Rightfully Yours

As the teacher moved out of the hall, the students started pouring out in groups of all sizes. Clover, overwhelmed by the crowd, stayed back. She slowly adjusted her bag while waiting for her best friend, Felix to accompany her. Classes had gotten over and all that Clover had in mind was to go back to her home and probably watch a movie or just sleep. Her eyes searched for Felix who was already near the gates of the hall making an exit. Just then, Felix turned and gestured her to come out. She quickly made her way through the crowd of her batch-mates who had probably stayed back to gossip, to join Felix who was now waiting for her outside the hall.

It was not a bright day; clouds had covered the sky, very occasionally allowing the sun to function effectively. Students were making their way back to their respective homes as rains were quite unpredictable in that area. When it rained, clouds made sure that every movement stopped for at least an hour. Clover shuddered at the thought of getting stuck in the rain outside her place. She hated rains, already the weather was so gloomy, and it would get ugly if she had to wait for the rain to stop. She conveyed the same to Felix and both of them started walking briskly away from institutional area. As they were crossing a line of shops, Felix stopped. Clover also stopped and turned to see what caught Felix’s attention. She saw Felix talking to a stranger, who was their batch mate but she had never talked to him. She remembered his name, Lennon. He always looked contended as if he had nothing to do with the world. Blessed with good looks, an aura of authoritativeness, the attitude of being self-sufficient, it was enough for Clover to have a crush on him. She decided to join Felix but every time she wanted to reach out to Lennon; she would get conscious and nervous. It was quite surprising when Lennon looked at her and for the first time they had an exchange of words. She could not contain her smile and as Lennon cracked a joke, a series of laughter erupted through her body. The joke might not have been that funny but it was Lennon’s presence that made the difference.

That marked the start of a friendship between the two. Slowly Clover warmed up to Lennon and they would meet, talk and have fun. It seemed as if happiness radiated from Lennon’s body and every time she was around him, contentment would course through her veins. Meanwhile Lennon who was oblivious to Clover’s feelings for him also developed affection for her. However, he was worried because nobody knew his truth and it was against the laws to mention it to anyone. As he started spending more time with Clover, it became difficult for him to imagine moments without her. He did not want to hurt her or himself, so he decided to find a way out of it.

Next day, as Lennon reached his class, he spotted Clover flashing her teeth as he moved inside. Meanwhile Clover could not explain the surge of joy and delight every time she spotted Lennon. It had become a reflex for her; he was just too perfect and good for anyone. Lennon loved the way he could make her laugh and smile, after all that was the reason for which he lived. Somehow, all these moments with Clover had wanted him to be upgraded in his services, which required a small ride to the Grandfather. Their classes were until noon and he had the whole evening to himself. Obviously, he would have to cancel his plans with Felix and Clover. The thought of doing so made him sad but it was required. After the classes, he told Clover that he had an errand to run for and he would meet her the next day definitely. Clover’s excitement faded but she plastered a smile on her face. Lennon was definitely an addiction for her. She could not let go of him but she had no right to do that. All she could do was wait and watch.

Lennon swiftly moved towards a dilapidated house situated right across the river behind the college. The house had been standing there for centuries. Not everyone could see it, though it was not a good sight also. It had an ominous look with the shadow of trees falling on the rooftop. The two-storied house was occupied by souls like him. It was sort of an inn, where passing by souls could rest, catch up with their friends and on special request; sometimes the Grandfather would make short appearances. Lennon was actually not a human, he was a wandering soul whose purpose was to spread happiness and erase sorrows from people’s lives. He could never remember how many centuries ago, when his soul left his dead body, he had voluntarily taken up this job. There were other souls also who had different jobs and all of them had to report to their head, known as “Grandfather”, who was an immortal, handsome human. Each soul was assigned an area to carry out their duties. Unlike humans, souls did not need to voice their emotions or opinions; their eyes were enough for another to understand the situation. Grandfather, on the other hand, was himself waiting for Lennon. He knew about Clover and it was a dangerous thing because souls could not break the law, they could not tell humans about themselves. Any soul who broke the law had to bear the brutality of the consequences. Lennon was a pure, selfless soul and he had to be warned.

As Lennon entered the room, Grandfather’s face lit up with a smile, shock and a feeling of disbelief now tugged at his heart. Lennon patiently waited for his answer. Grandfather was moved by Lennon’s question that was as innocent as he was. It was a difficult task as souls lived on for years and humans die. Being a personal happiness angel for Clover could get devastating. She could always move on but he would become her shadow. A shadow that had no right to question her decisions yet he wanted to give up his freedom for that little girl. Grandfather approved of this and that day Lennon’s duties were changed. He was to fill Clover’s limited life with joy.

Clover and Lennon arranged their rendezvous wherever they could. One of the nights, when Lennon was dropping at her home, Clover unexpectedly turned. She walked up to him, stood up on her tiptoes and let her lips brush against his. Lennon was shocked as he saw that genuinity and sparkle in her eyes. For both of them that kiss meant a lot, an emotion that could not have been shared otherwise and was left best unspoken of. As her fingers twirled around his, she could not stop herself from asking a question that had been nagging her since long.

“Can’t you just stay with me forever? You don’t have to be mine, just stay.”

His lips curled into a smile, as he knew the answer to this. It was easy.

“I am your angel, Clover, always by your side,” he said as his lips claimed hers.