Crossing the Mirage:Passing Through Youth

“What of him?”

“Oh it is years since we last met,” she said reminiscently. “But I do hear about him now and then.”

“Is he married?”

“Not when I last heard.”

“Why not get in touch with him?”

“What are you suggesting?”

“Why not make a real beginning?”

“Wouldn't have his flame been doused by now?” she said as she sighed. “What's the point in dreaming for its warmth then?”

“That's true,” said Chandra sympathetically, “and it pays to be pragmatic.”

“Is it pragmatic for me to count on your affection?”

“Nithya's included,” he said extending his hand. “You know how she loves you. Getting to know your remarkable story she will empathize with you even more.”

“Thank you,” she said taking his hand, “but don't fail to congratulate her for me, for her great escape that was.”

“She might wish you would fare no less.”

“Let's see what's in store,” she said as Chandra got up to leave.

On his way back home, Chandra felt sorry for her lost love but just the same, he was conscious about a new dawn in his heart for Prema. He couldn't help hoping that she too might feel the same way about him. When he narrated the operative part of "The Operation Desert‟ to Nithya, she derived a peculiar sense of satisfaction associated with the feeling of revenge. And they awaited the next move from Prema to checkmate the trespasser.