read the message, a mix of excitement and hesitation. I had been feeling emotionally isolated, and the thought of stepping out of my comfort zone, "that too with Jason,"

d a hint of amusement. I proffered a deliberately deceptive response, "Oh, it's nothing of great significance, just a work-related matter.""Are you sure? A work-related matter on a holiday?" Amba voiced her doubts, interrogating the veracity of my earlier statement, implying that my brief preoccupation with the message had precipitated lapses in my attention to our social engagement, leading her to surmise that I had, in fact, abandoned our gathering."Like I said, it's nothing major," I reiterated. Upon finishing our meal, we opted to head to the nightclub and chill out a bit before retiring for the evening. We jumped in Amba's car and proceeded to Club Oasis. As soon as we stepped into the club, thumping music hit us, and the atmosphere was electric; everyone was well and truly buzzing. We were busting a move to the rhythm, loving every minute of the hip-hop vibes. Amba headed to the bar to sort us out with some tequila. This fit, handsome young chap approached and asked for a dance, and we got moving together on the dance floor. He was a right good mover, too."What's your name?" he asked."Nina!" I shouted in his ear so he could hear me over the noise."Nina, that's a truly beautiful name. It suits you perfectly," he said. "I am Hugo. I've recently relocated to this area, and I am still getting acquainted with the locals," Hugo said. "Can I get your number, Nina? I would love to catch up again sometime, if that's cool with you?" he asked gently."Sorry, Hugo, I'm not really comfortable sharing my number with someone I just me