“Please!! Please!!  Could you drop me home today?” there was urgency in her voice

 “It is dark outside and I do not want to travel by bus so late”.

I looked at her. Her dry lips were trembling. She was almost shivering with cold. The weather had become merciless. The met dept. had predicted the temperatures would hover around 0-2 degrees for next couple of more days in Delhi.

“You did n’t answered? Sorry I am being little selfish but you know I really need your help today”. She pleaded again, seeing me lost in my thoughts.

            It was 9 p.m. Her residence was one-hour drive from office. “By the time I reach home after dropping her, it would be over 11 p.m” i thought and calculated in my mind.

“Sorry I bothered you “she said and turned to leave office.

“Just Wait!! Do not worry.. I will drop you home” My response brought happiness at her face. She felt relieved.

 The weather outside office building was even colder. There was thick fog everywhere. I looked at my old motorbike. It looked freezed with cold. Somehow I started it. She was shivering badly.

I had joined office few months back and the only thing that had happened between us in the name of communications was only pleasantries in the forms of “hi” and “hello” and talks on office matters. Since we were not too close, this request of dropping her home was little surprising to me. But I agreed

“Why did n’t you put on enough woolens? I asked angrily. “Do n’t you know how the weather is?” I sounded agitated.

“I thought I would be back before evening but I was struck because of some urgent work” she answered innocently. “But i have a shawl,” she continued.

            Driving that night was a torture for me. My fingers were unmovable...hands almost jammed. Her body was close to me and I could feel her touch and little warmth emanating as a result of closeness of two bodies. She was still shivering, though. We were passing through Humaun road when I stopped the bike. I removed my jacket and gave it to her.

“No you need it more then me. You are driving,” she protested.

“I will be fine. I have put on body warmer inside .” I replied. She accepted it reluctantly.

But it did n’t proved that effective. Passing through India gate and connaught place, I felt my hands and feet motionless. She came more close to me and wrapped her shawl around her and me. She put her hand around my waist.  I could feel a sensation of her touch. I sensed her shivering was little less but  she was still motionless. Finally she clinched me tightly.

“Are you all right?”

“Just a li’l better…!” She responded.

“Soon it will be over” I consoled her.

“Yes! May be?” Her voice was lost somewhere.

“Just a few kilometers more…she will be all right” I thought and pressed the accelerator li’l more.

“ Where will you stay now? Will you go home after dropping me?” She asked.

“ No I will stay with my friend. I have to drive just 5 more kilometers” I replied

dropping her at her destination, near her house near Delhi university north campus.

“Thanks a lot and be care full,” she reminded me and moved towards her house. Suddenly she stopped, turned back, looked in to my eyes and said “I will always remember these moments”.

*******************************************************

            Next day I could not reach office. I was down with cold and fever. I made a call to the office and told about my condition. My boss asked me to rest and not to worry.

**********************************************************************               

It was New Year party at office, a small gathering where some suggested playing ANTAKSHARI. She took part actively and the opposition party was defeated because of her. One more thing became clear to me that she was good singer.

“Listen friends! “M” will sing a song for us” I declared suddenly. People welcomed it with applause. She was hesitant initially but agreed.

“Tell me the song of your choice. I will sing it “she asked me in low voice.

“I can not decide on it because I have so many which are my favorites. But can you sing “YE LADKA HAI ALLAH KAISA HAI DEEVANA?”

She looked with a mischievous smile. “You are not as innocent as you look from outside” she added. I felt embarrassed.

“How can you say that” I retorted.

“I know that “ smile became broader.

She sang well and was applauded by all.

Moments later………

“ I know. You were enjoying all that, that day.” She started the conversation again, Smile on her face.

“All that what?”

“When I wrapped shawl around you…. hold on to you”

“Which day you are talking about” I asked.

“The day you dropped me home at night. You fool!!!”

I was feeling as if I was caught red-handed.

I was startled with her openness and frankness.

“Why did n’t you pulled yourself back, away from me then?” I asked, stealing a glance.

She kept quite for some time……..” I was returning a favor,” she said without looking at me. She left immediately. I was standing there, astonishing, watching her go away.

            Days were passing and I noticed that she was getting attracted towards me. And this thing made me uncomfortable. I was afraid of something which was unseen but sure was going to happen.

**********************************************************************

It was usual day at office when I saw Mini approaching me.

“Tomorrow is my birthday. I am inviting you all at Moti mahal for a treat” She said.

“Why Moti-mahal? It is in old Delhi. Cannot you find some better place in entire Delhi? “I protested.

“Because I like the restaurant and the food are fantastic. So we will go together from office. So be ready in time. And listen Ms “M” is also coming!! “She smiled mischievously and moved on.

It was crowded there but we did not face much difficulty because our seats were already booked. Mini was looking revishing and she was sitting next to “M”

While Mini was busy finalizing the menu, I looked at “M”. Some unknown lady was sitting with her.

“Meet my didi. I wanted her to meet you, at least once” She started the conversation

“Pleased to meet you, I am…. …”

“I know you very well.  In fact everyone in our house hold knows about you.” she interrupted and smiled looking at “M”. later I came to know that M used to talk a lot about me at her home.

Mini was enjoying thoroughly as this was her day today. During all this “her” didi kept on looking at me, keenly observing, as if she was given the responsibility to study me.

“I am shifting to B’lore as I am getting a good job offer there but before that i am getting married soon and listen! You all have to come. The dates will be announced soon,” Mini announced towards the end of the party.

We all attended Mini’s marriage later.

************************************************************************

 Within a short period, “M’s” family members came to know a lot about me….that too without much of my knowledge.

The time was flying with its usual speed. Finally the day came when she confessed her feelings for me. She was in love with me, she said. I wanted to stop her but she would n’t listen. I became tense and was trying to find a way to talk to her but could never succeed. And soon we became the talk of office gossip.

 **********************************************************************

“I need to tell you something…You know I like you and I told this to my Mom also” she said, looking at my face. She was looking tense.

“What??  I was amazed at this, but continued “And what did she say?”

“She refused. Not agreeing because of our different casts”

“And you can not go against her wishes? Is that so? ”. I questioned

“Yes “She replied, “She has suffered a lot in life and I can not see her going through more pain”

“Then why did you brought your sister in the party that day”

“I wanted to give it a try. I thought after knowing you they might agree!” she replied without looking at me.

“Then you must do what ever you feel right”. I said, trying to be calm.

 But something had broken inside me. The pieces were scattered all around.

“How many more times….? “  I said to myself.

 Her eyes were filled with tears. She kept on looking at my face. Suddenly she turned away and left without looking back again.

************************************************************

 “We all are going to attend M******’s marriage. Will you also go?” It was Rekha and Anu. I kept quite.

“Actually she wants you to come and she has requested us to bring you along. But I suggest you not to go” She added.

“No!! I will go.” was my short reply.

“Are you coming with us?”

“I will come later. Shall  see you there...bye..”.   and i left for home.

The barat had arrived. The band was playing traditional and trendy tunes both, the same famous marriage songs in north India. Suddenly I noticed her coming towards the dais, escorted by two friends. She was looking awesome. Just as our eyes met, a pale smile covered her face.

“I am happy you came!! Thank you.” she said, slowly.

 “Congratulations and good luck” I used the most customary words to wish her.

 I was noticing that everyone from her household was staring at me. They did not seem happy with my presence.

“I think they are unhappy with your presence here. How come they all know you?” Rekha asked me, puzzled.

“I d not know. I think I must go now,” I said

 I looked at her again. She was talking to guests. Our moist eyes met once again.

I waved towards her and left. I did n’t had the courage to stay there and face her again and to say her goodbye (alvida)