A/N: Yes, it's me again. I was serious when I said I was going to fill up the Bollywood section. This is the shortest fic I've ever written. It's from Veer-Zaara, a movie I absolutely adore. If you've seen it, you'll know exactly why. Please read and review!

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The Man Across the Border

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She prays with her family. She prays for her family. She prays that she will have the strength to pray for her would-be fiance. She prays that she will be able to refrain from throwing the plate at fruit at him. She prays for many things. But most of all, she prays for her friend across the border. She prays that there will be no need for him to give his life for her.

Before finishing, she says a thank-you prayer. She knows that though in her eyes she may not have much, in the eyes of others she has a lot. She has her family. She has everything she could ask for. Everything except for love. She asked her mother, 'Would Papa give his life for you?' Her silence answered. Raza will not give his life for her either.

It is time for the engagement ceremony. Raza picks up her hand. His hand is cold and limp. He puts the ring on her finger. He holds out his hand and she goes to put the ring on. She is not psychic. It is not like in films. She does not sense his presence. She merely sees everybody staring in his direction, so she turns around.

She is not surprised to see him, but nor did she expect him. Life is not like films. There is no background music. She slowly walks up to him. The rain soaks through her and her dress sticks to her frame. She stands before him and her eyes silently ask a question. Are you real? A silly question to ask – if he is actually a fantasy, how will he answer?

His eyes answer. Her friend from across the border has crossed the border. Her composure breaks. Next thing she knows, her arms are around him. He is wonderfully solid, real, there. Tears mingle with the rainwater on her face. She is blind to the shock on her family's faces. She is deaf to their sharp intakes of breath. As her Veeru's arms close around her, all she knows is that it is the best feeling in the world and there is nowhere she'd rather be.

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A/N: Too short? I didn't think I could add anymore to it. I'd like to know your opinions on V-Z. Some people think it's overly sentimental. I disagree. I always enjoy this one. It's like eating a whole tub of double chocolate fudge ice-cream. In other words, delicious. Please review and tell me what you thought of the story!