chapter 6

There has been a lot of tension between Fiza and Shalini in the past few days. Aarav tries hard to convince Fiza and Shalini, but no one is ready to bow down. Both Shalini and Fiza are behaving like children. Both are concerned for each other, but their ego is not allowing them to reconcile. Every morning, as Shalini wakes up late, Fiza makes breakfast. They eat together without talking to each other. Although Shalini refuses to accompany Fiza, she makes a list of flats available to rent and gives it to Aarav.The tension between Fiza and Shalini has now started affecting the relationship between Shalini and Aarav. Since Shalini refuses to accompany Fiza in choosing a flat and buying household items, Aarav has to take leave from the office to help Fiza, as she wants to shift soon to her flat. Shalini is upset that Fiza hasn't called her to accompany her, and Fiza is upset that after disclosing Fiza's every detail to Arif,  Shalini insists that she has done nothing wrong. Aarav tries to convince them, but both are stubborn and stick to their decision that the other has to apologize. Finally, Aarav gives up.'I can manage things. You go to the office.' Fiza says to Aarav.'If you two had reconciled, I definitely would have gone to the office. The sun may rise from the west, but it seems impossible for you two to reconcile.''Sorry, I've caused you so much trouble. Many people relocate to the city where they have no one acquainted.''Fiza, I didn't mean that. But, so much resentment that you cannot forgive each other. Please, you both reconcile.'Fiza doesn't reply.I will reconcile before I leave. But it's strange that Shalini, being my friend, gives more importance to Arif than me. Why doesn't she understand what I want? Fiza thought.Seeing Fiza engrossed in her thoughts, Aarav says,' Fiza, get ready. We have to do many things today.''Sorry, coming soon.' Fiza goes to her room to get ready.Although Shalini refuses to help Fiza find a flat and buy things for her new home, she makes a list of essentials and gives it to Aarav.'What is this?' Aarav asks.'A list of things Fiza will need in her new house.''Why don't you give it to her? She will be happy.''No, you give it to her, and don't tell her I have made this list.''Why are you doing this? She is your friend and our guest, and you are behaving weird to her.''I have done nothing wrong, but she says I'm not trustworthy.''You know that she doesn't like Arif. Still, you shared everything about her with Arif.''But, Arif genuinely loves Fiza. Fiza herself has said that Arif loves her.''Shalini, you personally don't know Arif. Moreover, Arif loves her doesn't mean that she has to love her in return. Why don't you understand that she is running from her family, and your behavior will make her lonely.'Shalini gets confused.'Shalini, reconcile with her. Come with us today. She will love it.' Aarav says.'No, you people go.'Aarav takes a deep breath and leaves.Arif, the cause of the quarrel, has no clue about it. Fiza does not tell him because she knows he genuinely cares for her. Though Arif's possessiveness suffocates her, he is the only person on whom Fiza can count. Shalini doesn't inform Arif because she knows Arif truly loves Fiza and Shalini wants Fiza and Arif to get married. So she doesn't want to tell Arif what Fiza thinks about him.Aarav and Fiza visit a few more flats and finally rent a 2 BHK flat near her office. 'The flat is good, but think before you finalize it. Shalini will not be happy with your decision.' Aarav says to Fiza.'I know. It's far away from your place, but nearer to my office. It will be easier for me to commute every day.'Aarav knew that Shalini would not be happy with Fiza's choice of flat, but it was Fiza's wish where she would stay. He can suggest Fiza but can't force her. So, he remains silent.The apartment is well furnished, so they didn't need to shop much. Fiza buys curtains, utensils and groceries as she plans to shift to the flat the next day. Fiza was busy shopping all day, and Aarav was amazed to see her. How different are the two friends - Shalini never went shopping except in the shopping mall, while Fiza goes to the local market. Aarav thought.'Why do you want to go to the local market? You can get everything under one roof in a shopping mall, and there are several shopping malls in Mumbai.'  Aarav asks, being surprised.Fiza smiles and says,' These local markets are the backbone of the city. You can also find everything here.'After shopping, they enjoyed street food, as Fiza is not fond of fancy restaurant food. Throughout, she talked about the street food of Kolkata. Aarav enjoys her company. Before coming to Mumbai, Aarav's life was as simple as Fiza is now. But now, the simplicity of his life is lost somewhere in the rat race of life. After a long time, Aarav spends a day as he always loved. Shalini is angry that Fiza has rented her flat near her office. She wanted Fiza to stay near their house so they could meet often. But she did not say anything to Fiza. All her anger went out on poor Aarav that why did he take Fiza so far to show the flat? Aarav could not convince her that it was Fiza's choice. Fiza wanted to stay near her office.Fiza is all set to move to her new abode, where only she and Aman will be; there will be no place for any third person. Fiza wants to reconcile with Shalini before leaving. She doesn't want the unrest to continue between Aarav and Shalini because of her and Shalini's conflict.Fiza makes tea and calls Shalini and Aarav. They sit on the balcony and watch the sunset. 'Is it necessary to go so far?' Shalini hugs Fiza and asks.'I will be just a phone call away, and we will meet often.'The sun sets with a promise to rise back with a new day, and the reddish-orange hues merge with the sparkling city lights.Shalini, Aarav and Fiza enjoy their tea.(Continued ..... )Â