Oasis

Prologue

Prologue

As the vehicles on the street sped on, I brought my car to a steady halt near the vast parking lot of 'Subway'. People swarm the place, in all kinds of attires, some laughing and smiling while others in a businesslike way, entering and leaving the busy restaurant. Everyone was involved in their lives like the world outside theirs didn't exist and I was busy in making mine a hell. As I stepped my right foot out of the car, I noticed the slight tremble in my feet, almost weakening me. For a moment, all I wanted to do was sit right back in, drive out and run away. It was not just nervousness, there was a tingle of some negative vibes that I could not ignore. I felt something was going to get seriously wrong.

It's gonna be fine. Relax! Anna! Breathe through!

'It's wrong! Anna! It's wrong' The saint inside me could not stop, not even today

'There's no turning back! I'm almost there! He's probably already there! Or maybe even peering through the glass from somewhere above!' The beast argued back

'You still have time Anna'

The saint tried for the last time but in that very moment, my phone buzzed bringing me back to reality.

'2nd floor'

I let out a deep breath, locked my car and walked out towards the glass doors, that shone like mirror, making me catch my reflection before I walked in. My white kurta shalwar looked fine while the hijab settled properly on my head.

I wish I had turned back, I wish I had listened to the saint. I wish something had went wrong! Something that had taken my last breath then and there but nothing did happen. Because the decisions you take someday do show their consequences. I had taken my decision and consequences were inevitable.

But as I regally took the last step on the stairs, as I looked up and scanned the tables, the moment my eyes landed on those awaiting eyes of the young man attired in black, the smile I had prepared to shine through my pearl white teeth had vanished.

What in the world!

My face must have paled as observed by an onlooker. It was then I knew my world had fallen and I had done the hectic work of stocking the bases of my life's building with explosives all by myself. I knew it was over! The saint mocked me pathetically and retired in the far corner of my heart, maybe too tired may be too dead.

The person I was seeing in front of me was not the person I was scheduled to meet with. It was not the person I had dreamed of all along.

The beast was still up and reassured me though it all seemed a mocking now

It must be a coincidence. He is waiting for someone else. It's an utter coincidence.

But the few tables filled around, one family and a couple showed it was no coincidence. This man was the person for whom I had put it all at stake!