Delhi’s so damn cold! Where do I keep my hands? Urgh! Let them go inside my pockets. Where’s my writing pad? Did I forget my wallet? No! I didn’t”
She mumbled inside, “What will I say to the interviewers? What if I can’t utter a single word?” She pinched herself, “ Ouch!! No! I’m not dreaming”.
She continued mumbling, “Ummm… A bit nervous. I know I can do it! Yeah.” She was completely muddled up. She had a cup or two of coffee and started to calm down slowly. She so wished to put her collars up in pride, but she sat down quietly. She was observing the whole store and said, “Wow! Scholars is big here…Huh??!!”
As she was lost in her thoughts, Scholars interrupted and broke her flow of thought by offering her a welcome drink. They asked her to take her seat and feel comfortable. They said, “The session is about to start, Ma’am. Other authors will also be there. Up on the stage. Prepare yourself too? Mmm?” She nodded to this.
She saved a bit from her freelancing and journalistic days, and bought herself a light-colored-but-expensive-looking-trousers, and bright-coloured hip-length-shirt. She also had a heavy-material-knee-length-trench to cover herself from top-to-bottom during the winters. A new pair of covered heels was there too to match the whole look . This was a brand new set she got for herself and all she waited was for the right time. Fatima’s best friend, Raahi from her college days was about to get married, at Nainital. She so wanted to attend the wedding in this outfit, who could have known the “Bookers!!!!” was there for her surprise.
She had the look of “the intellectuals” in her with her salt-n-peppery-messy-bushy-curls. But, she never thought her newly bought attire would give her an oh-so-gorgeous look to the event. It complemented her personality.
The show started. The writers’ gathering was not quite large. Not even very old school. Hay, and Ghosh were amongst the aged lot; Gomes was a mid-aged and a fairly new writer. The interviews were going on. The authors walked up and down the stage one after the other. Gomes had very interesting and fun things to say about his short story collection – “Panick-attachment”. While talking about the book, he clearly mentioned that he was a “unromantic-fool” when it came to story-telling. But he never missed out on the fun, satirical and humorous angle while writing.
The interviewer to Gomes, “ Is “Panick-attachment” a love story?” The smart-witted Gomes questioned back, “Is it so?”
The interviewer smiled at him.
“If so, then fine!” He said this and smiled. He continued, “Panicky people must get attracted to each other.”. The interviewer, the whole audience and even Fatima burst out laughing. Gomes could hear Fatima’s voice clearly. It topped the others. He turned around and found her enjoying his conversation. But then, he decided to focus on his own interview.
Scholars went to Fatima’s table as she will follow after Gomes. She was instructed to climb up the stage from the right. Fatima immediately stood up and gradually started walking towards the stage. Gomes and Fatima bumped into each other at the staircase only. While Gomes was climbing down, Fatima was walking in. That was the first time, their eyes fell upon each other. Both even exchanged happy smiles.
Gomes was a different kind of personality. Maybe because he was a new author. He stopped to ask her, “Nervous…?”
She nodded and replied like a child, “May be.”
“Don’t “Panick”!”, he retorted. That word made her smile. “Best of luck!”, Gomes wished her and gave her quick wink. Then he walked down the stairs. Fatima turned a little to look at him. She was smiling inside and frowning outside. But was oozing with confidence by now. She took her seat. Her interview started,“We are extremely proud to give you the Booker’s”. She gave a polite nod and received the award, and smoothly answered every question about “Castle in the air”.
Along with the interviewer, there were many amongst the audience who wanted to know about the choice of the title. To which she smiled and replied, “Nobody knows where life takes them to. Today, you may have a castle of your dreams, tomorrow you may find the same Castle falling down, crashed and turned into broken pieces”.
“Interesting! Is the story inspired from your life?”, to which Fatima said, “May be. May be not. That’s for my readers to find out”.
This Bookers was an interactive session. Gomes also got a chance ask her a question. He started, “Fatima Ma’am…! Isn’t loneliness and melancholy playing a big role in the chapter “Crestfallen”?” Fatima was quiet for a moment. she couldn’t believe, Gomes has read the novel already. Gomes interrupted her, “Ma’am…?”
Fatima, “Yes. It is.” She a shied a little and said, “Life is a huge challenge. Isn’t it? And that’s the story all about”.
Someone else from the audience wanted to know, “Ma’am, what are you writing next? Do you have anything in mind right now?”
Fatima paused for a while, gave it a thought and said, “No! Will let you know once I start scribbling the thoughts…”
Gomes noticed Fatima carefully. Her attire, the way she was sitting, the silence in her eyes, the way she answered all the questions… He raised his eyes brows and thought, “ Myyyy Goddd!!! Just look at her… Air! Grace! Class… flowing from every corner! Phewww! I don’t know… She making me go crazy.” His fingers went across his hair, shaking them to a mess. He wanted to sit beside her, talk to her and didn’t want to stop gazing at her. She intrigued him.
Gomes’ thought broke with the sound of a huge round of applause from the audience. The interview was done. Now he was excited. He mumbled, “There she is. My-lady-of-interest…I will go sit next to her”
Scholars called everyone for some refreshment. Gomes didn’t wast time. He took his plate from the table, and went and sat next to her.
“Hi!
“Hello”
“My name’s Angus Gomes - a fun writer from South India”.
“Fatima Akhtar. I’m from Kolkata. Mostly serious.” He smiled at this.
“Ummm… tell me something…?
“I knew that was coming”, said Angus
“What?”
“No. Say”
“Do you always talk in this way?”
“Haha! Most of the time… Except while I am at work. Why?”
“Nooo… Nothing… Just being curious”, Fatima said this and grabbed a cup of coffee from the tray. She wore a serous look before adding “ I am sorry…”.
“For what?”
“For my curiosity, may be”
“Did it kill you?”
“What?”
“ Didn’t you heard the phrase, “Curiosity kills a Cat”?”
Fatima looked down at this. Didn’t know what to say.
Oh! C’mmooon! What’s there to be sorry about…Don’t go by my face. You will know when I get serious, with you”.
“What?”, she was stunned
“Ahemm…!” He responded ignoring her stun and then said, “Till then, you can ask me anything you like.”
Fatima was awestruck.
He continued, “By the way. Do you like the food here?
“Food’s good. Why?”
“No… I mean… I’m not fond of cheese that much.”
“But I am...”
Gomes retorted, “Nope. No cheese cake or cheese sandwich for me”
“Hm”
Gomes smirked and said, “By the way…When are you leaving?”
“Day after tomorrow”.
“Great! Both of us have tomorrow, then?”
Fatima frowned at this… He didn’t wait for another question. Rather said “I will pick you up tomorrow for lunch. Will go out with me? I will take around the city”
“But, Sirrr…!”
“Whattt…? Whose Sir? I don’t know any “Sirs” around here. Either call me Angus or Gomes.”
“Fine, Gomes.”
“Good…”
“But, will you please Listen …?”
“Do you know that I can read faces? And there’s a huge “YES” written on yours right now”.
She was blushing. Angus didn’t wait, he continued saying, “Here’s my phone number. Text me with your location. Or would you care to call?”
Fatima’s mouth was left open. She was about to fumble, “No… But…. I mean…”
Before she could even say anything else, he cut her in between and ordered, “Don’t you dare cancel the date”. With a quick peck on her right cheek, he looked at the watch and said, “Gotta go, love. Finish your food, fast. You hardly have anything to do here, after having food. Madam, don’t forget to text me. Shall wait”.
Fatima didn’t have words. She was only smiling, feeling shy and quietly watching the carefree and cheerful Angus slowly walk out of the store. Scholars came in between her thoughts, “We have the car ready for you to take you back to the hotel. Let us know once you finish your food”.
She went back to the hotel, but couldn’t stop thinking about Angus. After a very long time, she was feeling like a teenager at heart. She was procrastinating, “Shall I text him now or later”.
She took the phone in her hands before she went to take a shower and kept it aside. She ordered a cup of tea after taking a bath and wanted to text him. But “no”. Finally, after dinner, “Hi!” Witty Angus gave her a call in reply, “Ma’am or Fatima...?” She blurted out laughing and said, “Fatima.”
Angus, “Be ready tomorrow. Darlo!”
“What?”
“Yes. Darlo! Tomorrow 9.30 am. Sharp?”.
Before disconnecting he asked, “Listen…??? I saw you in western. Have anything Indian to wear – like a Salwar Kameez or Saree?”
“Yes. I do”, said she
“Wear it and come.”
“By the wayyyy…”
“Say…?”
“ummm…”
“Go on…All ears to you”
“Where are we going?”
“To Delhi… Ms Calcuttan!”
He disconnected and called her back again, “Dinner?”
She was surprisingly quiet… “Ma’am…! You’re there…?”, she replied with a shy and blush, “Yes, Done”.
Angus was smiling inside too and surprised her further with a serious tone, “Don’t blush. Not allowed to blush so much in my company”.
What “allowed to”?”
“Ok. Ok. Okkk… Time’s up! Oh! The Fighter Cock!”, said Angus.
Angus and Fatima wished each other “Good night” and disconnected the call.
After the call got disconnected she thought frowning, “Isn’t he weird? He kept on rushing Hope he’s safe? Shall I call up Raahi for her advice? Goddd! Nooo…! She’s the bride-to-be” Then she kept her thoughts aside, “But he’s fun. No?”.
She was in bed. Not sleeping really. She rolled from one side to another. She thought in silence, “What will I wear tomorrow?” She woke up with a thud. She opened her rook sack to find her mother’s gorgeous “Chikankaari Saree”. It was an off white one. She will wear it tomorrow, with red blazer and stole.
29th Dec, 2025… Delhi’s morning (biting) chill and a fun company to die for.
She heard her phone ringing at 8 in the morning. It was Angus, “Morning, Mademoiselle! Set to go?”.
“Almost there”.
“Good. Get down at another buzz”
It was 9.30 a.m, Fatima went downstairs at another buzz from Angus gave
She was draped in the off white chikankaari saree, red-mirrored woollen blazer, a black stole hanging around her neck and pair of heels Her eyes were koahled, but slightly smudged. She wore danglers to her ears. Her lips were slightly glossy nude. She slowly came in front of her, as his gaze kept following her.
“Good Morning”. Angus’ gaze broke.
He started fumbling as she was in front of him, “Yeah…!... Hi…!...Morning!”
He held the door for her and stood there in awe watching her. He whispered in silence “Beautiful! ” Fatima clicked her fingers.
Angus fumbled again, “… Yes!... I mean… No…!... I mean” Fatima kept looking at him. This time a stern one. She raised her voice a little, “ Angus! Are we going anywhere or not?”
He gave a polite nod and said, “Yes. Yes. Yes…. We are”.
“Dude! Then get in”
Angus immediately closed the door shut on her side and got in from the other side of the car. He asked Manhori Kaka to take them to the Red Fort first. He continued to tell him, “Take to her our place for lunch”.
He then turned to Fatima and said, “Sarojini Nagar Market, in the evening? Right Fatso?”. “What? Fatso?!!”
“Yeah! Fatso…Don’t like the name?
She had her mouth open
“ What? Say”
“What’s Fatso?”
“Your Nickname. I will call you Fatso from today. Ok?” Said he and turned his face away, with a naughty smile.
He knocked her again, “You were saying?”
She frowned and kept looking at him. She forgot what to ask by this time.
“Fatso! You were saying?”
“Ummm…!
“Say.. Or else curiosity will kill you”
“ Ok. Now…Aren’t you from South India…”
“Have a doubt?”
“No. I mean…”
“I’m a Malayali Christian from Kerala”.
“Then Delhi…?”
“I started working in ad agency here, 10 years back. Initial days I stayed alone in a rented apartment. Then I purchased my own place. My family is with me”.
“Your family…?” reacted Fatima. He saw the look at her face, and said, “ I don’t have a wife, needn’t worry!” He said this and turned his face away, and started laughing on his own. Fatima was embarrassed, “When did I say that?”
“No…But I wanted to clarify”, he added and smirked
He knew that Fatima would look at with a stun, but he continued with a deep laughter inside, “I live with my parents. I have a younger brother. My brother is studying Architecture in the Delhi University. I will take you to them today. Please be polite.!”
“What? I’m impolite, Huh?”
“Not at aaall! Just a small reminder. First meet, Darl! First impression is the last one… Remember”.
She was annoyed, and irritated to the core. Gave him a sharp look.
“Ok. Knock me at 2”
“For what?” Her voice was still quite stern
“When it’s hunger calling…”
Fatima was angry, “I don’t want to talk to you”
“Good”
“I just don’t understand…”
“Don’t try to”
He noticed, she was angry, so, he continued, “Fatso! Do you like walking?”
“Not much”, said she
“Much better”, he said
“Why?”
“We might have to walk a little”
She kept looking at him, didn’t have words to speak. He added turning away, “We’ll walk hand-in-hand by the Red Fort, enter India Gate… go to the Humayun’s Tomb …”.
Fatima looked back at him completely surprised, while he said, “Don’t look at me like that”,
“You’ll feel hungry by that time?I’m sure... And then, beautiful newbie in Delhi like you needs to be safe”.
She laughed “Can you please tell me what’s all this happening?”
“Don’t know?” “A lot?” And Darl! It’s not just happening, burning hell inside!”
Fatima was intrigued by now. To find out what’ going on, she applied the “2o’clock trick.
Without giving it another thought, Angus ordered Manhori Kaka, “Kaka, Take a U-turn now! Our Madam is hungry. We’ll go back to our apartment at Greater Kailash”
As he rang the bell, his mother opened the door to Angus and Fatima and the speedy Angus said, “ Mom… Fatso… Remember, I told you about her?”
His mother almost scolded him saying , “Angus! Please give the girl some time”
“Oh! Yes!”, he told his mother
“Feel at home, Fatso. I’ll ask Dad to come over”.
He continued talking to his mother as he was going towards his father’s room. He said to his mother, “Maa… welcome her properly. She’ll have lunch with us”. His mother literally stumped at him at this with her eyes and said, “I know what to do. Go call your dad. I will ask Kaveri to set the table and serve the food”
In the meantime Fatima and Angus’ mother were busy talking to each other. His mother said “I’ve heard a lot about you since last night. You, your newly awarded Novel! Did you know he planned this meet and lunch yesterday only? Don’t mind his behaviour. He’s always rushing”.
By now Angus was there with his father. He went around Fatima, and wanted to know, “How’s she?” His dad nodded with a smile. Angus knew his dad’s smile. It was a thumbs up.
They sat together, had lunch, had ice cream for dessert… Fatima was mostly quite at that time. She wore a descent smile on her face. She was slowly falling for Angus, but there was an obvious “if” inside her. She kept looking at Angus repeatedly at the table. Angus, broke her thought by saying, “My brother’s out for an Architectural trip with his university friends”
After a pause…
“Fatso…!!!” she Immediately gave him an angry stare.
He ignored her look, “Fatso! No-no! Look here! This way”
Fatima was furious. But she controlled herself, as he said, “ Meet kaveri Amma.. She’s an aged cook of our household. She is from our hometown, Kerala. Didn’t you find nativity in the taste of our food? She prepares it… How’s the food?”
“Good”
“Great! Kaveri Amma! She likes the food. Give her two full large spoons of rice and some more saambar ”
“No Don’t !”, her voice was at the top. “I’m full…I done’”, But Angus wouldn’t stop.
“Fatso…???!!!” she frowned as she heard that name again. She couldn’t understand what’s this going on in front of his parents. Not paying heed to her expression, he went on, “ Do you like the food?”
“Yes… already said that ”
“Do you like our place?”
“Hmm...hmm…! Has an ancient Indian touch.”
“That’s right. The collection in his house is mostly from Kerala and other places from South India. My mother used to be a dancer and father was in the army” Fatima kept looking at him, as he continued “Do you like my parents?” She nodded with a shy smile,
“And, what about me?” asked Angus.
“What about you?” asked Fatima
“Ohhh! My efforts went in vain? I’ll drop you back”, He looked at his father and said, “Give me the keys of your Fiet. I will drive …”
“Ok I’m sorry…!!!”, Fatima stopped him immediately
Angus’ father didn’t react. He knew the stubborn and naughty Angus since childhood. He knew what was going on, and laughed with his head held down a little. “Okk… So… Our Madam is interested...but won’t say”
“Stop it, Angus! Don’t make my “pretty” girl” angry”. His father continued patting his shoulders, “Good choice”. Angus was feeling happy inside.
He then turned back at Fatima and his parents and asked their permission, “Can we just go inside my room for a chit-chat?”
Angus’ room after sometime.
Both of them were inside his room. The whole room had several memories from his childhood – certificates, prizes, books, a huge book shelf along with an attached table.
They sat on the bed facing each other. He started by gifting her with his own published copy of “Panick-attachment”. She thanked as she felt respected, and elated. Angus was surprised, “Thanks for what?”,
“For accepting me”. After this, both were quietly looking at each other.
He then started, “Ahemmm! Wanted to say something at lunch?”
Fatima hesitated.
“You can tell me. Don’t worry. Nobody will disturb us here”.
She was still hesitant, but said, “You’ve already read my book”, “Yes… I did” he said.
“Go on…” He added
After a pause, he added, “I know it’s your life, Fatso”.
She stopped him to say, “ Angus, my life was devastating”. She told him everything about her past, almost in tears. Angus took her in his arms in response and said, “ I have nothing to do with your past. But, we have a lot to do now and in future.” She was crying by this time. He said, “I know it’s tough…” His eyes were also watery, but quietly held her by her shoulder and said “Ok. Now. Stop”. He gave her his hand towel to wipe out the tears and asked, “ Don’t you like shopping?”
“What…?”, Angus was always a bolt out of blue for Fatima
“Oh! Let’s cancel Sarojini Nagar Market then.”
Fatima kept looking at him…
“I thought you’re fond of junk jewelleries, traditional Indian wear…let’s cancel it, huh?”
“No No No!”
“No? Look. I have some more towels, wipes…there are the buckets inside the washroom too for cry-cry-baby.”
She was smiling. She shook her head, but was quiet by now.
“Relax. We are going to Sarojini Nagar Market in the evening. Do some shopping, girl. You’re in Delhi”
At Sarojini Nagar market.
She was going from one shop to another, making her choice, and he was her perfect company.
They kept on talking while shopping together.
“Do you want to stay here, after we get married?”, he asked.
“Can I help it?”
“How true. Tell me more”
“Like… What?”
“Want say, “Qubool Hai” or you want to walk down the aisle?”
“May be both. Or may be ,Masters wish will be law!”.
“Do you want to stay back for a day or two more?”
“May be next time”
“Next time? Delhi will be permanent address” was his confident response. He looked at her face and continued, “Goshhh!!! Look at you blush!”
He further asked, “What time is your flight tomorrow?”
“Early morning”
“Do something”
“No”
Taking his arms around her, he said, “Fatsoo…Listen to meee..! Check out a little early tonight…”
“No. Why?”
“ I will tell you, what to do. Just trust me”.
“No. I won’t”
“Love you, Fatso! Please!”, He caught her gently by her shoulders.
“But I didn’t book the hotel, it’s Scholars”.
“Good”
“What good…? Listen… I know you’re naughty”
He now held her face in his arms, winked at her and said, “ Listen! Simply call them up and tell them there’s an emergency, you want to leave tonight”.
She was constantly staring at him with a lot of questions on her face.
He barged in her gaze again and said, “I will take care of the rest…Don’t worry. Give them a call and have faith in me! Please”
There was a small pause.
“Don’t miss Delhi’s night?
“Very Smart!”
“I already have dinner planned for you, Fatso. I promise, I won’t let you miss the flight. I will drop you at the airport in the morning...Please.” She was awestruck as he kept pleading, “Fatsoooo…! Please! Just stay a little longer. Just one night. Please! Please! Please! Fatsoo…!” He was literally jumping around her, in an expression of request with one eye open.
“Wait!” She just couldn’t say “No” to the oh-so-sweet-innocent-request. She finally gave a call to the Scholars and said she wanted to check out early due to her personal emergency. They went back to her hotel together. He gave her time to freshen up. He changed herself into a simple jeans, t-shirt and woolen jacket. She had sneakers on. They picked up her baggage and kept them inside the dickey.
As he got inside his car, he was terribly excited, “ Yessss! Hit it, Kaka”. He ordered the driver, “Manhori kaka, take us to your favourite dhaba in Delhi. Should be a bit far, till Madam feels hungry”. Both Manhori Kaka and Fatima burst out laughing in response. Fatima thought in silence, turning her head away, and laughing inside, “Witty! humorous. Why didn’t I meet him earlier”
“Heard that. Said it loud” response.
“What?”
“Listen. Whenever you praise me , make it a point to praise me loud.”, said Angus with a smile, noticing her blush clearly enough.
They parked the car near Humayun’s tomb and had dinner together at the nearby dhaba there. They talked overnight. There were books, movies, jokes and other things in their conversation.
“Fatsooo...???!!!” said he taking his arms around her shoulders.
“Say?”, and she shifted away a little, “Noooo….! Not in front of Kaka”.
He told Manhori kaka not to look at them. Fatima turned red. “Fatsooo… Don’t worry, Kaka won’t look here!”, he then added “Come here…!Closer…More Close…!” He held her shoulders now, “A bit more!!! Hug me. A few breaths apart! Kiss me …!”
“Noooo…!” She pushed him away.
But, Angus was Angus after all! Extremely stubborn. He gave her a sweet pull towards him and dropped a kiss on her lips. They slowly fell asleep in each other’s arms. He woke up early, to the rising sun above the Humayun’s Tomb and looked at her beautiful face. “Fatso…!”, He called her with a peck on her forehead, “Wake up… Don’t miss the flight”.
She woke up with a stud and he started laughing, “Don’t worry. We have time. I will drop you.”
“But…”, he added going close to her, trying to kiss her again.
“No but. Drop me to the airport until next time”.
“No…But… One more kiss won’t harm you much ”
At the airport.
“Call me or text me once you reach Kolkata”, he said.
“Yeah”, with this they hugged each other and she started walking away. As she was waving at Angus, she bumped into her past in a flash.
Aadil was at the Delhi airport. Angus watched her carefully.
She almost fell like a statue in front of Aadil. She tried to ignore him, but Aadil wanted to talk to her, “Listen Fatima…I’m sorry…”
“No…!!!” She shouted and added rudely, “You can’t be sorry for anything”
Aadil held her arms, but she pushed his arms away with a thud and said, “Don’t you dare touch me, again, Aadil. My flight’s announced… I think, I should go…”
Few minutes after boarding the flight, she gave a call to Angus. She was in tears. There was a pause between them and then he said, “Fatso, don’t go back”.
“Time to take off”
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