I was in the lounge of the Training center,reading newspapers,when a man from the reception called  loudly--Sir,a phone call for Mr.Basu.I got up and asked-Did you ask? -Who is it?He said--One Ms.Nisha  wants to speak to you from Delhi.

I was overwhelmed . I  had written to her  earlier that I may visit Faridabad during this time of the year but I never thought she will remember it,as I had not given any immediate intimation prior to coming here.Oh!she is really such a sweet heart --I murmured. as I picked up the phone and said Hello, I heard her husky voice-Hi! Riku!  how are you?I said-Fine,fine,more so after hearing you. She said in mock anger-Why you did not confirm your visit to me.You don't want to meet me or what?

I said--Nisha,darling,how can you think of that?I thought I will call you after reaching here.I am too excited to meet you,soon.When are we meeting?She asked- What about tommorow around evening 6?I said--Ok,boss,at that old place?She said-Yah,at Whimpy's at CP.It's near my office.I said-Ok,fine,see you then,Have a lot to talk.she laughed- Is it special? I said-may be,if you allow me.She said -Riku!you have not lost your naughty streak.I said-that's the problem,you like many other girls,never take me seriously.She-Ok,ok,baba,see you then tommorow,then.

Nisha Mehera,I met her first at this  training center.On the very first day,I saw her in the Tea room,with some of our future batchmates.She was strikingly beautiful,tall,fair with a very impressive personality.I could not help thinking at that time-Yes,this is a girl ,one can fall for.It will be nice to have girlfriend like this one.I approached her.She was with another one -a short but sweet looking girl.she was married.I said-Hi!I am Riku Basu.She said -Oh!you are a Bong?I am Nisha,and this is Nilam.

Gradually over the time a deep friendship developed amongst all the batchmates,over various incidents like badminton and T.T  games,late night fun parties,pre class singing sessions and  pre & post class  faculty mocking excercises.Then there was weekly visit to Delhi for marketing and in weekdays,visiting local markets.Sometimes there used to be group visit to night show movies and entering the hostel by wriggling through a small space in iron gate.We all  became a family.Though there were other girls with us ,Nisha was most liked by the boys and was also feared as well.She used to control us when we boys used to go wild,with her tough posture and scoldings.I ,specially remember,one night when a few of us were having a loud dancing session in our room with only our undies on,Nisha with other girls, barged in anger and we had a tough time in  hiding ourselves.

Even after we joined in our posting places,we still kept in touch.Well,a soft corner always remained,which I could not  deny.

I reached Whimpy's on the appointed day as planned.I was a little early.That  evening looked so romantic to me.I am for the first time in my life,waiting for a girl.It was a great kick for my  mind.She arrived with a broad smile.It was enough to light up the surroundings.She looked as beautiful as ever.I said-Hi!It's so nice to see you after a long time.She smiled and said- You have changed Riku.where is your French cut?i laughed --Well gone with the wind of time.Well ,I liked it-She said.Then it will come back again.-I assured her.--.what will you have?-I asked.she said-Coffee and French fries,but be carefull,you always spill the things.I went to bring the coffee and the fries,and as usual I spilled coffee while keeping the same on the table.She giggled.

She said-- I have a surprise for you.I said-Yes,you wrote to me about it.what is it?She paused for a second and said with melting mood- I am in love.My heart started pounding fast. Is it ? Is it coming for me? I made a straight face with a lot of difficulty.I asked-Who is it ,lucky guy?She asked-You guess? I  said-May be me.She said-Oh! Riku,don't be impossible,Rajani has proposed me.Rajani Kanta Mishra,our Batchmate -one of the most handsome boy in our Batch and a ex-boxer.I said-That's wonderful.your two will be such a nice couple.and,as for me ,well,I  can not fight with a boxer.She laughed.We spoke and spoke the entire time.Mostly she spoke and I  listened on about how their love blossomed.I was listening but mind was elsewhere.Why, when I like some girl,God thinks otherwise?Too bad.

Then ultimately, it was time to go.I waived her bye and she faded in the crowd in CP.

How these moments went on?How it was supposed to be?A meeting in my life,to be remembered, in time? I was walking towards Regal. Hey,Mister-I  heard somebody calling me.I stopped to see a foreigner guy smiling at me.I asked-What is it ?He took out a glittering silver antique pocket watch-Russian made,from his pocket-Very cheap,Mister,100 rupiah-take! I smiled at him and asked-Does this go backward in time?He was surprised and said-No,no,Mister but good,very good,cheap.-I smiled and said -Then it's of no use to me .

And I stepped  ahead.