18
SHREYA
Time seems to fly
faster when you are dreading something. It feels like just yesterday when I
told Arjun and my family about the approval of my Visa, and here I am, the
evening before I am supposed to leave, sitting on my cot, surrounded by huge
bags.
I groan when Aai comes
with another ‘small’ paper bag. “What is this now, Aai?”
“Just some home-made
masala which you can use in your food. Try to cook as much as possible and
avoid eating junk food.” She says sternly.
The bell rings. When
Baba opens the door, I can hear Arjun’s voice. It feels like someone has placed
a cold palm on my heart. How can I say bye to him without breaking down!?
Baba calls me out.
Taking a deep breath, I step out of my room. The sight of Arjun makes me want
to break down. There is a strange look on his face. He looks lost.
Say
it once, Arjun. Just say that you don’t want me to go. I can leave everything
for you.
“Hey Kiddo… all set for
tomorrow?” He asks with an uncertain smile. I nod at him.
“Are you busy now? Care
to join me for a walk?” He asks.
“Sure. Aai, I will be
back in a while.” I shout out to Aai who replies from the room. “Seize him; I
mean, seize the day!” I laugh while Arjun looks at me in curious amusement.
We walk around the
building in silence. There is so much I want to tell him… What if I told him
now?? The thought fills me with dread. If he rejects, it will only add to my
grief of parting from him. I do not think I can take any more pain.
“I
am proud of you. You are the first one from our families to go abroad.”
Arjun says, not sounding his usual confident self.
“Thanks. To be frank, I
am a bit nervous. I have never been this far on my own. I guess this will be a
learning opportunity.” I say and try not to grimace at how fake I sound.
“Message me the moment
you activate your new number there. And even though we might be in different
time-zones, I want you to know that I will be there whenever you want someone
to talk to. Call me even if it is the middle of the night here, I do not
care.” He looks at me intensely. “You will call me, right?”
“Huh… as if I can
manage without talking to you. There won’t be a day that I will not call you.
In fact, you might tell me to stop calling.” I say in a wobbly voice.
“Have I ever done
that?” He asks me. I shake my head and wipe my tears.
“I can’t see you cry.”
He says, resolutely turning his head to the other side.
‘Well, now you won’t
see me at all for six months.” I say, trying to make matters light. There is a
steely expression on his face, like he is trying to stay strong.
We walk around in
silence. I hungrily store the memory of this moment when he is beside me, to
serve as a comfort in the coming days when I will be longing badly for
him.
We reach the entrance
to our complex and get inside the lift.
“I will be ready by 7
tomorrow morning.” Arjun says.
“I can manage, Arjun.
You really do not have to come all the way to the airport.”
“I want to come and I
will.” He says firmly. We reach our floor. I do not want him to go. He ruffles
my hair. “Good night, Kiddo. I will see you tomorrow.”
He waits till I get
inside my home. Don’t come tomorrow,
Arjun. It will break my heart!
Oh! Why do they have to keep dragging this! Just come out with it already, guys! 😀
ReplyDeleteI hope the big revelation happens in the next chapter ❤❤
Why oh why can't they express their feelings for each other?
ReplyDelete