A sense of resignation underlines the rest of my day. I wait for the hours to pass until I see Zayn later in the evening, hopefully that is. I don’t know if he’s back in town yet. I’ve been trying to call him, but his phone’s been unreachable. Then there is Neer. I find myself checking the phone again and again throughout the day, hoping for a notification or two to pop up, but that just doesn’t happen. I can’t believe I’m waiting for his message despite telling him that I’ll be busy with work all day! It’s also late at night in India. Neer must be sleeping! Should I send a message anyway? He could just reply when he wakes up. But then I rule out the option because it seems a little too desperate.

The moment the clock strikes six, I wrap everything up at work and head to Josie’s. Once I reach, I note with disappointment that Zayn isn’t there. I order a vanilla latte and settle down at a table, fiddling with my phone as I while time away. Truth be told, I’m simply waiting for Neer to wake up and message me. I must admit here that I’ve been a little bothered about the similarity between the names ‘Nirvaan’ and ‘Neer’. It’s almost eerie, as if there’s some connection between them. But of course, that’s just me being silly and a little paranoid perhaps.

At exactly 7:30 p.m. I receive a message from Neer. My heart starts racing as I open the chat window.

Neer: Hi Kiana! Good evening!

Me: Good morning! Didn’t you say that you’re a night owl? How did you manage to wake up so early?

Neer: I’ve recently befriended a morning person. I’m trying to be like her.

Me: Aha! I was about to text you actually! I had a terrible day at work.

Neer: Why?

Me: My boss is a piece of shit, and I hate my job.

Neer: That’s the story of most people out there. Why don’t you start your own business?

Me: It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, Mr Entrepreneur.

Neer: Come to India. I’ll help you with everything!

Me: I wish I could, but the allure of a six-figure salary is enough to keep me stuck here.

Neer: You can make a lot more as an entrepreneur, if it’s only about the money. But I guess it’s the lack of purpose in your job that’s bothering you.

Me: Yeah … I wish it were that simple for me to move back. Can’t you move here?

Neer: I can relocate temporarily, but my life is with my family here in India. And I also want to contribute to the Indian economy by generating wealth and jobs. These have been my driving forces since forever.