It had been a week since Grandpa passed away. I had convinced myself that his death was inevitable—he was old, frail, and his time had come. Still, knowing that didn't make it easier. Tuesdays were the hardest. Every Tuesday morning I used to cycle to his house, sit with him, and talk about everything—our little secrets, Grandma's dramatic fights, and the way he always found a reason to laugh at life. But today, his house was empty, and my heart was heavy.
Today was his birthday. That's why I found myself on my bicycle, the cool wind brushing my face, with his favorite flowers tucked in the basket. Beside them lay a small cake, and of course, a beer bottle—the one we used to sneak together, giggling like children while keeping it hidden from Grandma.
At the Cemetery
When I reached his grave, I wasn't surprised to see a soft teddy bear and a bouquet already lying there. Someone else remembered him too. I set down my things, sat cross-legged on the grass, and began talking as though he were right in front of me.
"Grandpa, I know you can hear me," I whispered, my voice trembling. "I miss you. Today is your birthday, so I brought your favorite flowers, your cake, and… even the beer we used to share. I'm sorry I wasn't here. If I hadn't gone to Africa, maybe we would've had more time. But instead, I gave my days and my heart to Sarthak—someone who was never mine and someone who betrayed me. Now you're gone, and so is he."
Tears stung my eyes. "Today is 14th September. In a week, I'll be leaving for abroad. I thought I'd come back to see you after five years—or maybe never. But you left first. Look, I even brought you a cassette player, but now you'll never hear it. Please… if you can, come back. I can't lose another person."
I drank straight from the bottle of wine until it was empty. Then, with shaky legs, I stood, brushed off the grass, and left with my bicycle, promising, "I'll come again on the 21st."
At Home
"Sweetie, you're back," Mom greeted as I walked in.
"Yes, Maa," I said softly.
Her eyes narrowed. "Why are you drunk so early in the morning?"
I sighed. "I went to meet Grandpa Charles at the cemetery. Today is his birthday. We had a rule, remember? On his birthday, we each had to drink a full can of beer. He's gone, but I kept the tradition. I'm sorry… I'm not feeling well. Could you send someone to help me pack?"
Her expression softened. "Alright, sweetheart. I'll send the butler."
I nodded and went to my room.
An Unexpected Invitation
As the butler helped me pack, there was a knock at the door. When I opened it, I was surprised to see Manya and Aarne standing there together.
"Hey," Manya said cheerfully, "do you wanna go shopping? Buy some dresses? Aarne's paying."
"Okay," I smiled faintly. "Come inside, I'll get ready."
They entered as the butler quietly left. I changed into a sleek black dress, paired it with a handbag, and returned to them.
Aarne whistled. "You're looking so beautiful."
"Thanks for the compliment," I said, feeling a little warmth in my cheeks.
"Let's go before my brother leaves for the office," Manya said eagerly.
"What? Your brother's dropping us?" I asked, a little startled.
"Yes," she grinned, dragging me along.
At the Main Door
And there he was—Sarthak. His gaze shifted lazily until it fell on me. Then it stopped. He kept staring, and I froze under the intensity.
"Hey, can you drop us at the mall?" Aarne asked him.
Sarthak didn't answer right away. His eyes were still locked on me. Aarne smirked, nudging him. "She's looking beautiful, right?"
"Yes… very…" He caught himself. "Huh? I mean—no! No, not really."
We burst into laughter while he glared. "If you want a ride, just sit quietly," he muttered, unlocking the car.
We obeyed, grinning.
At the Mall
"Okay, we're going inside," Aarne announced, handing Manya a black card. "Spend whatever you want."
Inside, I asked casually, "So, what are you buying?"
"An engagement dress," Aarne replied.
My smile slipped. "Oh… I see. Well, let's check the store I wanted first."
I pretended to browse, but my mind was elsewhere. While trying on outfits, I overheard Manya whisper, "Aarne, should we tell her?"
"No," Aarne hissed. "Sarthak will kill me."
I didn't ask. Instead, I showed them the dresses, and they approved of each one.
"Samira," Aarne teased, "on a girl like you, even pajamas would look beautiful."
I rolled my eyes but blushed anyway.
The Gown Shop
We finally went to the boutique for Aarne's gown. She tried several, but one—a sparkling blue gown, almost like Cinderella's—stood out.
"Samira, try it too!" they insisted.
I reluctantly stepped into the fitting room. When I came out, adjusting the gown, I froze. Sarthak was standing with them now. His eyes locked onto me again, and once more, he seemed… lost.
"You're looking so beautiful," Aarne said.
"More beautiful than you, Aarne!" Manya teased.
Aarne chuckled. "Sarthak, isn't she looking pretty?"
"Yes…" he murmured, dazed. Then blinked. "Wait—what?"
We laughed again, but my heart was racing.
Aarne purchased the gown for ₹96,000, and we left.
Back at Home
"Aunty!" Manya announced. "We bought a gown for Aarne and dresses for Samira. She looked like an angel in all of them."
Mom smiled. "Can I see?"
"Yes, Maa," I said, handing her the bags. "But first—can we have dinner? I'm starving."
Manya and Aarne nodded in agreement. Soon, Max set the table, and we ate together.
"You bought so many dresses and shoes," Mom observed.
"Yes, Maa," I said quietly. "I wanted to, since… soon I'll be leaving for abroad."
"What? The 21st is so near!" Manya gasped.
"Yes. Just one week left."
"So you won't be here for our engagement?" Aarne asked.
I nodded silently, focusing on my plate.
After dinner, I excused myself and carried my new things upstairs.
At My Room
I unpacked the dresses into my cupboard and stepped into the shower. When I returned, towel-drying my hair, I found Manya sitting on my bed.
"Why are you here?" I asked softly.
"I want to sleep with you," she said, her eyes glistening with tears. "You're leaving in a week."
I hugged her tightly. "Don't cry. You can sleep here every day until I go."
Her lips curved into a smile. "Okay. Then let's sleep. I'm so tired."
We lay side by side, and soon, her breathing slowed into sleep. But my eyes stayed open, thoughts tangled. Sarthak's stare, Grandpa's grave, the ticking clock toward the 21st—everything pressed on my heart.
And for the first time in years, I felt like life was pulling me toward a storm I couldn't escape.