After enduring countless introductions to guests, posing for trending photographs with her friends, and trying her hand at several minute-to-win-it games arranged for the guests in the courtyard after lunch, Saavi had retreated to her room for a much-needed nap. Her room, devoid of any personal items that could give away her identity at first glance, made her wonder again how Mihir knew her name. However, she pushed that curiosity to the back of her mind, sinking into a deep, much-needed sleep.

Upon waking, she enjoyed a refreshing shower and changed into a pair of denims and a beautifully embroidered Lucknowi chikankari tunic. She needed to procure booze for the night's party, which meant stepping out of the serene confines of the hotel which was in the middle of a lake. Making her way to the dock, where ferries crossed the shimmering lake to the other side of town, she marveled at the beauty of the lake and the surrounding hills.

A lone boat was parked, but no one was in sight. She turned around, and to her surprise, found none other than Mihir approaching, with a man trailing behind him.

"I have to ask, are you stalking me?" she asked, pushing up her sunglasses with a playful smirk.

"If that makes you happy, I could say yes," Mihir replied, his grin as charming as ever.

"I'm pretty sure no one likes being stalked."

"Then let me say I'm not. I'm actually on my way to witness the most serene sunset" he spoke looking in the direction of the hills.  He then fixed his gaze back on her. "What brings you here, all by yourself?"

"I need to buy some stuff from the market. I was told I could get a boat ride from here," she said, gesturing to the empty boat docked nearby.

"Oh, you can, but you have to inform the help desk in advance so they can arrange for the staff to take you," he explained, pointing to the man behind him. "Fortunately, Ram Lal is here, so he can take us both. You're welcome."

Ram Lal bowed gently and hurried to prepare the boat.

"Thanks!" Saavi said, turning around to see the boat being prepped.

"You can step in, Madam," Ram Lal spoke. Saavi assessed the gap between the wooden plank she stood on and the boat. Wearing two-inch heel sandals was probably not the best idea.

"Here, let me help." Mihir stepped forward, standing beside her. With one swift motion, he was into the boat. Saavi watched it wobble under his weight.

"Can't we take one of the motorboats?" She had noticed that they were sturdier and less rocky.

"They're for groups of more than ten people. We're three, including Ram Lal. Come on, it won't sink." He offered her his hand.

Saavi met his eyes. She hated how his intent look made her feel. Maybe she was developing a teeny-tiny crush on him. It was probably all the "shaadi-kar-lo-beta," "get-a-boyfriend," "find-a-guy" talk getting to her head. It couldn't be anything more than that.

She slipped her hand into his, which was surprisingly smooth and warm. His fingers wrapped steadily around her hand, and he offered her his other hand too. She took it after a moment's hesitation. She stepped into the boat, almost swaying back as it dipped under her weight. Almost instantly, Mihir's right hand released her hand and instead settled on her back. He gently shifted her towards the center of the boat and then quickly withdrew his hand.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.

Saavi nodded, catching her breath and then forced a smile. This was embarrassing. She hated taking help from men for these little things. "I think I'm fine." She was fine. It was just the wobble of the boat that made her heart skip a few beats and then quicken its rhythm. Nothing else. Absolutely, nothing else.

"Just take slow steps and try to keep your weight centered," Mihir advised.

"I know," she replied, quickly pulling her hand from his grasp. She walked over to the bench at the end of the boat, each step carefully measured. Mihir followed her and sat one step below her. The boat tilted slightly due to their combined weight, but the boatman shifted some weights to the other side and took his seat. He scanned the dock to see if there were any other guests, seeing none, he unfastened the rope tying the boat to the dock.

As the boat set off, the lake's gentle waves lapped against the hull, creating a soothing rhythm. Saavi couldn't help but steal glances at Mihir, who was effortlessly engaging Ram Lal in conversation about the best spots to catch the sunset and the best places to get authentic food among other touristy chatter. The sky had began to blush with hues of pink and orange, casting a magical glow over the water.

For a moment, Saavi allowed herself to relax, the fresh lake breeze brushing against her face, carrying with it the faint scent of jasmine from the nearby gardens. She could see the distant hills bathed in the golden light of the late afternoon sun, and for the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of peace.

After a few minutes she noticed Mihir taking pictures on his iPhone. Her curiosity about Mihir once again started gnawing at the edges of her mind. 

"You always seem to turn up when I'm around," she remarked, trying to keep her tone light.

"Well, maybe fate has a sense of humor," Mihir said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Or maybe it's just a small hotel."

"Hmm," she hummed wearing a small smile. "How did you know my name?" Saavi finally asked, curiosity getting the better of her. In her defense, only satisfaction could bring back the curious cat from the dead.

Mihir leaned back, a playful smile tugging at his lips, as he turned halfway to look at her, "what do you mean?"

"I never introduced myself. So how did you know my name?" Saavi replied meeting his eyes.

 "I have my ways," he said enigmatically, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Saavi raised an eyebrow, not buying the mystery. "Seriously, how?"

"Well, I just have a good memory." His one should raised into a half shrug. 

"I don't understand." Saavi replied confused.

Mihir chuckled softly, "Alright. We've met before."

"No way, I would remember," Saavi found herself replying before she could give it some thought.

"I don't know if I should be flattered or disappointed," he added with a grin, turning around some more and putting his leg on the other side so he was straddling the bench. Saavi's eyes momentarily dropped to his thighs before meeting his eyes again.

"Saavi Goel, roll number forty-two, section C," he said with a boyish smile.

"You went to the same school!" Saavi stared at him. This was perhaps why she felt a sense of familiarity. However, she still couldn't place him in her memory.

"You still don't remember me, do you?" Mihir's drawled, his eyes held a playful challenge.

Saavi squinted, trying to pull memories from the past. Faces and names from school flashed in her mind, but none seemed to match his. School was really long ago and she barely remembered people. "I'm sorry, I really don't," she admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed. In her defense, it had been over a decade. 

Mihir chuckled, a warm, genuine sound. "Don't worry, it was a long time ago. I wasn't exactly the most noticeable guy back then."

Saavi felt a strange mix of curiosity and intrigue. She remembered the geeky Rahul who sat on first bench whose personality hardly matched guns name. Then there was Sachin, who was almost late to every class because he was busy playing in the field. 

"You still don't remember me, do you? We were lab partners for chemistry and physics in 9th and 10th grade."

"Oh my God!" The memory finally served her. "You're Mihir G. Roll number thirty-two!" Saavi exclaimed as memories flooded back. 

She instantly recalled the classmate who had been her lab partner in those years. She remembered him as the fair, chubby, pretty boy who had been on the healthier side. While other boys in her class showed signs of puberty hitting them, Mihir had been different. He was a goofball. But now, looking at him almost a decade later, she marveled at what a brilliant job puberty had done in transforming him into a man, a charismatic, well-built macho man.

Mihir laughed, a deep, rich sound that seemed to resonate with the ripples of the lake. "Glad to see some things haven't changed. You always had a knack for remembering details."

"I can't believe it," Saavi shook her head, still processing the transformation. "You've really changed. No wonder I didn't recognize you." Blinking and processing her words she added quickly, "I mean, not just physically," not wanting to seem superficial. "You seem more confident, more... everything." She blinked shaking her head still in the throes of surprise.

She wouldn't call Mihir a friend, but he was neither a nobody. They shared a good rapport  in school. They worked as a great team on all the lab projects. Once in a whole they exchanged notes when the other was absent from the classes.

Mihir smiled, a warmth in his eyes that made her feel unexpectedly comfortable. "Time has a way of changing us all, doesn't it? But look at you, Saavi. You haven't changed a bit. Still sharp, still beautiful."

Saavi felt a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Well, thank you. So, how...."

Their conversation was interrupted by the boatman, who announced they were approaching Mihir's destination.

"Why don't you come along? You'll get to see the most beautiful sunset. It will be worth it," Mihir turned back to her, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Oh, I would love to, but I need to get to the market and then get back in time," Saavi replied, torn between her schedule and the tempting offer. She loved sky gazing.

"It won't take more than thirty minutes. Forty minutes tops. There's a car waiting there, it will drive us to the top of that hill. There's a sunset point that gives a very good view. I will accompany you to the market, help you get your stuff, and have you back at the hotel by six-thirty," Mihir promised, his enthusiasm contagious.

"Mihir, I would really love to but I doubt..."

"Oh come on, you'll thank me later," he spoke with a grin on his face, "say yes,"  he insisted.

"My friends are going to kill me if I reach late. We're supposed to have the bachelorette party tonight, and the party won't start without me," Saavi protested, though she felt her resolve weakening. The idea of witnessing a scenic sunset was not bad.

"Wow, interesting, still the Miss popular. But trust me, Saavi, this sunset will be the highlight of your trip. Besides, your friends can wait a bit longer for the star of the show," Mihir grinned.

Saavi chuckled. "I am not the star of the show, and I don't remember being Miss Popular ever. As for the reason, I am in charge of the booze."

"Oh, well, that's a very, very important duty, I totally understand, but I can help you there. I happen to have a friend who owns a liquor shop; he'll have your order delivered to the hotel."

"Uh, actually, no one can know, so that's why..."

He wore an amused grin. "So technically, you're in charge of sneaking in the booze. Hmm, now that's way more interesting. Not the Saavi I knew from school, but well, we've established that time changes a lot of things."

Saavi chuckled, shaking her head slightly.

"Don't worry, your booze will be delivered in utmost secrecy. No one will know. You have my word. Now, will you come to witness the most scenic sunset? We're really losing time."

Saavi was torn between saying yes and rejecting his offer. She had heard all about the beautiful sunsets of the lake city. Tempted, she gave in. "I will come, but you need to get me back to the hotel before seven."

"Oh, I promise. I know you'll turn into a pumpkin otherwise."

Saavi stared at him for a beat. "That's not how it works. The pumpkin was Cinderella's chariot." She rolled her eyes.

He looked at her, feigning confusion. "I'm bad with fairytales. Ignore I said that. Let's get going."

Saavi smiled, shaking her head slightly.

The boatman helped Saavi debark the boat, steadying it as she stepped onto the dock. Mihir followed closely behind. They walked up to a waiting cab, which was ready to take them up the hill.

The cab wound its way through the narrow roads, climbing steadily higher. The scenery changed from bustling market stalls to serene, tree-lined avenues. Saavi felt her anticipation building as they ascended, the air growing cooler and fresher with each passing moment.

As they neared the top, Mihir turned to her with a smile. "You're going to love this place. It's one of the best-kept secrets around here from what I have heard."

Saavi returned his smile, feeling a mixture of excitement and curiosity. The cab finally came to a stop at a small clearing, from which a short path led to the sunset point. They got out and started walking, the path dappled with the golden light of the late afternoon sun.

When they reached the viewpoint, Saavi's breath caught in her throat. The entire landscape was bathed in a warm, golden glow, the sun hovering just above the horizon. The lake below shimmered like a mirror, reflecting the hues of the sky, while the surrounding hills stood silhouetted against the vibrant backdrop.

"This is... stunning," she whispered, unable to tear her eyes away from the view.

Mihir stood beside her, his expression softening. "I told you it would be worth it."

"It is!" She whispered.

They stood there in silence for a moment, taking in the breathtaking sight. The sun slowly dipped lower, casting long shadows and painting the sky with shades of pink, orange, and purple. It was a moment of pure serenity, one that felt almost surreal.

Saavi glanced at Mihir, feeling a strange sense of connection. "Thank you for bringing me here," she said softly. "This really will be one of the highlights of my trip."

Mihir smiled, his eyes reflecting the vibrant colors of the sunset. "I'm glad you came. Sometimes the best moments are the ones we don't plan for," he said, slipping his hands into his pockets, while his eyes remained glued to the sky.

Saavi glanced at him. She found herself relaxing in Mihir's company. Despite her initial reservations, there was something undeniably magnetic about him. She smiled, turning her gaze back to the scenery. It was undeniably one of the most beautiful sunsets she had ever witnessed.

As the last rays of sunlight danced on the horizon, Saavi felt a wave of tranquility wash over her. The world seemed to stand still, and in that moment, everything felt just right. Mihir's presence added an unexpected layer of warmth to the picturesque view.

"It's incredible," she murmured, more to herself than to him. Who'd ever thought she would cross paths with a cute boy from school decades later and he'd be instrumental in showing her one of the most beautiful sunsets? 

Mihir nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Sunsets like this remind me of how beautiful the world can be, even in the simplest moments."

Saavi turned to him, a smile playing on her lips. It was rare, to come across people her age who preferred to pause to find beauty in the ordinary. "So you have a philosophical bend to your personality too." 

She couldn't help but remember the Mihir from school—a shy, nerdy boy who hardly spoke. It was strange and intriguing to witness this new version of him— confident, bold man who spoke his mind out. She barley remembered details of him from school, but she knew he wasn't very expressive with his thoughts. He never raised his hand and answered in class even if he knew the right answer, he used to just whisper it loud enough for her to hear.

Mihir chuckled softly, the sound blending with the gentle rustle of leaves around them. "Life has a way of changing us. Experiences shape us in ways we never anticipate. And sometimes, those changes bring out the worse in us and sometimes the best."

She felt a warmth in his words, a sincerity that resonated with her. "You seem to have grown a lot since school. It's... impressive."

"Thanks. I like to think of it as a journey. Each step, each experience adds to who we are," Mihir said, his voice thoughtful. "But enough about me. How about you? How has life been treating you?"

Saavi paused, reflecting on her own journey. "It's been a mix of ups and downs, like everyone's. But I'm grateful for where I am now, for who I am now."

"Sounds good," he passed her a genuine i-am-happy-for-you smile.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the world in twilight, the conversation paused as they got lost in the sunset. Saavi felt more relaxed and intrigued than she had been in a long time. The serene ambiance of the sunset point added a magical touch to their exchange, creating a moment she knew she would cherish. She wasn't someone who made friends easily, but with Mihir, an instant bond had formed, just like back in her school years. Although she didn't exactly remember how she had warmed up to him back then.

"We should probably head back," Saavi said reluctantly, not wanting the moment to end.

"Yeah, you wouldn't want to miss that bachelorette party," Mihir replied with a grin.

"Oh trust me, my friends will never let me live it down," Saavi chuckled.

"Of course, every bachelorette party is incomplete without booze," his reply was instant, making Saavi laugh.

"What are the guys on the groom's side up to? No party?" she inquired.

"Oh, we have a bachelors only party too. I'm sure their party preparations are already in full swing as we speak," Mihir said with a wink.

Saavi smiled, "sounds like you have a happening night ahead."

"Well, only time can tell," he remarked as they began walking back to the car.

"So, where do you stay?" Saavi asked.

"Still in Delhi. What about you?" He glanced at her, as he opened the door of the cab for her.

"Hyderabad, currently. I was in Pune before that." She answered before getting into the back seat of the car.

He gave a nod of acknowledgment and shut the door before jogging over to the other side.

"So, you're moving cities because of the job?" He asked.

"Yep, it's been only three months in Hyderabad so far." Saavi spoke, her eyes observing his movements as he brought out a bottle of water from his backpack and offered it to her. "Umm, thanks," she said accepting the water bottle. She had forgotten to carry one of her own and was very thirsty. 

"Hmm, how is the city treating you?"

"So far, it's been smooth." She opened the cap of the bottle and raised it up to take a few gulps.

"I have heard a great many good things about the city, I hope it treats me just as well." He replied.

"You're moving to Hyderabad?" Saavi asked surprised. A little of the water spilling onto her face and some onto her dress. Damn it. 

"Careful," he said quickly, reaching for the tissue box placed between their seats and holding it for her.

"Thanks," she murmured, quickly handing him the closed bottle and taking two tissues to dab on her face. She managed a smile. 

"I am on my notice period currently. I have two job offers one in Bangalore the other in Hyderabad. I am more inclined on the second one."

"Oh, that's great. What's the job role?"

"Senior cyber security analyst," he answered.

"That's cool. Which company?"

"X-Force," 

Saavi gaped at him. X-force was one of the most reputed firms for security software solutions and hardware encryption. "No wonder, your inclination. They are the best in enterprise security solutions."

"Thanks, you didn't say it's because of the pay check." He glanced at her smiling.

Saavi smiled poking her tongue against the inside of her cheek, "and that of course!"

Mihir laughed, shaking his head, as he held his phone in hand. "Anyways, focusing on important duties, what kind of booze is your girl gang expecting?"

"Good question!"

• — • — •

Would love to read you thoughts.

P.S. Happy New Year! 

—Anami!♡