Kajal’s phone kept ringing, but she didn’t feel like answering. After a long day at the office, all she wanted was some rest. And now, the phone? It was natural to feel irritated. The phone rang twice more and then stopped.
She wondered, Could it be Baba? But no—if it were him, he would have called after dinner, around 9 PM.
Then who could it be?
With questions in her mind, she picked up the phone from the dining table in the next room. Seeing Baba’s name on the screen, her heart skipped a beat. Why is he calling now? Has something happened? No, no, if it were serious, Mamoni would have called.
She quickly called back.
“Hello! Baba?” she asked, a little anxious.
Baba’s cheerful voice came from the other end.
“Arey, Kajal! Listen!”
“Baba, is everything okay?” she asked.
He laughed. A light, happy laugh.
“Oh, I’m absolutely fine!” he said. “I called to give you some good news!”
“Good news?” she repeated. “What good news?”
A strange uneasiness filled her heart. Was he going to talk about marriage again? She had told
him so many times—she wasn’t ready!
“Lata’s wedding has been fixed! “
Kajal went silent for a moment.
Lata was… leaving? Memories flooded her mind—their childhood games, late-night talks, and endless laughter. But along with the sadness, excitement grew in her heart.
Her best friend was getting married! It was going to be fun.

To be continued…