Love's Innocent Odyssey

It was 6 in the evening. My friend and my business partner Deep told me that he is leaving early as it is his mom’s birthday. Usually, we worked till 7. I finished my work around 6:45. I came out of my office and heard bells from a nearby temple. Evening aarti was going on. I thought of paying a visit to the temple. There were many reasons for which I had to thank God. 

I’m Manek. A 34-year-old entrepreneur. My friend and I started a cyber security company two years ago and since then life has settled for good. In school, I was one of the most popular guys. I was good at almost everything whether it was study or sports or dancing. My dressing sense and my looks were always appreciated. I joined a reputed engineering college. But then something changed. I realized that in a new place, there were many people better than me. I wasn't the most popular person. I was not a very confident person either. I focused on studying. But I didn't enjoy it much either. The only thing I really enjoyed was spending time with friends. I didn't sit for placements. I couldn't clear my MBA entrance. And I didn't have any idea what to do next. Every morning there was a series of tantrums being thrown at me by my father and my mom was worried that I wouldn't find a girl. My girlfriend broke up with me telling me that I was not serious and moved abroad. I couldn't bear all this and I joined a company. Because of my good grades and being graduated from a good college it didn't take me long to get a job. Finally, everyone in my family was happy. I had a decent job. Salary was good. But I was not happy. I didn't enjoy doing the same kind of work daily. I had tons of ideas and wanted to start something of my own. But I knew my father would never give me funds for such ideas. So, I didn't have any other option than to work until I had money that I could invest in my business. I decided not to get married until I started my own business. Friends were getting married. Some also had children. But here I was saying no to every proposal, fighting with my family regularly, and working at a boring job just to earn money. Once when I met my school friend at a wedding I told him about my condition and he suggested that we should start a business.  He had joined a company as soon as he graduated. His salary was good and he was promoted in just two years. He had saved a good amount of money. I thought he was joking. But he told me he was serious. He had the money and contacts and he was also good with computers. I immediately agreed. We started the business two years ago and now it is running successfully. I finally agreed to marriage. I met many girls and finally, I found a girl whom I thought would be great for me and would be able to fit in my family. Her name is Priyanshi and we are going to get married in two months. Now, I feel that finally I’m settled in life. And because of that, I wanted to thank God. I went to a temple. I thanked God for this beautiful new life unaware of the fact that a new twist was awaiting me. 

After Aarti, I stood there for some time saying my prayers. When I turned back I saw her. Her eyes were closed. There was a sandalwood tilak on her head. Her head was covered with her dupatta. She was sitting on the ground saying her prayers. There was this calmness and peace on her face as if she had been transported to some other world. I closed my eyes and I was also transported to some other time. It was 17 years ago. I remember it was Navratri and she was praying the same way. While people around her were busy in preparations or talking or selecting the songs to play, she was busy in her prayers. So many years have passed. I have changed. She must have changed too. But still just one glance was enough to take me back to that time. I forced myself to come out of that feeling and I opened my eyes. She was still praying. I wanted to talk to her but just like all the times, I couldn't gather the courage to approach her first. I walked the stairs and sat on them. Just 5 minutes had passed when she called my name. I couldn't remember the last time I heard my name from her mouth. It was as if it was in another life. But still, I remembered her voice. The sweet voice with a bit of husk. I turned back. She smiled at me. 

“Hello, Kaira,” I finally said, smiling.

She extended her hand for a handshake. My hands were shaking and were cold but I pretended to be fine. 

“How have you been ?” she asked me. 

“Fine,” I said and suddenly it struck me and I asked her immediately.

“How come you are here? I heard you were in the USA.” I said

“That was 4 years ago Manek, " she said. For the last 4 years, I've settled here in Mumbai with my family.” She told me. 

The word family hurt me. When I last met her at my friend Saanya’s wedding she was engaged and came with her fiance. She looked happy. She must be married by now, I thought. 

“How’s your husband ?” I asked her.

Her smile had changed a bit. 

“I think no one told you. My marriage was canceled,” she told me.

“What? Why? And I’m sorry I really had no idea about it.” I told her.

“It is fine. Don't worry much. I was the one to call it off.” she said with a fake laugh. 

I didn't say anything. 

“I realized that we were not meant to be,” she said and ended that conversation there. 

I didn't ask anything further. Although I wanted to say that I knew that fact from the time I saw them together. Why on earth would someone like her marry a guy like him? I found him to be an average guy.

“How’s your fiance ?” she asked.

She knew about my marriage. 

“Priyanshi, yeah, she is great.” I said 

“Why did you come back ?” I asked

“I was never interested in settling abroad. But the opportunity that I got was huge. So, I said yes. I worked for a few years, earned a good amount of money and now I’m back in my homeland.” she said smiling.

“It was not a great opportunity. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Why would anyone be interested in leaving such a high-paying job with all the benefits ?” I asked.

“For the same reason why would someone take the risk of leaving a good job to start something new from the beginning,” she said smiling.

I laughed. Finally, she had learned to give good replies otherwise she would not speak much in school. I felt bad about the fact that she knew everything about my life but I had no idea what was going on in her life. 

“Where do you work ?” I asked.

“I’m working as an assistant professor at Mumbai University,” she said.

“Oh. It is very near to my office. How come we never met ?” He asked

“God knows. In fact, I also live nearby. Do you want to come for a cup of tea ?” she asked.

“Ah.. no..no I’ll go home now. It is already 7.” I said

“Oh yeah. Come for dinner then,” she said

“No..no. Some other day may be.” I told her.

“Sure? If you don't feel like eating then just have tea and snacks ?” she said.

I knew she was just being nice. But I had this weird problem. I couldn't say no to her more than once. 

“Umm…fine. Let's just have some tea.” I said. 

“Most welcome,” she said

I felt so stupid to have said yes. But that was my problem. I couldn't say no to her. 

I wanted to ask her if we could have tea somewhere outside. But I didn't have the courage. I followed her to her house. 

She lived in a posh area in a luxurious apartment. 

“What was your salary in the USA ?” I asked her teasingly.

She just laughed it off. We reached her house and a girl of around 4 or 5 years came running towards her calling her mummy. I was confused then. She just said that she was not married so how come this girl addressed her as her mother? She looked at me, understanding my confusion. I met her parents. We sat in her beautiful living room. Every corner of the room was well decorated. The room gave the idea of her taste. 

“Ishika, Go and complete your homework.” She told her daughter. The girl went to her room. 

“She is my daughter. I adopted her 3 years ago,” she said

I understood. Kaira had chosen to be a single mother. When she went inside the kitchen, her parents shared their agony. They said that no matter how many times they had told her to get married she never agreed. Just one bad experience and she has renounced the idea of marriage. And then she decided to adopt. Seeing her love for the children and her seriousness of not getting married they agreed. But they still worry about what will happen to her when they will not be here. Managing everything on your own is not that easy. She came out and shared the news of my marriage with them. I understood her parents were considering me as a match but she guessed it and cleared their confusion by announcing my marriage plans. It was obvious after a certain age parents would agree to any proposal. I thought what if my marriage was not fixed? Then, my father's face came in front of my eyes. He would have refused to accept me as a son if I had expressed my desire to marry a girl who was not just from another religion but also someone who had adopted a child. I gave up the idea at that instant and accepted fate for what it was. 

I took her leave. She came to drop me outside. 

“Don't think much about what my parents must have said to you when I was in the kitchen. I understand their concern. But believe me I’m the happiest right now. Life is really beautiful.” she said

“Glad to know that you are happy. It would have been great if they were more supportive, right ?” I asked.

“They already are very supportive. Which parents would agree to adoption and being a single mother? I understand their concern. But I’m very lucky to have them. They have supported me in all my stupid as well as wise decisions.” She said smiling.

“That's true,” I said. 

That night I couldn't sleep. My mind went back to my school time. The time when I fell in love for the first time. 

We were in the same class. We knew each other but rarely noticed or talked to each other. We were total opposites. I was a mischief and she was one of those sincere students who were always in teachers’ good books. 

One day one of my friends burst a firecracker in our classroom at lunchtime. I was nearby and ran towards my classroom hearing the noise. He had escaped after bursting it. I was alone in the class at that time and just then she entered. 

Just in 1-2 seconds other students and our principal who just happened to be on our floor at that time, also entered. 

As expected, he got angry and asked who had done this. All the students said Kaira entered earlier than everyone so she would know.  And then I realized that I was going to be in big trouble. She saw me when she came so she will definitely say my name. If the Principal called my father, it was my end. But I pretended to be fine. I wished she wouldn't say my name. She said that when she came there was no one in the classroom. I was shocked. Why would she save me ? I asked her that question afterward. She said that she didn't see me bursting crackers so she thought not to say my name. I didn't find that answer convincing, but I let it go. That incident made me realize that maybe she wasn't that much of a Hitler. She wouldn't lead anyone in trouble. Somehow, I started noticing her. I noticed how she had a beautiful smile. I noticed how caring she was towards her friends. I liked how firm she was in her beliefs and values. Her answers were smart. She was talented, obedient and well-mannered. She was just the kind of person our parents or teachers wanted us to become. Even though she was the complete opposite of me, I started falling for her. 

I would notice her every day. Boys and girls sat on different sides of the class in school. Also, our places kept changing. Whenever she would sit on the right side of the girl's row, I would sit on the right side of the row so that both of us were in the middle of the classroom side by side.  If any other guy talked too much to her, I would feel jealous. If anyone troubled her I would answer them in my way afterwards. On sports day, I would play my best game if she was watching. In a cricket match, I would hit the boundary where she was sitting. I had also stolen her photograph once when we had to submit 4 photos for a form. I knew she had brought one extra so at lunch time I stole it. Once I also dared to flirt with her but when she looked at me I changed my tone and made it sound as if I was just pulling her leg. I could never dare to tell her my feelings. Sometimes I would pull her leg just to start a conversation but she would ignore it completely. She wouldn't listen to anyone's tantrums. But she never said much to me. I wanted her to answer back so that at least a conversation could start. But she would never reply to me. I tried flirting, praising, and pulling pranks but nothing worked. I realized that she was not interested in me. I decided not to express my feelings and just be happy by having to get a glance at her daily. No one knew about my feelings except my friend Pranav. He told me many times to express my feelings but I never dared. And then one day, one incident made me realize how stupid I have been. I got injured when I fell from the stairs in school. At lunchtime, I was standing outside my classroom. I saw her coming towards the classroom. I was glad that finally, she would ask me about my health. She came towards me and asked me about the next lecture instead. I was heartbroken that day. I realized that she never felt anything for me. She didn't even care. But still, I couldn't prepare myself to hate her. Slowly, I convinced myself that I needed to forget her. And then school ended. We met sometimes at some events after that. But slowly as everyone left for higher studies and jobs we stopped meeting. Slowly, I forgot about her. I got into a relationship and then got busy in a new life. 

At Saanya’s wedding, I met her after so many years. And then she announced that she was engaged. But today just a meeting and all those memories came alive. I don't know in which corner of my mind they were stored. I thought they were dead but they came alive just by looking at her once. 

I wanted to know what had happened to her. I was restless. I called Pranav. He had always been in contact with Kaira over the years. They are very close friends. I asked him about her. Pranav told me that she was always in love with Shiv ( her ex-fiance). She fell for him when she was 15. When she was 20, she proposed to him but he denied the proposal. Slowly, she moved on and got ready for an arranged marriage. She started meeting guys that her family had suggested. Just then Shiv sent a marriage proposal for her. When she met him he told him that when she had proposed he was in love with someone else. But now he has moved on. His family wanted him to get married and she was someone who was very similar to him. Their families were always fond of each other. So, he thought they could be a good match. She was happy and agreed. After one year they got engaged. But she realized he was not as happy as she was. One day she caught him looking at an old photo of the girl he was in love with. He had hidden it in a book.  And then that was the end of everything. She decided to call off the engagement. Everyone tried to convince her. Shiv apologized multiple times. But she wouldn't listen to anyone. She was done with that relationship. She didn't want to marry a guy who was in love with someone else. She was 27 at that time. The first time she was able to move on. But this time after knowing him for one year, and being engaged to him, she didn't feel like meeting any other guy. She decided that she wouldn't marry. She went to pursue her postdoc in the USA. Soon, she got a good job. She worked there and returned after some years. She joined Mumbai University and applied for adoption. After one year she was a mother to Ishika. I wish I could add some sense into that guy's mind. Only if he was aware how lucky he was that a girl like her was in love with him. But then that is the thing about love. It makes the person that we are in love with better than anyone else in the world. For him that girl was the best, for Kaira he was the best and for me Kaira. Pranav told me to focus on my life instead of thinking about Kaira. He was right but my mind didn't want to. 

The next day when I met Priyanshi, she asked me why I didn't pick up her call the day before. I told her that I had met my school friend at the temple and I went to her home. It was obvious from her face that she was not happy and wanted to know more about this friend. But she didn't ask and I didn't say anything further. I didn't see Kaira for so many days after that. I had her number but never called her.

Two weeks had passed since I met her. 

One day when I came out of the office at around 7, it was raining heavily. I put on my raincoat and started driving my bike. I noticed Kaira’s car just after a few miles. She was standing outside with an umbrella covering her driver who was trying to repair something in the car. She was drenched herself. I laughed. Kaira always cared about everyone except me. I went towards her car and asked what had happened. Her car had stopped working. It has been raining since morning on that day. The roads were filled with water. I told her driver to call a mechanic from a nearby garage. Her driver went to call the mechanic. After some time he came back. The mechanic said that it would take at least one hour. Her driver said that he’d get it repaired while she could go home. She denied. But I convinced her. The garage was nearby. She told her driver to come to her home after getting it repaired. She told him that he should have dinner with her family and should stay at her house tonight as all the roads were jammed. I dropped her off at her home. Soon, I got my mom’s call. She told me to stay at the office as the roads near our home were filled with water. There was traffic everywhere and there were many potholes in our area. But I had already left the office and the main door key was with our security guard who had already left. I convinced my mom somehow that I’d be fine. Then Priyanshi called telling me to stay at Kaira’s home. Priyanshi was a very close friend of my friend Saanya. And Saanya had once told her that Kaira lived in that area. So, Priyanshi even though she was didn't know much about Kaira wanted me to stay at her home. I was taken aback by the fact that how much this girl loved me. When Kaira heard all these conversations she forced me to stay at her house. I finally gave in. I had dinner with her family. After that, as it was Saturday night, it was her family’s ritual to watch a movie together. We all watched a movie together. It was so much fun. She was going to sleep in her daughter’s room and I was given her room. I noticed the piles of books that were present in her room. She has always be an avid reader. I couldn't sleep. I went to the kitchen to make myself a cup of coffee. She was sitting in the living room.

“Do you want something ?” She asked. 

“Yeah. Just came to make myself a cup of coffee. Would you like to have it too?” I asked. 

“You know how to make coffee ?” she asked, surprised. 

“Yes. Why? It is very easy to make.” I said

“Yeah. Make one for me as well,” she said

I could see from her face she wanted to say something more. But she didn't.

I went to her kitchen. She followed me and gave me all the ingredients and sat on the platform of the kitchen. Never in my life have I imagined that I would be in her kitchen making coffee for her while she was sitting with me. 

“What were you doing alone in the living room ?” I asked her.

“I was reading a book,” she said

“Which book ?” I asked her.

“By the river Piedra I sat down and wept,” she said

“What is it about ?” I asked her. 

“Umm… A story about love,” she said

I didn't ask anything else. 

I made coffee and gave her a mug. I waited for her response. 

“Hmm…nice,” she said. It was evident from her face that she was telling the truth. 

“Do you know cooking ?” she asked.

“Yes. I can cook Maggie.” I laughed. 

“I knew it,” she said.

“What ?” I asked.

“Nothing,” she said

“No, seriously what? Earlier also you had this expression as if you wanted to say something.” I said

“Nothing. Tell me how is Priyanshi ?” she asked.

“She is fine,” I said

“What does she do?” she asked

“She is working at a Pharma company,” I said

“That's amazing,” she said

“She’ll continue working after marriage, right ?” She asked

“Yes. Of course” I said. 

“Good. I think you should learn how to cook,” she said

“Why ?” I asked

“So that you could help her. You are working and she is also working then you should share the household chores as well,” she said

I understood what she meant. She knew how my family was. And I knew her strong views about equality. I also had no opposition to these thoughts. But it was impossible to explain that to my father. He would give me a half an hour lecture if he ever saw me in the kitchen.

“I know what you mean. But my family is a bit conservative. They don't understand such thoughts and Priyanshi’s family is also like that. So, she is already prepared to manage both.” I said

She sighed. But she didn't say anything. 

“Did Shiv know how to cook?” I asked her. 

“No. But he was learning for me,” she said

“Do you regret saying no to him?” I asked her.

“No. I have never regretted any decision in my life.” she said proudly.

“Wow! Not even one ?” I asked her.

“Nope..” she said and then stopped

“No, I do. I regret only one decision in my life,” she said 

“What ?” I asked her.

“Why should I tell you that? Leave all this. Tell me about other classmates. How is Manav and Aman ?” she asked.

“They are fine. Manav is settled in Canada and Aman is handling his father's business. His daughter is a topper. Can you imagine ?” I said

“Wow! Maybe she got her mom’s genes,” she said. We both agreed and laughed.

“School days were the best” she stated

“True,” I said

“Do you remember that cracker incident? You had lied to the teacher.” I said teasing her.

“Yes. I remember. And I didn't lie. I told the truth. I had not seen you bursting crackers.” she said

“But you saw me first. How were you so sure that I wasn't the one ?” I asked her

“Do you really want to know the truth ?” She asked

“Yes,” I said

“Firstly, because you looked surprised. And secondly because I was scared of you.” She started

“What? Don’t lie. You were not scared of anyone.” I said

“No, I’m telling the truth. I just acted like I was not scared of anyone. But I was scared of you.” she said

“But why? When did I ever get angry with you? Or did something crazy which made you think like that ?” I asked.

“Don't know. You were the most popular guy. If I had said anything, all the boys would have teamed up against me to tease and trouble me. I didn't want unnecessary drama.” she said

“Oh god. I could never imagine that you saved me because you were scared of me.” I said

“I realized later that you were not that dangerous. But initially, I was scared,” she said

“Wow! Is that the reason why you never talked much with me? While you talked to everyone else ?” I asked her.

“No…that’s not true…I never talked much to anyone…I was always shy... you know that.” she said hesitantly. 

I knew she was not telling the truth but I didn't ask further. 

“I thought the only difference between us is that you are sincere and I’m a mischief but looks like there are more differences as well. We are afraid of different people. I am scared of you and you are scared of me.” I said jokingly. 

“That day I was so scared that you’d tell the truth to Principal sir. I just pretended to be fine.” I laughed.

She laughed too.

“But there are not only two differences. There are many differences between us. We are the complete opposite of each other.” She said

“No. Opposite will be a very harsh word to describe us. We are not completely opposite. We had some things in common. We both were good in studies, we both had common friends and we both are religious.” I said

“Yes. But still, differences are much more. You are someone who believes in perfection. You always wanted perfect hair, perfect clothes, etc. You really cared a lot about your image and your looks. And sorry but you were also full of attitude. Also, you are responsible for half of the break-ups of our class. And, your view about women and equality is very different from mine.” she said in a casual tone. 

I was taken aback. I never thought about this issue in such depth.

Maybe she was right but I really never cared about how she looked or dressed or maybe I did. Is her imperfection the reason that I couldn't gather the courage to express my feelings?

“Maybe I cared a lot about my looks and image. But it was that age. People do care about these things in their teenage years. I’m a changed man now. Also, let's not talk about attitude. Yours was not less than mine. And the thing about break-ups, well if my friends are in a wrong relationship then of course I’ll try to save them. You know they were not serious. I saved them from heartbreak.” I told her

“I didn't have attitude. I was just shy. But I did say sorry if I ever commit a mistake. When was the last time you said sorry to someone in school? And you are speaking as if breaking up didn't cause any pain to them. Right? They knew the kind of person that they chose to date. It is up to them to decide if they want to continue or not. You should not intervene.” she said

“Why shouldn't I? If my friend does something stupid then I’ll stop them. And also, friendship is always greater than relationships.” I stated. I didn't answer that sorry question.

“See, this is the thing I don't understand. Why do we have to compare? Who is more important? Friend or lover? Parents or lovers? Parents or siblings? Like why do we have to give more preference to one than the other? If only one relationship was important then what was the need to have so many relationships in life? Because all relations bring different flavors to our lives. They all are equally important.” She said

“Ok fine. And that also I have stopped after school. That was a very young age. I might have done some stupid things. And what about my views about women? Just because my family is a bit conservative doesn't mean that I’m also like that. I believe in equality as well.” I said

I could see on her face that she wanted to say something more but she didn't. 

“Okay okay fine. Leave it. Let's change the topic. Let's recall some more moments of school.” she said

We talked till 4 in the morning. Then we went off to sleep. I hardly slept. Around 9 I came out of Kaira’s room. Her daughter and parents were already up. Her mom said that she would make tea for me. But I told her that let me make it for myself and for them as well. She said that she’d wake Kaira up but I told her to let her sleep as we had talked till late at night. I had tea with her parents. Then I played Ludo with Ishika and then I left for my home. 

I had understood her views about me. And I was also aware that my family was very different from her. And we don't stand a chance. So, I decided to not say anything or think anything about us anymore. She’ll always be a good friend to me and nothing else. 

One month passed. And the day of my engagement came. I had called all my close friends for my engagement ceremony including Kaira as she lived in Mumbai. Even though I was getting engaged I couldn't stop myself from looking at her now and then. I hated myself. I shouldn't have called her for engagement. Only after half an hour, I noticed that she was nowhere to be seen. The dinner had not even started yet. Where did she go ? 

Priyanshi guessed something was wrong with me. She kept asking me if everything was fine. I kept lying to her that everything was fine. 

I saw Pranav and signaled him to come towards the stage where I was sitting. He came to the stage. I asked him in a low voice “Where’s Kaira ?”

“Why? It is your engagement today. You should focus on that.” He said

“I know and I’m focusing only. I’m just asking. It is my duty to care for my friends as well. The dinner has not even started yet. Did she leave without having food ?” I asked him

“Is everything okay ?” Priyanshi intervened

“Yes. I’m just asking about preparations.” I told her

“She has left and she has left this note for you.” He said and slipped it into my pocket. I was sure Priyanshi was getting suspicious. 

“What? Why? And what's in the note ?” I asked her.

"She has told me that I should give this to you at the end of the ceremony. And you should open it only after completing all the rituals. And I don't know what is inside it." He said. 

“What is going on ? Something is definitely wrong. Tell me now.” Priyanshi asked

“Can’t you just stay silent for some time? I told you that nothing is wrong then what is your problem? Do not interfere when I’m talking with my friend.” I said angrily and turned towards Pranav.

He was glaring at me. 

“What ?” I asked him.

“This is not the way you should talk to your wife. This is your problem. I had wished that you and Kaira were together when she decided not to get married. But now I am glad that she is single. She does not deserve it and Priyanshi doesn't deserve it either. Let go of Kaira and focus on Priyanshi and your marriage.” He told me and left angrily. 

I looked at Priyanshi. She looked sad. I realized that maybe Kaira was right. The problem was not just my father. I was also the problem. 

“I’m sorry, Priyanshi. I shouldn't have talked to you in such a tone.” I said.

She looked at me shocked. 

“What's wrong with you? You’re saying sorry for the first time. Tell me what is going on ?” She asked.

Again Kaira was right. I never said sorry. Instead of getting angry at me, Priyanshi was more affected by the fact that I apologized. 

“Everything was wrong before. Now, it will be right. I’m really sorry. Please forgive me.” I said

“It's okay.” She replied. 

After my engagement when everyone had left and I was alone in my room, I opened Kaira’s letter. 

Dear Manek, 

 

Today is one of the most important days of your life. Sorry to leave early. That day you had asked me if there was something that I regretted and I had not replied. Today I want to answer your question. The one thing that I regret is the fact that I didn't ask you about your health when you were injured even though your eyes were filled with anticipation of me asking about it. I’m sorry. I never behave like that. But the anticipation in your eyes made me weak. I knew that you felt something for me, Manek. I realized it the first time you flirted with me. Remember when I looked up and you changed the statement. You changed your statement but your eyes spoke the truth. I started observing you after that and as I did so, I realized that my guess was correct. But as I’ve already said we are very different individuals. Hobbies and choices can be adjusted but values can't. I am not raising any questions about your values. I’m just stating that our values are different. I realized that I could never fall for someone like you. Also, I was in love with Shiv at that time. And that's why I always ignored or didn't reply much whenever you tried to initiate a conversation. I don't regret anything but only that time when you were hurt. I think I’ve got the result of my deed. I’m solely responsible for my condition. But still all things aside, you were the one whose emotions for me were pure, uncontaminated by any conditions or expectations. While the world focused on my faults, you focused on my qualities. And I’ll always be grateful for this. Today, when your dad told me to stay away from you, I decided to leave. But I couldn't bear your angst or hurt for one more time. That is why I’m writing this letter. Now, coming to your life. Today is the most special day. It is a new beginning and I want you to live this new life with all the positive things. Priyanshi is a wonderful girl. She truly loves you. If you have ever loved me even a bit, I want some promises from you. Today, you’ll forget me forever and also don't force me to come to your wedding. My blessings are with you. Always be loyal to your wife. And always treat her with respect and love. If there is anyone who deserves all the love that you have in your heart is her. I know your family is conservative. But you can be the change. Give your children the best example of what a true gentleman is. I know you’ll do that for sure. And also I lost my photo in school. If it was you who stole it and if you still have it then today I want you to burn it and this letter also. You don't need anything from the past. I would never like it if Priyanshi ever feel what I felt when I saw another girl’s photo in Shiv’s book. With all this, let’s end all the negativity in our life and start anew with a new relationship which is of friendship and mutual respect. All the best for your new life.

I would end my note with a phrase from poet Amrita-Pritam's letter to Imroz - "Main tenu phir milangi." We'll definitely meet someday in a farway world where there will be no concept of injustice, inequality or any other societal pressures. Till then have a happy life. 

Your school friend

Kaira

 

I had tears in my eyes. She knew. I cried all night. I let go of all the grief of regret of not expressing my feelings. In the morning I burnt her picture and letter. And I started my new life. How couldn't I? It was the proof of my love. 

8 years later

Today is our school reunion. I’m the one who has planned it. I was planning since  last one year. I had changed the date so many times so that all could come. I was trying to adjust for everyone. Kaira didn't want to come but I convinced her to come for the sakr of friendship. Finally, she agreed. Everyone came with their family. I have come with Priyanshi and my son who is six years old. We stayed at a beautiful resort. After breakfast, we started playing games. The evening was spent recalling old memories and night with songs and dancing. None of us could remember when was the last time we were this happy. We were dancing when my son’s ankle twisted and he fell suddenly. Ishika - Kaira’s daughter, reached out to him and helped him sit on a stool nearby. She asked for first aid and made sure he was feeling fine. After making sure that he was fine, everyone started enjoying the party again. The incident reminded me of my incident in school. I looked at Kaira. She was already looking at me. We both tried to suppress our laughter. But we couldn't and then we started laughing while everyone looked at us wondering what was the joke. 

—The end-----