Intezaar – Scene 1

It was a usual busy work day in London. As he walked from his posh apartment to the coffee shop, Maan observed people, shops and buildings on his way. People as usual were busy on the street, some walking with office bags towards the bus stop, some entering the bakery shop, someone holding the kid’s hand with their projects and bags in hand, rushing them so they do not miss the bus. 

The restaurant, bakery and coffee shop spreaded their regular fragrance, he passed by the flower shop, which gave its own refreshing feel. A young girl stopped the bicycle and bought fresh flowers. Maybe she was excited to present it to someone, maybe her boyfriend, that brought a smile on his face and he shook his head. He looked over sideways to see the broad bridge and people with long overcoats walking on its sidewalk. Many riding bicycles on the pavement and cars and buses were common. Everything was a usual office weekday in the city of London. But it was him who saw it differently today.

Maan entered his favorite coffee shop and took his seat

“You didn’t park your car today, Mr. Khurana”

“My last day in London. Wanted to absorb the city within me before I leave the city. So took a walk”

“Something special for today”

“Just my regular black coffee and permission to take seat here little longer”

“You don’t have to ask Mr.Khurana. Today is your last day in the city, we will miss your visit”

Maan gave him a thanking smile.

Maan sipped his coffee lost in thought of how this one year has passed. He had come here to start a big new project and after one year, he had ensured that it was successful. Handling the projects in hands of people here who will continue their work, it was time for Maan to return to India, his hometown Delhi. He would look over this now from head office, just as he does his other existing project. His work was done and it was time to go back. Relax for a few days, enjoy with his family for a month or so and then get back on his feet, charged up for initiating a new, maybe even bigger project.  This was life for 32 year old Maan. His work and family.

Since he has taken the full fledged responsibility of their huge business empire when he was just twenty six years old, Maan is leading this life.  

Brilliant Maan had been assisting his father in his business since the age of 22,, immediately after he graduated. In just four years he had been capable of bringing and leading the projects on his own shoulders. He had then declared that he will be doing the touring and starting the projects off the home location, so that his father can spend quality time with his family henceforth and overlook business from head office.

He had been staying out for a stretch of 2 months, 4 months, sometimes six months but this time it has stretched a little too long. It had gone for a year. Was it needed to be this long, maybe. This was after all their biggest project abroad. But was this the only reason? Yes, this was the main reason but also it was true that Maan had made stronger bonds with people here. Very close and good friends . This project has given him time to settle and know people, bond with them and make some special connections, some very close. 

Again were these only the reasons for Maan’s stretched stay this time? Or was he running away from reality at home?

Maan had finished his coffee long back. He looked at his watch and was about to get up when he saw Sameera’s car pulled and parked across the road. She locked the car by pressing her keys as she walked towards the cafe with ultimate confidence, calm and elegance

A bright smile adorned her beautiful face as their eyes met. The air made her soft curly hair flow on her face. Maan gave her a big smile. She was everything that he would love to fall for and she knew it. Why did he not find her before? And why is he falling for a woman now, when it is not the right time.. He has his own answer for that. Earlier he was young and busy settling in his career, now he knows he is a master of what he does. So now he has time to dwell on the elegance and beauty of women. But his inner heart showed him the truth. Was this falling for Sameera a reactionary behavior? Reaction to the situation he has entered because he had no girlfriend. Has he not met any girl as beautiful and elegant as Sam before. Yes he had. But he never thought in this direction.

Sam came and took a seat next to him “So, Mr. Maan Khurana… leaving tomorrow”

“Yeah…” he shrugged his shoulders

“Excited?” 

“Of course.. I am going to my family, why won’t I be?’

“Family.. I know you will be happy. Your family means a lot to you, I know by now”

“Hmmm… I will miss you”

“You won’t,  I can tell” she had her usual smile on her face. How elegant she was. She had fallen for him just like he has but knowing the fact of his, she knew he could never be hers.

“I will move on Maan, do not worry. It won’t be that tough as we never crossed that line. Thanks to your family values”

“And me?”

“You will move on very well, trust me. Your values that stopped you from crossing that line will only help you in moving on… Aur humare beech itna bhi kuch nahi hua… we are just little more than friends.Forget London and move on. This was just one project location for you. Your life is waiting for you in India. Now it’s time to focus there. Lock all the memories here and throw them in the sea under that bridge” she laughed.

“Crossing the line.. I don’t know why I could not.. I wish we would have met before… I don’t even know if I want what is laying ahead in my life”

“We tried, at least I tried. But you could never cross that line. I got that clarity pretty quick. So we can always end up here on sweet note and keep our relationship as a beautiful memory”

“You will always be there in my memories.. As a beautiful memory”

“Okay.. let it go. What is not possible is not possible. So Now!!! Mr. Maan Khurana.. Leave all this. Excited to meet your family”

“A lot on that front…”

“Yes, that is what you have to focus on. All the best for your trip. Enjoy your family and friends”

Maan gave a smile and nod “Of course. So excited to meet my friends and family”

They got up and hugged each other and Sameera handed him a gift box.

“What’s this??”

“Can I make you were this”

“Of course”

And Maan left the cafe with a new exclusive wrist watch in his hand”