He was about to enter the event space when he saw her. She was exquisitely framed under the archway of lights at the entrance. She twinkled, just like the first time he'd seen her, the girl in the crown. His mind went back to their fight earlier. His words were so harsh, he hadn't meant to say that there was nothing in Bombay for him. It was his own silly fears. Now seeing Nalini standing there with all their friends, he realised how perfect this picture was - everything and everyone he wanted was under, what looked like, festival lights. It's time, he thought and took out his phone.

The sound of the ring tone made his heart beat faster, it was a call he should have made years ago, but didn't have the courage to do it. As the phone rang, he inhaled sharply, and let out a slow breath. Surprisingly, he felt ready.

"Dad, it's me."

"Hey son, everything okay? You don't sound-"

"It's time dad, I can't live away from her anymore," he said in one breath.

"Finally, taken you long enough," said his dad, letting out a little chuckle.

"I know, but look what this city did to Xavi," said Matthew, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow.

"Matthew, it wasn't the city. You know Xavier took his life because he was depressed. In those days, what did we know of these things? Now, looking back, I wish I had seen the signs. Wish there was more information on what depression was, how were we to know what was going on."

"What if it happens to me?" said Matthew, his voice almost a whisper.

"It won't - you've always been a beaming ray, son. Don't dim your light because of the past. And you have Nalini and your whole career ahead of you. Don't let the fear of what happened with Xavier stop you from your new dreams."

"You'll will be all alone -"

"Yes, finally! Your mother and I need some romance too and let's not forget those two rascals are there too. What do you want to do here with us old fogies?"

"You're right. I don't know why, but something clicked just now. I finally understand her life here, our life... It's time, he said, catching a glimpse of her from afar.

"Oh and Matthew, you don't need it, but you have our blessings, you always did."

"Thanks, dad," he said and hung up. He breathed in and with one long exhaled breath, released years of locked-up emotions.

Before walking in, he checked his trusty leather-bound wallet. Looking inside, he smiled. Tucked in the coin compartment, next to her picture and the business card he'd kept all these years was a solitaire diamond ring.