EMERALD

Aarin’s P.O.V :

I seem to concentrate more on the outside atmosphere rather than listening to my best friend Geetanjali. We were in a cafe since it was my day off. She’s talking about her boyfriend Nick and telling me the need for a romantic relationship in my life. Actually, I would have listened to her if I was interested in any kind of relationship like that.

Love is a complicated concept, right? It’s like I haven’t found my ′ The one ′ yet. And besides, I’m too busy for all these things.

“...Come on girl! You’re 21! ...Don’t you want someone to care for you? Make you feel exceptionally special,”

Seriously? Exceptionally special?

“...Don’t you want to experience what’s it like to be in lo...” She was cut off by the sound of her phone. And I thanked Lord. Judging by the number of occasional giggles and blushing that must be her boyfriend Nick on the other line.

They are seeing each other for the past two years. A combination of a fashion designer and an architect is not that bad. They are both excellent and renowned in their fields.

Not that I’m an exception.

“You should’ve told me earlier...How can I...In this short notice...No! I swear to your hair, Nick! I’ll not talk to you if you go with Lily...Pick me up in two hours,” Geet ends the call with a sigh as she rubs her temple.

“Seriously Geet? His hair?” I asked amused and Geet shrugged. Geet has a habit of changing things to swear. This time she chose Nick’s hair.

There is a belief among some people upon the swear being unfulfilled something bad will happen to that particular thing.

For me, it’s all is just a superstition.

“I guess we’ll have to reschedule our movie night,” I said with a shrug.

“Nick said we need to attend an important function...I’m very sorry Ari,” Geet sadly let out the words.

“I understand. After all, I’m now at the side of the picture,” I feigned a hurt expression.

“You’re such a drama queen. There will be one day when I’ll repeat your words to you,” Geet smirked.

“Yeah yeah. And that will be the day when ice cream will taste sour,” I said as I rolled my eyes. After some time talking about random things we paid the bill and made our way towards the parking lot.

“When is your flight to Paris?” Geet asked after we made it to the parking lot.

“It’s tomorrow at 12 pm,” I said as I adjusted my bike and put on the black helmet.

“Do call when you reach there,” Geet said unlocking her BMW.

“Okay, Grandma” At my remark, Geet rolled her eyes.

Being three year older, makes Geet treat me like a baby sometime. Of course, the one she doesn’t have. Geet is my best friend since high school. I skipped some grades so I was in the same grade as Geet.

“And yeah... say sorry to Nirupoma on my behalf, ” With that, she drove off. Well, Nirupoma probably wouldn’t mind because of her obsession with her medical studies.

It was afternoon as I reached home after having a small tour with my beloved bike. It was Monday so Nirupoma was at her college. We live in an apartment in Mumbai which is near the beach. With a nice neighbourhood. It is owned by Dadu who is a retired Army Medical officer and in his mid-sixties.

As I have spare keys I didn’t bother to push the doorbell. As I entered I saw Dadu is reading a book. While Dida is cooking something in the Kitchen.

Mmmm... the smell is very delicious. A smile crept on my face as she is cooking my favourite dessert and her famous ‘Rosh-malai’ which is a Bengali dessert.

Something you can expect from a Bengali family.

I tiptoed as I neared the kitchen and hugged Dida from behind.

“Seems like someone is very eager to taste the dessert,” Dida said as she patted my cheeks.

“So how was your day, Aarin?” she asked. Though she didn’t see me she always knows whether it’s me or Niru.

Time passed earlier than expected and before I know I was arranging my things for tomorrow. I have a flight to Paris which happens to be one of my favourite places. I love travelling. Working in an airline allows me to enjoy that.

" Have you packed...” I heard Mamoni saying as she entered my room. But I was quick to cut her off.

“Yes. I have packed medicines, warm clothes, scarfs, socks...” I started to say but Mamoni’s words cut me off.

“Herbs?” Mamoni said handing me a small carry-box and I offered her a sheepish smile.

“You always forget this,” Mamoni said as she sat on the side of my bed. I took her bangle adorned ivory hands in mine with a soft smile playing in my lips.

“And you always remind me... Anyways, tell me about your day in college, “I asked.

“Nothing special. Just had to make arrangements for the farewell party of the seniors,” She said as her tired yet loving brown eyes bore in mine. Being a college teacher and management head can be tiresome.

After some mother-daughter time, Mamoni applied oil to my hair and combed them gently. I don’t understand that even after a hectic day how come she gets never tired to take care of us?

Next Morning

After reaching the airport and finishing some regular formality I headed towards the aircraft. On my way, I stopped in front of a glass window which was mostly reflecting.

The girl in the reflection had chestnut brown hair that was tied in a braided bun with a few strands loose. She had sparkling emerald eyes which complimented her light tan skin and brown hair. She was dressed in a white shirt with three golden stripes on each shoulder. And in a dark blue pant.

Her dark blue coat was hanging on her left arm. While the other hand occupied her luggage handle. Last but not least, she was wearing a dark blue cap that had a golden wing in middle with golden lines on both sides.

And that girl is me. Being a pilot and travel around the world has always been my dream. And living your dream is a magical feeling.

“Hello, Officer Mukherjee,” Raina, one of the crew member greeted me after I entered the aircraft.

“Hi, Is the Captain here already?” I asked with a smile.

“No,” She replied and I mumbled a ‘thank god’. Raina gave me a meaningful smile at this. Though Capt. Thomas is not a jerk. But he hates it when the co-pilot arrives after him.

The landing was nice. It’s my third time in Paris. After checking in the hotel I called Mamoni to inform her about my reach.

I decided to visit the Eiffel tower this evening and for tonight I planned to enjoy my secret and second identity. Along with my family, Geet and Nick a very few people know about this.

Hi, everyone. This is my first book!

The pictures belong to their respective owners.

Enjoy reading!

*unedited *