1 The Breakup

"Care for a final early afternoon date before your flight?" Her fiancé's voice rung in her ears. Ankin was doing a final packing at her parents' house where she had come for summer vacation from her university. As she walked around the entire room, she had connected her mobile phone to her headphones – allowing her to go hands-free.

"Oh God! Where is it?" She sat on her concrete yet soft bed with a dramatic sigh. Her room in her parents' house was simple; a bed, a wardrobe, and a dressing table. She didn't mind the simplicity, in fact she loved it. "Can you hold for a second? Keep the call going." Removing her headphones, she kept her phone on her bed and headed to the living room.

Her mom was gently swinging in their swing, drinking juice. "Mom, where is that purse that I bought for my best friend?" She stared at her daughter in wonder as the girl opened several built-in-wall cupboards that went from the floor to the ceiling.

"Didn't you decide against that purse? I thought you didn't like it."

"Really? I must have kept it back on the rack and forgot about it. The purse suits her personality like a glove." Heading back to her bedroom, she picked her headphones and placed them over her ears. "Sorry, Alex. I need to go out and buy a purse for my best friend. Don't think I can make it in the afternoon. I'll do a video call instead since I am on tight schedule today." She heard his irritant sigh over the phone.

"That's fine. Enjoy your shopping. Even though I haven't traveled, I am guessing it must be hectic?" His voice had a slight cheerfulness, maybe he was trying to hide his disappointment for her, she wasn't sure.

* * *

The shopping had finished within a few minutes, and with an hour to spare, Ankin had decided to give her fiancé a surprise visit.

Upon reaching his door, she cheerfully greeted his surprised mother. "Hi...um...I thought you'd be busy with the shopping and packing?" His mother was unsure on how to react. They had a moderate income, the house was only one story.

"Yes, I was. But since I have an hour to spare, I thought that maybe I'll give him a surprise visit. Where is he?" She asked and made her way in through the door.

"In his room, I'll call him." Her voice was desperate.

"Oh no, that's fine. I'll give him a surprise." Walking over, she kept her hand on the door knob of his room.

"I think he's busy with work. Allow me to call him." But she didn't give her time to protest as she opened the door. The computer was on standby, and the curtains were drawn, lights off, she wondered why the darkness. Opening the door further, she realized the reason for the darkness, and why his mother was surprised and desperate to stop her, because lying on the bed, was her fiancé, and a girl under him – naked.

"I see. That's why you were cheerful when I said that I won't be able to come." Her words came through her gritted teeth. "You only wanted fame and easy money, that's why you hurriedly want to get married." She took a step away from the door, but turned back. "It's so small that my engagement ring will fit it as a cock-ring." And threw the ring on the floor of his bedroom.

Ignoring their desperate calls for explanation, she headed home and finalized her packing. Saying that she was running out of time, she headed for the airport.

* * *

The drive back from the Heathrow airport to her home was a silent one as she tried to hold her sniffs in, but sitting next to her best friend – Jay – it was difficult.

"Some of my colleges have dropped by, they insist on meeting you. Although I told them that you'd be tired and would want to go to sleep, but they refused." She didn't glance at him as she continued to stare at the passing scenery outside and simply hummed. "Did something happen?"

"No, I am fine." She lied. "Just missed this place."

Once inside her apartment, she greeted his friends with a smile as he forcibly grabbed her luggage from the car. "What's wrong?" One of them immediately asked as he noticed her fingers pinching the bridge of her nose – Josh. She knew the group well and they liked hanging out with her as their sister, but their current care brought more tears.

"Nothing, I am fine." She lied again. As her eyes darted away, her best friend shot them a look to calm down. They hated anyone who lied, and he knew that she wouldn't lie without a specific reason. "I just arrived. I think I need to freshen up."

"Sure." Jay walked her to the attached washroom from her bedroom. Once she was inside, he laid out some clothes for her.

"She lied, you clearly saw that. Why are you taking her side?" The other – Paul – spoke up.

"I have known her for a long time, she wouldn't lie unless there is a reason. Did you notice the missing ring on her finger?" They shifted uncomfortably in their seats. She was like their sister, and just like any other brother, they wouldn't want to see her hurt. "She'll be fine, just give her some time."

After her shower, she walked out to see a peach colored sun dress lying on her bed, making her smile. He loved seeing her wear dresses, and she was glad she hasn't packed any. Putting it on, she glanced at the mirror, the smile lifting off the gloom from her face.

"Hey." She greeted them anew as she walked over and sat next to Jay. " Sorry about earlier...it was my fiancé," Jay's arm wrapped around her shoulders, bringing her a bit closer and rubbing her arm.

"We noticed the missing ring. You don't have to force yourself." Jay's soft voice comforted her.

"It's fine, I can...he...cheated on me." And quickly filled the group in with what had happened, Jay's hand continued to rub her arm in comfort. "But it's fine. You guys don't need to do anything about it. I'll just call mom after sometime and tell her what had happened."

The group exchanged glances and Paul, who doubted her loyalty before, spoke up. "I think you need some rest after all that. We'll leave, and come over next time. Jay, take a good care of her." Ankin wanted Jay to also go with them, but they refused, forcing Jay to stay over with her.