Vimun

 https://vimunofficial.blogspot.com/2023/08/biography-of-vimun.html

Blinded Bliss

 The beauty of hers, flawless;

Insecurities she hid, pointless;

Scars she wore, beautiful; they said,

But I see things others don't.

I see the pain in her pretty eyes,

It has sat there for a while.

I apologize for that, for

It may take time to say goodbye.

I saw my house on fire, however,

It was not my world.

But I rather feel the burn,

For I am numb.

I see you, I do,

I'm sorry I let you get like this.

But hold on, I promise

I'll let you see better.

Mirror, mirror on the wall,

Is it all worth it? How dare I

Painted my future, in my head,

With colours that didn't exist.

The reflection smiles at me; With fear,

She all but whispers, "Goodbye".

My eyes absorbs her, but now,

I see things that wasn't there before.

She's not just flawless, but a picturesque.

Scars are her accessories.

Now I see, acceptance staring back at me;

Now that I see me, I'm mesmerised.

 A Summer to Remember II

             Part 2

Another 5 summers passed by, 5 more places Ava and I visited. Till now, we kept our word. 

Ava and I went to the same college for our Bachelor's degree and wanted to pursue Masters along with our internship. But for this summer, something I have longed for arrived, Ava's wedding.
Three days from tomorrow is her wedding. All her relatives have arrived before the dusk itself. Among her lovely families and cousins, she is the one loved by all. Her friends did come, but I didn't know Ava had so many. I knew Ava's family for a long time, and it is no surprise they treat me like their family.
We had to book hotel rooms for the guests arriving, thus a nearby fine hotel was chosen for them. It's a tradition among the females to show off the wedding ornaments, dresses and expenses, so mine and Ava's mother were kind of occupied by that; one can't deny.
Ava was with all her cousins, family and friends enjoying her Bachelor's party. It was all about singing, dancing, drinking and playing. A bar station was arranged, a wine booth was prepared, Disk Jockey, DJ party with the big disco ball was organized. 
Ava wasn't a big drinker, but today I saw her having tequila shots, wines including, white wine, rose wine, red wine, champagne and even beer. I wasn't a drinker so the only thought I was having was to get out of here. Water was sprayed around and Ava passed out while dancing in the water.
 
I went with one of Ava's elder cousins to the auditorium which was just 30 mins away from both bride's and groom's family; I can see how that is fair. Two rooms were booked there too, for the bride and the groom. 
Ava getting married to Rahul, someone we met and befriended with.
 
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Rahul, son of Lord Buddha, a tall fair civil engineer lived in our next city, just an hour bus ride away. I liked him a lot better than her older guy, Kunal. Rahul had black eyes and he was the eldest of his siblings, loved by his family, friends and now by us. 
I met Rahul last summer when Ava and I were in Chennai for our trip. Rahul was on a trip with his friend like we did. Rahul was speaking Malayalam in a restaurant sitting next to us when Ava gave her that weird look to them. Then there happened me. I just talked to them like I have known them for years. And just by a conversation with him, I knew he would be one of the nicest people I am ever gonna meet.
 
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The auditorium was huge and the decorations for tomorrow's event were splendid. I could smell the roses as I entered. All the chairs, covered with pink and blue satin clothes, the stage was big and the decorations were marvellous. That was the moment when I realised, the wedding was a huge deal. 
 
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I woke up early in the morning thinking how today was Ava's engagement day. As I got up, I saw how I was in Ava's room with two of her other cousins. Ava was sleeping on the floor, I am sure she fell during her sleep as she wasn't sleeping with any mat or bed. 
I woke Ava up and she had no idea that it was her engagement day. When I asked her what was the last thing she remembered, she told me she was going to her Bachelorette party. Duh!
Within an hour Ava and I got freshened up. I was wearing a violet lehenga and her brooch. She was wearing a green, silk, saree. She wore a simple gold and diamond necklace, beautiful earrings, a single bangle on either hand and her hair was all braided nicely. She put on light makeup and looked like a princess. 
We reached the auditorium in a red Swift Dzire car. We got out, and the Cameraman was taking pictures and recording videos of Ava. As we walked towards the auditorium, I saw Ava's and Rahul's initials personalised beautifully in a stand and kept at a noticeable distance. Rahul was already on his seat on a sitting wooden plank. After sometime Ava led by her parents sat on the plank opposite to Rahul. Rahul was in a chartreuse coloured shirt and a dhoti with the same colour border. Certain traditions were performed including a gold chain was worn on Ava by her mother. As a part of the engagement ritual, they were asked if they were willing for the marriage, and they agreed with that creepy smile of theirs. The to-be-married couples exchanged their rings. The rings had each other's name engraved. A cake was cut and sweets were delivered personally to everyone by Ava.
 
By evening, most of us were decorating the main hall with candles, wine station and music. Within an hour, all the people gathered and started enjoying the party. I wanted to talk to Ava as this was the right time before she got drunk although Rahul kept her away from drinking the booze. But she got busy talking and being introduced to and by her in-laws. At that moment, I even thought if Ava knew I was waiting here, or even if I was here. Fireworks and crackers were burst. I was leaving the place even before the party got over. I got onto my scooter and tried to flee until Rahul caught me on my way. He walked me to a bench nearby and we just sat there hearing the wind and watching the dark at first. 
 
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We were walking along the shore of Marina Beach when we again met with Rahul and his companion Solomon Picous Edwin (Edwy), peaceful divine friend. We talked and then soon became friends. Rahul mentioned that he is an NRI citizen and came this time to meet and spend time with his childhood friend which happened to be Edwy. He also said that he and Edwy haven't got together for the last 15 years when Rahul and his family moved to the UK.
All of us had a peaceful time and left for our hotel for the night. Call it fate, Rahul and Edwy were in the same hotel as us.
Ava was unusually quiet, especially whenever Rahul walked in. At first, my dumb mind thought she felt disturbed but it wasn't until midnight, she woke me up to tell me that she is in love with Rahul. Unlike last time, I liked the idea of Rahul and Ava as a couple. 
In the morning itself, Rahul was showing his love symptoms around Ava just like Ava did. Before the evening, Rahul and Ava confessed and were a couple.
 
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Soon he talked to me about the wedding. He told me he was scared yet excited about the wedding. I just sat and listened to him. He told me how Ava is excited about this wedding but sad because she will be leaving her best friend for a long time. I didn't know what he was talking about but then he told me that Ava got admission into Oxford for her masters and got a perfect part-time job for her course. He asked me to stay as they would leave for the honeymoon in Miami and won't return to their hometown for the next 3 years. 
I didn't know how to respond to him, but I knew I was happy for my Ava. I went back to the hall with Rahul and started seeing everything in a positive vibe.
We played games, talked, laughed and sang the glorious evening, and went home and this time I had a good sleep.
 
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We were woken at 4 in the morning, for the pooja and rituals. We showered and the front yard was cleansed with cow dung and turmeric water. Morning till 9:30 was occupied with rituals and later food was served. Ava was kept awake by spraying water on her face whenever she fell asleep during the pooja.
A feast was served during the afternoon and a Haldi event was started during the late afternoon on the same day.
All of us were in yellow clothing and I noticed that Ava had not worn her brooch. This reminded me about Tuhi's wedding ceremonies a few years back. Ava was seated on a stool and haldi was drawn around her face, hands and legs. Ava was smiling and laughing during the ceremony. After that, cold turmeric water was poured over her head followed by cold water; now I knew why she didn't wear the brooch. Ava was still laughing but shivering. I walked with Ava to her room for her bath. I knew I had to be happy for Ava but my eyes were shedding tears and my heart was still heavy. 
 
Ava returned in a beautiful canary yellow Sharara dress with silver earrings and her classic brooch. Aarathi was shown. After certain rituals which I missed as I was at the entrance giving them greetings for coming, she was seated in a Diwan kept in the backyard. Soon enough, Rahul sat on the diwan and mehndi was put on both their hands. Rahul initiated wearing mehndi on Ava's hand and the reverse for Rahul. Most women got their mehndi.
The engaged couples were given sweets and the elder's blessings. I love how Rahul looks at Ava and his eyes tell her how much he loves her. At night Rahul, his family and guests left. It was a beautiful full moon night, and for about an hour, we switched off all the lights and got on the terrace to watch the moon shining so bright.
I was having a pleasant sleep when Ava woke me up in the middle of the night. I wasn't happy as she hadn't slept till now. Ava was now having some second thoughts about the wedding, masters degree and her new life with a new family and a new person who wasn't me anymore.
We went to the terrace under the moonlight and it took me a long time to console her for the path she took. Somehow, I was happy for her, the burden in my heart was lifted by talking to her and now I knew more than her that I was excited to see her get married.
I felt it was the right time to give her the wedding present that I earlier tried to give her. I excused and went to her room and got my suitcase and took out the present and soon returned to the terrace where Ava was anxiously waiting. It was a small gift, but I gave her the present and she opened it. 
By looking at her face, I knew she loved the gift and she also had goosebumps on her face. The gift was our photos over the last 6 times we went on our summer trips including the photo we posed at BBBs, HK and a candid photo with all four of us, Ava, Rahul, Edwy and I, when we met at Chennai. Ava hugged me and wept. I didn't want her to leave, but change is a process.
Ava asked me how she got these photos as one of the conditions to go for the trip was not to take any phone or any camera for which I didn't reply. Not knowing is part of the fun.
We went back to sleep.
 
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Everyone got up at 4 in the morning, and Ava has already showered and sat for her makeover. This time, Ava hadn't done her makeup when I woke and she gave me her crooked smile as my morning gift. I got up and showered and wore a coral-coloured saree embroidered with white stones. I wore a simple single stone diamond necklace, matching earrings and a tikka. It was a custom for girls to wear tikka although not everyone wears it. I had two vajra bangles on either hand. 
Every woman is a princess at her wedding, but Ava was stunning like a Queen. She wore a beautiful red saree with a golden blouse and her brooch. She wore about 5 gold necklaces that extended from the neckline to her stomach; it was a custom for Hindus to wear many necklaces during her wedding. Wearing the necklaces nearly hid her brooch. She wore a huge gold jhumka, earrings, and a matching tikka. Her arms were covered with gold bangles, nearly a dozen I guess. To be honest, I don't like such garnishing on the bride. It must be difficult for Ava to walk to the stage and stay there till they have lunch and later proceed for the photoshoot especially with the amount of Jasmine flowers. She wore a golden Udiyanam, waist chain, armbands on both upper arms and an anklet.
Ava got the elder's blessing and we locked the house and moved to the auditorium. The auditorium was filled with guests. It was very crowded and among them I noticed a familiar face smiling at me, Edwy. 
We were taken to the Bride's room for god knows what. She wore a necklace gifted by the groom's family and am pretty sure Ava must have felt some difficulty with all the ornaments. 
Meanwhile, the entire auditorium was given juices to sustain their energy.
Along with Ava, a few of the girls, including myself, went to the stage where Rahul was stunning in his dark red shirt and white dhoti. Ava was seated next to Rahul and the pooja and rituals began. Within the next 15 mins, they were married by the priest. Ring, varnamala, flower garlands, haath-phool, handflower, were exchanged and that marked a successful wedding. 
As in every Indian marriage, most of the time of the wedding day was spent on photos with guests and handing over the gifts to newly married couples. In the meantime, Ava whispered to me how she is tired of carrying all the ornaments that she wants to throw them away, but it was too late for that. Yet, this newly wedded couple was happy and merrily enjoying the day. To be honest, I am happier for them. 
 
Later I went and met Edwy in person. He told me how he was only able to attend the wedding and will be soon leaving for Chennai as he has some important job work to do, although I convinced him to stay for the day. After spending some time with Edwy, I waited for Ava to finish her photo session.
After the photo session, the couple had their great feast. I too waited till Ava and Rahul had something to eat. 
They both had to go for their individual and couple photoshoot and by 2 in the afternoon, something I was afraid of was happening. Ava has to leave her home, family and get settled in her new home. The couple got the elderly blessings and bid everyone goodbye crying and hugging. I didn't know why, but Ava didn't hug me.
I drove the couples to the airport along with Edwy in his car. During the ride, we did our old catch-ups, laughing and feeling until it was heavy for every one of us to bear. During that moment I realised how we still didn't have each other's phone number, just to get in touch with; but let it be that way.
 
We reached the airport and unloaded the suitcases for the couple's honeymoon. I knew this was the day I will be seeing Ava for the last time in the next 6 years. 
I had to grab all my courage and told Ava that I was going to the University of Melbourne, Australia, to pursue my masters and won't return for the next 6 years. 
It was a major shock for Ava, but she held her tears and gave a hug. I know how much it must have hurt her but what I didn't know was how heavily Edwy was hurt, but some things are better to remain unsaid. Edwy told us that he would be leaving for Chennai as soon as we board our plane. Ava and I bid each other goodbye. It felt crazy how three of us were going in three different directions, but held by heart. 
I held my passport and my ticket, and hugged everyone, before leaving. 
 
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Ava gave me that one last look and just smiled. All our sweet and bitter memories flashed in my mind. My heart never felt so heavy. It wasn't the end of the world nor was our friendship broken but it was something I can't put into words.
 
Never knew I'll be saying a long goodbye to the person I kept so close to me. 
Bye Ava, until the next time.
 
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Well, hope it wasn't too cringe-y? 

But, feel free to give feedback. 

Thank you for reading and love you guys.

A Stranger, not a Stranger

[Jessie POV:]

Not until the weekend will I remember the love and warmth of family and loved ones after everyday work stress.

My family lives about 80km from where I live. I have been travelling every weekend for the past 3 years to see them and to get away from busy city life. I board every Friday evening and reach there by night, enjoy two days with my family and return by Sunday evening. I wasn't always fond of travelling just after a tiring day at work, but my family was one of the two things keeping me up. 

I still remember that day, the first weekend, when I boarded the train home, three years back. I stood by the door as all the seats were occupied, a typical crowded weekend, enjoying sightseeing. The train stopped in a small station for about 2 mins, with probably not more than five houses, distant from each other and that was the first time I saw him. This guy's house was quite near the station making his face visible from the train itself.

Ever since, every weekend, I looked forward to getting on that train in the same compartment, about where the train stopped each time. It sounds funny, but it was the one thing that makes the rest of my journey wondering who he was. There were times when the train stops a bit away from that house, or days when I miss the train but am pretty sure he will be always there on the balcony, every weekend like he was bound to be there.

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[Adhil POV:]

I always wanted to be a teacher, sharing wisdom, but my girlfriend wasn't that much into teachings and kinds of stuff, that I let it go. Although, being an engineer wasn't that bad, at first. It took me a lot of courage to finally decide to pursue what I want to do. Holding my dreams back was never on my list. So when she gave me the choice, either her or my passion; I let my heart decide.

That evening, I was standing on my balcony, with some pain and a bit of relief, looking at a train stopped for a moment. I hated living in this house alone, where every hour a train passes and the sound makes me go nuts and so close to my house. Even though getting out of a kind of bad relation calms somethings down, I was pretty alone in this huge house. Mostly I didn't care, but there were times like this when I wish I wasn't. 

I was looking at the trains that stopped there, as usual, but this time I caught myself looking at something different. And I am damn sure that I saw a girl by the door staring at me.

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[Jessie POV:]

Working on the day of Christmas eve is terrible, but Christmas spirit is everywhere. People getting cakes, houses with stars and lights, the atmosphere full of bliss and with the warmth of our loved ones.

It's been three years, and not once did I see the balcony guy miss a day out to stare at the passing trains. Not during the holidays did I see him with his families or his friends, just there standing in his huge house with no decorations or anything and maybe looking into the oblivion.

Until on Christmas eve, I couldn't find him at his house. I was quite surprised to not see him but felt happy to think he might have gone home to his family too and kinda disappointed to not see him too. But my thoughts changed once I saw him at the station platform, at a distant, looking right at me which a hint of a smile on his face. 'Cause of all those years I saw him, I knew it was him but seeing him near all of the sudden made me slip back into the crowded train, cutting him off of my sight. 

It was not a bold move but it was scary for me when I saw him in front of me for me, therefore I hide and soon the train started moving. Truth be told, this was the longest minute I ever felt. 

Even though I felt terrible, I didn't regret what I did yet I spent the rest of the journey thinking about what I could have done instead of what I did. As I reached my home, everything changes as you fall into the warmth of your loved ones during the holidays. 

My childhood friend -slash- my best friend, Jani, always visits us during the holidays and hence it happened to be my favourite holiday. Everything was splendid and warm and each year just got better and better. Since Jani visits us once a year, she always crashes at my home even though her home was next door. I told her what happened at the station at night, for which she was not quite surprised. She talked me in to go and meet him the next time, during the new years eve. 

My parents surprised me by agreeing and telling me to invite him home for the new years'. After knowing my parents for all those years, I never thought they would even think of saying such things, but all in Christmas spirit.  On Sunday, I returned to my apartment with Jani this time and was pumped to wait for the coming Friday.

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[Adhil POV:]

Holidays were around the corner and as always I wasn't much into spending family's eve alone. For a change, I thought of inviting my old colleagues for Christmas dinner, and as predicted I got turned down. On the day of Christmas eve, I went to town got some presents, and got one for the woman on the train. I was quite nervous and happy thinking of hopefully giving a Christmas card for the woman. I waited on the platform for the train to pull over and searching for her on her regular compartment. 

The train as usual was crowded, yet I was able to spot her. I smirked when I saw her searching for me on the balcony and seeing a hint of sadness and frown on her face. I moved a few steps forward towards her and soon she noticed me; in horror. 

My heart ached in pain to see her move into the crowd avoiding me, but I knew I could do nothing, but watch her go. I kept wondering why she would hide from me. Maybe we have never met each other in person before, but we are not strangers to each other either.

Another week passed and I walked towards the balcony as usual on a Friday evening waiting for the train to pass and stop by. I couldn't find her there. After last week, I knew something would go wrong but I still hoped to see her. I kept searching for her in vain and within moments the train started moving. 

During new year's eve, I thought it would be nice to see a friendly face, guess it wasn't my day.

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[Jessie POV:]

Someone spending holidays alone is sad. Jani was determined to make me meet him and invite him. For me, meeting a stranger-non stranger was a huge deal, but to invite him, was crazy. Despite some protests with Jani, I agreed on inviting him too. After what I did last week, I think it only seemed fair. Hugging Vani, I got down on the station and walked towards his home. 

It was just about 2 mins walk from the station to his home, probably, and I saw him heading inside. I walked up to his front door. I could hear things footsteps, running. For a moment I was super nervous and even thought of backing off at the last minute. 

Grabbing some courage, I knocked on his door.

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[Adhil POV:]

Just when I was thinking of going inside, I saw her walking towards my front gate. I was all excited and surprised to see the woman I have watched for the past three years, the woman who made me look forward to every weekend, was walking right to my house. 

I ran towards the front door and god knows what and all things I knocked down by my path. I could hear her footsteps creaking near to the front door and she knocked twice. With mettle, I opened the door to see one beautiful woman who I have seen a hundred times, yet for the first time. 

She smiled at me and I could see her face glowing and her eyes go small and narrow from her genuine smile. It was the best way to end the year and I knew it was the starting of a beautiful friendship. All my thoughts vanished just like that as she talked to me for the first time.

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[Jessie POV:]

"Hi."

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A story by Sreesha Swathi

Hope you liked it.

We know it's a small story, but it is what it is.

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Give us feedback.

Esme 

"I kept on denying Lucia, my daughter, about the camp she wanted to go to with her friends. I dropped her off at school and left for work. Just as I crossed the neighbourhood, I got an uber request from Mr Jacobs. 

Mr Jacobs was a well known elderly for his generosity. I heard that he spent half of his only pension on old age homes. The money wasn't much, but he always gave his best. Apart from his kindness, Mr Jacobs wasn't all friendly. I have never seen him talk with other people, nor even smile once. Before a few weeks, no one really saw him outside his home. Nowadays he uber for a ride to take him to a street about 5km from his house. Other than that, he spends his days in silence. 

I drove towards his block and there, Mr Jacobs was waiting for his ride outside his house. 

He looked sharp, still not a smile on his face. He got in the car and made sure he wasn't blocking the view for the rearview mirror. Everyone knew Mr Jacobs didn't want to talk during his ride, a silent ride was mandatory for him. So far, everything was good. 

Not 10 minutes passed when my daughter called me. I attended her call on speakers as I was driving. Lucia couldn't stop asking me if she could go to the summer getaway camp. I kept on rejecting her camp idea and then hung up the call. 

All of a sudden in a flow, I spoke to Mr Jacobs about the camp. Realising I just talked to Mr Jacobs, I went quiet. Truth be told, I was scared; one reason was cut on tips which I needed but the other was losing fare from my wage as being an Uber driver, wages aren't that much. But I was surprised when Mr Jacobs started talking to me. It wasn't what he was.

He introduced himself as Rowan Jacobs. 

He started telling me about his life a bit. At first, I wondered why he was telling me all this and if it even was related to summer camp, then I just listened to him.

Mr Jacobs was a trainee during the Vietnam war. Right, when they started the training, the war was called off and he called himself lucky for that. He went back to his hometown, back to his life with his mother. He married his childhood love, who passed away a year back which gave him a reason to stay in all the time. They didn't have a child, making him alone all this time. 

I loved listening to him talk and somewhere in the middle, I gave Lucia, permission for the camp. I didn't even realise when we reached the destination. I pulled over the car and saw him leaving in silence. As he got out of the car, he told me that sometimes people are fortunate and that he was a fortunate person although sometimes not so lucky. 

After exchanging a smile, he went inside the building. Then it struck me, I was dropping him off at the cancer centre.", I looked at my dad after reading one of his diaries out loud to him in his deathbed.

I asked my dad, why he wanted me to read out this page of all other.

'Lucia, I don't know why but it just touched me so much that he shared those things with me and I know it will always stick with me. I wish I stayed with him because I don't think anyone was with him for his treatment. Well, now gone are the days and years, but the memory is stuck with me alone but now you.', he said, 'Now keep quiet, I am gonna take a nap.'

I exited his room in silence.

This story was inspired by true events.
Hope you liked it.

Have a great day!

Mortala

 "Jija Ji, I am at the old complex near school. Come fast Jija Ji, there is this boy, and he isn't breathing. Please come fast, I don't know what to do.", I said as I was looking at the boy, petrified by what I saw.
"I am on my way.", he responded and quickly hung up the call.

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It was a half-day at our school because of Annual festivities, so me and my friends, Hima, Deependu and Akshaya, got out of our class and started teasing each other as we walked our way back.

"Let's see who reaches first.", Hima said and started racing towards our favourite place, the courtyard.
After school hours, my friends and I go to the courtyard in our school compound where there is a huge tree surrounded by a retaining wall. The ground was covered with jelly stones. The sight was blissful, so was the air. Just looking at that tree can bring one a wave of inner peace.

"C'mon you lazy girls. Let's climb the tree. How hard can it be?" Hima asked us in excitement.
Akshaya and Deependu looked at her in disagreement.
Hima raspberry blew her and ran. She was about to climb the tree when all of the sudden a skinny boy pushed her down. 

Akshaya ran towards Hima and helped her get back on her feet.
Hima brushed off her skirt and pushed the boy back and accused him about something. The boy talked back at Hima. I was rattled and shouted at the boy and some point there, I even raised my hand at him but I was stopped by Deependu. Hima told the boy to leave, who was shocked and feared like we had ragged him, which made me regret my action. 
I sat there with hands on my face.

When the boy left, Hima started smirking and said, "Did you see him cry?"
"You are one insult away from starting a war Hima.", Akshaya shrieked lightly.
 Akshaya confronted me about my obnoxious behaviour which made me feel even worse.
"He was defending himself about a fake rumour spread in our school about him when Hima accused him..." giving Hima an angry look, "... to get back at him for pushing her. But you shouldn't have reacted that way", Akshaya advised me for which I replied, "Whatever happened, happened. It's over now."

After spending some time there, I felt better and we then started walking towards the next block. The girls tried to keep my mind up with constant talking although I was a bit guilt-stricken for what I was about to do to a small kid. We walked towards an old complex where we usually spend every evening, sitting together at the top edge, watching the sun drop the horizon.
Since we were here early, we had a lot of time to kill so we all just started walking through the verandah.

Although, we had been here for a long time, we had never checked the place out before, 'cause we only come here in the evening to watch the sunset.

There were more than just one entrance door opening and multiple staircases. The building is more like abandoned and all the doors, glasses were taken away leaving huge holes in the wall.
While checking out the place, we came across with the same boy I shouted at. He was walking down the fire stairs, outside, and I ran towards him, followed by the others. He was about 4 steps from the ground when I called him out loud. The boy turned around and tried to run away just as he saw me. I begged him to stop. He stopped and turned at us, scared I guess.

I apologized to him for my rude behaviour, which he wholeheartedly accepted saying, "It's okay. We are good now." with a smile. It was shocking for me to see such a kind person but I accepted the honour and smiled back at him. He introduced himself as Ayaan.

For the next few hours, we all talked and laughed with each other telling stories. He was a listener and loved to hear us talk.
"Can you see that two tall palm trees over there?", I asked him pointing at a distance.
He nodded in agreement.

"That's about where I live. The palm trees are behind my yard. You can easily recognise my house with a pink cycle on the front...", I said with a funny laugh,  "... and Deependu and Akshaya are neighbours in that tall apartment right over there..." I told him as I was pointing at their apartment building and then pointing at a house I continued, "... that's Hima's house at that corner".
He gave me a warm smile.

We all watched the sunset in silence and it was quite peaceful watching the birds fly over and the sky turning orange. Just as the sun dropped, we all went home.

Next day around 5 in the morning, someone knocked on my window. I opened it and found Ayaan asking me to sneak out. I brushed my teeth, grabbed my phone and snuck out.

It was dark and we both walked to the complex. We sat on the side looking out waiting for the sunrise. We were able to see the ground floor and he told me, "This place reminds me of the choices we have, didi; a beautiful scenery outside or the rusty ruins inside. It is always our choice to choose our perspective on everything. " What he said made sense to me. I smiled while looking at the sun.
He, with a bit shrill and shy, asked me if he could lie on my shoulder. I smirked and said, yes. We were the only ones in the building and outside, thus it was really quiet and peaceful.

We both saw the sun rising and he asked me if I had watched a sunrise here. 
"Well... I did spend quite a long time watching the setting sun with my gals, although I have never seen a sunrise before." 

He got up and looked at me in disbelief.
"What? I am not a morning person.", I said awkwardly.
"Well, this is the best morning of my life, didi. Now I can sleep peacefully.", he laid on my right shoulder saying this and closed his eyes with a smile on his face.
I let him sleep for some time.

A bit later I checked my phone to find the time was 7 in the morning. I thought of leaving home, so I called him.

I tried to wake him up, but he wasn't responding. It was making me freak out. I shook him and he fell to the back when I moved my shoulder a bit. He wasn't responding and almost like a corpse. My heart was pounding and I was petrified and terrified, not knowing what to do. My mind was completely blank.
All of a sudden I remembered my brother-in-law, Jija Ji, who is a doctor at a hospital nearby, who is currently living with us. I called him immediately. He didn't pick his phone up. I repeatedly called him about 5 times, yet he didn't pick up the phone. I couldn't call my sister as she was at work. I alternatively called the home landline and him, when finally he picked up the call.

"Khushi, what's wrong? If this is about the Sunday special sundae ice cream you wanna talk about, it's in the freezer. You know I had a night shift, and I literally just slept now.", he said with half-consciousness.

"Jija Ji! No! There is this boy..." I started crying, "...he".
"Beti, where are you? Are you okay? Are you safe? What is wrong?" His tone rose and I was not able to reply to him as it was hard to breathe.
I held my tears and took my breath and said, "Jija Ji, it's not me. There is this boy. He isn't breathing. I am in the old complex, near my school. Please come fast. I don't know what to do."
"I am on my way", he hung up the phone.

-----------------------------------------

It felt the time was still, I couldn't stop crying when I held him in my arms. My eyes were dried up, it was my inside that cried an ocean. I no longer could cry, talk or even hear anything around me. I saw from the top, my brother's car arriving and him, searching for me and his lips moving or more like shouting. I could utter nothing. I could just see him, but I couldn't react to anything or even hear at all.
He saw me looking at him and quickly climbed the stairs and ran towards us. He took the boy from my arms and placed him on the ground. I sat on the side while Jija Ji was examining him.
The equipment was used and chest compressions were too given. My brother-in-law always had a positive mind about everything and he wasn't that person who just gave up on someone. All that time, I couldn't breathe properly.

A moment later, I realised I was blacked out for some time. I could see my brother-in-law calling my friends. They lived nearby thus arrived quickly. 

I wondered why he stopped checking the boy. Until I realised any more attempts were hopeless.
My mind was completely lost, so was my voice. It felt like someone was choking me, and stabbing me right on my chest. My legs were too weak and the air was too thin to breathe.

He came yesterday in our lives as a stranger. He left as our friend. Well, it wasn't what I thought it would be. All that moment with him flashed before my eyes. My chest was tightly held by my emotions. I leaned onto the wall, knelt and burst into tears. I no longer couldn't feel anything. I felt everything at that point.

I covered my face in my hands and I let my emotions drown me.

 

 An Eternity with you

 

Dedicated to my dearest best friend Sharon A Shajan

 
 
.......‘I know there is an outside world above the cliff where many other people just like us live. I often wonder if someone somehow climbs down the hill and finds out about our life. From my thoughts, the chances to survive from falling off the huge cliff are nil. But what if someone comes down? Will they harm us? Will they be able to return? What type of people will they be?’.....
This is my wonderful world. A vast area of forest and grasslands just below this huge cliff. Nobody in our tribe has ever climbed that cliff. A beautiful river diverged flowing from East to west parallel to the cliff and bends to North West direction. One side of the diverged river was barren and had this huge cave, terrifying with the bloodstained torn clothes and flesh and bones on the side, while the other side was a beauty and pretty much where we lived. The water from this river was pure and we used this for our daily works. There were flowers and trees and wonder in the forest. The more attractive the plants and trees were, the more poisonous and dangerous, now that was what was protecting us from the outside world. Same as the old proverb goes, 'Good medicine always has a bad taste'. The fruit from the huge 'Buddha' tree has always cured us of illness. Even though it cures, death is inevitable.
 
Our tribe lives a few meters away from the cliff. We hardly come near the cliff. Although we were told about the tribes that live outside, we have never met one person outside our small tribe of 100, well, that's about 27-30 families.
I have heard Cha chi and Mu mu saying that my parents knew what was above the cliff. Ever since I lost my parents at the age of 3, Cha chi and Mu mu were taking care of me. They were like my adopted parents. It has been 14 years since I have been with them, and always the same routine. Starting the day from Mu mu's wake-up call and ending with Cha chi's bedtime story.
Our tribe was led by a great master and the most respected elder, 'Genei'. Any final decision to be taken in the tribe was decided by Genei. I don't know why we call her Genei even though it's not even her real name. Being so important, she had a few assistants to help her and others to put the village together and my Cha chi was one of them.
Cha chi is our master and is responsible for the education of the tribe, teaching and leading the children to become better people, not to brag, but I am the top of my class.
 
Every day was the same until Genei came home with a girl who was severely wounded. I wondered why she brought an unknown wounded girl with her.
Genei advised Raven, one of her assistants to check on the wounded girl. Faster than the flaps of a hummingbird, word has spread that the girl fell off the cliff and miraculously survived.
......‘oh, dear! Is it going to be true? What I have imagined? What I have thought? Will she harm us? Is Genei doing things right? Should I raise my voice against her? No, I shouldn't! Nobody has gone against her till now. I shouldn't let my Cha chi or Mu mu be blamed for raising me with no manners’......
I controlled my thoughts and went to Mu Mu who looked quite stressed but gave her a warm smile when she saw me.
 
Evening Cha chi came home and told that Genei gave him the responsibility to take care of the girl. He then turned to me and said to accompany her, and support her.
Even though I tried to decline the duty, he compelled me.
......‘I don't have a way of turning a stranger to a friend all of a sudden nonetheless I have never met a stranger before. Oh dear, I never thought that I would do this. But Cha chi has never compelled me to do anything, although I never turn down any duty.’.....
 
The girl recovered within a few days and started introducing herself to us as Aami. Soon Cha chi introduced her in our class so that she won't spend daylight alone, and I still was responsible for her. She had a hard time being around us. Noticing her daily I understood that she is a good talker and sometimes a chatterbox. A few days later I found her surrounded by a crowd. She was talking about her experience above the cliff. As for my eagerness, I too became a member of the crowd. 
Her stories were very interesting. Hearing her story I understood that her world is much more developed and huge. She talked about carriages that can move on its own and less hard work. My tribe wasn't used to "less hard work", so some of us started leaving from the crowd. She said that she accidentally fell from the cliff when it was moving. She started to define each word that I couldn't understand; she compared to things in our surroundings to make me understand. She also said something called 'electricity'.  Although I didn't understand it completely, what I understood was that electricity is much like trapped storm lighting into stretched metal-like things. Now, if they can stretch stones and break them easily, the things they used must be really strong. I remember her mentioning houses which are arranged one another and tall like palm trees in which many families can live together. Even though her stories were difficult to accept, they were much interesting for me, something like a magical world. Later and later the crowd started to disappear when they couldn't accept what she said. Her world above the cliff remained as a wonder-world. At last, I was the only teenager who remained with her, hearing her stories, who thought that I couldn't get along with her. She was a good talker and I enjoyed listening to her. Her actions, imitations and expressions that ran on her face while telling stories made more and more interesting. We became friends and grew closer every day.
We shared secrets, our childhood life and experiences. Everyone wondered what we were talking about that much even after so many days. As the proverb goes ‘Friend of a pangolin is always a palm civet.’
...................
It has been 137 sunsets since Aami came to us. We were watching the 138th sunset together by the cliff and I knew Aami was missing her old life.
“Help me to tie the rope on this tree,” Aami said.
I helped Aami.
“Are you sure you can do it?” I asked. 
“Yes, of course, I was born a climber.” 
She started to climb the cliff with the help of a rope. I could see her climbing on a solitary tree growing on the cliff. She shook the rope indicating me to untie the rope so that she could tie it on the solitary tree and reach the top of the cliff. As soon as I let the rope free, she pulled it and then tied it on the tree. She started to climb the rest of the cliff. Sun was burning brightly on the side that I couldn't keep looking at her. I moved to the other side and watched her climbing. Meanwhile, I felt like I was going blind 'cause to light. I looked at the ground, closed and opened my eyes a few times to get my sight back. Dust stuck in my eyes when the wind blew. I couldn't open my eyes more than before. While rubbing my eyes I heard a scream. I could recognise that it was Aami's. 
.....‘What happened to her? Why did she scream?’...
Somehow I managed to get rid of the dust, opened my eyes and searched for her. I saw her falling from a height on the cliff, hitting bare rocks. My mind turned blank, my heart was pounding and my limbs shivering. I wanted to scream and ask someone for help, but no voice came out. I was petrified by what I witnessed. A river of tears flowed down my cheeks. 
I opened my eyes. I was relieved that it was just a dream. I couldn't find Aami in her bed. It was almost midnight and the whole town was asleep. I wondered where she could have gone.
I remembered my dream and gave me the chills wondering if Aami ever returns home again. I got up from the bed and went to look for her carefully not to wake anyone.
I walked around for a while searching but couldn't find her. I went by the cliff to check for her. I saw her staring at the sky, and I knew this should have been the place I should have checked first. Silently I went and sat beside her. I saw her eyes filled with tears, then wiped them and smiled at me. 
“Why are you here at night?”
“Shouldn't I be the one asking this to you?”
 She looked at the top of the cliff and smiled.
“Are you missing your life above there?” I asked her, staring at the cliff.
She nodded stating yes.
“Are you not happy here? With me? With us?”
“Even though I'm happy with you all, I wish I could go back to my real home and loved ones, my family, my school.”
I understood her feelings: even if my parents would ever come back, I know I would choose to be with my Cha chi and Mu Mu.
I didn't know either to console her or to erase her feelings. So I just sat beside her.
“Aami…?”
“Yeah?”
“Do you believe in dreams?”
“Why did you ask me?”
“Well, it's just... Two people appeared in my dream recently. I don't know why I feel like they are my parents. So I just want to know if the dream comes true” 
I didn't want Aami to know what I dreamt.
“Sometimes it does. Dreams can also be signs of something going to happen and my mother used to say that the people in our dreams wish to meet us. Maybe your parents wish to meet you.”
“I understand.” 
.....‘Signs of something going to happen....’ it echoed in my ears. I felt my fear. Somehow I have to make her stay here and don't let her take risky decisions.
Soon we decided to head back. She was walking nodding her head looking at the ground and singing. She said that that song is the latest hit in her town. As I was laughing, I noticed something around the barren land, near the cave. Everyone says that there lives a great predator as nobody has ever returned from the cave once they went inside. I thought I saw a human figure but ignored it as Aami went silent as we reached our home. 
A few days passed and Aami started becoming gloomy. I tried my best to make her happy and not give her time to think about her world yet I knew whatever she was experiencing here, she wished to get from her hometown.
That day night I again woke up from another nightmare of Aami getting injured. I couldn't sleep anymore peacefully knowing Aami will never be at peace here. I went near the window and looked at the moon wishing I could find a way to the top of the cliff. All of the sudden, I saw someone going out of the town.
I went out to see who it was. I saw a person covered with a blanket and a bag in his hand. I decided to follow and led to the restricted barren area. I was scared of getting caught by the hooded figure that I hid behind a rock and watched at quite a distance. The person stopped to check the surroundings and removed the blanket. I was startled when I saw the person to be our Genei!
 
......‘Why is she here? What is she doing here?’ Thoughts started running in my mind... 

I watched her opening her bag. She took out some torn clothes with bloodstains and threw it around so as it could be seen. I wondered why she was doing this. She then moved forward and threw the bones. Genei covered back and walked a bit forward.
..... ‘Was she always doing this? Why is she doing this? What's the reason to scare people by doing this? I knew it! All the answers to my questions lie there in the cave’...
She threw the rest as far as she could and returned. I decided to go inside no matter what and find out answers for my questions myself. 
After confirming Genei was not near and I was safe to move, I went near the cave. Walking through the barren grasslands with a cold wind breeze, I saw a few deers and rabbits sleeping. It was a pleasant scene and also strange. Strange is that, would rabbits and deers be living nearest to a predator?
Standing in front of the cave, even though a little scared, I gathered up all my courage and stepped inside. It was dark inside. I came back as I was scared. I found out some dry leaves, a few twigs and a log. I covered the log with my coat. I took out the rocks from my pouch hanging on my waist and started to strike and make out the fire. After a few strokes fire blew. Somehow I managed to burn the log and went inside the cave. 
I couldn't see clearly but was able to find the figures and path. I ended up at the end of the cave. 
There was a way to somewhere top of the cliff. Then I remembered Aami. I continued my walk even though it was adventurous but not as hunting. After walking a long distance I found that I came to a strange place. I was sure that I was on the top of the cliff. I returned with happiness and excitement.
 
I realised why Genei restricted the area and why she did all these. She must have known the way years back and doesn't want the tribes to be exposed. I decided not to sell this secret except with Aami.
I arrived back at my home I found Aami sleeping. Sitting on knees beside her I shook her silently. Aami woke up just like that. I noticed that she wasn't even asleep and I whispered, I'll send you back home, soon.” I saw Aami smiling and let her sleep.
 
Morning, as usual, Cha chi taught us at school and at noon after having lunch I decided to send Aami back to her home. Saying Aami and I are going swimming, we went by the river. Aami was not so interested but I insisted on her to at least give me a company. After walking a few distances, I stopped and looked around to check and make sure we were alone.
“What are you searching for? Why are you looking around? Are we in trouble?”
Confirming that we were alone I said “No. I found out the way to your home”
“What? Really?” I could see the excitement in her. 
“Don't ask any questions. It's near the cliff and I'll take you there now and you can go home today. But promise me you won't expose us or the way to here.”
“I promise you. But isn't it in the other direction? And why are we heading to the river?”
“I know, but we don't have a choice to go there the easiest way. We'll walk by the side of the river; it'll lead to the cave.”
“Okay” 
We reached the river and walked through the sides yet a bit inside so that our tribesmen can't spot us. We could see the cliff behind the grasslands. Walking further we reached in front of the cave. 
“Are you sure this is the way?”
“Don't you trust me? Besides, I reached the top when I came last night”
“You came here last night? Alone?”
“Yes! I am sorry I didn't take you yesterday, but I want this for you.”
Aami smiled at me and we went inside the cave. 
“This way leads to the top?” pointing to the uneven path
“Yes, you can go now. Return to your home. And I'm heading back to mine.” I said.
She stared at me. Even though I was sad I didn't want her to know.  
“Go home. Bye.” I turned away from her as I said it and walked without turning back.
...…. ‘I know you are sad, but it's time we get separate from each other.'......’
Just as I was about to go back, I remembered my dreams of her getting hurt.
I stopped midway and returned to her. I saw her walking towards the top and not far. I guess she started to walk just now.
“Aami” I called out her name as I ran towards her. 
“You came back?”
“I'll go with you to the top.”
“You don't need to.”
“I want to. I want to make sure you reach safe and sound.” I walked forward as I said. She followed me.
As we reached the top of the cliff, we looked at each other, both eyes filled with tears. We hugged and bid goodbye understanding that we can't be together. She gave me a small rock, like a souvenir. Its shape was like two round clay pieces joined end to end having the colour of a log with two or three green leaves on top right side of the top rock. And two hands were bulging from either side of the bottom rock. At some angle, it was just like a small bird, maybe a sparrow. It was cute and special for me.
“Keep this with you.”
“Thank you” I smiled. 
“Keep it safe and don't let others see.”
We both hugged each other again. I looked at her.
..... ‘I'll miss you Aami’...
‘I'll miss you too...’ Her eyes said.
Now the dream came true. She is moving away from me and fading.
 
I headed back home as she walked to hers.
 
Just as I reached the entrance, Genei was waiting for me. I wasn't scared this time. With a huge lump of peace and happiness, I walked towards her. Genei wasn't angry at me. She didn't say even a word to me but her eyes said that what I did was right. 
As Genei walked me back home, I looked at the cliff.
 
'Hope we can meet each other again. Till then,
Good Bye......'
 
 
 
 
- A story by Sreesha and Swathi
 
P.S. to the readers... Accept our flaws and enjoy it. <3 

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