Letting Go

My life started the day I met you: 13 June, 2009. The first thing I noticed about you were your eyes. Dark, deep, beautiful. You saw me looking at you and waved. Silly me, I turned back to see if you were waving at me or someone behind me. How we laughed at that incident years later.

Since that summer day, my life took on a new look. Stolen moments between classes, long walks in the park, sitting behind you on your bike in the rain, every second was pure bliss. I remember the time you crashed your bike and we both had to go to the hospital. You didn't leave my side even for a second. I urged you to get yourself checked but you were adamant. “I'm never leaving you.” I knew I loved you then. A week after that our results came out. You had gotten into your dream college in Mumbai, I had to go to Bangalore. I was so proud of you! 

I remember our last day together. My parents were still unsure of letting me go on my own. I remember Mom crying to my Dad, saying “Who will take care of her there?” I was their little girl after all. The moment I got down at Bangalore station, I saw you waiting for me. I couldn't believe my eyes. You said you didn't want to go to Mumbai any more. You wanted to stay in Bangalore with me. I didn't know whether to be angry with you for throwing away your dream or hug you. “How did you reach before me?” I asked. You said “I never left you”. And you gave that cheeky grin. I loved you even more.

Bangalore wasn't as much fun as I had imagined it would

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be. I missed home. I missed the open roads, the greenery. The only reason I managed was because you were there. Boys weren't allowed in our hostel, but you always found a way. We would spend all day, just laughing and talking about nothing and everything. 

All of us get one mentor to help us. My mentor's name is Aditi. I like her. She is the only one I speak to about you. I told her about the day we met, our school, the accident, about how you came to Bangalore for me. She wasn't happy with the fact that you visit me in my hostel and wanted me to tell you to stop. I told her that you're a decent guy and she doesn't have anything to worry about. She didn't seem very convinced.

My parents came today. Mom got a little teary when she saw me. I think she's still not used to the fact that I'm no longer at home with her. I feel guilty sometimes. Maybe I should call her more often.We had lunch together. Then they went to meet Aditi in her room. I was eavesdropping from outside the door hoping she wouldn't tell them about your visits. Dad asked “So, how is she doing?” Aditi replied “Theres been no improvement. She's still hallucinating about that boy. She doesn't want to believe that he died in the crash.” Mom cried harder. I didn't understand. What were they talking about? I turned towards you, trying to clear my confusion. You were just standing there, with that cheeky grin, holding my hand. 

My life started the day I met you: 13 June, 2009. “I'm never going to leave you.”