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A step out in the sun was just what the doctor would have ordered for me. As I inhales the fresh breeze I could feel my woes fading away and a balmy feeling abounding me. I looked up. The sky was blue, absolutely blue and there was not a spot to be seen. The whole canvas was lit up by a splendid sun. Just the sort that brightens up your soul on a winter day. Sunny winter mornings, wow! It was the kind of morning when a bloke after stepping out in his pyjamas, stretches his arms, yawns and mumbles to himself, “Ahaaaa”. And I did as much.

The vivacious ambience struck the right chord and sent a signal to the brain which sent a song to my lips. It was no more than a reflex. ‘Summer of 69’. Though hardly what you’ll call a summer, the song suited the spirit. The air resonated and sang along with me. I wished that I could play my guitar. So I moved to the car with a hip and a hop. My mind was lit up with the prospects of the morning.

The movie theatre was a half-an-hour drive from home and we reached well before time. The attendance in the morning show is thin and the moment we landed, I could see Palak with two friends. The others spotted her too and our group moved towards hers. I finally saw her friends clearly. Shreya was missing. Palak wished me ‘Happy Birthday’ again, this time in person. Preliminary introductions revealed that the two girls were Shreya and Kamna. Palak eyed me with the dare-you-flirt look. But I wasn’t interested. Period.

“Almost half an hour to go, why don’t we all\ grab a bite?” someone asked. I was too lost to notice.
“Palak, why don’t you join us?” asked bhabhi I believe. “No, not yet, bhabhi. One of my friends is yet to come. So we’ll wait outside. We’ll join you when she’s there,” Palak replied. “Shreya is always late,” complained Saumya of Kamna.

I glanced at my watch. There was about half an hour to go.; more if you take into account the advertisements and all. Plenty of time to play around! While entering the food court, I could almost have shouted, “Brilliant!” as my mind gave finishing touches to my plan.

I excused myself out of the group. “I am not hungry, bhabhi. I’ll look at the magazines and enjoy the sun for a while.” No one complained. “Bhabhi, give me you mobile; Vineet, give me a missed call when you are through,” I said. Back then I didn’t have a mobile. Bhabhi’s mobile was of strategic importance as she had acquired a new sim-card and I was sure no one had her number.

I avoided the path where Palak stood, still waiting. I was relieved. I chose a vantage point and dialed the number. My heart was full of mirth. It was a lovely morning and I was doing what I like to do the most. Playing Mr. Holmes. Disguising, impersonating, plotting, conning…

“Hullo! Said a sweet voice.
“Hullo!” I changed my voice to a gruff one and drew immense satisfaction with what I sounded. “Is that Palak?”
“Yes.”
“Beta, I am Shreya’s dad. I had some work, so she got late. Sorry for that. she just with the driver and will reach in ten-fifteen minutes.”
“Oh, namaste uncle! No problem.”
“Namaste beta. That main road leading to the hall has a jam. So she’ll come via another. She told me to inform you to wait at the back entrance.”
“Okay, uncle.”
“And yes, she doesn’t have her cell phone. That’s why I called to inform.”
“Fine, uncle.”
“Beta, please wait at the back. She doesn’t know much about the area. And doesn’t even have a phone. So wait there only.” “Fine, uncle.”
“Hope you are fine, enjoy the movie.”
“Thanks, uncle, we will.”
“Bye.”
“Bye.”

I saw them moving. Going, going, gone. I let out a breath. Job well done. I prayed that Shreya would come soon and not call Palak on her own. And given the thin crowd, I’ll figure out her figure easily.