The phone kept ringing. Once. Twice. Thrice. No answer.

Anamika decided to try one last time. The call was answered the fourth time.

“Who’s this calling so late?”, a visibly irritated woman was on the the other side.

Anamika felt numb to be answered by a female voice. She wondered if she had dialled the right digits. She kept quiet.

“Is this some kind of a prank? Shall I ring the police?”, the lady continued being annoyed.

“Is this Saurabh’s number?”, Anamika finally managed to say his name loud.

“Yes! May I know who’s on the line?”

“This is Anamika. His friend.”, the word ‘friend’ never hurt so much before.

“Oh! I know you. Hang on I’d get him on line.”

Anamika waited for a few long moments to hear his voice after ages.

“Hello? Anamika?”, a male voice was on the other side.

“Hello…”, Anamika couldn’t say anything further.

“What happened? Why you calling so late? Are you alright?”

“I met with an accident!”, and she burst out crying.

“WHAT? Are you okay? Where are you? I’m coming there right away.”

“Near your old house.”, and she almost choked. All the memories came haunting her, when she realised she was actually standing outside his old house.

“I’d be there in 5 minutes. Stay put. Call me if you need anything. I’m reaching.”

Anamika cut the phone, and stood there waiting endlessly. She never imagined she would meet him that way, almost at midnight. Her Cinderella timing was actually going to be so. All the old memories came gushing by. She tried hard to push them away, but to no avail. She was immersed in the three long years of being with the man of her dreams, Saurabh. His travelling job. Her college. Adjustment done on both their sides yet something lacked. She made it a point to live up to all his expectations.

She had dreamed to be with him forever and had woven so many dreams. But one fine day he gave her a good news. The news of his marriage.

[..to be continued]