Hey guys, A happy women's month to all you young ladies out there. There's a small announce at the end, don't miss it. Without much delay, let's get into the story.
HAPPY READING...

FOUR POV

I am a little too excited about the dinner with Tris than I should be. It's not like it is a date but somewhere in the back of my mind, I find myself wishing it was, and as much I want to hate that part of me, I just can't seem to do it. As soon as that thought of another relationship crosses my mind, it brings up parts of my life that I'm trying to forget. No matter how much I try to box away those phases of my life, it always comes back to haunt me.

I finish up my work as soon as I can and rush back home. Nita must have already reached my house. It's a good thing that I though ahead and decided to give her a spare key in case I was late. Driving up to my porch, I park the car and get out. As I reach my door, I see that Nita has already reached, by seeing her shoes outside. Opening the door, I hear Nita talking to someone. The sound seems to be coming from my bedroom. Going towards the sound, I see that she's on the phone with someone.

"I cannot do that right now," she shouts into her phone. She doesn't notice me as she continues talking.

"I just met him, David. I'm at his house right now and he will be home soon, so I gotta go," she says, hanging up. Was she talking about me? What was she talking about?

"Four?" her voice snaps me out of my daze.

"Hey, when did you reach back?" she asks me. I decide to not let her know what I heard. I am over thinking. She might have been talking to her friends or something. I decide to let it go.

"Four? What happened? Why are you silent? Is something wrong?" she asks, wrapping her arms around me, bringing me in for a hug.

"Hey, I'm fine," I say, hugging her back. "Just had a long day." She smiles, grabbing my hand and leading me to the kitchen. I never realised that, that smile was anything but genuine....

I mentally scold myself for bringing up those memories now. Glancing at the bedside clock, I see that it's 5:00. I have 2 hours left to go pick up Tris. Should I buy her flowers? Should I wear a suit? I had no idea why I am so nervous. After much debate, I decide on a baby blue shirt and jeans. I quickly take a shower and get dressed before calling Amar.

"Hey Amar. I hope everything is fine with the restaurant reservations," I ask, grabbing my car keys.

"Hey. Everything is set. Don't worry. Just pick up your girl and come here. I'll wait here," he says. My body becomes stiff when he refers to Tris as my girl.

"She's not my girl," I say, tersely.

"Well, It will be like that soon," he says, and I can feel the smirk on his face right now. "I saw the way you were looking at her the other day in the cafe."

"Well," I say mimicking him, "I don't want any more relationships in my life. The last one taught me well and good to never trust anyone ever again," I say.

"Son," he sighs, "You cannot let your past affect your future. I know very well what happened with..... with her," he says, his voice laced with disgust. "But not all girls are like her, you have to let the past be in the past and move forward. I know it's going to be hard but you have to try. You cannot spend your life trapped in the past. Let someone in, someone you trust to share in your happiness and help you up in your hard times. Find that person to share your life with. You deserve to be happy. Give people a chance," he says. His words hit hard and I feel my voice choking. I can never be grateful enough for his role in my life. He is the father figure I never had I my childhood.

"Thank you Amar, I will try," I say. "See you at the restaurant," I say hanging up. Locking the door, I get into my car and leave. In the car, I think about Amar's words. I knew he was right. All girls are not the same, but because of Nita, I have learnt to keep my emotions, thoughts and feeling to myself. Now I am scared of revealing my true self to anyone, scared of what they could do in my vulnerability, scared of what I will lose, whom I will lose if I let someone in. That fear is now in-built in me and is now like a reflex action shielding me away from any kind of feelings and emotions.

Lost in thoughts, I stop the car and take a deep breath. I relax for a minute, letting my mind assemble my thoughts. A knock on the car window brings me back to reality. Looking outside, I see a pleasant old lady, probably in her 50's. I get out of the car and go over to her.

"Do you need any help ma'am," I ask her, giving her a hand. She gently takes my hand and smiles at me. I see that she is holding a basket filled with flowers.

"No, my dear. I just saw you park suddenly and you looked a little tense. Such a sweet boy like you should always be happy," she says. She reaches into her basket and takes out a small bouquet of flowers.

"Here, take this flowers, son. Give them to someone special and see the happiness on their faces. See the smile on their faces when you give this to them, she say, giving me the flowers.

"This may be a small gesture, but it will definitely change their day. Your day as well," she smiles. I take the flowers. my heart filled with warmth. As I take out my wallet, she stops me.

"No son. I will not accept money for someone's happiness. Take it," she says. I stand there in awe. There are kind people as well in the world. People who spread happiness, expecting nothing in return.

"Thank you Ma'am," I say. "Thank you."

"Now go along happily. God bless you, my child," she says, smiling at me one last time, before turning around and walking away.

I get back into my car and start to Tris's house. The old lady was absolutely right. A small gesture from a stranger did change my day. I may not know who she was or what her name is, but her face is etched into my heart forever.

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
- Martin Luther King Jr.

Pls don't kill me. Its again been a month and I am angry with myself. So I have decide to keep a specific day for uploading.

I have decided that I will upload a new chapter every second Saturday. So the next chapter will be up on 27th of March, that is next to next Saturday and so on. Do let me know what you think. Should I upload faster? Or can I go at this pace.

One more thing. Awards are in the air and I have nominated this book for many awards in many categories. I have also tagged many people and I'm sorry if it was any inconvenience for anyone. Love you all.

BE BRAVE ♥️♥️