The Reticent

The more serious you take in life, the bigger joke, it may cheat on you.

Every person needs a catalyst and encouragement to advance in life. The reward and admiration work very well for this purpose. The admiration or praise is more important in this. Praise for good work and effort is an emotional requirement. False praise or over praise is like fooling someone.

Manish was serious and reticent since childhood. He could remain quiet for hours and without smiling for many days. He seldom laughed. No one noticed anything wrong in his behavior, in turn everywhere people praised him for being a sober and well behaved child.

When Manish, would go with the elders to somebody's house, in a while, children of that house would get scolded and advised to behave like Manish."

People from Manish's house also appreciated him.

Manish was at a big loss due to this appreciation.

He could neither shout like the children of his age nor could he insist on something.

Manish grew up, but his nature did not change.

Now he was a student of economics at the degree college. He was counted among the best students of the college. The college had co-education.

The youthful and energized atmosphere of college affects everyone to some extent.

Manish had some new friends. Including both boys and girls

Manish and Mukta were attracted to each other. But Mukta was in a dilemma.

One day at the college she asked her friend Shalu,"According to you, What type of a boy is Manish?"

Shalu replied, "Well, good. Then I do not know him better than you know him. "

"Why are you asking? Do you have an idea to propose?

Meanwhile Manish arrived there. Seeing Mukta and Shalu, he stopped.

"Hello Manish, how are you?" Shalu questioned.

"Hello, I'm fine. Thank you," said Manish.

Manish also said to Mukta, "Hello."

"Hello."

"Shall we go to the class room?"

"Manish, Mukta has a complaint against you."

Manish was shocked.

Manish asked, "what?"

She said laughing, "You do not talk about going anywhere else except class- room."

Manish became serious.

He asked in his own style, "Where else?"

"If not, any other place, at least the college canteen.

Manish said, "We can walk in lunch time."

They came to the canteen during lunch time.

Suddenly Shalu said, "Sorry, today you guys eat and drink. I have missed a very important job. I have to go,"

"Let us go together. Do you need any help? "

"There is no such thing. If so, I will definitely tell you." Shalu said and deliberately left them both alone.

"This was our last year of this college. How quickly the time passed?"

She expected him to say something emotional and romantic.

"Yes." Manish replied with a single word.

"Where will we go from here?"

Meanwhile the food came. Lunch was a fixed menu so there was no need to order separately.

Manish was busy eating food.

Manish heard Mukta's words. He had many things worth talking about in his mind, but he did not find the proper words for speaking.

At last, Manish said, "You are right."

After so long the reply came that Mukta had to ask, "What?"

Manish said, "No one has a clear vision of the future".

Both of them had finished eating. Both of them went to the counter after washing their hands. Manish gave money and both of them came out. When Manish asked to walk into class, Mukta refused. Manish alone went to class. Mukta's mood got spoiled. She went straight to the house.

In the Canteen Mukta got disillusioned with Manish. However Manish developed more feelings for Mukta.

Since that day, Mukta's place was made in his heart. He used to speak all the things in his imagination, but he did not get the proper words to speak directly to Mukta and no courage. The session was also over. The examinations were done. All went their own way.

Manish to take his leave. They exchanged words courtesy. Finally Mukta said good bye turned away to go.

Manish, called her back, but his voice was stuck in his throat.

Now often he talks loudly to himself to listen to his voice.