Love without friendship is like a rose without fragrance.

 It was one of those winter mornings where all a person can do was sense the moving vehicles around with that irritating noise and the smell of burning fuels around. Winters were not same. They were indeed foggy but not that makes you realise how beautiful winters can be, brutal yet soft on heart.

"Why in this world did my parents choose to settle in this city?? the disappointment mixed with anger had been the new normal for Kanith.

"Then again, where will I be if not here", Kanith was talking to himself, busy in his thoughts waiting for his chance at the fuel station. Today was like any other day except today he was missing his childhood more than usual.

"I wish I had lived more of those times when I could sit on swings, my dad pushing me to reach heights of the last leaf of the mango tree, Dad I miss you" A loud voice knocked on the glasses.

"Sir, this line is for diesel, please move to next line for Petrol". 

Kanith in his disappointing voice said, "Can the day be any better, wasted time means more traffic".

The way to office was filled with multiple cars racing alongside like an F1 car race, it seemed majority of them were trying to reach their destination earlier than the other. The old drivers had a calmness in their driving as if they were smirking at the young drivers", "been there, done that".

Kanith stepped into office with thought of thinking when he will be completing 9 hours and returning back home to spend time with his Family and Dog, "Bliss".

Hours seem long and life seems short when we do things which are not of heart's intent.

it was 6 pm, time to jump back into the rat race. Only the destination was lucrative this time, "Home".

"Excuse me, can you fill this survey for my research on modern couples compatibility."

This voice gave an unknown feeling to Kanith, as if he had heard this voice before. He turned to look at a curly hair girl wearing a churidaar suit. The small bindi between her eyes was complementing her dusky skin tone with grace and a strong aura you can't afford to miss. 

"Excuse me, if you have 2 minutes can you fill this survey".

 It was the first time Kanith was not worried about the increasing traffic on road or endless lanes of cars.

"Yes, sure. I'll be glad to help", Kanith replied , trying not to sound nervous around her.

"But, before I fill the survey, can you explain me something about the survey, what is the intention and desired output you are seeking. wanting to hear her sweet voice once again, Kanith tried to make conversation.

"Oh sure, I am sorry"

"Hi, I am Tani, a final year psychology Hons. student. I'm working on thesis of modern couples nature and future outcomes. Basically, through my research I am trying to understand the reason why modern couples prefer to spend time on mobile phones or other distractions,  rather than spending time together in long term.

This will help me understand the underlying issues between not only couples but also humans. 

"Wow Tani, that's an interesting topic."

Both were quiet for few seconds with an uncomfortable silence. 

Kanith didn't just want to be any other guy who fills the survey and goes on his way. He quickly blurted

"Well, I can help you with a good audience for your survey, I am attending a wedding this weekend. You meet my couple friends and get your survey filled.

Tani was confused, how quickly this conversation was moving with a stranger she had just met. Kanith sensed her hesitation.

"Oh sorry, I didn't introduce myself". I am Kanith, I work in SUN corporates as a consultant. I understand I stepped too fast and directly invited you to a wedding. But your topic is too interesting to not contribute."

"Oh, I understand. Can you fill the survey and later if I'm available this weekend I might join you. If thats ok with you."

"Yes, of course. Don't be hesitant please, I am sorry if I overstepped."Kanith took out pen from his bag and filled the survey.

"Well, I will not be the correct target group for your survey".

"Sorry, what do you mean" Tani sounded confused and yet realising she didn't ask the basic question "Are you dating someone" to Kanith before requesting to fill the survey. 

" I am single" Kanith said hastily.

"But sometime in life, you must have liked someone, if yes, you are in the target group as well". Tani gave a warm smile.

Kanith kept quiet, not choosing to look at doors closed years back. 

"Ok, thank you for filling the survey, see you then".

"Hi, can I make a suggestion", Kanith hesitatingly said.

"Yes, please"

" I was hoping there should be a question "Do you feel lonely with your partner"?.

Tani, stopped and stared at Kanith's face.

"I mean, people resort to distractions, when they are trying to fill a void inside them, Void can be in any form, some people fill the void with money, some fill it with attention & some with control, a restless heart will always look for distractions."

"Such deep thought Kanith, sure, I would think on it. I will call you in case I am free this weekend for the wedding. Have a good day."

On the way to home, Kanith couldn't let go of Tani's aura, it was strong yet gentle. He wanted to talk to her for hours, know her more.

This was a new feeling for Kanith after a long time. He felt a strange happiness and excitement he couldn't put into words.

The whole week was longer than a month for Kanith. He was waiting for her text or call. It was all butterflies for Kanith. He had started focusing on himself as if he got a purpose in life, going to gym, eating right and wearing good clothes were now his priorities..

At 9 pm, Friday, an unknown number rang.

Kanith never picked unknown numbers, but this time he picked it up in first ring.

No voice on both ends.

A beautiful feminine voice spoke at other side after 5 seconds "Hi, can I talk to Kanith".

"Kanith thanked god and said "Yes, who is this".

"Hi Kanith, Tani here. We met for survey".

"Oh yes, hi Tani. How are you?"

"I am fine, how are you".

"I am good too. Is the offer for the wedding still open. Can I be your plus one". Tani said in a very tensed and nervous sound. 

"oh yes, sure. Lets meet tomorrow at 3 pm at Little Italy farms. Its a day wedding, I will share the details to you".

"Thanks".

Tani was fighting between her heart and mind. The deep thought that Kanith shared, had touched Tani's heart in an unexpected way. She had never met someone who was so practical yet deep in his thoughts. There was a strong force which was pulling Tani towards him. She wanted to talk to him and know him more. 

"Hi Tani", a familiar voice called her from back. 

Listening to one's name from someone special is a very beautiful feeling. It makes the name more special, more meaningful.

Tani's heart was fluttering.She looked ecstatic in a beautiful satin suit with open hair and minimal makeup. 

"Hi Kanith"

"Lets eat something first, then I will introduce you to your target audience".

"Sure,what should we eat" both looking at stalls.

"GOLGAPPE", both said together. 

"Haha haha haha", you like them too",Tani said cheekily. 

"Why only girls have patent over liking golgappe. You don't know I am a golgappe champion, You don't trust me, lets do one competition"

Tani, laughed and agreed with a smile.

"25,26,27"

" ok...I lose" Tani said trying to eat the last piece.

"Yayyy, glad I could maintain my record"

"I am so full, this was the most I laughed since sometime. Thanks Kanith"

"I am glad", Kanith said looking into Tani's eyes. 

"Shall we meet your friends now" Tani breaking the intense energy between the two said abruptly. 

"Yes, Yes, lets go"

"Hi guys, please meet Tani. I told you about her, remember. She is a dear friend, she needs your help with few questions".

"Hi Tani" everybody sounded excited to meet her. 

"Hi, thank you for your time, Can you please fill these surveys". Tani gave one to Kanith too.

Kanith saw an additional question in the survey and smiled quietly & filled the survey. 

Tani felt wave of emotions with thoughts like, I wish I could talk more, know him more, laugh more with him.

She picked up her phone to dial him but stopped. 

The phone rang.

"Hi Tani, Kanith here".

"Hi", Tani was unable to speak anything struggling to contain her happiness and excitement. 

5,10,15 seconds passed with no conversation or word. 

" Are you there Tani?"

"Yes, sorry"

"I want to share something with you, May I"  Kanith asked

""hmm"

" The first time I met you, I felt its not our first meeting. I have known you since forever. Like a good friend, a good companion I can talk to freely and be myself around. 

But after today, I am confident, I would like to know you more. There are no rosy reasons, but simply I feel myself and happy in your company. I think thats enough for being friends at the beginning and may be take it further if you wish"

10...15...20...25...30 seconds passed

"Hello Tani?????? you there?? , I am sorry if I crossed the line"

"No Kanith, I am sorry but I felt the same today. I dont know how to put it into words but I would also like to know you more and be your good friend, whatever the future holds. But today at this moment, I thank my stars for meeting you".

"lets begin our story" Tani said thanking god.