I hope you all enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Samar smiled widely but Dia was sitting like a statue. “How are you?” He initiated the conversation. She blinked. He crossed his arms. He decided not to say a word, hence forcing her to reply. One minute passed by and no one said a word. Two minutes and silence continued. Three minutes and Dia started feeling awkward. Four minutes and Samar thought I can do this all day. Five minutes and Dia was praying for him to say a word. Six minutes and Samar was humming a song in his head. Seven minutes and Dia had it all. “You were wrong!”

“OK. When?”

“Yesterday. You made it seem like it is so easy to do anything. It is not!”

“I do not think I said it is easy.”

“You made it seem like it is. Just because I want something I do not get it. I want peace, I did not get it! It is difficult to get what you want.”

“So?”

Dia opened her mouth but said nothing. She blinked before saying, “That is what I wanted to say.”

Samar smiled. “I am glad you said. But.” She looked at him. “It is difficult. Everything is difficult. It was difficult to learn walking, but you can walk today, right? It does not matter if it is hard or easy. What matters is what you do. How you do.”

“What can I do?”

“A lot of things. But first and foremost, believe in yourself. Unless and until you believe that you can, you cannot.” Dia bowed her head. Last evening when she called Anya she was angry. That was because she thought Samar made her believe in something that is fictitious. She was still angry, but what Samar said made her think. Yesterday, After meeting Samar she felt at ease, but when she realised it was not as easy as he said, she was once again feeling agitated. But now, meeting him again, calmed her down. Samar smiled once again. “I am sorry that I was late today. A bird entered my room through the window and then refused to leave.” Dia nodded her head once. “So, what are we going to talk about today?” Samar again went quiet, forcing Dia to speak. She waited for a minute before looking up at him. He did not look like he would give up. So, she slowly shook her head, indicating that she does not know what to talk about. “Hmm.” he thought for a moment before saying, “How about birds?” Dia looked at him as she did not understand what he meant. “What do you think about them? Do you feel sorry for them, too?” She immediately shook her head. “Then tell me what do you think about birds? In general.”

“I never thought about it,” Dia whispered after being quiet for some time.

“OK.” He shook his head a couple of times. “Do you think it is unfair that birds have to leave early in the morning to search for food for themselves and their children?” She shook her head almost immediately. “That’s pretty much like humans. We all leave our precious bed to feed ourselves and our children.”

“You have children?”

“I wish to get married first.”

“You are not married?”

Samar smiled. “No.”

“Oh.”

“Usually after hearing my age people go like, ‘you have a good job, you look fine then how come you are not married yet?‘ and all I do is smile.”

“You should never get married because of job or looks or both of them! That’s a trap. Stay away from that!”

“I think I am doing a good job in staying away.”

“Good!”
Samar smiled at her enthusiasm. She looked down when he smiled. Samar observed her for a minute before asking, “You got married to your husband because of his job? or his looks?” He paused “Or both?”

She did not reply and just stared at the floor. She wanted to talk, but she did not want to talk. Samar gave Dia some time. He patiently sat there. For a long time, Dia was quiet. Talking about her husband was difficult for her. Ever since she left her house he had been on her mind, but not on her lips. Anya hated him so she talked about him as minimum as possible. Nani never mentioned him and Samar mentioned him for the first time. She did not have a conversation with anyone else except for when she said yes or no to Himani a few weeks ago. “I did not get married to him because of his job or looks.” She slowly started. “ They sure were the bonus points but I got married to him because of his words.”

“words?”

She slowly nodded her head. “He said stuff that went directly in my heart. He was caring. Very caring. I was always smiling when he was around. He made me feel special. Every day. He was really the best.” She paused to breathe. “I miss a lot of things, a lot of people, but I miss him the most.” It was evident in Dia’s voice and eyes that she was in love and that she was hurt.  She wiped her tears before saying, “Can we talk about something else?”

“Sure. How about birds?” To Samar’s surprise, Dia chuckled. She bit her lower lip when she realised what she did. She looked down immediately.

“You never thought about birds?”

“Birds?” Dia raised her eyebrows as she said that. At first, she thought he was being jocular but Samar wanted to have a serious conversation about birds.

“Yeah. What do you think when you see a bird flying? Or when you see a bird sitting on a branch or a wire, or when they all fly together. How does the sky look then? What do you think?”

Dia raised her eyebrow a little. For the first, time in her life she was thinking about birds with such depth. For a few seconds, she was blank. She tried to think about how she felt but her thoughts were unclear. She thought of saying that she had no opinion about them. But then an image of a flying bird crossed her mind. “I think birds are happy.”

“Happy?”

“They fly whenever and wherever they want. They spread their wings as far as they wish. Yeah, they might have to leave their home early. Maybe they find it difficult to look for food, but they fly. I think they love flying. They do that daily.”

“How many of us get to do what we love daily, right?” Dia furiously nodded her head when Samar said that. “But you can do what you love. Every day.”  She did not move her head but raised her eyes to look at him. She looked like a crazy lady from a horror movie and Samar wanted to laugh, but he knew it was not the right time. He smiled instead. “I do what I love. Daily.”

Just then there was a knock at the door and then soon Anya's face appeared. “So sorry to interrupt, but I really have to reach office early. Are we done?”

“I don’t know. Dia?” Samar said.

“Yeah.” She said as she was standing up from the chair.

“I am sorry Dia.” Anya felt bad for cutting short their session. Dia shook her head to say it was fine. “Sit outside. I will come.” Anya whispered to her cousin. Once Dia had walked out of the room, Anya entered the room. She smiled when Samar stood up. “Thank you for coming so early.”

“It is OK. Although I would like to tell you that this was the earliest I have.”

“I am sorry,” Anya said even before he could complete the sentence.

“You know, you don’t have to say that.”

She smiled. “I was really surprised when she called me yesterday. I guess it is a good sign that she wanted to meet you.”

“Let’s think like that.”

“What did she say? I got a feeling that she wanted to tell you something.”

“She wanted to complain.”

“About what?”

“Me.” He smiled. “She is opening up. Do not worry much.”

“Ha! I forgot to pay you last time! How much is it?”

He narrowed his eyes before crossing his arms. “You really want to talk about payment?” Anya innocently nodded her head. “In that case, I want you to pay for the car you broke.”

“What car?”

“My toy car.”

“Oh God! You are still on that.”

“You were the one who wanted to talk about payments. You also need to pay me for the million chocolates that you stole from me. And for more than a million pencils, too. And for my jacket. I still don’t believe you took my favourited jacket and never returned it.”

“I am leaving.” She smiled as she said that. “I really don’t have time for this. We will talk about this later.”

“Sure. There are many more things. I will make a list.”

Anya shook her head. “I am going. See you tomorrow.” She opened the door as she said that.

“We are meeting tomorrow?”

Anya looked at him. “Ah. If Dia wants to meet.”

He nodded his head. “If Dia wants.”

She smiled before leaving the room. She smiled again when Dia looked at her. “Let’s go. The cab is waiting outside.” They did not waste time and got in the cab soon. They were sitting quietly. Anya always initiated a conversation, but today she was quiet. Dia looked at her and found a smile on her lips. Seeing that Dia wanted to smile as well. She looks pretty, Dia thought.

“How do you know him?” Dia whispered to her cousin.

“Samar?” Dia nodded her head. “We used to live in the same building. Our moms were best friends. They were always together and we were forced to be together.”

“Oh.”

“You have met him before. You came to our house during summer vacations a couple of times. His brother Kabir, he was also there that day at our house for lunch. You met him too. You don’t remember them, right?” She shook her head. “I guessed. They remember you. We all used to play together. You actually used to drag me to their house daily.”

“I do not remember,” Dia whispered.

“That’s ok. You don’t have to remember everything. I will tell you a funny story.” Anya smiled widely. “ You dropped my stuff toy from their window once. By the time you got down, a girl, who also used to live in our building picked it up. She was about Kabir's age, so older than you. You were scared to ask her so you forced Kabir to go.” Anya laughed. “She was reluctant to give it back. Kabir came without the toy but you made him go back to her again. I don’t know what he did but he brought back the stuffed toy. But ever since that day she had been after Kabir. “ Anya laughed again. “If Kabir says he wants to get married she will get married to him in a second! Poor Kabir tries to void her so much. She is a stubborn girl. I guess this is why Kabir never forgot you.”

Dia bit her tongue softly. “I am sorry.”

“Don’t be. It’s one of the biggest entertainment of my life. I enjoy reading their chats.”

“He can block her.”

“He can. But I don’t allow him. I will show you their chats one day. They are the funniest.” Dia smiled awkwardly. Anya seemed in a good mood and Dia liked it. She wished Anya was always in a mood like that and not stressed about her. “By the way, we are going out in the evening.”

Dia gasped. “Why?”

“Because you don’t have clothes. You are wearing my clothes and they don’t even fit you. You are too thin for my clothes.” She looked up. “Or maybe I am fat. Anyway, we are going.”

“You go.”

“No, you are coming with me.”

“Someone will see me.”

“I have done an arrangement for that. Do not worry.”

Dia frowned. She did not know what to expect from her cousin. The look on Anya's face said she was not going to let it slid. And she did not let it slid. Around eight in the evening they were in a mall where Dia had not been before but was Anya’s favourite.  “Did I not tell you no one will recognise you?”

“Yeah.” She said nodding her head.

“We left the house an hour ago and see not one people could say who you are. How can they? Only your eyes are visible.” 

Dia wanted to laugh at her cousin. She had been acting weird the whole day and now it was no different. They were at a mall where Anya brought Dia to buy her some stuff. Dia had brought nothing with her and over the past two months, she had asked nothing from Anya. She wore whatever Anya gave her and said no word. Anya wanted her to have something of her own but More than that she wanted to have a fun day with her cousin. Just like the old days.

“Where did you get this Burkha from?” Dia whispered to Anya.

“From where we got it last time. Ali was finally of some use.”

“Hey! I am the most useful person in your life.”

“What the hell are you doing here Ali!?” 

He pointed at his sister who was standing next to him. “When you talked about shopping I realised this human needs some shopping as well. Her clothes wallah make me so sad. I feel like I cannot provide for my sister.” His sister by now had crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes.  “I feel sad that he is my brother.”

“I can understand,” Anya said with a nod.

“You girls do your shopping, I have some work. Call me once you are done.” Ali told his sister. She nodded her head and then Ali left. “Your brother gave you money?” Anya asked Khadijah.

She shook her head. “His card.”

“Perfect! Let me find you the costliest dress here.” Khadijah laughed and Dia smiled. A realisation hit Dia instantly. No one can see me if I smile. She smiled once again. She felt free. “Now!” Anya's voice brought her back. “What do you girls think about this shirt.” Anya pulled out a blue shirt with white stripes.

“A white palazzo pant will look great on it!” Khadijah exclaimed.

“Yeah. Why don’t you buy this one.”

“I will look good in that?”

“We can always check.” She said pointing at the trial rooms.

“Why don’t you try it? I think it will suit you better. Right?” She looked at Dia who nodded her head instantly.

Anya narrowed her eyes. “We are here for you two. Not for me.”

“Trying never harms. Those rooms anyway look empty. That’s just wasting light. Why don’t you use it.”

Anya chuckled. “OK. Someone hold my bag.”

Khadijah took the bag from her and Anya started walking towards the trial rooms. Khadijah saw a pink shirt and walked towards it. Dia felt the need to be close to someone she knew so she quickly followed Khadijah. “This one will look good on you.” Khadijah extended the pink T-shirt towards Dia. Dia did not know what to do so she shook her head. “It will really look good on you. You are so fair. Pink looks good on that complexion. It never looks good on me.” Dia again shook her head. Anya was paying for her necessities, she did not want her to pay for her luxuries. “I am holding this. I will show it to Anya di.” Before Dia could protest Khadijah quickly moved forward. Scared Dia quickly followed her. “I saw a style on Instagram. But I cannot find it anywhere. I wonder if we can find it here. Are you looking for a specific style?” Dia shook her head. “Then let’s see what is good here.” Khadijah started going through all the clothes around her. Dia initially was constantly looking around her, but soon clothes grabbed her attention. Dia had always been the most stylish member of the family. Anya and all her cousins always envied her. At any function, everyone used to wait to see what Dia and her Mother were wearing. Dia's fashion sense was one of the few things that did not change over the years. Although she started caring less about them.

“How is this?” Khadijah picked up a black kurta and showed it to Dia. Dia observed it for some seconds then shook her head in a no. “No? I thought it would look good on me.” Dia shook her head again. She started looking for something for Khadijah and Khadijah was looking something for Dia. After some ten minutes Dia pulled out a white and red kurta. After observing it for a moment she extended it towards Khadijah. “You want to buy this one?” Dia shook her head and further extended her hand towards her. “For me?” This time Dia Nodded her head. Khadijah smiled and took it from her. “It looks pretty. Thank you.”

“Where did you two go?” Anya said walking towards them.

“Sorry. Did you like it?” Khadijah asked Anya.

“Naah. It is looking weird.”

“Look who I found!” Ali's excited voice caught their attention.

“You forced me to come here,” Kabir said instantly.

“What are you doing here?” Anya asked her friend.

“That is not important, Anya!” Ali said before Kabir could say anything. “Important thing is we all are here.”

“I knew he was up to something,” Khadija whispered to herself. The reason Ali was there with his sister was not Shopping. He was there because he wanted to see something. Ever since Himani told him that Kabir was interested in Dia he was restless. Kabir was his best friend and not knowing something like that made him feel like a bad friend. In the beginning, He did not believe it, but then slowly he started to agree on it. But he still wanted to see it himself. He had forced Kabir to come to the mall only because Dia was there.

“Are you girls done with shopping? Let’s go and sit somewhere.” Ali said.

“No! We still have hours to go.” Anya said.

“Right! You can leave.” Khadijah said instantly.

“Oh, come on! You all have something in your hands! Just buy it and let’s go.”

“What do you want, Ali?” Kabir was annoyed by now.

“Let's go!”

In spite of Everyone’s protest, Ali was successful in dragging them out of the store. This was the case every time. None of them ever understood why they agreed with Ali, but they always have. He found a way to persuade people every time. “Now, let’s eat something! I am hungry.” Ali said as they were coming out of the store.

“You are always hungry.” His sister said with an eye roll.

“What’s the point in coming here if Khadijah go back inside!”

“What happened?” Kabir asked.

“Khadijah. You said you wanted to buy a dress for your farewell party, right? You didn’t get it. Go buy it.”

“It is OK. I will buy it some other time.”

“No, you should buy it now. Go. You and Dia buy something.  My treat.”

“No, I am fine.”

“Khadijah.”

Khadijah knew better not to argue.  She nodded her head instantly. “Let’s go.” Dia did not know what was happening but she quietly followed Khadijah back in. Once they were gone Anya turned to Ali. “What’s wrong?”

“Look who else is here.” He motioned toward the escalator.

Anya gasped. “What is he doing here!?”

“He can go anywhere. We cannot control that.” Kabir said trying his best not to lose his calm.  Aman was talking to someone on his phone. He did not see them and entered a store. All of them were looking at him as if they would hit him at any moment. Anya was sure she would hit him if she sees him again.

“OK, what happened?” Khadijah asked.

“Where is dia?” Anya asked her.

“I forced her to try a pant. What is happening here?”

“Her husband is in the mall,” Ali replied.

“Oh no. What will we do now?”

“You keep her engage and away, we will handle him,” Kabir said still looking at the store where Aman entered.

“OK. All the best.” Khadijah went back to Dia leaving the three angry birds alone.

“I think we should leave now. He is in the store. We can leave without his knowledge.” Anya wanted to run before he notices them.

“No. Let’s do something about him.” Ali said.

“Dia is with us. Let’s not take a risk.” Anya said instantly.

“We cannot let him get away every time. He is having a good life that he does not deserve. Don’t you agree with me, Kabir?” 

Kabir took a deep breath  “Let’s do something about him.”