The happiness Deeba felt was quite different from other times.

Although she was critized by her manager for coming late without informing, she was in a quite good mood all day.

Meanwhile Osman painted beautiful painting of wings of the falcon on that workshop. He got appreciated for his work.

When Osman went back home, his Ammi noticed a different charm on his face.

"Kya baat hai, badle badle nazar aa rahe ho"

"Haan, na boht acha din tha aaj ka" then he showed the picture of his painting. "I saved a beautiful falcon today, and this is how it's feathers looked. They kept the painting at display".

His mom was proud of him at that moment.

When Deeba went home, her smile was plastered on her face and it couldn't go unnoticed by her mom.

Before her mom asks or says anything Deeba jumped on a couch beside her and asked her mom "Kya dad ko first time dekhkar apne aise mehsoos kiya hai jaise achanak mausam badal raha ho, kahin dur music

baj rahi ho, asmaan pink ho raha ho, jaise..."

Mom started to blush and smile "Acha bas bas, pehle ye batao itni filmy kyun ho rahi ho?"

"Bas aise hi" she said and casually strolled to her room.

That night Deeba kept thinking about Osman, how decently he helped her out.

Osman almost forgot about Deeba. When he went to sleep he remembered Deeba's voice, the way she kept talking all the time nervously.

After 3 days of consistently thinking about Osman, Deeba thought she was just over-thinking about someone she doesn't even know, someone who would always remain a stranger.

On the 4th day, Deeba got a call from Vet clinic,

"Hello Ma'am, the falcon with wing injury is now recovered and will be ready to fly tomorrow."

"Great, I'll come and see it before you let it free".

"Ok sure, what time?"

"Around 5 in the evening, after work. And hey did you inform it to Mr. Osman Zafar?"

"Not yet Ma'am, We could do if you wish".

"Yes, do mention that you are releasing the falcon in the evening"

"Ok ma'am, no problem".

_______________________________________

Osman got a call from the vet soon after. They informed about the recovery of the bird.

"And sir, we're going to release it tomorrow evening. Do you wish to check on it before we do that?"

"That's great. But... I can't make it."

"Ok Sir, no problem"

On the other hand Deeba was wishing she would meet him again and sings,

🎶Meri zindagi mein

ajnabi ka intezaar hai

Main kya karu...

ajnabi se mujhe pyaar hai

Woh ajnabi,,,

jaana pehchaana..

Sapno mein uska,

hai aana jaana..

Ay ajnabi,,,

tere liye,,,

dil ye mera beqaraar hai🎶

Little did she know that Osman had denied coming to the vet again.

The next day, she wore her favourite abaya, her new trainers and a slight makeup. She was tempted to wear perfume but she avoided it. After an impatient day at work she was stopped by her manager. Though she finished her work and was about to leave, her manager gave another programme to execute.

"We have a deadline and you have to stay till this task is completed!"

"But Sir..."

"No buts" He said and left.

She muttered some swear words under her breath.

She sat back on her seat. Tried to finish as fast as she could. She indulged herself for more than an hour and finally finished her task and it to her manager in an email. Shutting down the system she grabbed her stuff and left.

On her way home on reaching the highway she realized she was suppose to be at the vet.

She took the phone out of her bag, and dialed the vet clinic.

"Sorry, I couldn't make it. Did Osman come and did you release the falcon?"

"No, he said he wouldn't come, and we didn't free it yet."

What? She thought, 'He sure isn't interested in the falcon or her at all. He might be already committed.

What was I even thinking'.

"Oh, okay. I'll try again tomorrow same time" And ended the call.

_______________________________________

On seeing the falcon next day Deeba was quite happy that it's wings were completely recovered.

"Thank you so much for helping it recover" says Deeba .

"Thank your friend for helping it out quite safely and for paying us more than we asked for" Informs the vet doctor.

"Really? Can you give me his number so I can thank personally?"

"Isn't he your friend?"

"No, I lied that day, he is just a kind stranger who helped" she said sheepishly.

"Ok, here have his contact."

Deeba noted his contact number naming him Mr. Osman on her phone.

She still hoped he would walk in that door, and come to see them.