3

“Hello there!” A handsome man in his mid-forties was standing by the bar with a bright smile.

Angel took a moment to recognize the face, but once she got the hold, she was overjoyed to meet the person.

“Well… well… well… finally, the man in the house comes.” Angel hugged Taluk, her college friend, after a long time. “Finally, you got the time to come to London. Glad to see you.”

“Yup. Although I wanted to come on my terms, I didn’t know that work would win the race.” He smiled and gulped his glass of champagne.

“Oh yes, the work. Why would you come to meet your friend? It has to be the work call.” Angel mocked him.

“Oh, come one. At least I am here at this party. Finally got the passes.” He mimicked the joy.

Taluk was searching for Rahul and found him on the dance floor.

“Is he your husband?” Taluk asked while indicating Rahul.

“As if you don’t know,” Angel replied.

“Well, I have heard about you two a few times in newspapers.” Taluk replied and sipped again.

Angel suddenly got excited. She took Taluk’s hand and started to take him to meet someone. “Come, let me introduce you to someone. Maybe his charm will work on you as well.”

They both reached to Krit, who was sitting at the corner seat of the pub.

“Mr. Krit Jhunjhunwala, meet my college friend, Taluk.”

“Hello. Young man. I apologize, but because of my age, I won’t be able to stand. Damn these knees.” Krit replied wittily.

Taluk observed Krit silently for a while. He was older than he thought. He had heard a lot about Krit and his influence over Meer Diamonds. Suddenly, Taluk’s attention was now on the shadowy figure of a lady standing next to the seat where Krit was sitting.

Taluk knew the girl very well. It was Waikeit. The big eyes of Waikeit were directly looking at Taluk. Taluk can never get over those eyes, those beautiful eyes of hers. She was radiating under the lights. Her flawless skin and slightly plum figure complemented her height.

“How did you know he’ll ask about me? Aren’t you overthinking?” Waikeit asked Taluk, and instantly, Krit asked.

“Are you married?”

Taluk was taken aback by the question. He looked at Krit and then at Waikeit. Waikeit was gone, vanished in thin air.

“Yes, sir.” Taluk replied.

“Can I know her name?” Krit asked innocently.

“We… we don’t live together now. Her name was Waikeit.”

After hearing the name, Krit was astonished. Taluk observed it.

“Is your Waikeit living somewhere in London?” Krit was curious to know. Taluk was shocked to hear.

“Yes. But how do you know?” Taluk was surprised.

“I have met her. My dear friend, you have lost a gem of a person.”

There was complete silence between them. Taluk knew the fact. He loved Waikeit a lot, but sometimes, when you try to hold something firmly, you tend to lose them forever. The same happened with Taluk. He was lost in thoughts when Rahul came, panting for breath, and kissed Angel as he arrived.

“Hey… meet my college friend, Taluk. He is the one I mentioned so many times to you.” Angel introduced Taluk. Taluk came out of his thoughts and smiled at Rahul.

Rahul extended his hands and shook Taluk’s.

“Mr. Stockbroker. Pleased to meet you.” Rahul was enthusiastic with his words, but Taluk was not. He decided to stay silent.

“I am a bit jealous, though. You are as fancy as my wife used to tell me about you.” Rahul joked, looking at the attire of Taluk. Taluk appeared as if coming out of a business meeting. Gelled hair, long face, big eyes and nose, everything was perfect for keeping your memory fresh about him even if you meet him after a decade.

“Is that so? And I used to think that I have lost my fanciness.” Taluk replied in a dull voice but bright smile.

They kept on conversing about various things for a while, from college time to their new lives and business. After getting tired of all the conversations, Angel took Taluk to the buffet area, served him food, and gossiped a little more about their other friends.

*****

Taluk was now at the exit gate and waiting to see off Angel for the last time. Angel was drunk and kissing Rahul goodbye. Rahul went in his car with Krit to see him off to his house.

Taluk and Angel were among the last guests waiting at the venue. Taluk’s and Angel’s eyes met again. There was something unexplained between them. Taluk was the first to end this awkwardness when he asked for Angel’s leave. Angel nodded in agreement.