My Julie

Thanks for the overwhelming response I received for the first story “A Day To Dream”, which have a read-count of 1300+ as of now. Thanks for the feedbacks and the comments, few are mentioned below...

“...wonderful, amazing narration, you have the talent of grasping the attention of the reader, as what would happen next, a very important tool needed for a writer, in other words called as a 'page turner'. a simple incident very nicely narrated. wishing you to pen many more....”

“...your presentation style of a normal day-to-day situation that may someday come in almost every one’s life was so cool...”

“...A love well said. Keep writing...”

“...absolutely romantic, Justy ! Enjoyed reading it....”

“...that was beautiful i just love from the moment i start reading it...”

“...Excellent! I must first tell that it is simply excellent. I'm overwhelmed. Steered. I thank you from core of my heart...”

Your feedbacks had been both motivating as well as helping one for me to do well. Along with these good comments, I also realized that there were lots of grammar mistakes, which I have tried to reduce in the new story here.

I am really thankful to all the people around me who directly or indirectly become inspiration for me, to the people whose comment were really inspiring, to the person who helped me to improve on the writing, to you for reading this, and finally the most important person, My Julie, without whom I would not have done this.

Here, I present to you -

“My Julie”

30^th March

The love for photography is what brought us together.

Both of us had a passion for photography, we discuss different ideas and our viewpoints on types of photography as well as on subjects. That day was no different –

We were discussing on the Photography aspects and she suddenly starts sneezing. After one or two times, she looked at me with a question in her eyes, which obviously I failed to understand.

“God Bless Me” She said to herself.

I couldn’t stop smiling.

Jessy: Why are you smiling? You didn’t say that, so I said to myself.

“Ok...Ok, so why do you say this when you sneeze?” I asked her.

Jessy: Don’t say that you don’t know.

“No, I won’t say that. I can make better statement “I should have known”” I said and smiled.

Jessy: Very funny, Ok, listen... when we sneeze, our heart stops for a moment, and then it starts again. So, “Bless you” is welcoming that person back to life.

I couldn’t stop smiling on this one either. I had gone through Google lot many times and I knew that this was just a belief. But, yes...keeping her happy was more important.

Alex: Oh, I didn’t know that.

A minute later, she sneezes again –

Alex: God Bless Us.

Jessy: Greedy Alex, why us? Only I need Blessing

Alex: Now that I know the reason, even my heart stops when you sneeze. So, I also need the blessing.

She looked at me and smiled. Her smile conveyed more meaning than words could ever.

The street light started putting shadows, indicating that it was time to leave. We started walking back home. With each step we took, I wish this walk never end. Even her shadow was so pretty. It was like the street lights were in love with this girl, casting so beautiful shadows every time she gets near to the light.

            She was staying as a paying guest, and it was on the way to my house. Walking few minutes on the left side on the footpath, we reached a point where she had to say good-bye. I am not sure about her, but for me, it wasn’t a pleasant moment.

            Without saying anything, she started walking across the road towards her room. Step by step she moved away from me. After taking few more steps she turned back as if she realised something. She looked around and then looked at me standing at the footpath.

“Hey, what are you doing there? You are not coming with me?” She asked me.

            The question would be so romantic to answer, but only if she was standing on a safe ground. She was standing in the middle of the road. So, I was more concerned about her, than her question.

            I ran towards her, pulled her back to the footpath.

“What was that?” I asked her.

Jessy: You don’t even bother to come with me till my door step?

“You leave me here without even saying a good-bye, now you are standing in the middle of the road and ...” I could not continue. Her fingers on my lips silenced me.

“Come with me...” holding my hand, she led me across the road.

A good scene for the spectators to watch, but I am least bothered.

            We crossed the main road, and kept on walking through the lane towards her room. After few more steps she stopped under a street light and then she freed my hand.

“See, that red coloured gate is where I need to go” she pointed to a small gate which was again a few steps away.

She added- “and, the room you see on the terrace is mine. I have beautiful garden, lots of flowers and ...”.

Alex: Wow... flowers? Good for you, but I’m allergic to that. I better stay away from your room.

She continued “You better should... Mine is the most beautiful room you would have seen. Lots of flowers, red, yellow, blue... and lots of butterflies too. The whole terrace is mine”.

            It was really good watching her tell all this with childlike expressions. I was falling deeply and deeply in love with her. I could not take my eyes off her eyes.

A moment of silence and then she said “Alex, thanks for this evening”

“No, no thanks please” I responded.

“Really, I mean it. You know, when I started the day, I thought of having a great party with my friends. But, World cup ruined everything. Seems like my friends are more interested in Cricket. But, you... you found time for me. You made my day. Thank You. This will be one of my best birthdays ever”

I had no words, just a smile, she too joined.

“So, what else?” She asked.

“Hmm...” I was thinking of something to speak as I don’t want to leave her so soon.

“What is that hmmm... sound?” She asked.

“I am thinking... I am thinking...”

Jessy: Don’t think too hard, it’s bad for your health. If there’s nothing, you should be moving now. It’s getting darker.

“Hmm...Ok...” This OK was just to silence her. I didn’t want to leave her.

It is really tough to leave her alone here. I know she is safe in her room, but the pain of leaving something that you really love is too hard to bear.

“Tumi Kothaye dekhcho?” She asked me.

I was perplexed, I knew that she was asking something, but she had this bad habit of mixing the English with her mother tongue.

Alex: I have told you this before also that I do not understand your language.

Jessy: Ohh... I’m sorry, I mean... what are you looking at, are you dreaming?

Alex: Your eyes... your eyes are so beautiful. No... Hmm... Not beautiful.... it is something more than that....

            She stopped me before completing the statement. She had a smile on her face.

“So, why do you find my eyes beautiful, or more than that as you said” she asked.

Alex: I don’t know why, but it’s ... it’s amazing. Those big eyes, so sharp, beautiful. The kajal (black wax) on your eyes, it shows the depth in your eyes... and yes, your eyelashes, closing every now and then as if it doesn’t want to give a glimpse of your eyes to anyone. You know, all in all it’s so catchy, attractive, tempting, seducing...

“Stop...stop...enough...you speak too much, catch you in office tomorrow” there was a shyness in her smile as she stopped me and I didn’t fail to notice that.

She turned back and started walking towards her house, and I was still standing there looking at her. I could feel that she was smiling, thinking of something and murmuring something to herself.

“Jessy ...” I called her without a reason.

I don’t know why, but even she turned back to me and was overwhelmed when I called out her name. Felt as if she wanted to tell me something but hesitated.

Jessy: Kid, You are mad... go home. It’s late... in office...tomorrow.

            I could see the most beautiful smile on her face at that moment. She slowly turned back and walked home.

She is elder to me by couple of years, so addressing me as a Kid was quite normal. And I loved that too.

Alex: Wait...wait... I was thinking...like...

“I already told you, it’s bad to think too hard..., keep walking... you will reach home soon.” She told me as she was getting close to the red gate she showed me.

“No, I mean...would you like to have dinner with me” I shouted, just to ensure that she is hearing.

            She turned back, but I could see no smile on her face. That made me feels like it was a bad time to ask this.

I continued “I’m sorry; Hmmm...I think it is a bad idea... I should be going now... I’m sorry. You know... I sometimes make wrong statements at wrong time...So, yes...hmmm... as you said... tomorrow...in office!!”

I gave her an artificial smile and stepped back to go home. She was looking a bit perplexed.

“You take it to heart very soon kid. And what made you think that it was a bad idea?” She asked.

Alex: I just felt like you didn’t like that, so I....

“Wrong assumption... even I wanted to have something from outside today. I am bored of the same food every day. And, today is my birth day, so let’s go...My treat. And, don’t make assumptions please... can’t say when life will surprise you”

I was so happy with her decision, but was a bit afraid to show it outside.

Alex: Ok, so let’s go.

Got a quick response from her “Spice, its good place, and is in the next corner. They serve very good food”

Alex: As you say, it’s your day.

We walked through the darkening streets. Chit – Chatting ... gossips from office and stories of childhood. Though the place was a bit far from her house, we reached Spice very soon. This happens always, when you are enjoying the journey, you reach your destination very fast. That’s theory of relativity.

Spice, as she mentioned, was looking very good from outside. We moved inside, but to our surprise, most of the tables were empty. We went to the first floor took a cosy place which had a view towards the main road.

The waiters made it very quick. One of them placed menu card in front of us.

“What would you like to have sir?”

“She will tell you” I passed the ball to her court.

“You don’t want anything? I thought you were hungry.” She asked me.

“I am hungry, but I don’t like to go through the menu, whatever you order, order for me too. I’ll eat everything” I made it very clear.

Julie: I like that.

She went through the menu couple of times and finally ordered some Chinese dish. That’s when I came to know she loved Chinese.

Though we had been working in the same office for last couple of years, this is the first time we were having dinner together.

“I had been here before, and most of the time, it would be crowded, and today I am surprised to see this restaurant empty” She told me.

A waiter standing next to me answered, “Madam, we don’t have live streaming of the cricket, so people prefer other places.”

Now I could see a big impact of the Cricket world cup. Cricket is truly a religion in India

Within few minutes dinner was served.

I had no clue what those dishes were, but they were tasty. Her selections were really good.

I could see some noodles in the dish. I have no such preferences towards any food, so I eat anything and everything.

As we were eating noodles, she told me lot about her family and especially about her niece whom she loved so much. She even showed me her picture.

I had the time of my life with her in that restaurant.

Finally we settled the bill and moved on to her room, I didn’t want to make a mess now, so I just went on with her.

“Stop...” She told me even before reaching her room.

“I think you should be leaving now. It is really late. No more talking” She started moving towards the red gate.

On the way to the gate she shouted “Good Night... had a great time with you. Ba...bye...”

There she was going in front of me and I still could not tell her that I am in love with this girl. I was feeling really bad...

            I was still thinking on how to tell her that I am mad about her.

            I came home after one of the best evenings I ever had. I was sure that this is just the beginning and I must make sure that I tell her as soon as possible that I’m madly in love with her. So, I was eagerly waiting for the next day, the much awaited better tomorrow.

Unfortunately, that next day never came. There was March 31^st, April 1^st, April 2^nd and all the days in the calendar, but not the day which I was eagerly waiting for.

From ‘spending time with each other’ it just became ‘seeing each other’. She got busy with her work. And, when she is not on her desk, she will be busy with her mobile. Most of the time, she would be talking in some strange language. For all my questions, she had only two answers – ‘I am busy’ or ‘Friends’.

I had a strange feeling. Felt like she was going far away from me. Felt like I am losing her, the whole world was coming to an end right in-front of my eyes, and I am helpless –

Flowers are blooming, flowers are red –

But, my feelings are as I said.

She is laughing, she is smiling –

But, here I am, at the world’s end.

Days and nights passed with that one hope that she will be back. Days and nights passed by, but my hope remained hope. She never came back. I never felt before, but now I realize that this one girl changed my whole life. I didn’t even have a shoulder to cry on.

An afternoon, exactly after 15 days, April 14^th. Everyone were very happy at my home. My Dad Mr. Abraham, Mom Radha, Elder Brother Vijay and finally the lady of the hour my beautiful Sister Lakshmi. She turned 25 today.

My Dad and Mom, they are from different cast. An inter-cast marriage, and so the reflection on our names – Vijay, Lakshmi and Alex. But, now, we all are converted to Christianity. And, among all of us the most beautiful one is my sis Lakshmi.

She is not like me; she had been rank holder in graduation as well as post-graduation level, where as I could manage 70 – 80 % marks. As we were in same college, I have seen the love of the teachers towards this rank holder. They use to tell me to learn from my sister. Whatever, my sister is my sister, and I love her a lot. Being just 1 year older, even she is very much close to me. We had a very special bond between us.

Mom: Set the table for lunch. And, yes... keep that phone aside, give it some rest. Since morning you are on phone...

Lakshmi: Mom, my friends are calling me. Today is my birthday, and I cannot avoid anyone, just few more minutes.

“Lakshmi..., you can talk to them after lunch, I am hungry” Dad shouted from the hall.

Lakshmi: Ok, over...I am coming...

            Lakshmi meant a lot to everyone in the house, and she knows that very well, so she was naughty too.

Brother: Dad, what will happen to our Lakshmi once she is married? She cannot keep on talking to her friends for such long time. Her mother-in-law will scold her.

Dad started laughing on this. Mom too joined “Lakshmi, Everyone may not be good like me”.

But, dede, as I call my sister, didn’t like this kind of teasing.

The table was set for lunch. Mom prepared some special dishes because of dede’s birthday. While on the table, the discussion was same as any other day – dede’s marriage. Sometimes even we share our ideas on our future brother-in-law.

He should be at least 5.10” - brother suggested.

Mom: I am not bothered about his looks, but his chara....

“Yes...yes... his character should be good, he should take care of us in our old age, and should help you once in a while in kitchen.... we hear it every day. Can we have something in our plates now, please...” Dad stopped her in middle.

Mom: You all are alike, daddy and kids... no one listens to me.

Mom started serving chapatti’s and other curries. Dede also helped her in serving.

The bell rang, an unexpected visitor, and the discussion on the future brother in law was halted for a minute.

Mom: Alex, check who it is.

I don’t like to do this, but you know in-front of Dad, I cannot be that bold.

“Yes, yes... “I moved towards the main door in the hall.

I opened the main door and saw a tall guy standing in-front. Honestly a smart looking young guy. I got a bit anxious and shouted to the people sitting at the dining room –

“Mom, we got the guy we are looking for...”

The stranger was shocked on hearing this –

“Sorry, I didn’t understand.” The stranger said.

Alex: No, it’s... internal affairs. So, who are you, and what can I do for you?

My whole family was behind me within no time. They were curious to know who this stranger was.

“I am John, John Joseph. I am here in search of Alex.”

“Oh yes... the opposite house. He is the one going to US next week.”

Well, there are a total of four Alex in this area, and I am the least sort for. The one staying opposite to me is Alex D’souza. He is going to the US for the higher studies next week. So from last few days there are few people coming to meet him.

“No, the person I’m searching is not going anywhere, not that I know.” John replied.

Now, I had a question “Is he Alex D’souza?”

“No, he is not Alex D’souza”

“Alex Michael? He works in the government office. Or is it Alex Andrews? If it Andrews, then you are on the wrong lane. It is the next lane. You will have to take a left from the small temple you saw on the way here.”

John smiled and said “She told me that you will give these kinds of responses. I am not looking any of these guys, I am looking for you. You are Alex Abraham, right!!”

High curiosity to know who this is so called ‘She’ was. I was being centre of attention. Everyone started looking at me.

“You didn’t even tell me?” Lakshmi said as she was upset.

“Dede, even I don’t know this “She””

“How do you know my name? And whom are you referring to?

“Juliana, she told me about you”

I was a bit shocked to hear this name. We had no contact for last few weeks and now here is a stranger who says that he knows me through Julie.

“What did she tell you?” I asked John.

He started smiling “Chill...chill...she didn’t tell too much...We’ll get on to that later...I am here to invite you on my marriage. It was tough time convincing my parents, and we had been working on this for last few days. Sorry for keeping her busy.”

John handed me the wedding card, which I’m not at all interested to see.

This is the worst thing to happen to me. She was away from me for few days, and now I hear that she is getting married. Yes, there is no one to blame.

“You mean to say that you and …” I was not having the words.

“I don’t have much time, everything was in a hurry… and she insisted that I give my first invitation to you, so... here I am. Need to move on now... lots of places to go and lots of people to invite… So, don’t forget... Infant Jesus Church, it’s near to Juliana’s room… April 30^th 9.00 Am… bye… “

I watched as he moved towards his car which is parked at the other side of the road. A black beauty, looks like Honda Camry. I had a glimpse of Julie as John opened the car to get in.

This guy looks like a rich lad, posh dress, a gorgeous black beauty is he driving, and this gives a good reason why Julie will be interested in this guy than me. And, probably that is why she didn’t even come here now.

I was totally shattered. The girl whom I loved more than anything is getting married to someone else. I threw that wedding card into the dustbin.

April 15^th to April 30^th, a long 15 days... there was not a single day when I didn’t think about this girl who changed my life. But, no use now, I know. I should have expressed my feelings to her long back; she is not to be blamed. There were days when I woke up in the midnight thinking of her and crying. Day in and day out, the only person in my mind was My Julie. Lakshmi knew my feelings, so she was trying to comfort me every day.

I tried my best to be in my senses when I am in office, but all in vain. I was irregular to office, though my office timing is from morning 6; I started reaching office by 10 Am. First few warnings and then escalation mails and phone calls started. None of my colleagues knew what happened to me, there was no one to share the pain.

After the pain-filled 15 days, came April 30^th, the big day. I am still not sure whether I should go for the marriage or not. Being weekend, I didn’t want to wake up from my bed.

“You are still sleeping?” Lakshmi got into my room.

Alex: “Dede, let me sleep, don’t call me today”

Dede: What happened? You are not attending the marriage? How can you forget Juliana’s marriage?

“Dede, I never forgot or will forget, and I know that today is her wedding. But how can I attend her wedding... the girl whom I always believed to be mine is getting married to someone else. I cannot see this happening.”

Dede: Listen Alex, I’m not sure what Juliana is thinking about you. But you need not be so sad, you are always my sweetheart, no one will have such a sweet brother as you. And regarding the marriage, Juliana may not love you, but I know, you still love her, so attending the marriage will be the best gift you can give her.

I looked at her eyes and could see she mean each and every word she spoke.

“Dede... you are the best dede in the world... I love you a lot... I know you understand me very well.”

I kept my head on her lap and closed my eyes for a relief.

Dede woke me up after couple of minutes “wake up, you must go...”

I cannot reject my dede. I woke up and got ready, and was ready to go.

The time was 8.15 Am, I started from my house. As the church was near to Julie’s room, I knew it wouldn’t take more than 30 Minutes to reach there.

I walked along alone through all those streets from where we use to walk together. Each thing on the way reminded me of the past, the restaurants, the street-lights, the coffee-shops and everything, including the park where we met at last. Every instance was flashing through my mind, and finally tears in my eyes as I knew those days will not come again.

Finally I reached the church; I still had 10 minutes more.

There was a small chapel very next to the church. I had been here before, but not alone, with her. We use to spend time here often. When we were together, we use to spend time with each other than with the GOD. But, on that day I was alone and the sole company was GOD.

Few moments of silence, just me and my GOD. Going through my past, just to see what went wrong and where. Talking to HIM as I have never talked before. Yes, it was just for few moments, and then the noise of the vehicles entering the church compound disturbed me.

I could see from the chapel, the vehicles and the people getting out of those transports, every one attending the marriage. The last few moments with HIM and then I returned to the main partition of the church to attend the wedding.

I walked to the main entrance, and there I could see a big crowd welcoming the new bride and groom. I could hardly get a glimpse.

I hate crowds, so I do not attend weddings even if they are of my relative’s. I was waiting for the crowd to dissolve. And, once the crowd got dissolved, the man and lady were already inside the church.

I entered the church and took the last seat. I had no intention to go and meet them and give a fake wish. Even now I really wish she was mine. I am here just to see her, and give a smile if she sees me. And for that, this last seat is more than enough.

The main priest started the ceremony and the sequence of prayers. I could see the bride and the groom from the back, both facing the priest and getting involved in prayers. I wish I could see Julie’s face once, just to see how beautiful she is in this white wedding gown.

With all the blessings and the prayers, finally John put the sacred golden chain on the bride neck, and there they are - the man and wife.

I had no interest in staying there. But for the last glimpse of Julie, I was still standing.

All the prayers got over, now I knew they would turn for the photo session. This was the perfect time for me –

“I’ll give a smile and wave my hand when she sees me and then I’ll leave from here” I said to myself.

            And, finally they turned...

Nothing could surprise me more than this...

Either my eyes are not showing me reality, or my mind is not ready to accept it.

The bride, she is beautiful, gorgeous, stunning, holding a bunch of beautiful flowers, but... she is not Julie.

Yes, I was equally stunned as you. But, it was true.

I went running to John, though they were busy in posing for the pictures, I couldn’t stop myself disturbing them.

“John, this girl?” I asked him.

I could see from his face that he was happy to see me. But, again a bit perplexed by my remark.

John: Hey Photographer!! Thanks for coming... You already know Sonia?

I knew he was asking me about his wife, but how could I tell him that I was expecting a different person in his wife’s place.

“No... I mean, I have never seen this girl with you before” I desperately wanted to escape from that scene.

John started smiling and said “How often have you seen me? Once, or probably twice, I am sure not more than that”

The newlywed husband started introducing me to his wife.

She took a step close to me and started asking me..

“Oh... Ok, so you are that photographer, Juliana also told me about you.”

“Hmm... Ya, so where is she?” I was getting more curious.

I was in all joy and happy now, just knowing that Julie is not getting married.

My nose didn’t take much time to catch the fragrance of those flowers with her, and there I started sneezing.

“God bless you” a familiar female voice from back.

Now, there she is, Julie. She came from back and was standing next to John and smiled at me. The fragrance was so thick that it was getting really hard for me to control myself.

She continued “I know what would have happened, when John gave you the wedding card, you thought we are getting married. And that is why you were so surprised to see Sonia with John here. And, probably you haven’t even seen that wedding card, right!!”

I could not lie, “Ya... but...”

Julie continued “Our parents are close friends, and so are we. We had most of our schooling together. So, it was my job to convince uncle and aunt regarding this marriage, and there my Photographer took me in a wrong way.” She gave a naughty smile.

Julie said something to John in their language Bengali, which once again I failed to understand. Without wasting much time, John whispered something to his wife.

“Don’t worry, convincing them is my job.” John said to Julie

“Not only your job, it’s our job” Sonia added.

And all three started laughing. I guess they were making fun of me.

I couldn’t really make out what John meant by that.

 “I guess it’s time for me to leave.” I turned back and started walking. By this time, I started sneezing again.

Julie shouted from back “God Bless Us”

And yes, I realized what she meant ... she’s the one, she’s My Julie.

Justo Joseph

justinnen@gmail.com

(Please provide the feedback)

A Day To Dream

A Day to Dream!!

This is what I call a perfect Date, a beautiful day with my beloved, a movie, and finally a candle light dinner. This was the best day in my life. She was in a red shining dress, and I was in my black suit. Everything as I ever wished for. I called for the final ceremony – a lovely goodbye kiss followed by the payment of bill.
“Bill Please …”
To my disappointment the waitress came a bit early. I was a bit too shy to kiss my beloved in front of the waitress. So, now I was waiting for her to keep the bill on the table and leave.
“Thank You” - I said with a smile, indicating her to leave.
But, I was really surprised to see this … “You look exactly like my aunt”, I said to the waiting waitress.
“I don’t just look like your aunt, I’m your aunt” – saying this she poured the glass of water on my head. I was pondering once what had happened; by this time she poured another glass of water.
I stood up from the chair and was about to shout.
“How could you …”
She stopped me in the mid way and said –
“I’m already late; I didn’t have time to prepare food. Bread is in the kitchen, eggs are in the fridge. Have it before going to school”
Perplexed by such a statement I looked around me to find myself curled up in the bed with a pillow.
“Yes aunty …”
Feb 15th, I was not sure to wakeup or not. Yesterday there was an announcement from “Private Bus Owners Association” – “From today midnight, we are going on a strike, marking the protest against hike in the price of petrol and diesel”. As a Higher Secondary Student, I should really welcome this moment, but I don’t. I love going to school, and there are reasons too.
My aunty was in such a hurry that she banged the door to close. I could hear the sound in my bed. Others had already left. I was left out with my uncle’s mother, who is very weak to do something for me. Finally I woke up from my bed & headed towards my destination, The Kitchen.
I went through the hall, reached to the cassette player and took the cassette with sticker “A R Rahman Hits”. I’m always a great fan of Sir Rahman, as I always was. Today it was going to be very special, as the food becomes very spicy with his music. Reaching to the kitchen, I took the egg and started thinking what to make – “Egg Burgi”, “Egg Masala”, “Pepperoni Egg”, and “Egg Paneer” or something else. Finally I settled up with the Simplest Omelet, as that was the only thing that I know. But, I would like to say that I decided Omelet just because I was left out with only two eggs. If I had more, I would have gone for something better.
As I just started, phone rang - a welcome disturbance for me…but not for Sir Rahman.
“Hello …” was my usual starter.
“Hi Alex, How are you going today”, a female voice enquired from the other end.
Well! I never expected such a question, but was getting interested in.
“I’m going fine, but … who are you?” my curiosity increased.
“Sorry, this is Jessy. And I’m not asking how you are. You heard about today’s Strike? So how are you going to school”
“Oh, I’m not sure, but I’ll find some way. How about you?” was expecting some favorable reply.
“I can make it up to the city, but from there to school, I have no idea. If you don’t mind, can we go together?”
I could not have a better chance than this.
“Yes, Sure. I’ll call you once I reach there.”
We decided a common place to meet in the city, and hung up the phone.
I didn’t waste much time in the home, got ready as soon as possible and left my home. And, by this time, my aunt was backing home.
Then it was a race with the time. Somehow I got a cab and rushed towards town. Within half hour I was there at the meeting point. She was not there up to now. I was eagerly waiting for her. Each moment was like hours to me. And, frankly speaking, a bit nervous as this was the first time she’ll be travelling with me.
I really need to have some new way of interaction with her. The conventional ways are a bit boring. And, I may not get another chance to impress her.
“Alex, how long you had been waiting?” somebody asked me from behind.
To my relief, it was her. Though I waited 10 – 15 minutes for her, but it was worth waiting. She was looking gorgeous, as she always was, and today a bit extra as she was coming with me.
“Just 5 – 10 minutes, how did you reach here?”
“Few buses are still taking trips in my route. I got down at the other end of the road, and walked down here.” She replied.
She continued “Let’s look out for some cabs which can take us to school”.
I thought she would be interested in asking me about how I reached here, or probably something else. But, it was not just my day.
The strike made life miserable for everybody. Most shops were closed; people were staying away from the roads. Few schools were also closed. All those things proved good for me as there will be very less rush to catch the transportation.
Finally we got a bus which could take us to the School, and we got in.
“Why you kids are going to school today?” Conductor enquired as if it was a public holiday.
“Two Eravu …” I gave him the money.
I was becoming the proud owner of two bus tickets. I have travelled in bus many times, but this time the tickets were much more worth than their cost.
Conductor issued me two tickets and continued his usual fare collection.
Only few people were standing, and I could see Jessy very easily. Soft, shiny hair, almost up to her waist, was catching the wind. It was flying in the air as if calling me towards her. Every time she turns on sides, I could see her spectacles, an additional thing, even without which she was no less a queen. Her anklets, bracelets, earrings and everything so beautiful, so lively on her. Her hair, still little wet of taking bath, neatly combed, without any fuzz, with a small knot just behind her neck was as usual having a Magnolia Flower.
My dream world was short lived. Really hard to believe that half hour and nearly thirteen kilometers passed by. We were in front of our school. We got down and started walking towards school.
Our School, a small building – painted in white, was behind a church – a ship shaped church. So for most of us going to the church was a routine before getting to the school. This day was no different, we entered the church prayed for a while and left for the classes.
Walking through the narrow lane, just besides the main school building, towards our class, I saw something on her middle finger of her left hand – a golden ring. This was unusual; she never had that ring before.
“New ring?” I asked her.
She looked at me, and with a smile she said –
“My Boyfriend gave me, good na ...” she continued towards the class.
“Yes, it’s beautiful”, other than which I could not tell her anything.
She was the only one girl who didn’t know that I love her so much, or probably she knows, but was still pretending as if she doesn’t know. I had been so close to everybody that each and every person in the higher secondary section knows my feelings for her, and that includes her elder sister too. But that never bothers me.
The strength of our class is 41, but today it’s very less. Only 14 are present. Even the staff room was looking a bit empty. Jeeba Miss, Suma Miss and Tajudin Sir were absent. So, I was happy that we will not be having class for Computer, Hindi, and Maths.
Class started as usual at 9.00 Am. Joshy Sir, who was more like a friend to me, entered the class for chemistry. He wasn’t looking too interested, as he will have to take all this things again when everybody is present. We could see the uneasiness on his face. Going through only the main heading, he was just passing the time. Sometimes listening, sometimes playing, chatting even we also passed the time. Finally after 40 minutes H2 and O mixed up and became water, which we drank during the break after the first class.
Next was English, and Shoba Miss was the best person to handle this. A number of short stories, which were very interesting to read.
As I was sitting in the first row, I just turned back to ensure that Jessy was there.
“Look in front. I’m here. Everybody is comfortable in their places” – Shoba Miss Strikes.
I couldn’t do anything other than smiling.
Shoba Miss taught us “How to Prepare a Perfect Cup of Tea”. I didn’t understand why people waste their time in writing such things, neither do I understand now. The water boiled and we finally prepared tea in 40 Minutes.
A welcoming break after such a boring chapter. Shoba Miss was not to be blamed, as the chapter itself was so boring. I went out and took a deep breath, was enjoying the freedom from the Tea. Felt so relaxed. I leaned towards a pillar and just hugged it. This was nothing special, as I loved my school very much.
There could not have been a better timing for my teachers, Shoba Miss and Resmi Miss were talking and coming out of the staff room, and they saw me.
“What happened to you?” – Resmi Miss.
“Nothing” – I replied getting away from that pillar.
“Should we talk to her for you?” comment from Shoba Miss.
I was very close to all my teachers, so this kind of comments is usual.
“Get in Class, I’m going to start” Resmi Miss said with a teasing smile on her face.
“Miss, Please.” though I don’t like anyone teasing me, but this was a sweet one, which put a little bit smiles on my face too.
“Ok, Ok. no more teasing, get in.” Get In.
Resmi Miss was there for Physics. Newton’s law, Kirchhoff’s law, Tuning fork, Kinetic energy and all such stuffs. As most of my friends were absent, class was not so interesting. I still listened to whatever she was giving, just that I don’t want to make her uncomfortable. After all such a good relationship was on stake.
As soon as the Physics was over, Monte Christo and Edmond Dantes stepped in. Sarla teacher was handling novel. Neither Monte Christo nor his friends could entertain us. But as Sarla teacher was one of the most senior teacher, we thought of paying some attention.
In all the classes, my concentration was short lived. My mind would go back to the same golden ring on her hand.
“Would she be having a boyfriend?” I asked myself.
“No, she won’t be having one. She is such a simple girl” my heart supported me.
Brain had a different answer – “Why can’t she have a boyfriend? If you can love her, why can’t she love someone else?”
I thought of making it clear today itself. I will not get a better chance than this. There will not be too many people to tease me even if something goes wrong. That was the biggest advantage.
The bells indicated that it was lunch time.
“Let’s go out for lunch” Vishnu called me. As there were very few boys today, they were planning to go out for lunch.
I wanted to go, but then stayed back as I wanted to talk to her.
“I’ve brought food. I’ll have it here” I said.
Seeing my cold response, two of my other close friends also decided to stay back with me.
In fact, I believe, they knew that something was going to happen.
We washed our hands and started having our lunch. I was having it from their boxes as I hadn’t brought. One of my friends Kiran was sitting in front of me, facing me.
“What is it?” asked Kiran with his gestures.
“Nothing!!” a whisper in his ears.
“Something is wrong with him” told Stanley.
Once the lunch was over, we washed our hands and came back to our places.
“Let’s go out” Stanley called both of us.
“I’m not coming, you carry on!!”
“Something is really wrong; we are not leaving you alone.” They decided to stay back.
Jessy was having lunch with Pinky, another good friend. She also knew that I was crazy about Jessy.
They finished their lunch and went out. A while after they returned back to the class.
“I should take this further” – I thought.
“Pray for me” I told my friends.
My friends couldn’t understand what I was talking about.
I stood up from my place and started towards Jessy. My friends guessed what was going to happen. Both of them being my friend, escaped from the scene. Both the stupid’s were standing near the window and watching me.
I could not think of anything else. Mind was going blank at times. That 10 Meter distance was like the longest distance I walked in my life. It was like miles. All kind of thoughts was blinking in my mind. “What if she says YES”, “What if she says NO”, “What if she complains?”
Crossing each raw of benches was like a milestone for me. Finally I was in front of her. Pinky started looking at me.
Pinky being my close friend, I was comfortable with her. So I started –
“Pinky …” I never felt this tough to call her name.
“Tell me …” she said.
“Hmm…” I was not getting anything to tell her.
“You want something?” She got that I was not comfortable.
“Yes…Yes…Hmm…..a little bit time” I replied.
Pinky got confused with this.
“Time, you want my time?”
“I mean, I need to talk” I said.
“Tell me what you want to tell” Pinky thought that I wanted to speak to her.
“No, No. you are mistaken. I need to talk to Jessy” – I cleared.
“Do you want me to go out?” she asked.
“No, that is ok. Even she will be comfortable if you are here”
Finally I made a start –
“Jessy, I had been thinking over this for long time. And I thought I should be telling you this now.”
“Thinking of what?” she interrupted.
She got what I was about to tell. She understood my nervousness. I was supporting myself on the bench and desk nearby.
“Please do not interrupt … I will not get that flow again” I requested her.
Saw a smile on her face.
“Ok, go on” She said.
I started once again.
“Jessy, I had been thinking of this thing for a long time, And thought that I should tell this now. From the day I saw you for the first time, I’m crazy about you. Whenever I see you, it’s… it’s like an energy booster for each and every cell of my body. It was not being the early comer in the class that I enjoyed; I always wanted to see you coming into the class every morning. It was not sitting on the first bench, but sitting there and thinking of you sitting behind me that excited me. Except you, everyone here knows my feelings for you. You are in the each breath I take. I can’t think of a day without you. I’m sorry to say this, but you have got such an innocent and beautiful girl that I can’t stop loving you. I’m in love… I love you.”
Heart was beating very fast as if I just finished a marathon. I was looking at her eyes for any reaction.
The smile which was adorning her face had almost vanished. Without any reaction, she stood up from her place and went outside.
“Pinky, was that too bad?” I asked her.
“You messed it up, stupid” an expected reaction from my good friend.
I felt alone in the whole world. I couldn’t see anything in front of me. Had no idea what to do next.
Tears could no longer stay in my eyes. Drop by drop even they left me alone. Step by step I moved towards the Church. Now it was only HIM who can console me.
Half an hour later, I was back to my normal state and started back to my class.
Class had already started. Resmi Miss was already having some discussion in the class.
“Miss… May I?” standing at the door.
“Where were you?” Resmi Miss asked.
“Not well, was in Church” I answered.
She got that something went wrong with me, so didn’t ask anything further.
Class was not any different, except her. She was not even looking at me. She was too much into books.
I got settled at my place. After sometime only, I realized that madam is not taking class. She was just having a casual chat with all, stressing on the upcoming exams and important topics.
Those things were as if it is not for me. Not a single statement got my attention. On the back of my mind I was still thinking of the past few minutes.
In the midst of all this, I heard my name being called.
“Alex…” Resmi madam called me.
“Yes Mam…” breaking my silence, I answered.
“You are dreaming?”
“No Mam, not well, so…” I defended myself.
“Ok…So, I was telling that Class is over and Joshy Sir will come here to speak to you all” saying this, she left.
As soon as she left, Joshy sir stepped in.
“You all know that today is bus strike, and we don’t want you all to get late. So you all can go home now. And no roaming here and there. Last day I saw some of you playing in the ground after the class.”
Everybody was happy except me.
As routine, while leaving also I would go to church and spend five minutes there. Today was no different. I directly went to church.
My prayers were not heard. I sat in the church and started complaining.
Within few minutes she was also there. She sat just in front of me. She didn’t speak a word. After few minutes, she started to leave. She reached the door, and turned back.
“You are not coming?” She asked me.
“Ya…” replying her, I started from there.
We stood there in bus stop for next ten-fifteen minutes, but without any exchange of words.
After almost twenty minutes we got a bus to the town. Though it was a bad day for me, I couldn’t stop looking at her. I took two tickets to the town. We reached there in no time. Once we reached town, we had to walk little bit to get bus to our destination.
She was thinking something and walking in front of me, and I was enjoying her beauty.
“Can I come with you?” I asked her, though without hope.
“Today there will not be many busses to your place, so thought of giving you a company. And only If you are ok with it” – I clarified.
Before she could reply, her phone started ringing.
“Hello Mummy …”she answered.
I think, her mom was too concerned about her daughter.
“No need, my friend will come with me to home, so no problem, don’t worry….. Ok” She disconnected the call.
She looked at me with a smile, and continued walking. I took it as a positive answer for me.
We reached the other bus stand. To our surprise, a bus was just to leave. Suddenly we both got in.
“Don’t take ticket for me.” She said.
I thought, she was still angry on me.
But her next statement made me happy –
“I mean, don’t take ticket. I’ll take for both of us”
"Ok…”
A journey of ten-fifteen minutes. We reached a place where I could see few grocery shops, a lane which leads to temple, a banyan tree which looks very old, and a primary school.
She turned back and said “Get down here.”
I nodded my head and got down.
We walked few steps in front, then a left turn which was a very small lane. We continued walking.
“What were you praying in church?” She asked me.
“I was just… Complaining about something” I replied.
“What something?”
“Something Personal”
“Am I included in that Personal thing?” her question.
“Please…” I was getting nervous.
“Am I included in that Personal thing?” she repeated.
“Yes, it was about you.” I responded.
She kept silence on hearing this.
“And, what did you pray there?” I asked her.
“I prayed to God to fulfill your dreams, that you may get your so called personal thing” She replied.
She stopped in front of a gate.
“I didn’t get you” I told her.
She opened the gate and got in as if she was not listening to me.
“You will get it soon kidoo” she replied with a smile and started walking towards her house.
I was still standing there and pondering over what she said.
As she was standing in front of the door, she ran back to me as if she forgot to take something from me. Still standing on the other side of the gate, she said.
“And, this ring, it is my Dad’s gift to me on my birthday. So don’t worry, I don’t have a boyfriend”.
“Thanks for being with me till now. Be with me always” She whispered into my ears, and ran back to door.
“Bye bye kidoo…” she shouted on her way back to door.
I smiled and started walking back. As I was moving, I heard this conversation between Jessy and her mother,
“Where is your friend?”
“She is staying on the next lane only; she was in a hurry, so left”
Smile bloomed upon my face. I said “I’m in Love”.

Justo Joseph
justinnen@gmail.com