Anniversaries aren't worth celebrating if you are alone. Mukesh sighed helplessly as he felt immensely aloof on his very first anniversary. Suchi, his wife had gone for her first delivery and the small flat in the suburbs of New Bombay had begun looking like a haunted house in her absence. He even cursed himself for hurrying the first child which had left him high and dry on what could have been a wonderful day. It was mid December and the winter was setting in nicely. He could see the mild fog which remained intact outside the window. He recollected how Suchi struggled to cope up with last winter immediately after their marriage. Those were wonderful memories; Suchi always remained in his hug looking for the much needed warmth.

A bit of despondency crept into his mind, knowing that he might be held up late in his office tonight. The few pending projects could perhaps serve as some diversion from the sudden state of depression he was going through. He shook his head in despair realizing that he won't be having the time to visit Aruna, his younger sister who was just an hour's drive from his house.