Maya's POV:

Timeline of Events [2004]

A week later, the much awaited response greeted me.

Thoughts swirled in my head and a pang of sadness set in my heart where I thought happiness should have been.

'Am I even doing the right thing?'

I did want a new opportunity that was challenging and gave me more room to take the lead and learn newer technologies, but on the other hand, I was upset that I had to move out again and be more distant than my friends and family that I dearly missed.

A deep sigh escaped my lips as I typed in the resignation letter. Tears threatened to fall from my eyes as I reminisced about the good memories and all the challenges I had overcome.

I couldn't turn back on my dreams now.

I couldn't turn back on my dreams now.

I explained as I sat in front of Mr. Chawla, the CEO of the firm.

He was going to become my ex-boss now and I had mixed feelings about it. On one hand, he gave me the opportunity to bloom to my potential when I was merely a college graduate and on the other, I couldn't ignore the calling for a greater challenge.

This wasn't going to be easy, I knew it, yet nothing could have prepared me for the time I had to say goodbye, once and for all.

"I respect your decisions, Maya," Mr. Chawla's voice broke the bubble of thoughts I was in, "Can I still expect some dhoklas from time to time?"

His lips curved into a pleading smile and I couldn't fight the smile that formed on mine.

With glistened eyes and a sore throat, I managed the words out. "Of course, sir. I will try to come around occasionally, if you still allow me to, with dhoklas for the entire office."

"That sounds like a delightful deal." He responded, his voice was hoarse. "You were one of our best employees. God knows if we should ever find someone as notorious and charming as you."

A chuckle escaped my lips at that and he continued with a smile, "I see a bright future ahead of you, Maya. Don't ever be afraid to take the reins of your destiny and lead the way to your own success. Keep inspiring people and never let the world dull your shine. After all, there's always hope. And if there's none, it can always be solved – one dhokla at a a time."

"Of course, sir. I am truly thankful for everything you have provided for me. I will always cherish these memories and the lessons I have learnt here."

"Now, go and have some fun with your colleagues. It's your last day, after all. When did you say was your joining date?"

"About 10 days from now, sir–16th September."

"Awesome. Please keep in touch and all the best for your career." He said as he rose from his seat to shake my hands. I did the same.

The warmth of his hands and the comfort of his gesture felt like a cozy hug wrapped in a cloak of confidence and reverie.

It was time to change tides and write my destiny.

It was time to change tides and write my destiny.

I sat around a make-shift round conference table along with Ajith, Mihir, Meera, Dev and a few others as I gave a small thank you speech to each of them.

I had prepared small notes that hopefully expressed my gratitude for their camaraderie and carefully gave a small speech about my ambitions and why it was time to move on.

"You really were one of the best employees I have worked with." Ajith said as he patted on my back.

Mihir folded his arms and a playful scowl formed on his face. "I hate the fact that no one would be pulling mischievous pranks on me from time to time and keeping me on my toes."

"Hey, we need recipe for your jaljeera paani." Meera quipped with a nudge.

"Of course," I answered her, "I will be sure to share the recipe. I might occasionally come around but it is difficult. The interviews happened here at one of their branches but the headquarters is at Ahmedabad, so it'll definitely take a while."

A submissive silence fell like a shroud around us.

Dev spoke this time. "NexaTech is that much far? I thought you were still going to be in the city."

"Unfortunately, no. I wish I could stay here. But, then again, I think what they say is right. Dreams do demand a lot from you. It's your choice at the end of the day if you want to chase them and make it a reality."

"I thought I was going to miss this party!" Ajeeth said as he came rushing towards our group, his breaths coming out raggedly and his clothes drained from the rain outside.

"You came just in time, buddy." Dev told him with a grin. "It's time to party like it's the 90's"

Jhalak Dikhla Jaa played on loud as we let our stresses lose and danced to its tune.

Dev hit the floor with the breakdance while the rest of us cheered him on.

Shreyas sang to the iconic Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai from Jism and we wrapped the party up with Zara Zara from Rehnna Hai Terre Dil Mein.

The hugs and handshakes that I was enveloped with from everyone had me feeling overwhelmingly loved. I was going to miss it all.

Anjali even went as far as to write me a farewell letter and buy me a bracelet and the tears I had been holding in for a good while finally flourished.

It was a good time.

It was a good time.

I tell Riddhi, recounting my days at QuanDatum and the farewell party.

"Looks like you really had a blast," She said as she turned her face to me, "Are you going to miss me?"

"Of course, idiot. Why would I not miss you?" I turn towards her.

We were seated close to each other and I couldn't help but feel drawn to her. I'd never felt this way before and it seemed odd despite the fact that we'd sat near in the past, maybe it was her perfume or presence. I could not tell.

Riddhi let out a playful cough to catch my attention, "You did decide to move cities away from me. How do I know?!"

The atmosphere felt heavy and I felt warmer, despite the AC being set to a low temperature.

'Would it be okay to act upon my instincts? What if she felt bad?'

I didn't know and there wasn't enough time to figure out. Parting with fresh wounds rather than unfulfilled wishes definitely didn't seem like a better call.

A gentle tap on my shoulders brought my attention to her. She must've left when I was busy pondering on things and now stood before me with a bowl of gajjar ka halwa.

"I prepared it myself," An earnest smile painted her lips and a child-like enthusiasm glowed, "Someone would've to prepare it for me. And if it wasn't you... I wanted to learn it for myself. Sure, it might not be as delicious as yours..." Her voice trailed off. Knowing her love for the sweets, I had already prepared two boxes for her and her family to enjoy.

Presently, she continued, "But, it is something. I guess every time I have it, I will remember you."

Her voice tightened from the emotions that threatened to spill over.

There was no time for second thoughts.

I gently pulled her face towards me and nuzzled her cheeks with my palms. "I will miss you so much."

"I will, too."

Silence.

'Why were these silences becoming awkward?'

There was only one way to find out.

There was only one way to find out.

I was currently standing outside Suresh's office cabin and couldn't find him anywhere. Maybe he was busy. That'd explain it but I didn't want to seem like an intruder either.

I had to wait. That's all I could do.

A blush tinted my cheeks pink as I thought about the awkward farewell with Riddhi yesterday. A long and warm embrace that almost crushed me to the bones and a gentle smooch on the cheeks had me feeling all flustered. I shouldn't feel that way.

Why was I like this, I wonder.

My thoughts are soon cut short as a familiar set of hands cover my eyes from behind. I instantly recognize it and turn around in excitement. In a flurry of events, I must've lost my balance because I was currently in his arms.

Suresh looked comfortable but I could trace the surprise on his face.

After realizing the awkwardness of the situation I had been locked in, I leaned forward towards his ear and whispered, "You're kidnapping your villainess today?"

He took on the challenge and placed his finger near my earlobe. After making sure I was comfortable with his actions, he traced it gently along my jawline.

My senses tickled against his fingertips. How could he do nothing and still make me feel like a mess?

"Well, it does look like the villainess has decided to surrender to her hostage's wishes. So, why not?"

Our faces were inches away from each other.

'What was with me and these tense situations at my farewell?'

He broke his gaze first and shifted me to give me space. "I'm sorry. I got carried away. Are you okay?"

I was getting used to his warmth. Why did he shift? I would've loved to stay in his embrace.

Oh, office. I forgot where we were standing.

"I am okay." My voice came out more like a croak than a statement. Just the time my body defies me.

"Thank you." I really didn't know why I felt the need to say that.

If only I could figure this mess out.

"My shift ends at five, maybe we could have some gathiyas like the old times?"

"Sure, sounds like a deal."

Everything felt just more deep these days. Maybe I should be worried about it.

But I wasn't.

But I wasn't.

My parents were at home watching a movie in the living room, cozily wrapped as the rain drizzled outside.

I had called them an hour earlier of my arrival but the weather wasn't on my side.

I wish I was wrapped in the blankets with them but fate decided to delay my plan as I took refuge under a shop's roof, the chill gnawing at my skin.

After fifteen minutes, the rain stopped temporarily and I hurried to my destination, my feet picking up pace as I returned to a place I called my own.

Like a kid running through the rain, I rushed, hoping to reunite with them, not bothering the mud and the dirt that painted my leggings.

Childhood memories flashed before my eyes.

The time I had helped mom with the motor pipes, the time my dad had told me stories about his young days, grandma's struggle in the strife for independence... and then my own discovery of my inner flame. A burning passion and curiosity to be defiant, the dark lure of power... did I ever make a difference?

People praise me and sometimes it feels like I might not deserve it. It makes me feel like I have to prove to be higher than their expectations. I never put that much effort into my works, let alone in my relationships... did I deserve what I have been given on a silver platter?

Maybe. Or not.

I currently tapped on the main gate of my house as the memories whirled into the distance.

All lingering doubts and fears melted away in the rain as my dad's embrace wrapped me in warmth and comfort, anchoring me to reality.

"I missed you, Maya." His words cocooned me in its spell.

I felt loved. "I missed you so much, daddy."

He led me in; the old and new things, changes, and colors combined to produce an arcane combination of nostalgia and temporal shift.

It'll be okay. It really will be. I believed in that.

Sitting by the room heater and having a warm plate of dinner after weathering a chilly rain, I felt at home.

The distance between my parents was ever present, as always, but I could see through the cracks how they continued to go on and made efforts to be together, even if it was through small gestures. The once warm relationship between them felt cold. Yet, they danced to the same tunes they knew all too well, blinded by the music slowly fading into the dark.

Love, oh love. How complex were its forms.

Alas, it was the final day.

"I hope you don't forget us." My mom told me as she gave me a stern yet soft look. I didn't even know if it was possible to be so vulnerable, yet so distant.

I wished she had held me in these final moments but it was like asking a tree to sprout its arms around you. It couldn't happen for all you could do was rely on that tree to supply but never more than that.

"My tameti has grown up so much," Dad said as he pulled my cheeks. His tomato nickname for me was the only one I was willing to accept, the only one to cherish. Only he could call me that, his love makes it that much more special.

"Dadi..." I called as I had entered her room.

My suitcase and bags were already packed and ready downstairs.

Despite my pleas, my parents and relatives ensured I had a store of all the sweets and savories they could fit in. I am just hoping to not get charged at the airport for the over weight, though I had already ensured it several times.

"Aavne beta, nikdas?" She asked me if I was leaving and I simply nodded in response, unable to hold back my tears.

"Han dadi, saanje saat vagye." It was already four and I was anxious to reach to the airport by five. Waiting wasn't the issue, but the traffic... it was Sunday, after all. A seven P.M. flight required more preparations, yet I tossed most of it on luck.

"Take care, dearest." Her voice cracked, "I love you so much. Don't forget why you started, ever. Come what may, eventually, you'll find your way. I believe in you."

Her voice comforted me through my distress. "Thank you."

I bowed and touched her feet and she blessed me. I really hoped to see her as jovial as she was now.

It was finally time to say goodbye to all that I knew and start fresh.

I didn't even realize how the time flew by.

I didn't even realize how the time flew by.

But, it was time to get back to life and look towards the horizon where dreams lay.

NexaTech was everything I hoped for and more. The first day felt like stepping into another world. The office was abuzz with innovation and ideas crackling in the air like static electricity. It was a place where creativity thrived and boundaries were pushed.

I quickly settled into my analytical role, diving into projects that challenged me in ways I had never imagined. We were working on cutting-edge AI technologies from natural language processing to machine learning algorithms that could predict patterns and behaviors with astonishing accuracy.

It was all too amazing and when I wasn't working, I soaked in the curiosity of how things could operate in ways I hadn't considered before, and how, if designed correctly, computers might think as people did.

I was barely able to communicate with my friends and relatives. They were equally excited by the fact that I enjoyed what I did. Of course, I had several invitations to cook for them, as well as Riddhi's periodic photos of the gajjar ka halwa and her complaints that it somehow never tasted as good as mine. I'd have to make it up to her when I go back, though.

Mihir and Ajith had been promoted to senior positions recently and the others updated about their usual lives. I didn't find much time amidst my AI tasks.

I missed Suresh a lot too. If only he'd been here... oh, the chaos we'd wreck of the place together.

It wasn't easy but I was gradually adjusting to Ahmedabad's considerably busier and more vibrant lifestyle. For an outsider, that would be thrilling. However, living there might seem quite different. The rents were higher and some days I had to choose between bills but I was grateful to still have a roof over my head.

Every day at NexaTech was a learning experience and I couldn't have asked for a better role. To be at the pivotal moment of a history that the world was yet to catch up on.

I found myself staying late, not out of obligation, but because I was genuinely excited about the work we were doing. The thrill of discovery, the joy of problem-solving – it was all so enchanting.

One evening as I watched the sunset from the office window, casting a golden glow over the city, I felt a profound sense of contentment.

This was it, the destiny I had been seeking. My hunger for knowledge seemed never too large enough for the amount of information I was learning over the months.

I wish it'd stay like this forever. The buzz, the thrill and the ever growing tree of knowledge as the forms of data change was all too captivating to be captured in a single moment.

Alas, nothing stays the same forever.

❛To my heart, with the stealthy pace of the tiger—I alternately laughed
and howled, as the one or the other idea grew predominant.❜
— Edgar Allan Poe

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Word Glossary:

jaljeera paani - a tangy cumin flavored water
gajjar ka halwa - carrot dessert
Aavne beta, nikdas? - come dear, are you leaving?
Han dadi, saanje saat vagye - yes grandma, at evening seven

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Mentioned Songs:

🎵 Jhalak Dikhla Jaa from Aksar

🎵 Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai from Jism

🎵 Zara Zara from Rehnna Hai Terre Dil Mein

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a/n: 2440 words later, I feel like like I wrote a storm with this chapter xD

BUT YASSS its finally here. Chapter 35. We've still got plot to flesh out but I am liking her growth so far.

Hope you're liking this story so far!

Cheers,

Sara