Morning Chirps

Shivaji was equally excited and a little down as well, the day he turned 16. Excited, of course because he was now into his late teens and would soon be called young adult. Down, because he would have to forego a portion of his sleep. He promised to himself that he would start going for morning walk once he turned 16.

Getting up at 6 was quite a task. Had to press the snooze button twice before successfully managing to drag himself out of bed. There was a small park very near to his house. The people in that locality generally go there for morning walk. Shivaji, in his sleepy eyes, slowly reached the park. It was almost like walking in sleep.

But his eyes opened wide as soon as he entered in the park. Such a beautiful sight! A little water body in the middle and a beautiful pathway created around it. People of all ages were busy walking there. Some all by themselves and some in groups. There were benches placed at regular intervals. Aged people after a round or two could sit to take some breather. Shivaji looked around further. Lots of trees along the border of the park wall. The chirps of the birds were loud and clear but it wasn’t annoying. In fact he was enjoying it. It was like a soulful tune and rhythm.

Full of green ...

people busy with their walks and free hands ...

birds chirping .....

He realized he was unknown to such a beautiful morning.

Shivaji was a little hesitant initially whether to start walking clockwise or anti clockwise. Few people were walking clockwise and few anti-clockwise. He stood for sometime and started walking clockwise. The joggers over took him from time to time. The fast paced walkers too. Initially he thought of increasing his speed but restrained. He was not here to win any race but to make himself fitter. He walked in his own speed and gradually increasing the speed to a certain level. One of his friend had told him this trick. Not to over do. While walking he kept noticing people coming from the opposite direction. Some listening to music, some speaking to someone on ear phone, 2-3 people in groups walking at same pace speaking to each other. He could manage to hear few words as they passed by. Modi .. ah the most talked about political personality nowadays. A kid trying to match his father’s speed and his father egging him on to catch him up. It was such a fun to watch. Oh .. there’s this kid too trying to walk with a support. Her mother motivating her not to lose hope and continue walking. The girl had a very sweet smile on her face. She was so happy taking those small steps. Each steps was like representing a victory to her. Shivaji felt charged up. He should have come often here. Such a variety of life at the start of the day. Shivaji passed by and continued walking.

And it’s then ........

His eyes stuck on a girl. She was about his age only. Running with headphones on. Her sight made Shivaji stop then and there at that very moment. He couldn’t take his eyes off. No .. she wasn’t that gorgeous or beautiful but there was something different in her which made her different from everyone in the park. Her personality, her attitude. Shivaji kept looking at her till she passed by her. He turned and saw her running to the other end of the walking path. Shivaji felt lucky that he chose the opposite direction. This would give him another opportunity to see her again when she would return for another round. Shivaji felt charged up. He increased his speed in order to reach that moment earlier than normal.

And again the repeat ...

she passed by him without even bothering to look at him. In fact Shivaji realized she was not looking at any one. Her eyes were straight on her path and never looked around. As if she was the only person present in the park. The presence of any one else was immaterial. She was such engrossed.

Shivaji realized 2 things.

This is what made the girl different from the rest.

And ... what it feels when people say Love at first sight.

Shivaji got the reason to go to walk every morning. Every day he noticed her. Same attitude .. same focus .. not bothering about any one else. But still a little smile in the lips. And each day he fell more and more in love with her. He didn’t know her name. Didn’t know where she stayed or what she does.. but he loved seeing her everyday with a hope that one day their eyes would meet. But no ... it never happened. He came back home everyday disappointed. But with renewed energy to visit the next morning. Seeing her was such a mood lifter for him. He even decided once that he would go up to the girl and get introduced. But couldn’t gather enough courage.

Then one day tragedy struck.

Shivaji’s ankle got twisted badly while returning back from tuition. Doctor prescribed complete rest for at least 7 days! Shivaji was totally upset. 7 days!!! That’s a hell lot of a time. But again he was not in a position to ignore the instructions too, such was his pain. Each day seemed like an eternity. He realized he was missing her . He wanted to just go running to the park to see her. But he had no other option but to wait patiently for his recovery.

And when the day arrived , he woke up earlier than he used to. He was super excited. He almost ran to the park. Where? Where is she? Oh there she is ... running as usual. Head straight. And same, not bothering and noticing any one. He was so happy.

The days went on like earlier times till one day the girl didn’t appear. Shivaji waited for a long time. But no she didn’t come. He went the next day. And again she didn’t come. His eyes were searching for her at every nook and corner of the park but she was no where. He came back the next day. No trace of her. And after that days after days went by but she didn’t turn up. Shivaji religiously went every day looking for her. sat in a bench quietly, waiting, till the time hope gives in. Then slowly pulled himself up and walked back home saddened , upset. But he never lost hope. That day also, like every other day, he was sitting on the bench which faces the gate. His hopeful eyes kept staring at the gate.

And then magic happened.

She was there. Standing.

Oh she looked a little pale. But she was there. Gearing up for her run. But she started walking for a change. A little slowly to start of with. Very slow actually. Unlike her. Unlike what Shivaji has seen so far. He couldn’t control himself. God knows from where he gathered courage! He went straight in front of the girl and stood on her way.

“Where were you? Where were you all this time? Do you have any idea how worried I was?” He said in one breath.

The girl was taken aback. Her chin hardened and she said with a clear but firm voice.

“Who hell are you? How dare you stand in my way? And why should I tell you why I didn’t come for my jog? How does my being down with Pox have anything to do with you?”

Shivaji was speechless. But she continued.

“Please leave my way and let me do my walking”

Shivaji gave way. He just moved a step aside to clear her path.

The girl started walking. Took a few step, turned back and said again

“And hello!! did I ask you ever why you didn’t come for 7 days?”

Shivaji looked down and started walking away from her when suddenly he got numb ...

SHE NOTICED!!

She noticed I didn’t come for 7 days!!

He looked back ... she was standing, looking straight to him as if waiting for his reaction and with that same fine little smile in her lips.

Shivaji smiled back.

The birds started chirping again.

The park never looked more greener.