The Novel Woman

4. The perfect breakup date

She swiped her card at the office entrance at 5:50pm. There was still 10 mins more till 6pm. So she took out her phone and gave a call to Divya to tell her that she won't be with her till late night, but she didn't know that she won't be back till after midnight.

"Hey.. Div.. Sorry, I think I'll be late today."

"Plan with Sumeet??"

"Yeah.."

"So you guys are doing well eh?"

"Not really.. I think we are breaking up."

"What? Why? I mean I know you guys are not Okay, but on the anniversary?? That would...."

"I'll fill you up later.. Bye.. " Felisa cut the call abruptly since she saw Sumeet walking her way. And again the blue eyes paired with the blue crystal were pulling her towards him. She closed her eyes and heaved a sigh to clear her thoughts. "Yes, I have to tell him about the break up."

"Hi Fel...!! Shall we go??"

"Ya.. Sure. Where are we going?" She had already thought of a nice restaurant but if Sumeet has planned something, she thought she would go along.

"You'll know soon.. " His mysterious smile was engaging. Just then, Sneha, who usually get off work late, appeared from behind.

"You guys are going somewhere?" Sneha asked curiously.

"Ya... We have plans for tonight." Sumeet answered as Felisa wasn't about to answer.

"Oh.. Ahhh... I feel very lonely these days. You know after my mother passed away. Kind of feels like nobody is there for me anymore. Do you mind if I join you guys? I mean I know it's your anniversary. Oh.. Shit.. What am I even talking? Please forget what I just said. I must be crazy. Sorry guys. I'll just return home. It's just gonna be tough, but I am a strong woman. I can overcome. Haa haa" Sneha's words were direct. She wanted to tag along. Sumeet was hesitant to say no since she used a sympathy card. But Felisa,who - apart from her simplicity - was also known for her bad temper, spoke up.

"Aww.. You are backing out because it's our anniversary. That's very nice of you. Thank you so much, Sneha" Felisa's apparently-mocking gratitude brought a flash of smirk on Sumeet's face. But Sneha saw that. She bit her teeth, and gave an obvious fake smile. Embarrassed, she took her leave immediately.

"I didn't know you had that in you," Sumeet was amused as he watched Sneha's exit.

"What? I am sure you don't want her to join us." To which, Sumeet grinned.

Felisa was just irritated by Sneha's behavior. She didn't think the latter could be this contemptuous. Before all this, Sneha was a good friend. Though losing a good friend was bad, she was happy she found out earlier.

Just then, a ringtone sounded from the pocket of Sumeet. Felisa noted that Sumeet had a complicated expression as he looked at the caller ID. He was hesitant to take the call. But then, he excused himself and walked away as he picked up the call. It seemed the caller was arguing with Sumeet. After 7-8 mins, he walked back to her. He carried a troubled expression so Felisa couldn't help but asked.

"Is everything OK?" To which he let out a sigh and replied.

"Not really... " Suddenly, he smiled and added, "But let's get going.. else we are gonna be late." As he seemed to want to give no explanation, Felisa didn't probe further. On the way, Felisa noted that Sumeet was unusually silent after the call.

As they reached the destination, Felisa was amazed. It was an open air theatre especially made for couples. They didn't usually air movies, just their originals which were shorter. It was on the edge of a hill and the sky view was amazing. The lightings were just perfect and beautiful. The seats were on the ground, so we can lie down facing the clear sky. They even had amazing foods. Of course, the theatre tickets were usually hard to get and were expensive. "Did he plan all this beforehand? What if I had said I was busy." Felisa felt even guilty. She decided to tell him before she went inside.

"Sumeet, I need to tell you something."

"We can talk while eating after the show. Now, let's go inside. It's gonna start soon." Sumeet insisted. But sensing something, he added.

"Even if you want to talk about life and death matter, we can do it after the show. I know it's not life and death matter. So Please?" Upon seeing Sumeet pleading, she gave in.

"Alright." She replied hesitantly.

The show was engaging and the food served was also perfect. But Felisa couldn't enjoy entirely. Felisa couldn't help but noted that Sumeet was eyeing her from time to time. He was acting very oddly after call. He also wasn't enjoying the show entirely.

The open air theatre show ended around 8pm. So they, without wasting time, directly headed for the restaurant. On their way, both of them were silent again, thinking about their own issues.

The restaurant was nearby. It was also on the edge of the hill and night view of the city below was breathtaking. They sat on the far end of the restaurant where the city view below was most beautiful. It would have been a perfect date if the both of them had enjoyed.

Felisa, as soon as she took her seat, was waiting for the right moment to tell him about the break up. Soon, she realized that such moment has to be created.

"Sumeet, I wanted to tell you something," Sumeet put down his fork and knife, and nodded. "I think we should breakup." Being a straightforward woman, she got to the point.

Sumeet knew the breakup was eventually gonna happen, but he didn't think that soon. "Oh.. No.. We can't breakup now... Shit.. Think something.. " But then he knew no reason is enough to make her stay in the relationship, so he decided to ask her for help.

"That's too sudden. Did I something wrong?"

"No.. No.. It's me. I don't think we are fit for each other and I don't want to pretend anymore. I am really sorry." Felisa eyed him which were filled with guiltiness.

"OK... If that's how you felt. Let's breakup.. " Hearing Sumeet's answer after what it looked like half a day, she  was actually surprised and 'Is that dissapointment?' She heaved a sigh, but what followed made her completely taken aback.

"But meet my parents as my girlfriend tomorrow."