Chapter 2

A 20-something girl was heading towards the departure area of the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. She had worn a simple pink salwar suit. She looked wan, with the pallor on her face further enhanced by her flawless, porcelain-white skin. Her hazel eyes, hidden by those half-rimmed spectacles, had tears welling up in them. She had not tied her long hair, which came down till her forearms, pencil-straight, jet-black coloured.

"Chashmish. Chashmish. Wait, you can't leave me like this."

She heard him calling her. But she won't stay back, she decided. She has to leave. She made her way towards the terminal. It was her boarding time already.

"Chashmish, please. Why do you have to go? I know why you are leaving. On top of that leaving me? Why, Chashmish? You can't bear Sheena's insecurities, right? But I assure you that won't be an issue at all. Why aren't you listening to me? Chashmish, you have to answer me." He was barking like a mad dog.

She didn't dare turn back once, lest she will lose her control. She was already teary-eyed and didn't want to show them. To him. But he was also adamant.

"Answer me, Chashmish," he roared.

She turned back this time. He was crying, she noticed. He couldn't bear it any further. He went near her and held her tight in his arms. She too let her unshed tears on his shoulders. But she has to move on. And he has to live with this.

"My answer will be the same ... You have to understand my compulsions. I am leaving for my further studies ... Bauji wants me to achieve something in my life ... Please let me go with a smile, not a sad face ... Please." She pleaded and let go of his arms that held her tight.

He saw her going away from himself. He was broken. Alone. Totally. His friends were there for him but his best friend was gone. Perhaps, never to return.

She went ahead towards her destination, leaving behind millions of memories.