chapter 3

It was 10 o'clock when Fiza came out of Mumbai Airport. She finds her childhood friend Shalini and her husband, Aarav, waiting for her. Shalini shifted to Mumbai after her marriage. So after a long time, the two friends met.Before Shalini could introduce Fiza formally to her husband, Fiza's mobile rang. Arif has called. Fiza picks up the call.'Hello!''So, you reached your destination.''Yes, I just came out of the airport. Shalini and Aarav have come to pick me up.''So, you have a lot of people to take care of you. Don't forget me in the crowd.''Even if I want, will you let me forget you?'Arif laughs. Fiza, you know me so well. He thought.'Listen, Arif. I have to go now. I'll call you later.'Disconnecting the call, Fiza gets into Aarav's car.It's been late at night, yet people are still on the streets. Mumbai is indeed a city that never sleeps. Fiza thought.Fiza likes the sparkling city. She plans to visit all the places with Aman. Fiza was lost in her thoughts when Shalini's voice brought her to the present.'I am happy that you have come here. On weekends and holidays, we will visit all the places.' Shalini said with enthusiasm.Fiza wanted to say I would go with Aman, but she could not speak. She remained silent.Seeing Fiza silent, Shalini says,' Don't you love visiting new places?'Fiza smiles and says,' I have just come to this city. Let me settle down first. Then we will surely make some plans.''I think you are not happy to see me.' Shalini said disappointedly.'No, I think I am as slow as my city.'Till now, Aarav remained silent as he did not know Fiza well. He had seen her at his wedding and had only heard about her from Shalini. While driving, Aarav noticed Fiza through the rearview mirror. He felt that Fiza was thinking something, and Shalini had interrupted her thoughts, which Fiza did not like. So, he interrupts, 'Fiza must be tired after a long fight. Plan when you decide to go.' Fiza and Aarav's eyes meet through the rearview mirror. She smiles to thank Aarav for understanding her.Nowadays, skyscrapers are also being built in Kolkata, but where Fiza lived is the old part of Kolkata. Life gets lost in the narrow streets there. Fiza believes that this city will change her life, and she will be able to prove to her father that she was not wrong that if Aman is with her, she can do anything.When they reached home, it was midnight. Shalini stays on a big campus in Goregaon. Their flat is on the 10th floor. The flat is beautifully decorated, reflecting Shalini and Aarav's tastes and preferences. Shalini has arranged the guest room for her. The best part of the room is the view from the window from where one can see the busy city. Fiza likes the room.'Fiza, let's have dinner now.' Shalini calls her.Fiza freshens up fast and joins Aarav and Shalini at the dinner table.'Have you talked to brokers about my flat?' Fiza asks Shalini.'You have just arrived. Stay here for a few days, then find a flat comfortably.' Aarav says.'Thank you. But I want to shift to my flat before joining the office. After that, I will not get time to arrange it. You must be knowing how difficult it is to get a leave in the corporate sector.'  'When will you join the office?' 'Next week.''Tomorrow is Saturday. I have a day off. So this Saturday - Sunday we can visit brokers for a flat.''How can you agree with Fiza? Fiza will stay here for a while and then we will look for a flat comfortably. Next seven days, Fiza and I will gossip all day.' Shalini interrupts Aarav and Fiza.'I said it before, but she has a reasonable point. She will not get leave to arrange her flat once she joins the office.' Aarav tries to clarify himself.'Shalini, I will stay here for a long time and will gossip with you all day, but I want to find a flat for me soon. I will need your help to get all the necessities for the flat. Even if I shift, I will come here on weekends.' Fiza tries to convince Shalini. But, she is not convinced. Fiza's mobile rings again.'Have you called aunty?' Shalini asks.'No. I have messaged Maa.''Then it must be, aunty. You should have called her.' 'No, it's Arif.''Oh, your daring.' Shalini teases Fiza.'Stop it. Sometimes he is too annoying.' Fiza picks up the call before completing her words.'Yes, I know I'm annoying. But I'm not as irresponsible as you. Forget me, as you never consider me an important person in your life. But, it seems you have forgotten your parents still worry about you.' Without letting Fiza say anything, Arif says in one breath.'Sorry, I didn't mean it. You are my best buddy. As soon as I landed at the airport, I texted Maa.' Fiza tries to persuade Arif.'I know you more than you. So, hang up my call and call aunty now.' Arif said in a commanding tone and disconnected the call.Yes, Arif, you know me but don't understand me. Other than Aman, no one ever tried to understand me. Everybody wants to impose their wish on me. Will I never find peace even after coming away from everyone? Fiza murmured.Fiza calls her mother, and her mother picks up the phone after one ring.'Hello!''Oh, you are awake. I thought you must be sleeping, so I messaged you when I reached the airport.''How can I sleep when you are so far away?''Then you could have called me. But you preferred to complain to Arif. I don't understand why you involve him in every family matter.' Fiza says to her mother very angrily.'Beta, he is your friend. Since childhood, you've known each other.''But, that does not make him family.''But, beta ......'Fiza interrupts her, 'Maa, it's late night. Take your medicine and sleep. We will talk tomorrow. I am tired today. And don't discuss everything with Arif. Maybe he is your family, but not mine.''Good night, beta. Don't forget to take your medicine.'Fiza disconnects the call.I know, Maa, you also want me to marry Arif. Fiza thought.(Continued ......)