It happened one night

Akhil was enjoying his drive along with "Abhi na jao chod ke, k dil abi bhara nhi...". Festive season brings a new charm to everything dull and mundane and he loves to be at home at these times. His hometown Jodhpur has shed its sand and has been painted new with Diwali colors. Lost in the thoughts of savoring "Dal-Baati-Churma" as soon as he ll arrive home, he continued driving at a slow pace looking at merry making kids. His senses suddenly alerted him to put the brake for a girl asking for lift. He debated with himself before offering her to come in. "After all it's jodhpur, my own city. And she looks decent probably she genuinely needs to be dropped somewhere.." he argued and opened the side door.

He saw her coming across the smoke of burning crackers and ranked her like a typical college guy. Above average or rather 10/10...he smirked. He lowered the glass and asked "Where do you wanna go ??" watching his manners despite of thrill to accompany her. "New colony" she replied and he signaled her to move in.

Her bangles tickled while she opened the door and he didn't missed looking at the dancing tassels at her bare back. Once comfortable, she started conversing. 

"I am so very thankful to you. I have to reach home as early as possible. I came out to do some shopping for today's puja. Got late and there was not even a single auto." - she complained making various faces.

"How could any one make so many animated faces in a sentence. Girls are god gifted probably"- Akhil wondered. "I am going the same side and will drop you home. This is no big deal"- he replied.

"You looked nervous while inviting me in. Did u thought me to be a Ghost or wanted to check my feet"- and she laughed.

Akhil liked her infectious laugh and said " Areey nahi. I am not a kid to be scared of ghosts even if you are".

And the conversation flowed seamlessly discussing about the city decorations, crackers, puja and food when the destination arrived. She looked at him with a look of gratitude before leaving. He once again assured her that her place was on the way so it didn't caused him any trouble to drop her home. She get down at the colony gate and Akhil proceeded. "Shit i forget to ask her name" - he bumped on the dashboard and cursed him for being so forgetful.

Anjali's mother was restless when she arrived home. However when she narrated the entire episode of reaching home safely her mother thanked the boy whole-heartily.

Anjali picked up the newspaper a day after diwali and opened it carelessly. Moving across the political happenings, kids burning with crackers to cases of road accidents she was aghast with what she saw...

A Colored prayer notice in the name of "Akhil Juneja"....killed in a car accident at 7:30 pm near ghanta ghar

The face was same. Yes, the one she saw that night.

She was reminded of her watch striking 8:00 when she waited for an auto and the Dry Scar on his face.