Fate of Fireflies

Final Chapter

Shaurya threw his ragged guitar case over his shoulder. Collecting the daily pay after gulping down his regular drink, he walked out of the pub. As usual he worked till dawn at the dingy pub. He was simply living his days. On way to his studio apartment, he intended to buy a ready to eat meal. He would chuck down the tasteless food down his throat and sleep away the remaining time of the day

It's been an year since he left his past behind. Being an average musician, he managed to remain in shadows. His music lacked colours just like his life.  Aryan was able to send a considerable sum to his new account but he rarely touched it. His modest gigs were enough to make ends meet. He had no wish for better living conditions.

At times, he wished to contact Mehek. Atleast listen to her voice for a moment. Yet always he decided against it. Partly to keep his word that he will not disturb her anymore. But majorly fearing that she may have moved on. She has every right to seek love and build her own family. Still his heart refused to leave her behind. It pained him immensely that she had already forgotten him.

Once he entered his home, he found a post card addressed to him. It was a shiny postcard that tourists usually collect and send. A simple message 'wishing you happiness' was written with an initial 'A'. Shaurya realized that Anjali managed to fulfill her end of bargain. Aryan will arrive soon. He was happy that from now on he will atleast have his best friend to keep him company.

Shaurya twirled his drink impassively. The happening bar where youngsters often crowded was deemed to be safe for meeting Aryan. Many women and girls approached him but as always he showed least interest. His melancholy appearance attracted many but as soon as they got taste of his rudeness, they fled from him. Music was playing on full swing , keeping the dance floor occupied. He was chilling in a lone corner of the bar counter when a drink was moved towards him. 

"You are wasting your time, I am not interested", he rejected the offer without even glancing at the person. "Why?", owner of the female voice occupied bar stool near him. He looked at her for a moment before tearing his eyes away from her, "Broken heart. I already lost love of my love". She was quiet, "I can understand", she took a sip of her cocktail, "my husband passed away sometime back".

"Can we go somewhere else?", she asked timidly, "it is too noisy here to talk". "Do you trust me enough?", he questioned her, "after all, I can do bad things to you". She laughed softly, "Life has taught me enough to protect myself. If you worried about your safety then I understand". It was now his turn smile. He got up paying for their drinks and gestured her to take the lead. "I am staying at a motel nearby. Hope we can walk till there", he readily agreed to her suggestion.

 "What are you doing here?", he asked her as they started. "Pursuing higher studies. I am planning to find a part time job too", she replied, "I know you are musician", she said pointing to his guitar. "Something to sail through", he told her the truth, "until I get a direction", he sighed, "How about you?". "I plan to focus on studies and then build my career. Earlier I jumped into marriage without much thought and any future plans", he shrugged hearing her, so she added, "I don't regret it because he was the one until I lost him". She looked away while brushing off a lone tear from her eyes. It took everything in him not to reach out to console her. He dipped his hands deep into his pockets , resolute not to take liberties that may cross her trust.

"It doesn't mean that I am planning to spend rest of my life alone", she tried to bring back brightness in her face, "I want to start afresh. So dating is on the table". "Can I ask you out?", he abruptly popped out the question. When she seemed to be indecisive, he decided to take lead. "Let me introduce myself properly", he clear his throat, "I am Shaurya. Just Shaurya. I had a notorious surname but I have left it behind along with it's dark legacy. Now I am a poor musician but I am sure to find a better paying job soon. I will never return back to my past that will harm my present or future". She nodded as if taking his words and held out her hand, "I am Mehek Sharma"

"Bye for now", Mehek tried to leave Shaurya but he held onto her hand. "Mehek please don't leave me", he begged her, "Haven't you punished me enough. This past year has been hell without you". "It was not easy for me also, Shaurya", she spat at him, "I too suffered", she forcefully pulled away her hand from his grip. "I am sorry", he apologized for his impulsiveness to hold her abruptly, "I missed you so much that I got carried away". She nodded as if understanding his side. 

"It's difficult for me, Shaurya but I want to give us a second chance", Mehek spoke softly. "Let start over again", he quickly added agreeing to her. "It doesn't mean anything. Just giving it a try", she warned him, "we are not exclusive. I may see other men. You can also date other women until we are sure about ourselves". He smiled nodding but he knew she was the only one he wanted.

"Can I come in?", Shauyra asked as she unlocked her motel room. "I don't invite men I have just met", she replied coyly. "Then may be a kiss", he asked naughtily. "Not until few dates", she denied him playfully. "Mehek, please. Atleast a peck for my assurance that you are not a dream", he was desperate. Shaking her head, she kissed his cheek and said, "take me on a proper date tomorrow". "There is a nice joint nearby. I have haerd that they serve nice breakfast", he jumped at the opportunity not ready to waste any more hours. "See you in the morning", she tried to send him away.

"I will wait here outside until sunrises", he acted like a love sick puppy, "we are going out for breakfast together". "No need torture yourself", she laughed at him, "Aryan is staying next door. You can stay in his room and catch up with until morning". With those words she closed the door.

Shaurya was still dazed until Aryan patted his shoulder. "Judging from your face, I presume that you liked the surprise", his friend humoured him. "The best", he replied. With a sigh, Aryan explained, "I was also taken aback when Mehek reached out to me for you. I am sure it took lot of courage from her side to reach the decision. I guess her love for you ruled over her fear". Shaurya nodded agreeing to him

"You both have suffered enough. Don't sce*w up this time", Aryan warned his friend. "I won't", Shaurya replied but it was a promise to himself. 

The End