Dedicated to Risaal.

Meg

I watched El silently leave as Dan neared my table. He looked at me and smiled, while saying, "Where were you? I was looking for you everywhere. Do you want to come over to my place after school?"

"I'd love to, but I had promised El a night out, we're doing it tonight." I replied.

"Oh okay."

"You know? There's no need for you to ask her to leave every time you come around."

"What are you talking about, Meg?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about, Dan." I replied, sternly.

An irritated Dan stood up to leave, "Can we please do this some other time? God. I don't even know why I come here anymore."

"You don't have to act like this!"

"Don't tell me what to do, Meg."

"Guess what? I'm bound to. You leave me with no other choice. Have you ever thought of being in her shoes and facing it all? I bet you haven't. And I know you never will. You used to be the most caring person once, Dan. I don't know what has gotten into you now, you're such a self centred person." I said, my voice rising with each word.

"Oh? I know exactly how I am. At least I don't try to be someone I'm not. I've real work to do, I've real things to face. My life isn't about nail polish, page 3 and fashion blogs. I'm not like you, I don't make a fool out of myself each time, Meg. Dear lord. Why am I even arguing with you? Such a waste."

He spit his words like venom. A venom that had reached my heart and I was in the verge of crying.

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"Thank you, Meg for the wonderful time I had tonight", El said with her thick British accent while giving me a tight hug. This felt good, she was smiling after ages. I was glad that I could make her happy.

"Aww! Don't thank me, El boo! I should thank you instead. We can do it more often. Goodnight now, your mother will be worried if you reach home late", I said happily.

"Good night!" She said as she walked away.

I had to walk extra five minutes from where are ways had parted to reach home.

As I was walking past the houses and small food joints, I saw someone familiar sitting all alone in the secluded bench we four used to sit on, years ago.

I could see that person holding something tightly in his hands and looking down at whatever he had been holding.

It took my mind a few minutes to register who it was, and that left me speechless.