Clara was feeling despondent for the next two days, she was always thinking of Carl and would sometimes stand in front of her apartment building watching the bustling street hoping that she would catch a glimpse of him.
She went to work the next day feeling devastated, she would often space out while working or discussing with other colleagues. Mira noticed that and was worried that something bad had happened to her.
When it was lunch break Mira went to her cubicle and saw her spacing out, " Clara.. Clara... Helloooo" she called out and shook her friend lightly.
Clara was deep in her thoughts, oblivious to everything just then she felt someone shook her, she instantly gasped, obviously shocked and looked up to see Mira standing in front of her, she gave her a smile which did not reach her eyes and said softly " oh Mira .. is it lunch break already, come on.. let's go ". She stood up and grabbed her hands instantly.
She didn't want Mira to see her devastated state. She had tried to stop thinking about him but was unable to do so, she had lost control of herself and would always find herself spacing out.
Mira sighed helplessly and followed her towards the cafeteria. She knew Clara was trying to hide something from her, but she had already noticed it. She wondered what happened that made her cheerful friend looked that way.
When they reached the cafeteria, they ordered their food and sat in a corner, the atmosphere around their table was gloomy and they both ate in silence.
Mira was studying her friend's expression intently and noticed that she would space out now and then. Not able to bear it anymore, she took Clara's hands and said softly with a sad expression " Clara .. tell me what happened... We've been friends for almost a month now., Can't you tell me what is bordering you? ". She had never had a real friend and the few friends she had before either tried to use or ditched her, Clara was the only true friend she had because she was very nice and honest.
Clara looked at Mira and sighed regretfully, she didn't know that her quietness would disturb her friend like this. She smiled at Mira and said " it's nothing serious Mira.. I think I'm just overreacting " she paused and contemplated for a while before adding " I'm actually in love with someone but... " She stopped not able to continue her words feeling slightly embarrassed. She had never shared her deep feelings with anyone before apart from Maya, however, since Mira was also a good person and she trusted her she made up her mind to tell her.
Mira opened her eyes wide and whispered not wanting the people at the other table to hear their conversation " who is he..?, what does he do..?, What happened next..? Did he break your heart..? Is that why you're feeling sad.? " She was obviously excited and bombarded her with so many questions.
Clara sighed uncontrollably, she should have seen this coming. She had forgotten that Mira was just like her best friend, she hadn't even finished talking and she was already jumping to conclusions.
" Mira calm down.. nothing had happened, he didn't even know that I like him.. he only helped me once and since then I haven't seen him again," she said, gloomily staring at her new phone which reminded her so much of him.
Mira gasped and said anxiously " quick give me his contact and I'll speak to him.. how can he not love my beautiful friend " she wondered what kind of guy he was to not love Clara, even she was sometimes jealous of her beauty even though she was very beautiful herself.
" I don't have his contact. In fact, I don't know anything about him apart from his looks.., I'm foolish right.? Falling in love with a stranger " she chuckled sadly and heaved a long sigh.
Mira shook her head while staring at her friend sympathetically " you're totally hopeless Clara.. Hmmm " she said and also sighed.
Clara chuckled sadly obviously sad at her own predicament and replied " I know right.. ".
Mira instantly brightened her expression and said to her calmly " Don't worry Clara .. if you guys are meant to be he would look for you and if not, you'll forget him as time goes by ". She assured her.
Clara smiled and nodded her head slowly, maybe she would forget about him as time goes by. She then told her about Jack and the amusement park they would go to the next weekend.
They finished their lunch and went back to work.
After work, Clara came back to her apartment feeling slightly better. She took a bath and take out one of the many pajamas that he gave her, she stared at it for a while and sighed heavily before wearing it, she had planned to keep some for herself and Maya and take the rest back home to her family and friends in her hometown during the new year holiday.
She went to the living room to watch some TV program, then her phone started ringing, she looked at the display name and sat on the couch before answering the call " Hey Jack.. what's up ". Jack had been calling her for the past two days to check on her.
" Hi, Clara.. how was work today..?." He asked from the other end.
Clara smiled slightly and replied " it was great." then paused and asked " how was yours? "
" It was great.." he replied.
They chatted casually about simple stuff for a while before hanging up after saying goodnight. And Clara watched some programs for a while before going to sleep.
*****
__In the other part of the city__
Carl just took a bath after he got back from a work. He walked to his wine cellar, poured himself a red wine, and stared at it for a long time with a cold gaze before sipping it slowly.
After a while the glass was empty and he took the wine bottle again to pour himself another cup then stopped suddenly as if on impulse
" Clara " he whispered slowly. The only name that had been disturbing his thoughts for the past few days.
After that day, he had been thinking of a way to forget her but couldn't and his feelings for her had been intensifying every day.
He had been getting mad at small things and easily get irritated. he had never been in a state that he couldn't control his emotions before.
" Clara.......Clara .........Clara......" He whispered her name several times while staring at his empty wine glass.
He was always seeing her beautiful face every moment he closed his eyes and would often space out while thinking about her.
He was afraid his love for her would turn into an obsession and he sighed solemnly.
" What have you done to me..?" He whispered gloomily.