Abhi parked his car at a distance and pulled up the hood of his jacket. Though he knew no one bothered, he didn't want to take a chance. The last thing he wanted now was someone spotting him with a grown beard and red, puffy eyes. He didnt want the world to know that their idol once upon a time is in such a state now.
He smiled to himself as he remembered the happy days spent here. He would always come to The Marines with his friend. A lot of good memories were associated with the place. After college, this place had become his escape. He would come here to think. He would come here to write his songs. He came here when he was sad or when he had a fight with Tanu. He would come here when he lacked inspiration. He had found himself a secret place, amongst the crowd, yet far away.!
Abhi looked at the crowd at the distance. He could se couples cuddled together while vendors tried to sell their wares. A few people were jogging along the path while a few kids played around. He always loved how lively this place was, no matter what time of the day or what season. He loved the spirit of the people in the city!
He walked ahead towards his hideout when he realised that someone else had found the place too. The fact that his place was not a secret anymore irked him. He saw a woman sitting on the rocks, wearing a simple dress. Her open hair waved with the wind while she was staring at the water ahead. Abhi felt a sudden connect with whoever the lady was. The irritation vanished and he kept staring at her.
Pragya stilled as she felt someone's gaze on her. She was scared for a moment and decided to check who it was. She slowly turned around and her eyes met his. A huge smiled broke out on her face as she realised who he was. She couldn't believe her destiny! The very person she was thinking about at the moment stood in front of her. She wanted to run and hug him, but the change in his expression stopped her from moving ahead.
The moment he saw her face, confusion replaced his smile. "Wait! No! Really? She's here? No Abhi! Stop thinking! You've lost it" his mind argued. "But she looks like my Chashmish! But no, she doesn't have glasses! And she's wearing a dress! Chashmish never wore dresses. She was the jeans and tee kind of girl" his mind reasoned further. "But then, why is she smiling at me? Maybe she recognised who I am! Should I go, talk to her?" With that, Abhi walked ahead, moving closer to her.
"Pragya Arora?" He asked, with a slight doubt in his voice. "Who else do you think I am, you Idiot!" She said, punching him hard on his arms. "Who takes so much time in recognising his best friend!" She said hitting him again. "Owww!" Abhi squealed as if in pain. "Oh my god Pragya! I don't believe its actually you!" He said pulling her into a hug and then lifted her off the ground, swirling her around! "Where have you been? You just disappeared after college! I tried tracing you.. How could you leave me alone? Oh i missed you so much! I needed you around me yaa! And wait! What have you done to Chashmish? You look so different! I couldn't relate you with Chashmish! How was I supposed to recognise you!" He asked in a single breath.
"Breathe rockstar! Its a long story! Relax!" She said trying to calm him. Just then, her phone rang. "Yeah Manu?.. Im at the Marines.. Yeah yeah okay.. I'll be there in 30 mins max.. Coming.." She said and cut the call. "Manu? Your sister? How is she?" Abhi asked. "Yeah! She's good and happily married. Listen.. I have the house keys and she's stuck outside.. I'll have to rush.." Pragya explained. "Come, i'll drop you!" Abhi offered. "No Abhi, you just came.. You relax, i'll manage. She doesn't stay far away." Pragya explained. "Seeya" she whispered giving him a quick hug and walked off. Abhi kept looking at her retreating back with a smile. He turned back to the sea after she disappeared and then it struck him, "Shit! Iforgot to take her number!"
He ran towards the road Pragya had taken in an attempt to find her. Just as he reached the road, he saw her getting into a rickshaw. "Prags!" He called out to her, but the rickshaw had sped off by then. Abhi went back to his spot.
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