As the metro train halted at the station, passengers began disembarking in an orderly fashion. Among them, a young woman grew anxious the train might leave before she could exit. Shouting "Excuse me!" repeatedly, she squeezed past others, finally stepping off the train and breaking into a run. She ran, murmuring apologies as puzzled onlookers stared.
After a few attempts, the scanner finally beeped in approval, and she stepped through, visibly irritated.
She swiftly pulled out her phone and opened the ride-hailing app, toggling between Uber and Ola in hopes of booking a cab. The screen kept searching, but no response came through. Each second eroded her composure.
She stood at the edge of the footpath, her phone in one hand frantically refreshing the cab apps, while the other hand waved hopefully at nearly every passing car. Her gestures were urgent, almost pleading.
Then, as if answering that raw urgency, an Audi screeched to a halt in front of her. The window rolled down, and the driver leaned forward, asking, “What is wrong? Where do you need to go?”
Without another word, she climbed into the car and said, “Airport.”
The driver was startled by her abruptness. It struck him as strange, and frankly, quite unacceptable. Still, he steadied himself, regained his composure, and asked gently, “What time is the flight?” followed by, “How much time do you have?”
She replied, her voice tinged with urgency, “I am not catching a flight, I need to meet my fiancé before he gets inside the airport.”
Soham kept his eyes fixed on the road, accelerating to make up for lost time. Still, a thought hauled at him, people usually showed this kind of urgency when rushing to catch a flight. But here she was, driven by sheer desperation just to meet her fiancé.
He introduced himself with a brief, “I’m Soham, I work at a marketing agency.” The woman remained silent, her mind elsewhere. Soham didn’t press further. With quiet urgency, he weaved through traffic, even skipping a couple of signals to save time.
Soham checked “Have you called him to wait?” She did not respond.
As soon as they reached the airport, she jumped out of the car without a word, no thank you, no goodbye, just a single-minded dash toward the departure gate.
Soham found the whole episode both oddly amusing and quietly unsettling. Yet beneath the swirl of emotions, there was a faint sense of solace, he had helped a stranger reach her fiancé. He parked, deciding to unwind with coffee.
Soham took slow sips of his cappuccino, chewing on a buttery croissant as he casually scrolled through his phone. His eyes wandered now and then across the warm, animated corners of the Starbucks, absorbing the gentle hum of the evening.
As Soham stepped out of Starbucks and made his way toward the parking lot, his eyes caught a familiar figure at the edge of the footpath.
She sat slumped on the curb, hair falling across her face, handbag forgotten at her side, adrift, as if the world had faded into background noise.
Soham walked toward her quietly, his footsteps careful, not wanting to startle her. She did not seem to notice, still lost in her thoughts. Gently, he asked, “Would you like a ride back somewhere?”
She looked up sharply; her voice edged with suspicion. “Are you following me?”
Soham raised his hands slightly, his tone calm but firm. “Not at all… just happened to see you. Sorry. Take care.” With that, he turned to proceed towards the parking.
After a hectic day compounded by the “Anita episode,” Soham decided to head to the office later than usual. He was taking the morning lightly when the housekeeper knocked on his door. Offering a cheerful “Good morning,” the attendant handed him an envelope, explaining that it had been found on the floor of the Audi’s front seat.
The envelope was addressed to “Anita Garewal,” with the “RangTantu” office details and what appeared to be her mobile number. Soham dialled the number, and a voice answered, “Anita speaking. Who is this?”
“Good morning,” Soham replied. “This is Soham, the one who dropped you at the airport yesterday. You dropped an envelope in my car, so I’m calling to check. I can have my driver deliver it wherever you’d like.”
Anita responded quickly, her tone relieved. “Thank you, the envelope is important. Can I send someone to collect it?”
“There’s no need,” Soham said “Is this your office address? If so, my driver will drop it there.”
“Yes, that’s correct,” Anita confirmed.
“Perfect,” Soham said. “He’ll deliver it within the next two hours.” With that, he ended the call.
Regret gnawed at Anita; she messaged Soham asking to meet. She sent him a message, asking when it might be convenient to meet. At first, Soham politely declined through his replies, but after her persistent and heartfelt requests, he eventually agreed.
They agreed to meet at a restaurant Anita had suggested.
As she entered, Soham rose from his seat and greeted her with the same quiet courtesy he had shown the day he offered her a lift.
Anita began the conversation by apologizing for her behaviour at the airport. “I wasn’t in the right frame of mind,” she admitted. “That phrase—‘Men are Men’—kept echoing in my head, and in that moment, I didn’t feel like even looking at anyone, let alone talking. I thought it was only right to meet you in person and apologize.”
Soham, calm as always, replied, “To be honest, I wasn’t keen on meeting because I was quite upset with how you behaved. I couldn’t fathom how someone could be so dismissive when, without even knowing you, I rushed you to the airport driving at breakneck speed.”
Soham added “Good you insisted we meet I feel better now.” Anita, inwardly, couldn’t help but acknowledge his charm. There was an ease about Soham that quietly impressed her.
Anita smiled and said, “I completed my M.Des from NID, Ahmedabad. I’m working as a fabric designer with RangTantu.”
Soham nodded knowingly. “I figured from the address on the envelope. RangTantu is a well-recognized name in the textile industry.”
He added, “As for me, I’m an IIM-A graduate in Marketing, currently serving as Business Development Director at BuzzCraft Media.”
Anita’s eyes lit up. “BuzzCraft is renowned for its innovation. I admire your TV campaigns; the emotional touch really connects. Were you behind those?” Soham replied with quiet modesty, “It was a team effort.”
Their conversations gradually helped them feel more at ease, making it easier to engage openly.
Soham leaned forward, concern evident in his voice, and asked, “Has your fiancé gotten back in touch?”
Anita responded “No.”
She paused; her voice tinged with quiet frustration. “I just don’t understand why Vipul can’t accept that we can both follow our own careers and still be happy together. Shuddhi Chemicals is thriving under his capable team, so why does he insist that I become part of it? Why must independence be mistaken for distance?” She sighed, then added softly, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t burden you with all this.”
Soham said, “No problem. Sometimes it takes men a little longer to realize, to come to terms, and to respond positively. I’m sure he’ll get back to you soon.”
Anita smiled wryly and remarked, “Perhaps only men can truly understand men,” her tone edged with sarcasm.
Soham smiled, glanced at her, and said, “Shall we head out?” “Sure,” Anita replied.
The valet attendants brought Anita’s car first, a sleek Honda Odyssey V6. Soham couldn’t help but be impressed. Anita offered a brief “Thanks” and drove off swiftly.
Taking Anita’s cue, Soham explored Shuddhi Chemicals online and was struck by the breadth of its operations and the diverse verticals Vipul Kothari had established over the past three years.
Soham decided to reach out to Vipul through a gesture of goodwill.
The website listed both a helpdesk number and an email address, but Soham opted to reach out via email, trusting that it might lead to a thoughtful and positive reply.
The next morning, as Soham glanced at his phone, he was pleasantly surprised to find a message from Vipul. It read: “Impressive to learn about your academic journey, current role, and the meaningful purpose behind your organization. I’m in Germany at the moment, would 8:00 PM CET tomorrow work for a video call? I’ve shared the link below. Apologies, I know that’s past midnight in India, but my schedule is packed.”
Soham felt a surge of excitement. This guy moves fast, no wonder he’s scaled so quickly, he thought. Wasting no time, Soham replied with enthusiasm, “Absolutely no problem. I’m a late sleeper anyway,” a harmless fib, but one he hoped would smooth the way.
At exactly 12:30 A.M. IST, Vipul joined the video call, right on time. Soham was already prepared, and as the screen lit up, he saw a strikingly handsome man on the other end, looking remarkably fresh for 8:00 P.M. CET.
“Guten Abend,” Soham greeted with a smile.
“Hi, Danke. Guten Morgen,” Vipul replied with a friendly nod.
He asked casually, “You are Soham Chaturvedi right, have you been to Germany before?
“Yes, just once, on a family vacation,” Soham responded. “And by family, I mean my parents and sister, not married,” he added with a grin.
Soham followed up, “How about you?”
Vipul said, “I completed my Chemical Engineering at IIT Mumbai, followed by Business Management at IIM Kolkata.”
Vipul continued, “I read what you wrote about the Nivritti Foundation. It’s a remarkable concept, and I truly respect your concern for people across different age groups. Could you give me a quick overview if that’s all right?”
What followed was a 45-minute conversation that flowed with ease.
Soham: “Of course. At the core, we run free walk-in classes up to Grade 12, no fees, no registrations, just discipline and curiosity. Retired professionals on a payable basis, teach on an hourly basis, which gives them dignity while students benefit from their experience.”
Vipul: “Interesting. And how do you support students coming from smaller towns?”
Soham: “We have a 24/7 helpline. It guides them through admissions at city colleges / universities, and we cover transport, meals, and even fees if needed. During peak seasons, buses run from stations to drop points, all free of cost.”
Vipul: “What about higher education?”
Soham: “For postgraduates from tier B and C institutes, we offer weekend coaching at a nominal fee. Alumni from top B-schools volunteer their time to bridge the gap in quality education and employability.”
Vipul: “And women you mentioned?”
Soham: “We train them in stitching and machine work entirely free. When brand orders come in, they produce the items, and the full earnings go directly to them, the foundation takes no commission.”
Soham (smiling): “Each vertical was born from necessity I witnessed firsthand. The aim is simple, timely help and restore dignity.”
Vipul said, “Truly impressive. My respect for you has grown immensely, despite being such a busy professional, you’ve managed to carve out time to build an organization of such uniqueness. I’m genuinely moved.”
There was a natural rapport between them, a mutual respect that grew with every exchange. As the call drew to a close, Vipul said warmly, ”Soham, I’ll be back from Germany in six days, and I’d like to set aside a day to visit your foundation. Honestly, I’d be glad to contribute in whatever way I can.”
Soham expressed his gratitude with heartfelt enthusiasm. “I’ll be looking forward to welcoming you,” he said, his voice carrying both excitement and quiet satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Anita never reached out to Soham. He assumed she must be busy, recalling how she had mentioned the long list of designs awaiting approval and release ahead of the upcoming marriage season, when such collections are most in demand. Soham too was occupied, immersed in recruitments and client acquisitions. Over his five-year tenure, he had successfully brought more than fifty A-list companies into the firm’s portfolio.
On a bright morning Vipul landed from Germany and called Soham, catching him completely by surprise.
“Hi, Good Morning. I don’t want to dive into any official work today or get pulled into the usual chaos,” Vipul said. “Would it be possible for us to spend some time at your organization instead?”
Though Soham hadn’t expected this and had a couple of meetings lined up, he didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely, we can!” he replied with enthusiasm.
He immediately asked his secretary to cancel the day’s appointments, grabbed his car keys, and headed straight to the foundation.
Vipul arrived right on time, driving himself in Mercedes-Benz to the address Soham had shared. Soham had already instructed his team to assist with parking, and Vipul was greeted at the entrance with a bouquet and a refreshing welcome drink. Heads turned as his commanding presence filled the place.
After exchanging pleasantries, Soham personally guided Vipul on a tour of the foundation.
Vipul, after touring each section, was deeply impressed.
When everyone gathered to hear Vipul’s feedback, his words were nothing short of glowing. He expressed deep admiration for Soham’s vision behind the Nivritti Foundation, saying he had never encountered such a uniquely thoughtful initiative. “This is bound to become a lifeline for thousands seeking timely support,” he remarked with conviction.
Vipul didn’t hold back in praising the team either. With a playful smile, he joked that he’d happily poach them any day, citing their unwavering determination, quiet efficiency, and the unmistakable passion that radiated from each member.
As the conversation drew to a close, Vipul made a heartfelt promise: “If Soham agrees, I’d be honoured to be part of this foundation.” Laughter rippled through the room, and Soham responded warmly, “The foundation is open to you 24/7. Your presence will only elevate its spirit; I’m truly looking forward to your involvement.”
He thanked Vipul once again for making the effort to visit, especially after a long journey from Germany, his appreciation sincere and deeply felt.
Vipul stepped into Soham’s cabin, and within moments, snacks were served. To his surprise, they were all his favourites. “How on earth did you know these are my go-to choices?” he asked, amused.
Soham smiled knowingly. “Your Facebook profile,” he replied.
Vipul, inwardly impressed, noted Soham’s attention to detail.
As they settled in, Soham wondered if this was the right moment to mention Anita. Would Vipul take it the wrong way? Would he feel it’s an intrusion and walk out? Though Vipul clearly admired the foundation’s mission, Soham wasn’t sure if that goodwill extended to personal matters.
His mind wrestled with the timing. Maybe it’s too soon. Perhaps I should wait until he visits a few more times when we’re better acquainted. But then again, what if that’s too late? After meeting both Anita and Vipul, Soham was convinced, they were exceptional individuals, and perhaps all it would take was a small shift in perspective from Vipul to bridge the distance between them.
As Vipul spoke, Soham found himself distracted, hoping he wasn’t responding inappropriately or missing key points. The inner debate continued until, finally, he made up his mind: I’ll bring it up. If he walks away, so be it. But I can’t stay silent and wonder what might have been.
Soham shared a list of his close friends from top-tier institutions who had joined him in supporting the foundation. He made it clear that their involvement required only their time and expertise, no financial contributions were expected. Fortunately, Soham had been able to bridge the funding gap through his personal savings, insistent and willing sponsors, and generous support from his family.
As the conversation unfolded, they discovered that a few of these friends were mutual acquaintances. This sparked a lively exchange, filled with laughter and fond recollections of those friends’ quirks traits so distinct, they had become legendary in their circles.
At Vipul’s request, Soham shared the contact details of the common friends. Energized by the nostalgia, they decided to organize a reunion, a relaxed get-together with their old gang at a scenic spot beyond the city limits, away from the usual bustle.
Soham leaned back with a casual smile and asked, “Hope I’m not intruding, but are you engaged?”
Vipul paused thoughtfully before replying, “Why do you ask? What made you bring that up?”
Soham grew cautious and said quickly, “Sorry, nothing specific, just a passing thought. Let’s skip it.”
Vipul then turned the question around, “And you, Soham? I’m sure there’s someone special in your life.” Soham nodded, “Yes, there is.” “Engaged?” Vipul pressed. Soham shook his head with a faint smile, “No, still in the dating stage.”
He hesitated for a moment, then continued with quiet honesty, “She’s a Chartered Accountant at a multinational. We had a major fallout recently, almost broke up. Didn’t speak for nearly a month. But now we’re finding our way back. And I’ve come to realize… the mistake was mine.”
Vipul leaned in, curious. “What mistake?”
Soham exhaled slowly, choosing his words with care. “You know, Vipul, many of us men—no offense—carry a certain ego. At times it shows up as insecurity, sometimes as possessiveness, even as subtle discrimination. We expect our life partners to oblige, but in doing so, we overlook their independence, their dreams, their ambitions. My girlfriend is a Chartered Accountant, well-educated, grounded. I realized she never tried to control me or question my choices. Yet I wanted her to join my foundation, to stand beside me. I didn’t see then how that might feel like a compromise to her.”
He paused, then added with quiet conviction, “I’ve come to see that women often show remarkable emotional steadiness. They don’t carry airs or apprehensions. When we give them space, they don’t drift, they draw closer.”
Soham smiled faintly. “So, I called her a few days ago. Apologized. Told her to continue her work, that I respected her choice. And her response… it floored me.”
“She said, ‘I knew you’d call. If not, I would’ve moved on. But I would never have married anyone else. Because I love only you, Soham.’”
Vipul listened in silence, visibly moved.
Soham added, “She’s traveling for work now. I’ll be picking her up from the airport day after tomorrow.”
Then, with a sheepish grin, he said, “Sorry, I’ve probably bored you. I don’t know why I shared all that. Just felt like I was talking to an old friend. Hope you don’t mind, I needed to vent.”
Vipul smiled warmly, “Not at all. I appreciate the honesty.”
Vipul took his leave with a warm handshake and a promise, “Let’s definitely stay in touch.” He added with quiet conviction, “I will come back soon with a concrete plan, to set up a unit, train people, and compensate them for their work. There’s real potential here to serve people, and I’d love to be part of it.”
Three days later, quite early in the morning Vipul called Soham and asked with a hint of curiosity, “Hey, did you go to pick up your girlfriend from the airport?”
Caught off guard, Soham blinked and replied, “Which girlfriend are you talking about?”
Vipul chuckled, “Come on, Soham, the one you told me about. You were supposed to pick her up, remember? Hopefully, you don’t have many!”
Realization dawned on Soham, and he quickly responded, “Ah! Yes, yes, of course I did. Sorry, completely slipped my mind for a second. We had a long, heartfelt conversation… and if all goes well, I might have some good news to share with you very soon.”
“Great! That’s superb news,” Vipul exclaimed with genuine enthusiasm. Then, lowering his tone slightly, he added, “Soham, can we meet? There’s something personal I’d like to talk about.”
Soham reverted with concern. “Is everything okay?”
Vipul replied calmly, “Let’s meet, I’ll explain then.”
Soham agreed, and Vipul promptly shared the location of a restaurant, suggesting they catch up over lunch later that day.
Soham arrived at the restaurant in his BMW, and the valet attendant promptly stepped forward with a courteous greeting, taking the keys for parking without delay. Vipul welcomed him warmly.
Vipul asked casually, “What would you like to have?” Soham responded with a relaxed smile, “Anything you recommend, just no hard drinks.” Both laughed.
Vipul nodded and, with a knowing grin, ordered a Rosemary Pineapple Fizz. Soham gave an approving thumb-up. For starters, Vipul suggested Amritsari Fish Tikka, and Soham readily agreed, happy to go with the flow.
Soham leaned in and asked gently, “You seemed a little worked up earlier, what’s going on?”
Vipul hesitated, then said quietly, “The woman I got engaged to… her name is Anita.”
Soham laughed, “Wait, you’re engaged? You didn’t mention that the other day, you just let me spill my whole story!”
Vipul took a deep breath. “It’s been a bit like your story. While you called it a mistake with your girlfriend, mine’s not too different. Anita wanted to remain independent, she didn’t want to join my company. I got upset. And ever since I left for Germany for business purpose, I haven’t spoken to her. She’s tried reaching out multiple times, but I just… ignored it.”
He hesitated before admitting softly, “Your story made me reflect. My expectation wasn’t right. I wanted her to join my company, to contribute as a director, because she’s brilliant and capable. But maybe she deserves her own space. Even if our journeys differ, it doesn’t mean our closeness should fade.”
Soham smiled gently. “That’s a great realization. So, what’s holding you back?”
Vipul looked down, then confessed, “I’m nervous. I’ve ignored her calls for so long… I’m scared she’ll shut me out completely. What if she’s moved on?”
Soham responded without hesitation, “You have to take a chance. What’s meant to be will find its way.”
Vipul looked up, hopeful. “Can you help me, Soham?”
Soham blinked. “Me? How can I help?”
Vipul leaned forward, his voice earnest. “I’ll share her number. You invite her to your foundation, just like you pitched it to me. Knowing Anita, I’m sure she’ll be drawn to the idea. If she agrees to come, you walk her through the foundation like you did with me. Then ask her to wait in your cabin. I’ll be there, waiting to speak with her. If you’re okay with it, I’d like to use your cabin to express myself.”
Soham was taken aback by the clarity of the plan. “Wow, Vipul, you’ve really thought this through.”
Vipul nodded. “After you shared your experience with your girlfriend, I kept thinking about how to say sorry to Anita. I was afraid to call, she might disconnect. And if I invite her to a restaurant, she’ll probably refuse. But your foundation… it’s neutral, purposeful. She’ll come for the cause, not for me. That’s my chance.”
Soham smiled, moved by Vipul’s sincerity. “Alright. Let’s do this.”
After his conversation with Vipul, Soham sent a brief message to Anita: “Hi Anita, how are you? Can we talk for five minutes?”
Anita replied almost instantly: “Sure.”
Soham called and warmly introduced the vision behind his foundation, its purpose, the people involved, and the kind of impact they hoped to create. He invited her to visit over the weekend, adding that if she ever found time in the future, her knowledge and insights would be a valuable contribution. “No financial support needed,” he emphasized, “just a bit of your time, if possible.”
As Anita listened, a smile crossed her face, Soham truly was full of surprises. With a hint of delight, she said, “I’d be glad to come this weekend. My car’s in for service, so I’ll just book an Uber. Share the location.”
Soham replied instantly, “No need. My driver will pick you up and drop you back—no charges, of course.” They both laughed, the moment light and easy.
Anita agreed, feeling a mix of intrigue, amusement, and perhaps a quiet sense of hope.
On Saturday, Soham felt a wave of nervous anticipation unlike anything before. His heart was set on one thing: bringing Anita and Vipul together. For him, this wasn’t just a gesture, it was a deeply personal mission.
Anita arrived, chauffeured by Soham’s driver, and was greeted with warmth and grace. A magnificent bouquet and a refreshing welcome drink awaited her, but what truly captured the moment was her presence. As she stepped in, every gaze, young and old, naturally turned toward her. Draped elegantly in a Benarasi sari, she exuded timeless beauty and poise. Even the women couldn’t help but admire her impeccable style.
With a radiant smile, Anita greeted everyone with a heartfelt “Namaskar.” She went a step further, respectfully touching the feet of the elders, most of whom were retired teachers, earning instant affection and admiration. Her charm was effortless, her grace undeniable. She had, in every sense, won their hearts.
Soham’s managers and staff guided Anita through a detailed walkthrough of the foundation’s various initiatives and verticals. With each section, Anita grew more impressed, her curiosity deepening, her admiration quietly building.
Then they reached the play area, where a group of children were immersed in a lively football game. Without a moment’s hesitation, Anita slipped off her Stilettos. Her eyes caught the youngest child, a two-year-old boy sitting quietly on the sidelines. She scooped him up gently, held him close on her hip, and with infectious enthusiasm, joined the game. Saree and all nothing bothered, she ran across the field, laughing and shouting as the children chased her with gleeful abandon.
The air was filled with joyful cries: “Sister! Sister! Aunty! Aunty!” Her presence had transformed the space. Even when she tried to excuse herself, some of the children clung to her, unwilling to let her go.
After the game, Anita made it a point to speak with nearly everyone, staff, volunteers, elders, and children alike. Her warmth was magnetic; everyone wanted a photo with her. She had, in a matter of moments, infused the entire foundation with a spirit of joy, connection, and celebration.
She noticed Soham was nowhere to be seen. Curious, she asked a nearby staff member, who informed her that he had stepped out briefly and would be back shortly.
An attendant approached with a polite smile and said, “Please make yourself comfortable in Soham Sir’s cabin.” He guided her inside and added, “Snacks and hot beverages will be served immediately.”
As she entered, the attendant asked, “Would you prefer coffee or tea, ma’am?”
Anita didn’t respond immediately, her gaze had shifted to someone already seated in the cabin. The attendant followed her line of sight and clarified, “That’s Vipul Sir.”
Still slightly dazed, when attendant again asked coffee or tea Anita murmured, “Coffee,” her mind momentarily blank.
As Anita stepped into the cabin, Vipul rose from his seat immediately, his posture alert yet composed. Their eyes met, hers cautious, his quietly hopeful. He didn’t turn away, didn’t hesitate. Instead, he took a step forward, the air between them charged with unspoken emotion.
“Anita…” he said softly, his voice carrying both apology and longing.
She didn’t respond right away. Her gaze lingered on his face, searching for sincerity. Vipul’s expression was open, stripped of pride. He looked like a man who had wrestled with his own convictions and come out humbled.
“I was wrong,” he said, gently. “I thought I was offering you a place beside me… but I see now, I was asking you to give up your own.”
Vipul’s fingers tapped lightly against the glass as he admitted, “I understand now… and I owe that realization to someone unexpected.”
Anita queried “How on earth you are here? Do you know Soham or this foundation beforehand?”
Vipul shared how he first connected with Soham—initially through an email, and later during a midnight video call. “He spoke about his foundation, and that conversation inspired me to visit once I returned from Germany. A week back, I visited the foundation myself and saw how it functions, the model is simple yet impactful, and it left me impressed.”
Vipul paused before admitting, “What struck me most was his story about his girlfriend and their reconciliation, it was the way he spoke of her, with respect and empathy. It made me realize how little I’ve truly listened to you.” Anita’s eyes softened, the silence between them charged with possibility.
She didn’t say anything.
Just as Vipul finished expressing his regret and Anita’s silence hinted at reconciliation, Soham stepped into the cabin, his tone apologetic yet composed.
“Hi,” he said, adjusting his watch. “I’m really sorry, I had to step out briefly to handle something urgent. Couldn’t avoid it. Have they offered you anything to eat?”
There was a gentle knock at Soham’s cabin door. One of the foundation managers stepped in and asked, “Vipul Sir, would you like to take a look at the space we’ve earmarked for your proposed initiative?”
Before Soham could respond, Vipul stood up and said promptly, “Absolutely. Excuse me, Anita, I’ll be back shortly, and we can leave together.”
Anita raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “You’re setting up a unit here?”
Vipul smiled briefly and replied, “Soham will fill you in,” before stepping out with the manager.
Anita and Soham sat quiet, the air was quiet.
For a long moment, Anita said nothing. Her eyes lingered on the framed photograph on Soham’s desk, an image of children at the foundation, their faces lit with joy. Then she looked at him, her voice low, almost breaking.
“Do you have a girlfriend?” Anita asked. Soham replied “No.”
“You lied…” she said, her words not accusatory, but heavy with emotion. “You made up a whole story… so I wouldn’t seem like the girl who was left waiting.”
Soham didn’t interrupt.
Anita blinked back the sting in her eyes. “You didn’t owe me that. We barely knew each other. And yet… you did more than most people I’ve known for years.”
She stood up, walked to the window, and then turned back to face him. “You know, I’ve said it so many times, ‘Men are men,’ with all the cynicism that phrase usually carries. But today…”
Her voice faltered, then steadied. “Today, I saw something else. A man who didn’t try to impress, didn’t expect anything in return. A man who simply showed up, again and again, with kindness.”
She smiled through the shimmer in her eyes. “So yes… men are men. But men can be good too.”
A quiet smile formed on Soham’s face as he looked at her. In the stillness between them, there was only mutual respect and unspoken understanding.
Anita walked back to her seat, “Thank you,” she said softly. “For the ride. For the lie. “
Soham gently placed the glass of water beside her, the gesture saying more than words could.