Tarry...hold on

                  Shashi looked at her. He had been impressed by what he saw and thought his best friend had made a good choice. He spoke to her and they clicked instantly. Both were intellectuals. While returning home in the local train, Niva observed he was busy solving crossword puzzle. Well, Samit was right after all. His friend was kind of weird, having cleared the CAT, he had not joined any IIM's but joined a local college, wanted to do LLB he said. Well, the other reason could be the girl he was dating. Shashi had mentioned to Niva about her.
                So one day when Shashi came to her house, and as usual they spoke at length, but she sensed something missing. He was not his usual self. He had bought a new bike. So she asked when was he bringing his beau in his new bike to which he had answered 'There's no beau now'. The tone in which he uttered the words were so painful, she almost choked. She was shocked too. She didn't pursue the matter much. She wrote him a letter boostin him up. He was glad to get her letter. He sort of reverred her. Then she got married to Samit. Wonder of wonders he got married too, to his beau. Niva was instrumental in putting some sense into the girl's head. Well life went on and the four would often meet, outings and stuff like that. Then Samit and Niva moved out as Samit changed his job. Still they would meet every year, go for a vacation etc. There were kids now. Once during such vacation, Shashi was watching 'Love Story' and as his nature was telling Niva why he liked the movie. Niva was feeling asleep, her son nudging her to sleep. But she kept awake listening to Shashi. His wife also went to sleep. This guy went on passionately discussing the movie. Next day he took all of them out. He made sure she was comfortable. When she mentioned she would go stay at her friend's house for few days, he didn't allow her. He acted possesive at times which intrigued her. But she would eventually give in. She remembered soon after their wedding, the three of them, Shashi, Niva and Samit were getting ready to go for a movie. Suddenly Shashi said, 'Niva if you sit on my bike, I will come otherwise not' and Niva looked at Samit who didn't give any response. Unable to decide, she stood there for a long time and then on seeing both friend's glancing at each other (were they playing pranks on her ?) she sat on Shashi's bike. He was unpredicatable. He would make her laugh at times, tease her at the same time was very sensitive too.
                                 Years passed. Niva went up the career ladder and so did he.He would ring her now and then asking her whereabouts. He liked her. But how would he tell her. She had always been the supportive friend. She matched his intellect. He liked the way she steered herself inspite of his friend's conservativeness. She was a rebel. He had slowly got to know that. He was supposed to be the witty, clever, one who dominated the talks and chats. The way she got into an arguement with him or steered conversations the way he did, intrigued him. Nevertheless he became a busy man, earning money being his sole passion. Isn't it the same everywhere ? First chase a girl, get married, then once that is settled chase money/career. He enjoyed drinking with his pals, music concerts, drama etc. Life was pretty well going on comfortable except that Niva was in the same town. He wanted her company. How ? Well may be they could have a day out. May be someday. No sin in that. Taking her out for a day. Fate will figure out a way. Till then he could wait...