I suggested-Let us meet one day.As you know,I don't have much time left in my hand.Shall have to report to our training center in Delhi by month end.Let us meet and see a movie.It had been since ages,that I have seen one,here in Cal.

Jhumur agreed but she said-I can speak for myself but what about others?Whether they will come or not?

I joked-If nobody comes, it will be you and me,I will be too thrilled to date you!She laughed and hit me with her bag.

We were walking towards Cafe Sunshine.It was lunch time in Calcutta's office area-BBD Bag and full of crowd around.the streets are looking like hotels.Any damn thing you want you can have it here-from Biriyani to dosa to Chowmin to Tanduri roti to Bengali sweets.Only thing you will not bother about the hygine.They say office goer's of Calcutta has iron stomach-it grinds everything-even the bacteria and viruses.Myself on a temporary visit to home could not take any such chances.I had promised her a lunch out.Her office and my temporary office was nearby.

When I meet a dear friend after a wide gap, I become emotional.In the cafe, while sitting and talking with her,I was wondering how our life changes from time to time.I was looking at her smiles, her eyes,her ex-pressions on her face--She seemed a new person to me,unlike the student of that  university,whom I knew all along.She is now more mature and composed.may be she also felt the same for me,may be not!We were talking but somewhere the rythm was missing,some of the things are not as interesting as it used to be.I was wondering ,why this was  happening like that?

What are you looking at?-she asked suddenly.I got startled.I gave a sly smile to detract her and said-I am seeing you.She said -What is there to see me? I said-Oh! You are looking very beautiful.She gigled and tried to hit me,while I ducked in mock fear.She said-Rono, you have become very naughty.I bowed.I then asked-Jhumur,how is your Rajat da? How far he succeeded in courting you?

She went dull suddenly and gave a pale smile-Don't talk rubbish.

Am I?---I asked laughing-I know , he is persuing you ever since our 1st year in Univ.Again you two were in the same Lab.doing project together.

-So what?-She retorted and was looking now out of the window.She was with me but suddenly her mind was elsewhere.I thought I saw a hint of tears in her eyes.In midst various sounds inside the cafe,the  tingling of the cutlery,I felt as if a silence suddenly was  spreading her wings.It was a frozen Moment.

She suddenly said -Let's go now,I will be late in office.I also got up , paid the bill and we came out.She was  there with me and yet so far.As if I never existed for her . At that time,I wanted to say something to bring back her mood, but a heaviness was lumping inside me.As if I am a mere spectetor,who is going to witness a doom.I asked in a voice that had no joy in it--How about our plan?Shall I speak to other's?She gave a fading smile and said--Let's see. Shall confirm later.

All the way to her office,we did not speak.She  just waved to me before the lift door was closed.

A day or two after we met,one day I saw Rajat da near Lighthouse Movie Hall,with a young lady,hand in hand.Newly wed but the face looked quite known.

Oh!I remembered then-'She is Disha- one year junior to us'.