Peering at her reflection in the tall mirror, Sakshi gave a tiny grin. She sprinkled fresh rose water on her face, inhaling the delightful fragrance in her room. The shimmering peacock blue anarkali gracefully complimented the curves of her body. Her thick hair was fastened into a neat braid.

Ranveer tapped on her door. "Why do women take so long to get ready?"

She picked a scarf and unlocked the door. "Ready!"

"What the hell are you wearing?! This will bring all unwanted attention."

"But I like it."

"Then wear it. And stay at home!" He stormed away with his bike keys.

"Wait! I'll... wear something else."

"That's a good girl."

Sakshi latched the door with a frown. Her plans to click amazing pictures at the fair went down the drain. She changed into a dull grey anarkali-- the colour of the sky that morning.

Not caring to look at the mirror, she walked out. "Shall we go now?"

"Covering your face?"

"I'll do it on the way."

"Remember what Baba said? Our enemies might see you."

With a sigh, she wrapped the scarf over her face, leaving a slit only for her eyes. She got onto the bike pillion, shoulders drooping. On the way, he stopped near a restaurant and bought her a water bottle.

"Here, keep yourself hydrated."

"I will."

Ranveer eyed the dark clouds overhead. "It might rain, so stay within the stall. I don't want you getting wet and catching a cold."

She rolled her eyes at his over protectiveness. "Okay."

Finally... they stopped at the bustling fair. She was going to experience all the wonderful things Vini said. She waited at the entrance while Ranveer bought the ticket. He looked around and passed it to her with a worried smile.

"There are hundreds of people. Stay where the families are. Be careful, okay?"

"I will."

From his wallet, Ranveer fished out a crisp 2,000 Rupee note and presented it to her.

Her eyes lit up. "Thank you, Bhaiyya!"

"Have fun. I'll pick you up before noon." He patted her shoulder and left.

Sakshi gawked at the fair and then at the ticket. For the first time in her life, she by herself, without her controlling family. She pinched her arm and scowled in pain. No, it wasn't a dream.

She couldn't let one second of her limited freedom to slip away. Marching inside, she promptly rang up Vinnati's number.

"Vini, I'm at the main gate!"

Vinnati squealed in a shrill voice. "Are you serious?"

"You'll know in a minute. Where's your stall?"

"Tenth one on the left."

Walking down the isles, she took off her scarf. "On the left? I see you!"

She scampered to bubbly girl with curly hair.

"Vini!"

The girl trapped her in a crushing hug. "So glad you made it! How did your father allow you?"

"Bhaiyya convinced him."

"Unbelievable."

"Can't wait to see your stall!"

Vinnati led her inside the little stall. A banner with the words 'Naveli Spices' fluttered on top. The smell of powdered chillies, cinnamon and exotic spices wafted in the air.

"It's so fresh. Smells delicious too."

Vinnati glowed with a proud smile. "Thanks, bae."

Glancing at the sky, Vinnati scrunched her nose. "Passing clouds. I wonder if I can go to the washroom before the downpour."

"Go on, Vini. I'll take care of the stall."

"You know me so well." Vinnati threw a flying kiss at her and hastened to the washroom far away.

Sakshi plopped into the plastic chair. Loudspeakers blared gibberish announcements. Tourists in colourful streamed through the gate. Children with curious eyes clung to their parents.

A drop of rain fell to the ground. Then another. Then many more.

A leather merchant in the neighbouring stall got up and pulled his table inside. Sakshi did the same to protect her friend's spices. Sharp red lines appeared on her fingers as she dragged the table into the stall.

Lightning cracked the sky. Fierce thunder shook the stalls.

A young man and a plump little boy wandered in search of shelter. When lightning struck, the boy covered his face and cried. The man, mostly his father, took off his leather jacket and wrapped it over the child.

Sakshi's heart melted. She waved out to the man with a smile. "Sir! Come here, there's place!"

Scooping the child in his strong arms, the man rushed to the stall. They were right on time. Steady raindrops pattered on the stall roof. Sheets of rain ripped the wind. People scurried into parking lots, others rushed to their cars and vans.

The man smiled at her. "Thanks a lot. Your helped us right on time."

She pushed a chair toward him. "My pleasure. Have a seat. Can I get you a towel?"

"Yes, please.",

While passing the towel, she got a closer look at him. Something intrigued her. He looked too young to be a father. Maybe he married early?

"Wee!" The boy tossed the leather jacket away and ran around the stall.

"Careful! Don't mess anything," the man said.

"Moo moo!" He shouted like a cow and hid behind the table.

Sakshi giggled. "Your son is very cute."

The man's eyes widened, as if surprised.

"He's not my son," he said.

"He's not?"

"Nope."

Her cheeks burned. "I . . . I'm sorry."

Noticing her embarrassment, he smiled wide, revealing a dimple on his right cheek. "He is my friend's son. His dad has a stall at this fair," he said.

Too embarrassed to respond, she twisted her gold lion ring.

"His name is Chirag," the man said, brushing his hair with the towel. A fresh citrus scent wafted from him.

Thankful for the change of topic, she waved at the boy. "Come here, Chirag. I promise I won't eat you."

Chirag peeped out with one eye. "I want to go to Papa! When will the ground finish taking bath?"

Sakshi burst out laughing. "It will finish soon."

The man spread the towel on the chair. "I hope so. These damp clothes are terrible."

"There's a washroom nearby if you'd like to change," she said.

He smiled at her innocence. "I don't have anything to change, madam."

"Your leather jacket?"

He thought for a while. "Good idea, but I can't leave this little guy alone."

"I'll watch over him," she said.

"I promised his father that I'll take care of him. But thanks for the offer. You are very kind."

Sakshi felt a sudden surge of butterflies in her stomach. People harmed their own children, but this man cared so much about his friend's son.

Standing in dark shadows of the shop, she dared to examine his features. His dimpled smile. His bright cocoa eyes. The way he softened his deep voice when talking to Chirag. His protective nature.

For some strange reason, her breath hitched. She looked away.

He caught Chirag and propped him on his lap. "Enough running, you'll hurt yourself."

Chirag wriggled like a jellyfish. "I want to play!"

"Don't you want to hear the story of the pink fox?"

"Pink fox?" Chirag's eyes widened.

Sakshi grinned too, as excited as Chirag.

"Long long ago, there was a pink fox. It was very sad because it had no friends. One day, it discovered a secret..."

He narrated the story with wide eyes and fluttering fingers. He roared like a lion, chattered like a monkey, squacked like a bird, making the jungle come alive. His vivid voice warmed the little stall... and her heart.

"And they all lived happily ever after."

"Jolly!" Chirag squealed.

He pinched the boy's cheeks. "The sky has finished bathing. Let's get you to your dad."

Sakshi's mind turned numb. Fully engrossed in the story, she didn't realise the rain had subsided. A silent wish sprang in her heart-- to hear more of his stories. He was certainly a gifted storyteller.

The man turned around, locking eyes with her.

"Thanks a lot for your help, Miss--?"

"Sakshi," she said.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Sakshi." Her name sounded beautiful in his voice.

He extended his hand for a shake. She hesitated, and joined her palms in a formal 'namaste'. He smiled and did the same.

"Goodbye," she said. "And you too, Chirag. Take care!"

After moments of restless silence, the man and Chirag sauntered away into the crowd. A jolt of regret cruised her body. "I didn't even ask his name!"

Vinnati scrambled in, wetness patching her salwar. "Thanks for pushing the table in! I was so worried."

"Did you see them?" Sakshi asked baldly.

"Who?"

"Chirag and that handsome man who is not his dad."

Vinnati held her shoulder. "Are you okay? Did the lightning knock the lights in your brain?"

"Huh? Nothing. Sorry." She bit her lower lip and smiled. Heat rushed to her neck and face.

"So, who's this handsome man?"

"No one important!" she said, but her heart accused her of being a liar.

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