She left the cell phone on the bed and returned to the balcony. The air around was still warm and with the many emotions hurling within her, the temperature did not really make a difference. The occasional sounds from the road nearby broke the silence that the hour of night had brought in.

The past few days, rather weeks, left her marvelling at how life unfolded before her. Life had never been a bed of roses and her apprehensiveness often made her question herself - Is it justified to weigh every one on the same scale with equal biases? But then, did she have an option? Her friends said that she was being too hard on herself... that she needed to give herself some space and not be prejudiced about anything. On retrospection, she felt as if she had been drained out of the last bits of emotions. She felt cold and void. At times, it was like a pendulum... one extreme to another. Just when she'd feel strong and bold, a sudden surge of restlessness would creep in from nowhere leaving her numb.

Life indeed was funny and the world around her was ever-changing. Hadn't she just been almost rejected as a rightful person to lead a happy life, when almost the entire universe began to scream and tell her how beautiful she really is! Yes, things were changing and changing for the better. She was indeed a happier and a more confident person; but for that one string that pulled her back. She struggled to get rid of it and the more it clinged to her. She knew she needed to simply snap out of it... just once and it would go forever.

Just then, her cell phone beeped. She went to read the message - "Enjoy the phase and be yourself. Rest will all follow :)".... and smiled. She had somehow known the reply beforehand for it was only her sister who'd ever understand what she was going through. She was truly the pillar of her support. Placing the cell on the bed, she returned to the balcony and her thoughts.

A gentle summer breeze swept her face... it was warm and yet comforting. She recalled the day they had reconnected after years. The credit, of course, went to the present-day technology along with the many social networking sites that have become part of our very existence. Yes, they had known each other since school, but were never really friends. The first time they spoke was for almost four hours. The conversation went from school to.... cricket to.... football to.... just about any and everything under the sun. They had to end it rather reluctantly lest the next working day be spent sleeping through. And it had been truly wonderful since then. A spark had been ignited catching two souls unaware... who were blissfully ignorant in their haven of friendship.