There wasn't much traffic, and so they reached on time. Shad glanced at his watch 8.30 not bad. Eifad looked little disappointed; maybe she was hoping to come at 8.28am, Shad chuckled thinking.

Eifad and Shad enterED the airport and there at the customs Shad meet Imran. The two men greet each other. Imran greeted Eifad formally.

'How are you Maam?' Imran said, but Eifad ignored him and looked at Shad. She wished him all the best and asked him to stay in touch. He nodded and they hugged each other. Together Shad and Imran go for baggage check in, while Eifad waits for them near the security checking.

'Maam is so hot! Is there something between you both' Imran said glancing at Eifad, who is standing outside the security check doing something with her mobile.

Shad placed a hand on Imran's shoulder. Imran looked at Shad, and his smile fades looking at Shad's deadly expression. He leaned in looking at Imran

'You have said it now, don't ever say it again (he pointed his index finger at him) Eifad is my best friend, and I won't spare anyone who talks bad about her' Shad said darkly. Imran gulped and nodded. Shad smiled and patted his shoulder, 'Good!' he said and turned around facing the lady behind the counter. Imran looked towards Eifad. The employees hardly get to see her; she usually stays in her cabin. This is the first-time Imran is seeing her in person, and she looked more beautiful than in her photos.

Shad asked Imran to go through the security check and not wait for him. After what Imran had said about Eifad, Shad felt protective towards her. Imran nodded his head and looked at Eifad one time before going in. Shad eyed him.

'All the best' Eifad said smiling sadly. Shad smiled and placed his palm on her cheek and made her look at him.

'Don't miss me much! And if you do just call me I will be there for you in a heartbeat' he said and kissed her forehead. Eifad smiled feeling better. She hugged him, and he hugged her kissing the top of her head. They part. He waved her goodbye and with a heavy heart she too bid him goodbye. Shad has his eyes moist as he parts way from her and walked inside. As he disappeared inside, Eifad turned around quickly wiping a lone tear that escaped her eyes. She wore her sunglasses so that no one notices her moist eyes. Without a backward glance, she walked away.

Shad turned around and looked from the glass window. Soon, Shad and Imran are done with their security check and walked towards the gate allocated to them.

*********

Rhea had arrived on time and was quickly done with her check in and security. Now, she sat outside Gate 63A reading a novel and occasionally glancing at LED screen. She looked around wondering where Imran, Dr. Singhaniya, and Dr. Shad are. As she thought of Shad, her heart skips a beat. She smiled to herself turning her attention back to her novel.

Five to ten minutes later,

'Hey!' she heard Imran's voice and looked up. She smiled at him, but her smile fades when she saw Shad right behind him. Her heart starts to flutter watching Shad walk towards her. He is looking handsome in his formal shirt and trouser; she wanted to look away- Staring is rude, right? But then she can't look away.

'Hey,' Shad greeted her, and she greeted him back. There is still time, so they decided to sit. Imran sat in between Shad and Rhea. Both are little disappointed. Rhea turned her attention back to her novel. Shad leaned little back so he could look at Rhea from behind Imran as he is leaning forward.

Few minutes of him staring at Rhea, Imran leaned back blocking his view of Rhea. Shad frowned looking away.

*************

Eifad's car halted in front of the deer park; Eifad ordered Tansen to wait for her in the car. She made her way into the park. She recollected the days she used to come with Shad here, looking around at the happy couples Eifad felt a sharp pain in her heart. As she sat on the bench facing the river, she missed Shad. Tears fall from behind her sunglasses; Eifad is quick to wipe it.

In her mind, she is having second thoughts of sending him away. She took out her phone to call Shad, 10 am. He must be on his flight. Damn! Why did she fall weak and let him go? She leaned back staring at the river. Shad is hers, and he should be with her and only her. Rhea will be there too, Eifad shifted uncomfortably. She is now restless.

She decided she too will go to Pune; she will reach Pune tonight itself. As she is about to dial Mr. Saxena, she got a call from her home landline.