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Lost Friends Meet

Lost Friends Meet

16 mins
606


His friend told him he would get a message from her. She was very interested to text him. After the night passed, he woke up rubbing his eyes with his hands. It was moderate climate, breeze was blowing, and sun rays were stretching its arms, entering through the window. It was March in north India.


“Your phone is buzzing again and again”, said Kamran’s mother, “It’s 6 o’clock. Haven’t you to get ready for school?” “Hmm, I am tired. I slept late at night.”, said Kamran to his mother. “Why did you chat late at night? Why don’t you sleep early?”, said his mother. “C’mon mom, you always blame me for something wrong. I was completing my assignment of story writing. Sami ma’am is very strict about it.” “Ok, get up fast. Tea is prepared.” Said the mother and left the room.


“Who the hell caused my mother to come?” Said Kamran, picking up his phone from the table. It was an anonymous message that surprised him. He was stuck in thinking where it could be from. Message was something romantic and something critical. Kamran thought it must have come from the girl his friend was talking about. Being in the state of dilemma, however, Kamran enquired it in as much polite manner as he had competence over the language. Kamran wrote to her……….”Dear Sender, you might not be fully aware of me. I have been in touch with so many girls and boys as you have not classmates ever. But I do not find you any of them. Could you please trouble yourself to send one more message mentioning who you are?”


Five minutes after the query, Mobile gave a buzz and screen flashed. Kamran felt exited and rushed to the phone. It was a reply from that Contact Number. It was ‘Zoya’, a girl's contact. Now it was a little more confirmed that it was a message from the girl his friend had mentioned.


In the evening Kamran sat aside and read all four messages from her. It was really interesting and made him happy. But some way or the other, it was a criticism on what he was doing in that period of time. He was engaged in thinking how a new friend could know so much about him. He analyzed and came to the conclusion that there must be a good connection existed which updated her with every single moment of Kamran’s life. Perhaps, it might be his friend ‘Ayaaz’ who carried Zoya’s request of SMS, one night before phone buzzed.


Ayaaz was the son of Zoya’s maternal uncle and one of two arm-friends of Kamran. It was the evening of April 2010 when Ayaaz asked Kamran to share his Contact Number with a girl of 18, highly interested in making friends. “Can I give your Contact Number to her?” said Ayaaz, “Because she said she had something to share with you. She is very excited.” “Who?”, asked Kamran. “Zoya, the only girl of her time giving tuition to the students in each vacation of the session.” “She can share if only she has something of my importance and regards very necessary to do it.”, said Kamran, in a very unromantic manner, showing no interest in girls.


Kamran was a popular boy at that time. He was founder and director of Board of Cricket Star, a cricket team containing more than 30 players, 4 captains and 1 coach. It was one of its kinds that every player after joining got I-Card with distinguished position mentioned on it. Every player was bounded by rules and regulations. Besides, he was a multitasking boy. He was giving home tuition and English Classes of his own. He was computer technician as well. His popularity spread all over surrounding areas. He would also give doses of lectures to unsatisfied students.


Kamran and Zoya became friends. It was a very silent friendship. Neither they heard their voices nor did Kamran happen to see Zoya’s face as Parda System was practiced in that area. Kamran was going to appear in Secondary Level Examination that year in 2010. It was an area where people living had conservative thoughts. Kamran was also included in that influence. It was a belief that friendship could never take place between boys and girls. If some relations existed-it was love. However, no relation can exist in absence of love. Love is a feeling of attraction among hearts. It is about feeling concerned. It is about-I care for you. You have to show it to get it back. Relations always die due to the absence of it. It is the most powerful tool to get someone closer. Every single person lacks love. If you show it you will get them closer.


Friendship is also a relation built up by interacting people of the same nature. Most of the time people misunderstand it when it comes into being between different genders. Today the perceptions of uneducated and unaware people have got blunder misunderstanding with ‘L’ word. They think that love is a feeling of sexually or romantically attracted towards someone; even in the same gender. What to say about this era where gender identity has nothing to do with it. LGBTs are available-just love and have the fun of sex.


Kamran’s life was very disciplined, committed and time-saving. After Zoya walked into his life, he faced, to some extent, a romantic change. Unlike other boys, he did not keep this relationship secret in fear of society. He made his family aware of this relation. He even dared to expose this to her brother which is the most difficult task to deal with. Living in a society where people have more time to look into a person’s private life and to have this kind of relationship is very challenging. Kamran, however, exposed this friendship to both families in order not to get it as an apple of discord in future.


The conversation between Kamran and Zoya was much formal in the beginning. Kamran regarded her ‘senior in education and sister in relation’. He interpreted it ‘this is the only relation’. With the passage of time, moving on with their relation, they stepped up in closeness. They crossed the line of brother and sister. Kamran was not aware of what Zoya thought about this relation. Sometime, the language of the SMS showed that she was not regarding him as a brother. Continuous messaging made them very casual friends. Now they could share whatever they wanted. There is an anonymous saying “Excess of anything results bad.” They would sometimes involve in heated arguments. Kamran had lost the distinguished position of being junior and her brother. The language and style of talking was completely changed from the beginning days. They became very close friends, even though they were far from what is called love in the society.


The boy who was very careful about the use of right word had changed. His life experienced a dramatic change. It was still a bright sight of ‘L’ word. Kamran could see the moving trees, falling leaves, chirping birds, singing winds, whispering puff of air and floating leaves on water. It was autumn in 2011. Kamran had passed his High School. The summer vacation had given him a new lease of life. He had ample time to chat with her. It had become a fun of life to respond her. An SMS from 923*****00 was always awaited and it would get a quick response. Indeed, love is blind! Kamran was infatuated with an ‘unseen’ and ‘unheard’ girl. Z-letter had turned bold for him in every piece of literature. Wherever he saw and whatever he read he could see Z-letter words noticeably. He had no idea of Zoya’s figure. He could not even visualize any image of her. All he had was only ‘Z’ and ‘flashback’ of her conversation.


Kamran, very popular in English Classes, dealing with four batches throughout the day, got a chance to teach a girl child of 4th standard. She was Zoya’s sister. Her name was ‘Zara’. She was a cute, sensitive and clever child of her age. She grasped the idea very easily. She was the only girl student, being taught in the batch of big students. Kamran did not feel comfortable with mixed-subject-batch. But for the sake of his friendship he could not deny. Zara was very curious student. She always took extra time after the time was over. Kamran did not care other students as much as he cared Zara. She took more interest in English, did beyond syllabic activities and learned what she should not have. However, Zara’s mother was not satisfied with Kamran’s teaching. She was blaming him for teaching only English. But the fact was that he taught more lessons on Math, History and Geography. It was Zara who noted down the English exercise of other students as she was keen to learn. If she had not been in relation with Zoya, he would have squeezed her out from the batch due to irritating comments of her mother carried out by his friend Ayaaz. But not-he had to take even extra class on Sunday in case she bunked the class for her own reason. She was lovely child. Kamran loved her very much and taught with great care and enthusiasm.


Ultimately, the time came when Kamran had to depart for further study, leaving all his classes on his brother Rashaad, a PG degree holder. He had to take admission in Intermediate. He was keen to learn outstation for being aware of new approach and exposure to studies. In this regard, he had to be a little more serious about preparation.

Kamran left for Delhi for entrance exams. He stayed 20 days in Delhi and Rampur at relative’s house. During this period he was not in touch with Zoya. He missed her a lot. He felt nostalgic. He changed his Contact Number and sent it to all his contacts but he could not get her SMS. He felt very sad. He had fallen victim to depression. He had to return back. He got sick. His health collapsed. When his train entered in UP East Circle, his phone vibrated. It was Zoya’s SMS on his old Contact Number. It changed Kamran’s condition completely. He was cured from illness and came out of depression. “I have been sending you SMS on your new Contact Number but didn’t get reply.”, reads her SMS. “Sorry Zoya………Unfortunately, I didn’t get any of your SMSs. Some technical problem might have occurred.” Kamran replied. “Kamine, you should have informed me in either way.”, wrote Zoya. “I didn’t know you care for me so much. I’m in the train right now. I talk to you after I reach. Have a nice day, dear!” replied Kamran.

Kamran’s mother even did not want him to study outstation. His father suggested him to go nearby district, not very far from house. He did not want to go to Azamgarh for study because Zoya was already enrolled there in a college. Kamran did not want her to misunderstand him. He thought she could take him in wrong sense. But there was no option available. It was the only nearby city. He had to go to Azamgarh at least for two years. As the college did not provide accommodation facility, he rented a room with three other mates. He experienced very struggling life there. Rinsing utensil, washing toilet, sweeping room, cooking food arranging food stuff and class work-all that work load changed Kamran again in a serious and solitary person.


A few weeks later, Zoya’s SMS popped up with a flash on screen. “Hey! How’re you?” “Fine. thanks. And you?” “I’m good. I wanna ask you something.” “Of course, you’re welcome.” “Where do you study right now?” “Azamgarh” “College?” “You know here is the only college students come for.” “Medium?” “Hindi” “How is your grade in High School?” “You only ask and never tell anything. I will not let you know……………….!!!!!!!! Sweetie, don’t get angry……let me let you know. 68%. English Highest 92 Marks out of 100.” “Great! Congrats. Offer me sweet.” She said, “You said I don’t tell you anything, ask me what you want to.” “Where do you study? Which course? Which branch?” “So many questions at a time, ask one by one.” “Alright, start by answering the first one.” “Which one?” “Oh shit!..., dear friend, I want you to let me know the shape and size of your body, special characteristics so that in case you lost, I could find you again.” “Haha………Sorry, I annoyed you. I’m pursuing BSc final year. I study chemistry as the main subject. I opted for Bio and Physics in first year.” “Well, what do you want to be in future?” “I want to get married to a boy, holding an MBA degree.” “I ask you what you want to do with your study.” “I want to become either a chemist or a lawyer.”


Now Kamran was living a solitary life. He was serious about his future life. He was not sending SMS as much as he had been. He was just replying. One day an SMS buzzed his phone asking “Who is Zoya for you?”---The most difficult question for him to decide. It was availing 10 options to choose: 1-jerk, 2-fantastic, 3-first experience, 4-Bindas, 5-timepass, 6-just a friend, 7-Annoying, 8-funny, 9-Complex, 10- comfortable.” “In fact, many of them suit you to the best but I think one more option is left.11-Either disturbance or entertainment.”


After this reply Kamran almost lost this relationship. He apologized many times for it but Zoya was no longer interested. He kept on messaging but no reply. After an abundance of SMS one reply came from 923*****00. “Why do you SMS me when I don’t mean anything to you?” “Sorry……sorry again………you have used so many unfair words for me but I never mind. And you, being so casual with me took my words seriously. Even I beg your pardon uncountable times.” “I use those words with all my friends as well. I am used to it.” “Ok, this much is fair in friendship. Don’t mind.” “I didn’t know you were not honest in friendship. I didn’t know you were talking all these only for pleasure. All guys are the same. Thank you very much dear. The moments I passed in your company were the happiest of my life. I felt very good to talk to you. Thanks again.” “No Zoya..... What are you saying? You mean to me very much.” “Once I leave someone, they have to wait for me for whole life.” “Ok….that’s fine. But you can’t do that.” “Dil lagaa ke pad le beta.-(be happy with your study)”. The two friends lost forever.


Kamran lost his happiness of life. He always worried about what Zoya might have thought about him---a cheater! Kamran never stopped messaging to unseen and unheard Zoya. Her remembrance was always haunting him. He was caused trouble as much as it made him a poet and a story writer. He composed many poems on the relation with her. He never tired of sending SMS. At every occasion he would send a selected SMS to persuade her. But, unfortunately, he never got reply. He was very much worried about her rage. With the days passing, he caught a disease called phobia. He had got ‘Z-Phobia’. Now he was horrified psychologically. He never passed through her house-street when he was at home in suspicion that Zoya might be at home. When Kamran saw any girl in veil coming with Zara, he stopped breathing. His heart beat turned slower. He did not want to get closer to her but missed her a lot while studying, cooking, playing and doing everything and everywhere. He used to listen to only one song ‘TERI-MERI’ to get satisfaction.


Two years passed. Kamran completed his Senior Secondary Degree. He had to move further for higher study. Z-phobia had always bothered him in choosing career and choosing university as well. His only desire was to study in a central university. Ayaaz informed him about Zoya to be studying in a central university located in Varanasi, nearby home city. Again he could not study on his mother’s choice. He had to apply only for central universities. He took advice from his roommates. His friend insisted him to apply in Varanasi too. His mates told him he could be forgiven if he got qualified in that one. His parents wanted him to study in Varanasi.


4, August 2013. The gala day came when Kamran got Call-Letters and message notifications from all four universities he applied for— Varanasi, Allahabad, Aligarh, and Delhi. Now he had to select the institution of his choice. Again Z-phobia was frightening him not to choose Varanasi. He thought that if he went for Varanasi, Zoya would think that he was chasing her from the last institution. She might take him in wrong sense. He had already done his last course from the same college. He took firm decision not to study nearer, not to annoy Zoya, not to be so cheap guy. He did not choose nearby university of his parents’ choice. Finally, he decided to go to Aligarh for higher study. He settled there. He was not happy there too. He had horizons of ideas to be exposed, millions of unspoken words to be shared. He needed his friend again. Her remembrance was often clouding his mind. There was a Hindi Song which he had remixed and sang.


TUNE BHEJA TO YE JANAA SANAM     SMS HOTE KAISE DILKASH SANAM

AB LIKHEIN NA LIKHEIN TUMKO HUM   YE TO HAI MERA MAN……………….

TUM NE JAB SE KIYA LIKHNA BAND      AB TO LAGTA NAHI MERA MAN


[Translation: After you sent I realized how appealing an SMS is. Now it is up to me whether I write or not. But since you stopped sending, I feel I can no longer live without you. ]


Kamran’s course of study was Bachelor of Arts in Professional English, a step ahead of professional courses like MBA, MTA, MSW, ELT, Mass Media etc. This course was just a three years training of professional English. Afterward, students had to choose any professional courses as their PG degree. Whenever any fellow or a professor asked him what to do next, Z-phobia inside his mind always forbade him to say ‘MBA’. He changed his career objective. Now he no longer was interested in professional life. He wanted to stablish his career in government sector. He was aspired to enter in the world of competitive exams conducted by various commissions. He just wanted to crack any national level exams. His only desire after education was to come in public and contribute in the upliftment of the poverty-striken community in the society.

5 years passed since Zoya was lost! Kamran always called back her creative SMS once received. “How will you remember me after 10 years?.......Oh!...Zoya...............you are there…….How have you been up to?”


“She was a fantastic girl! How can she forget me and the days we had had?” soliloquized Kamran. It was 2015, five years later since she wrote this SMS. He was very upset. He searched her throughout the internet but unfortunately even google could not help the poor Kamran. In search of her, he found her date of birth 8/9/92 from her university but not her. She might have changed her Contact Number but the Contact Number inscribed in his memory could not be found by Internet Giant Google. He was completely exhausted. He left the hope of meeting her again. He left no stone untouched to get her contact. Her old Contact Number was still receiving SMS but not replying.


One day he was on Facebook late at night. Fortunately, he came across a girl who was her friend. He wrote to her a very formal letter in official style requesting her to provide Zoya’s contact. She did not reply for two days. He again insisted her and pretended to have very important task to be done. Again she did not reply. The last hope of getting her seemed to be disappearing gradually. Kamran’s study had gone down. He was stuck in her remembrance and repeated his poetic lines time and again---


All those days which passed happier,

All those talks which done between us,

Come near and near

And waste my time.


6/10/2015,

At noon, usually sleeping time for students but not for insane student, Kamran’s phone ranged up. It was a voice call from her friend. “Hello, I’m Zoya’s friend Ruhi speaking. You requested me for her Contact Number.” A charming and fresh smile was worn on his face and said “yes please” “This is +9181******32. You can talk to her directly.”



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