Her Umbrella

I was about 14 years old at that time. I met her on the first day of 9^th std. As soon as I glanced at her, I fell in love.

Then, we started talking, from talking to walking together, and from walking to hugging each other. Then, finally, one fine day in a park, I proposed her. She hesitated a bit as I sat on my knees and held out my hand for her.

"I guess you have to talk to my parents.", she said with a sweet smile.

We went to her home. Her father was reading the newspaper, and her mother was reading a book.

" So, you are the one she always talks about, right?", said uncle as he and aunt noticed us.

"Yes, uncle.", I said.

Then, I and she sat on the couch facing uncle and aunt.

"Mom, dad...He wants to say something to you.", she said.

" I just want you to know that I love her.", I said in one breath.

"If so", said the aunt. "then, you both must sign a betrothal. That means, you must marry when you are eligible to."

"Yes, aunt. I'll sign it. I swear.", I said.

"No, I can't. I don't love you.", she said as she glanced at me. And yet, I don't know why, but I saw very much love and warmth for me in her eyes.

" In that case, you can't be committed.", said the uncle.

"And also, next week, we are shifting to America, because her father is transferred.", said the aunt.

Upset, and sad, I was told to leave the house.

I stepped out of the door and was about to go downstairs when I heard uncle saying, "I know you deeply love him, and that you did this because of your cancer. I can tell it in your eyes."

Then, I ran to my home, concealing my tears. I got into the bathroom and burst into tears for almost 3 hours. It was the saddest day of my life.

Then, we stopped hugging, walking, talking, and even noticing each other whenever we came across each other. To pass the next week was the most difficult thing I ever did. Then, she got shifted to America.

Years, years, and years passed and not a single day went without me thinking about her. Now, I had turned 23 and had pretended that she was dead because I still remembered those secret words from her father. But, still, I had a feeling that someday, she will return.

Then, one night, at about 11 pm, I was returning from my job. The way was very dark, and suddenly, it started raining. Somehow, I found a tree and concealed myself under it.

I was waiting desperately for the rain to stop. Suddenly, I had a strange feeling. A strange, yet sweet feeling. A feeling that I had forgotten for almost 9 years. Then, some soft hands touched mine, gave me an umbrella, and disappeared in the rain. I returned home almost dry.

Even today, I have that umbrella, and I wish I could stand under that tree, in that rainy night, forever.