Across from Abhay Singh sat Saiee Takia. Her fair plexion and softly rounded face radiated an almost ethereal beauty, while her dark, wavy hair sometimes veiled her face as she spoke.

  As Abhay leafed through the menu, he was only partially engaged in their versation, responding sporadically with a "Yes" or "No."

  Saiee tucked her hair behind her ear and asked, "You'll skip?"

  "I'd rather stay in and watch a movie," Abhay replied, reing in a white wooden chair.

  Saiee sighed, pressing her lips together before tinuing, "If you keep skipping parties like this, people will eventually stop inviting you, and then..."

  "I'll end up lonely, miserable, and isoted." Abhay closed the menu, pced it oable, and towards her with a soft expression.

  "I didn't mean it that way..." A hint of sadness crossed her face as she ily studied the menu, avoiding his gaze.

  Looking out the window, Abhay noticed a couple entering the café, one of them cradling a baby boy. them, he ented, "You and I have different views on happiness. For you, it's about being surrounded by loved ones and hoping for the same iurn. For me, happiness is being alone in a dimly lit room with a big TV, big my favorite series."

  Saiee pushed the menu aside, leaned over the table, aed her head on her arms.

  Abhay noticed her hair thoughtfully before saying, "Your hair is the darkest I've ever seen."

  She lifted her head, a pyful smile dang on her lips. "You've said that at least a huimes."

  "No, I haven't."

  Saiee straightened up and teased, "Shut up."

  A lighthearted silence fell between them until their orders arrived, courtesy of two waiters. The couple at the nearby table exged curious g Abhay and Saiee.

  "Fine, I'll swing by, but only for an hour," Abhay finally agreed.

  "Really?" she asked, surprised.

  "Uh-huh."

  "Don't fet to grab something for the kid."

  "Will a book work?"

  "He's only three," Saiee replied, casting a g the couple before redireg her gaze out the window. "Get something more suitable for a toddler."

  "I would've loved a book as a kid. Books are nice, right?"

  "Just get something a colleague would give their boss's child, not something an uncle would buy for his niece."

  "Then, e with me and help me choose."

  "Fine."

  Abhay took a sip of his e juid added, "Who throws a birthday party for a three-year-old, anyway?"

  The couple at the neighb table shot him offended looks.

  Catg their expressions, Abhay turo look out the window and muttered, "It's just ridiculous. Total waste of money."

  After they fiheir versation aled their bill, Abhay and Saiee made their way to the mall. He browsed several gift shops, calling Saiee fgestions, before finally choosing a superhero toy.

  After saying goodbye to Saiee, he paused to admire a jewelry store before leaving the mall.

  Upon arriving at his fifth-floor apartment, he noticed something unusual by his front door. A woman was rising from the ground with a little girl holding her hand. The woman, eared youhan Abhay, brighte the sight of him and asked, "Ah-are you Abhay Singh?"

  "Yes."

  "Esha Koru sent me."

  Abhay frowned, intrigued.

  "She asks you to fulfill your promise."