The moon shone brightly in the clear skies, a rare feature during Mumbai monsoons. The moonlight made the tears in my eyes shine, my sadness more pronounced. The house was empty, which gave me an opportunity to cry my heart out. Cry, for what might have been. Where had it all gone wrong? Had it been just one week? It seemed like a lifetime since that eventful day. Just the thought of that fateful day brought fresh tears to my eyes!

It was the 15th of July, a very wet Mumbai day. But it was a special day. It was my darling sister's 21st birthday. The two of us have a difference of a year between us, I being the younger one. I, along with our closest friend, had planned a surprise party for her. As soon as di (as I fondly call her) left for office, I called up Akshaj, who is our closest friend, and had become the love of my life. "Di is gone, come over." We started decorating the house, while mom prepared the delicacies for the evening. It was three in the afternoon before the house and our plans were ready. Only the cake had to be picked up from the bakery.

On our way to the cake shop, I asked Akshaj, "Hey, I am giving di that bracelet we saw the other day, what about you?" He smiled his million dollar smile and said, "That's going to be a surprise. I am certain that you are going to like it."

"Oh! Really?", I exclaimed. "Yes, indeed, buttercup," he whispered. Oh my God! I could drown in that voice.

At six all her friends were over, ready to surprise her. The door opened and di walked in. The house was silent and dark. All of a sudden we all shouted and wished her, the lights came on and the party began. I was desperate to find out what Akshaj was giving her. But he was nowhere in sight.

Then I saw him walking towards me. He bent down and whispered, "Turn off the music, and watch." I waited with bated breath. He went over to where di was chatting away. It was then that I realized what was going on, he went down on his knees, and said in a voice that was raw with emotion, "Raina, I love you. Will you marry me?"

The room went silent, and I turned pale. The long silence seemed to explode. It was finally broken, by a equally emotional "Yes" from di. That one word... and my palace of dreams collapsed around me. I escaped under the pretext that one of my close friends had an exam the next day, and needed my help. I ran out of the house, grabbing the car keys on my way out. I drove straight to one of my closest friends Meher's house. As soon as I saw her, I broke down. The tears I had been withholding poured out like a flood. Her parents were surprised, but thankfully remained quiet. God knows how long I cried.

I must have reached home sometime after 12. The house was quiet, I collapsed on the couch, too exhausted to move. All of a sudden light flooded the drawing room, di was standing there looking down at me. She bent towards me and whispered, "I am sorry, sis, I just can't help myself. And believe me, honey, I understand." She kissed me on my tearstained cheeks and went away.

The preparations for di's engagement have begun, and I have to participate in it, as if there is nothing wrong. Only di understands, and very tactfully gets me out of awkward situations. I don't hate her, but only love her more. Like Akshaj, I love her even more with each passing day. I don't blame her because she, too, is hopelessly in love like me... unfortunately, we are in love with the same guy. The only difference is that she has him, and I don't.

Sonal