# Prologue
I was having my evening tea; I watched the beautiful sunset from my balcony. With the sunset came a chilled breeze, it started drizzling.
It was the beginning of Indian Winters; the drizzle intensifies and it starts raining heavily.
I saw a guy, his name was Rudra (my neighbor) standing on the balcony and getting drenched.
I always thought that he was strange, but I realized, he is not only strange but insane as well.
I shouted to him – Rudra Rudra? Questioned him why, just why?
Rudra’s balcony had a beautiful garden with lots of beautiful plants and greenery.
Rudra goes inside and gets his guitar and starts playing it very enthusiastically as if he was trying to tune it with the sound of the rain.
This guy is unbelievable...!
Rudra was above thirty-five years of age and I was in my early thirties.
I really admired him because I thought that he had achieved it all and, even after his success, he was humble and his simplicity is what fascinated me.
Rudra was separated but I have always found him smiling in every instance and hardly seen him stressed or worried since the time I became his neighbor.
I liked spending time with Rudra. He was a very good host and time spent with Rudra was always loving and amazing.
One day, Rudra had invited me to his place and I thought it was a casual invite, as me and Rudra used to meet at least twice a week.
I went to his home and Rudra took out his favourite whiskey from his bar counter and offered me a drink.
I said no, I don’t drink.
I wouldn’t mind a juice. He asked the helper to get me some.
I asked curiously what is the occasion,because I had never seen him drink that brand before.
Rudra said it was his birthday,
I just completely forgot and I felt shameful being a neighbor and a friend, I forgot it was Rudra’s birthday and I was attending a birthday invite without giving any present.
I told Rudra I would be back in an hour.
He politely said " No gifts please."
He didn’t allow me to go. I felt guilty but Rudra made me comfortable as he always does.
I asked again curiously,
Do you only drink this on your birthday? With a sweet smile on his face he replied.
This was her favourite brand.
It took time for me to register it and when I realized, I didn’t know how to react as Rudra had never told me before about his wife and the separation.
I casually asked, so your ex-wife loved it, but why only this? Rudra was quiet for some time,
I thought I shouldn’t have asked this question. How stupid of me.
Rudra got up with his glass in hand and went towards the end of the balcony and sweetly said.
No, this was my love’s favourite brand.
I was confused.
Rudra never mentioned this to me before and I thought, instead of reacting and asking more questions, let’s change the topic, but somehow,
I was curious to know about the love story so, I finally asked him What was the story, Rudra.
To that, Rudra replies.
Aah, the story.
My curiosity even increased and I told Rudra I would love to hear the story.
He said, Will you listen?
I said definitely,
He says OK as your wish. (He starts narrating)
