“I may have to go to US for three months,” she said.

He was surprised. “What! You are going to US?” His first thought was how she could go away from him so far for three long months. His second thought was why not? Everybody longed for such an opportunity. Even he was trying hard to go onsite so that he could earn more money and better career opportunities. Now his sweetheart had got the opportunity. Shouldn’t he encourage her to go and utilize this chance?

“Congratulations, Neha! You should accept this offer. Three months isn’t actually such a long time.”

“Are you sure, Neeraj?”

He took her hand into his and said, “Yes.”

In two weeks, Neha was gone. Immediately, there was a big void in Neeraj’s life. No evening meetings with her, no phone chats lasting for hours and no morning missed calls from her to wake him up. He missed her so terribly. To the top of it all, Neeraj realized he was going to miss her birthday too, which was falling in the end of her second month in the USA.

“You remember how much we enjoyed together on your last birthday?” he said to her during one of their weekly calls.

“Yes, it was so fun,” she said wistfully. “I am so sorry we could not be together this year. But don’t worry, Neeraj, we will together have all the fun and enjoyment on your birthday.”

“That was six months away, my dear,” he said uncompromisingly. “It is only fifteen days you have been away from me; but this is the longest time we are separate in our three years relationship.” Last time was when Neha had gone to her grandma for ten days.

 “And still we have to be apart for another two and half a month,” she said sadly.

As usual, the two lovebirds ended their call, giving courage to each other. Neeraj always tried not to talk too much about their separation so as not to affect her work; but still he would end up complaining her going away. Ultimately, it was she who would give him more courage.

***

Weekends were more terrible for Neeraj. Saturday and Sunday were the days they made the most of it, being together. They would go and explore the whole city until they were tired and worn-out. He would drop her at her place in the evening.

If he was feeling so lonely without her, Neeraj wondered, what about his poor Neha. She was away from everybody – her family, her relatives and her friends. How lonely she must be feeling?

When another weekend was just two days ago, Neeraj got a call from an unknown number. “Can I speak to Neha?” asked a female voice.

“May I know who is calling?”

“I am Malati, Neha’s friend.”

He recognised her immediately. “Hey! Malati is Neha’s childhood friend. You are the same Malati! Am I right?”

“Yes.”

“Oh! I heard a lot about you. Neha has told me many stories about you. How you both used to share all your joys, sorrows and everything!” Neeraj said excitedly.

There was no response from Malati. She seemed to be in confusion as to who he was. But Neeraj continued in excitement. “In fact, Neha tried many times to contact you, but couldn’t get your number. She will jump and scream if she knows you called her.”

“Where is she now?” Malati asked.

“Oh! I am sorry. I am rumbling like a stupid. Actually, Neha is in US now and will be back in two months.”

“Ohhh...” Disappointment in her voice. “You are her brother?”

“Oh, no! I am her boyfriend.”

“I am sorry. But this number…”

“It was actually hers one year before. She gave it to me and got herself a new number.”

“OK! I got this number after a lot of effort, but I couldn’t talk to her now.”

“I can understand your disappointment. I have Neha’s ISD number. If you want I will give it to you, else I will ask her to call you on your mobile once she is back.”

“Thanks,” she said. “I can’t afford ISD calls. Ask Neha to call me back when she returns.” The line was cut. But, it was only the next morning, a brilliant idea flashed in Neeraj’s mind. He mulled over it for some time and then dialled Malati’s number, with a determination.

“You are working in the same school in which Neha and you studied till tenth standard. Am I right?” Neeraj asked her immediately when he heard her voice on the other side.

“Yes.”

“Then I am coming to meet you tomorrow morning and will spend the whole day with you.”

“Why are you coming?” Malati was puzzled.

“There are many reasons. First, I want to meet the person with whom Neha bonded so well for initial ten years of her life. Second, I want to see the school where my little Neha gained her education and knowledge. Third, I want to see the town where Neha grew into a teenage girl,” Neeraj said with excitement. “Are these reasons enough to come and meet you?”

For a moment, no response from Malati. “Do you love her so much? And you want to come so far just because Neha spent her ten years in this town?”

“Yes.”

“Then, you are welcome. But remember you may get disappointed here or you may have some bitter experiences.”

“Doesn’t matter.”

***

Early on Saturday morning, Neeraj left for his sweetheart’s childhood town. He had called Neha the previous night, but had not told her anything about his travel. He wanted to surprise her when she knew all this.

End of the first part

PS: Hi Friends, sorry I have removed the second and final part of the story from iland. But I am glad to inform you that you can catch the whole story in my book The Scene behind a Veil. For more details, click on the following link: http://onceuponatime.rediffiland.com/blogs/2009/03/19/My-First-Book-The-Scene-behind-a.html