Year 2011

"Nah! I’m not in the mood. You should give it to them.” Little Muskan's cheerful voice wanted Jay to encourage him to mingle with the kids. As team leaders of the handmade toys and crafts group, they were both tasked with distributing the items they had brought for the children at the orphanage. But there was no reply.

Attempting again she said,” Ok, no prob. I’ll do it. But you have to help me hand it to them. You can’t always stay behind the door.” 

This time, he nodded his head and gave his approval. Slowly but steadily Jay’s change started from there.

Present

"But the office hours have already ended," Jay tried to get a response, but there was no reply.

Attempting again, he said, "Since it’s you who is giving me the file and you've put in so much effort in it, I’ll take the file." With his signature playful  smile, he took the file from her hands..

The journey from top to bottom in the elevator was completed silently. Jay watched her intently throughout. He wanted to fulfill the gap of those ten years in these ten minutes. A surge of emotions was welling up within him. On the other hand, Muskan, standing by the closed door, looked completely somber.

“Today I’ll talk with her at any cost.” With determination, Jay stepped out of the elevator after her, at the parking floor.

“Muskan!” He called her. Just like those old days how he used to call her when they would see each other at the school.

Hearing this, Muskan stood where she was, but she didn't turn around. Inside the elevator, she managed to compose herself somehow. As soon as they exited, she took a breath, and swiftly headed towards her car, aiming to leave from there as quickly as possible.

“Please give me a chance to speak.”

She had enough of it. Now it’s to face it so that they can comfortably work in future. Thus she stopped.

"What is there to talk about? About what? I'm not sure what we should discuss.``

"About us. If not as a friend, then at least pause from your lender's stature."

"Lender? Who am I to lend anything to The Jay Roy? Please, for the last time, let's maintain professionalism. I don't want to prolong this. The past is in the past."

"You've taught me how to laugh, Muskan. This laughter, this smile, this chuckle, they're all your gift. Who I am today is because of you. Today, I am capable enough to give you anything. Solely because of you. Ask me for anything you want. I'm ready to give everything. But in return for all of this, please listen to me once. Please

“No. You can’t give me what I want. So don’t even try. For the last time, the Muskan you are searching for is no longer here." 

Jay's voice, filled with enthusiasm, was suppressed by Muskan's deep and painful voice, and he couldn't do anything. And she left.