Across from Abhay Singh sat Saiee Takia. Her fair complexion and softly rounded face radiated an almost ethereal beauty, while her dark, wavy hair sometimes veiled her face as she spoke.
As Abhay leafed through the menu, he was only partially engaged in their conversation, responding sporadically with a "Yes" or "No."
Saiee tucked her hair behind her ear and asked, "You'll skip?"
"I'd rather stay in and watch a movie," Abhay replied, reclining in a white wooden chair.
Saiee sighed, pressing her lips together before continuing, "If you keep skipping parties like this, people will eventually stop inviting you, and then..."
"I'll end up lonely, miserable, and isolated." Abhay closed the menu, placed it on the table, and nudged it towards her with a soft expression.
"I didn't mean it that way..." A hint of sadness crossed her face as she intently studied the menu, avoiding his gaze.
Looking out the window, Abhay noticed a couple entering the café, one of them cradling a baby boy. Observing them, he commented, "You and I have different views on happiness. For you, it's about being surrounded by loved ones and hoping for the same in return. For me, happiness is being alone in a dimly lit room with a big TV, binge-watching my favorite series."
Saiee pushed the menu aside, leaned over the table, and rested her head on her arms.
Abhay noticed her hair thoughtfully before saying, "Your hair is the darkest I've ever seen."
She lifted her head, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "You've said that at least a hundred times."
"No, I haven't."
Saiee straightened up and teased, "Shut up."
A lighthearted silence fell between them until their orders arrived, courtesy of two waiters. The couple at the nearby table exchanged curious glances at Abhay and Saiee.
"Fine, I'll swing by, but only for an hour," Abhay finally agreed.
"Really?" she asked, surprised.
"Uh-huh."
"Don't forget to grab something for the kid."
"Will a book work?"
"He's only three," Saiee replied, casting a glance at the couple before redirecting her gaze out the window. "Get something more suitable for a toddler."
"I would've loved a book as a kid. Books are nice, right?"
"Just get something a colleague would give their boss's child, not something an uncle would buy for his niece."
"Then, come with me and help me choose."
"Fine."
Abhay took a sip of his orange juice and added, "Who throws a birthday party for a three-year-old, anyway?"
The couple at the neighboring table shot him offended looks.
Catching their expressions, Abhay turned to look out the window and muttered, "It's just ridiculous. Total waste of money."
After they finished their conversation and settled their bill, Abhay and Saiee made their way to the nearest mall. He browsed several gift shops, calling Saiee for suggestions, before finally choosing a superhero toy.
After saying goodbye to Saiee, he paused to admire a jewelry store before leaving the mall.
Upon arriving at his fifth-floor apartment, he noticed something unusual by his front door. A woman was rising from the ground with a little girl holding her hand. The woman, who appeared younger than Abhay, brightened at the sight of him and asked, "Ah-are you Abhay Singh?"
"Yes."
"Esha Koru sent me."
Abhay frowned, intrigued.
"She asks you to fulfill your promise."