14 goodbye

Just when the dance ended, the sound of firecrackers filled the room, many went out to see the lights. As if bright rainbows had filled the sky, one after another firecrackers were launched, filling the sky with its bright lights.

People stood there in groups wishing each other happy new year. Hugging and some even kissed too.

Tammana also held Meera's hand and dragged her out there in the open.

She squealed and jumped like a kid looking at the scene. She always wanted to do that. To stand in the midst of humans and enjoy their things, their festivities, and much more.

Meera also looked at the sky in wonder, how humans had created exceptional things even without knowing about magic. So far she enjoyed the night and it's all thanks to her friend Tammana.

But now it was late. The firecracker told them it was already midnight and the new day had started. If they didnt go home soon, they wouldn't be able to reach before dawn. Then everyone will know what they have done.

Only thinking about it, made her palms sweaty. She gulped at the thought and all the smiles on her face vanished. She tugged at the Tammana dress who was still looking at the sky in wonder.

She continued poking and tugging Tamanna as she was not listening to her. Finally an irritated Tammana looked at Meera and asked "what?"

"We need to go?" replied Meera pointing at the sky "otherwise we won't be able to reach home before dawn." she added, looking at the reluctant Tamanna.

Tamanna sighed, reluctancy could be clearly seen on her face, but she still nodded.

"Let's go then," she said in an upset tone dragging her feet forward.

Meera rubbed her back in a soothing way and gave her a nudge, which Tammana returned back smiling.

They both walked hand in hand out of the room when Rehan found them. He shouted but his voice died down in all the noises and in the sound of firecrackers.

Both Rehan and Raghav tried to follow them but the crowd continued to wish them and many girls came forward to talk to them. Leaving no way to move out.

Rehan looked again at the direction where both girls went and sighed. They were not there anymore, their silhouette had already disappeared.

He felt bad for Raghav, as this was the first time Raghav was interested in any girl. But the girls were already gone, and they knew nothing about them except their names Meera and Tammana.

It was impossible to find two girls just by their names when they didn't even know what their last name was in this big city. But maybe Meera had told Raghave about herself. Rehans hopes grew and he turned towards Raghav to ask when he heard him

"Did Tammana tell you anything about herself?" asked Raghav to him. And that crashed his hopes on the floor.

He shook his head, although he knew the answer he still asked Raghav, "Meera?"

Raghav shook his head, running a hand in his hair.

"Not even a full name?" Rehan asked again but Raghav just glared at him. The glare was enough to answer his every question.

He felt bad for Raghav and patted his shoulder. Raghav smiled.

"Looks like the party was hit though." said Raghav, changing the topic.

Rehan smiled and nodded. "But we still have to look at those two evil twins."

With that they returned to their serious mood, joining the party back.

But strangely there was no activity from the twins. The whole event ran naturally, as they just started going back. They shook their hands and bade them goodnight.

Only the two of them were left there now. Sitting on the chair, tired. They have no energy left to drag their body to go home.

"Tonight also?" asked Raghav

And Rehan just nodded, not even in a mood to waste energy in saying yes.

Raghav held his shirt and dragged him like a sack of potato, but instead of being angry, Rehan just let him.

It will only help me in saving my energy.' Rehan shrugged with that thought, leaning more on Raghav.

They both went to the room and slumped on the bed, throwing their shoes and coat at the side, without even caring about changing their clothes.

****

It had been a week since the new year passed but rehaan was still in a very good mood, because of the praise he had received from his father.

But one more strange news he heard that day was that his cousins Gaurav and Garv had an accident on the night of new year. Though he was sad for them. He was happy that his days were peaceful now. Maybe that was also the reason why their party was not disrupted. All in all he was happy that everything was going in his favour.

"Sir, your new assistant which was appointed yesterday is here" said the office boy opening the door.

"Oh, send her in then. I looked at the time. It was a sharp 9. Punctual. Her first impression was good, hope she works well too.

His last assistant Riya was good at work, but she always tried to come close to him. Doing all the foolish things like wearing short dresses, accidentally touching him and falling on him saying her leg slipped because of high heels. He was still bearing with it because he liked her skill of managing things and good ideas.

But last night after the meeting she tried to forcefully kiss him telling him she liked him. That was when he lost his temper and left her right there on the road.

People would think he was cruel, but if the same thing had happened with a girl and she had left the man to rote in the empty street, the same people would have applauded her. 'And they say the society is unfair for women.' he scoffed, remembering the last night when the door was knocked.

"Come in."

"Hello sir, you!"

"you!"