'Are you sure? She is just a friend?'
Jane's voice still echoing in my head.

More than words, her intonation affected me.

Yeah, Estella is a friend.

But, Do I get so excited to see my old or lost friends?

Whom am I be fooling?
I never had many friends. Or should say any friend apart from Jerry. Jane is an addition to it.

Mom never left any need for any friend. And after her, I never got too close to anyone.

Jane is just too much. I think that friends turn foes thing was made for such friends only.

"Thinking about something serious Son?" Dad inquiries as I drove in his bungalow.

"Oh, nothing serious. Was just thinking about today. It was really fun to see you dance after so long Dad. I must say, Dad, You still have moves." I chuckle with happiness to think of that smile Dad had while dancing with Estella today.

"Yes, that Dance was courtesy of that sweet Girl. If I'm not wrong, I had seen her with you earlier too. Please tell me that you haven't ditched her."

My father is too much at times.

"Dad, we are friends. And there's nothing like ditching in friendship." I cleared it for him.

"Then why was She looking depressed? I asked her to dance as she was standing alone in a corner when everyone else was enjoying along with the bride and groom."

"Because..." I thought of the episode of bouquet throwing, how Jane behaved cold when she found Estella was there in the group to catch it. Jane's mother had asked her to be there.

Her parents seem quite close to Estella. They might have a deep connection in past.

"Because?" Dad's voice reminds me of him waiting for my reply.

"Because, She argued with Jane over something in past, and Jane didn't like to see her at the wedding," I reply in one go, trying to make it as short as I could.

"And why didn't She dance with you? When I gave her hand in yours, every head had turned to you both only."

Look at the bright smile She gave to my father. How happy he is to think of her with me.

"We didn't dance Dad, as she had noticed it too. She didn't want to steal the thunder of the bride and groom." I surmised our conversation as I opened the car door for him.

"Ah! What is that now? Steal the thunder! You guys make the best couple Ryan. You should seriously think about the girl. In case you still haven't." He replies patting at my shoulder, "You don't meet The One every day, Ryan. If you have found her, don't let her go." He emphasized, holding my shoulder firmly.

"Dad, don't you think that You are not that good when it comes to decisions about 'The One' thing?" I felt a bit of pain in the chest while reminding him about his failed marriage. As if something stinging me from inside.

I said it but quickly realized my mistake as his bright face turned pale in reaction to my words.

"Sorry, Dad. I didn't mean to hurt you." I apologize for my unintentional taunt and thought to drive away from him as soon as possible.

"You didn't. And you don't need to go anywhere at this moment. You are coming in with me. Maybe, we can discuss this over a drink."

Wow, my father offered me a drink. But the topic of discussion is certainly not fascinating to me at all.

"Dad, thanks for your offer, but maybe some other time. You know your Grandson Scotch must be waiting for me." I tried to lighten up the mood a bit.

"Ok, maybe some other time. But, I want to clarify something. Your Mother is the best woman I could have met in this life. And might be The best Mother, any Son can wish for." His hand caressed my head as he walked away.

Best Mother, yes. She might be the best mother. As She gave me the best lesson in the world.

Never trust the word, Love.

Dad loved her like anything. He still loves her. It's visible in the way he still defends her.

What he got in the return for his love and devotion?

Betrayal!

All of a sudden their love dried up. Seems like it was never there ever.

Dad might have given his best to hold it so long or...

Or... I was the compulsion, that they had to stay in the hollow bond.

I have to pull breaks as my sight turned blurry with the realization.