Read Part II of the story here.
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The loud beeping on the alarm broke Sahil's slumber.
Friday, 10th June, 10:00 am
Memories of the night before came rushing back. Amna was still sleeping, her face peaceful, her hand holding Sahil's. The solitary ray of sunlight that shone through the window lit up her face perfectly. Yet, Sahil's head was in turmoil. He had yet to break it to Amna that Meera would be here by evening. Meanwhile, he was undecided about his feelings for Amna. Deciding to take things as they came, he gently shook Amna awake.
"Hey, sleepyhead."
She smiled, her eyes squinting up at him.
"I have to go get some work done in the lab.. You stay in. I'll see you at your defence."
She had gotten up. "Wait, we should talk about this."
"I'm afraid that has to wait, Amna.. I have to go now".
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At 5 minutes to 5 pm, his cellphone indicated a new message had come through. It was Amna. "Where are you?"
Sahil decided to make an appearance at the defence and leave before the after party began. He would tell Amna there was an emergency to attend to. He rushed to Room 5.01 and caught up with Amna just as she was walking to the podium. "Hey, all the best!"
"Sahil, where've you been? I've been looking all over for you!"
"I'm here now. Get going. The panel is waiting."
When Amna left the podium, it was 10 minutes past 6. Sahil was already standing up, an odd, closed look on his face. She was Doctor of Philosophy. Why couldn't he at least look happy?
"Congratulations Amna.. Listen, something's come up. I have to take a raincheck on the party."
"Sahil, this is probably the most important night of my life. I've worked five years for this!"
Sahil took a deep breath. "Meera's here. She's arriving at the airport in an hour."
"Wait, what do you mean..?"
"I have to go. I'm sorry, Amna.. For everything."
Amna watched him leave as she stood, her perfect doctorate clutched in her hands and the ruckus grew around her as the party got noisier. Knowing nothing would ever be the same again, she took a deep breath, turned around and walked back into the crowd, congratulations pouring in as she went.
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