Memories lll

Days pass in a blur. Ayush would come, work and go. There is no smile, no special greetings or hanging around. It's as if he has drawn a circle around himself. The other officers stay busy as well and any advances they made to cheer him up went in vain. Kavin, Naveen and Krishna would watch him hiding his pain, yet there was nothing they could do to replace those fake smiles on Ayush's face with a real one.

And today, the officers get a day off! And so here Ayush is visiting a nearby Gurudwara a place that's always given him peace of mind.

Today used to be a cheerful one, it's billi's birthday. It would have been amazing to celebrate with her, like they did years ago. And lot better if she had been alive, somewhere celebrating her big day with her family…

Temple-

Ayush goes inside offers his prayers and descends the steps. He brings out a pair of anklets which he has secured in his pocket and memories flood his brain.

Flashback-

"Happy birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you Billi!"

A 14 year old Ayush sings and claps for his friend.

Little Saryu (billi)-"Oye my nickname is Sweety. See how sweet l am Bhaalu -"

The other kids watch amusedly as the duo fight.

Little Ayush-"If you call me Bhaalu than what will l call you? Billi billi billi.."

Little Saryu-"Shut up! who are calling Billi, first see your self. You are only looking like Bhallu.."

Billi and Bhaalu keep arguing but his mother interrupts them.

Children please don't fight today. What a friendship you guys got. Come on, Sweety say sorry to Aysh and Ayush say sorry to Sweety.

Ayush huffs.

"First she should say sorry to me."

Billi sighs and says sorry.

"Sorry my Bhaalu. You are not only my Bhaalu but my teddy bear. And why are you getting upset over such small things. * pouts*

"l am also sorry. You are also my lovely billi. "

And he hugs her. Little Saryu smiles at the small gesture. Her mother kisses both the kids and leaves to talk to other guests…

"See what I bought you." (he shows her anklets he bought for her)

She always loved jewellery. Like earrings, anklets, bracelets- so freaking girly! And he knew how to make her birthday special one. Easy, wasn't it?

She examines the gift she got and gives a 1000-watt smile.

"These paayal (anklets in Hindi) are so cute. thank you Bhaalu…"

Billi does something which surprises him even this day. She kisses him on the cheek and grabs those anklets running away.