They both were enjoying their time, Aster and Maria. They were not just a couple, they were like companions. Aster as typical as a lecturer, wearing comfy t-shirt and pants, and Maria gone back to her college wearing a white shirt and a red checked skirt. After riding for half an hour, they came to a cliff and on it's right was a big wooden board. 'Lagater's Park', there was written.

  " It hasn't changed a twig since we dropped from the college, our perfect place to spend time.", Maria admired.

  "Yes, wanna have a night-out again with your 'best group' ? ", Aster said teasingly.

  "Absolutely, it was the best group. You three, the Troublemakers' and us, the Perfect Ones. Oh I remember, we spent most of our time cleaning up the mess you all had spread", Maria chuckled.

  " Yes, and you remember the group of three of you?"

  " Who, me, Varbora and Pesca?"

  By this time, they both had started walking in the fresh and woody air of the park. The birds singing melodies, children giggling, couples meeting and elders watching the whole scene sipping coffee and gossiping in the cafe.

  " Yes, you three, The Gossiping Gibbons ", Aster said frankly.

  " Ay, you DummKopf, how dare you......", Maria was red-nosed, running to catch Aster.

  " You three hold the world record for Gossiping.........." .

  The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  After having a good time, they both were sitting next to the lake they'd come to spent their college nights. But this time there were no Troublemakers or Perfect ones only Aster and Maria. The same lake, the same bench, the same companions but something was off.

  Aster looked in Maria's eyes, despite of this nostalgic reunion and memorable time, they were wet.

  " Is there any problem, Dear?"

  "No Honey, Everything is perfect".

  " No, something is wrong. You've to tell me if you love me"

  "Ok, but do not tell like that again. I love you with my whole heart. "

  A moment of silence felt. Aster was feeling apologetic 'cuz he was thinking what he asked her, rather, the way he asked her was wrong. Maria was wiping her eyes.

  " Aster, I am missing Pesca. She was the closest to me."

  Aster froze, unable to figure out what to say or what to do now. Pesca was Maria's closest friend, but a war broke out in the country which resulted in their separation. Maria was heart-broken for a month, not drinking or eating properly. Aster saw her river-cried nights and can't afford to let her suffer the pain again.

  " I know and she must be missing you as well, but will she be happy seeing you cry?", Aster said.

  Maria wiped her tears. And they moved to the nearby cafe called De Blutantina Cafe, for others it was just a cafe but for them it was their old dating spot. Spending time hiding from others was their task, and for that it was the best place. A rounded wooden hut, with aesthetic vibes and just a few tables surrounding an old television.

  They took their usual seats, the cafe was full. The other two tables were occupied by a group of mid-aged men. They both ordered their usual two cups of Espresso while a news report was being broadcasted on the small television.....

  Tehri's immediate governmental action continues without notice, experts believe it may continue till 8 tonight. Bombings are reported in many areas of the capital.

  "Enemies of the nation, be prepared. I am the threat, you're not aware"......

  The cafe suddenly became silent, too silent. And it was broken by the aggressive yell of one of the men there....

  "It's totally ruthless and baseless. What kind of a leader calls our own German countrymen enemies? He'll carry 100 years in hell I guarantee, such a ....."

  The group of men left angrily and Aster and Maria took a sigh of relief.

  They both thought that there will be peace finally, but it wasn't up to that .

  Suddenly, the sounds of sirens and bombing started coming from outside, they both ran outside but Maria's skirt got caught in the chair. Aster ran after her and then,

  BOOM.

  A bomb was dropped directly on the cafe, and with a huge explosion they both were burnt to ashes.

  " For the world, they are dead. But the story doesn't end here. Are they fi

  nished or, Will they survive?"..............

  TO BE CONTINUED