It was December, winter seemed mild in Pune. We were walking across a street which led us to an open space. I would say it was an open ground for the new year celebration. From all sides the decoration of lights highlighting in different colours. I could see people gathered around. Some young boys and girls sitting together, like every teenage thinks of. Surrounded by college students, who in mood to enjoy the chilling winter.
“Hey Anannya” a voice called out from a cluster of people.
She was standing right beside me. She made a quick reflex to look for.
“Hey” she said.
I had no idea who was he. Or how did he was connected to her.
“This is Gagan” she introduced me to him.
She said he was her school friend since primary. Should I believe that story , I pressed on my thought. I gave my hand to him, and we both shook. I introduced myself. We occupied one side of the open ground and sat together.
“So, how did you know each other” inquired Gagan.
“Well, we both were classmate, like you were mine” said Anannya.
“So, what do you do, friend?” he asked.
“I study engineering” I answered being humble.
Now, talking to new person for me was handling a diseases in my body. Moreover I had never been so interactive with unknowns. To be honest enough Gagan was quiet taller than me, perhaps stronger but not sure about that. Roughly under the effect of dim night I would just say he was reasonable to be a wonderful youth of nation.
“So you both in the same college” I intended to know.
“Yeah! Just we are in different trade” he replied.
We were seated on the ground making a small circle of three. Each facing one another’s face.
“It’s great I got to know one new friend” rubbing my both palm against one another to keep warm.
“It’s pleasure to meet you” said Gagan zipping his jacket.
Anannya flashed a smile for seconds and covered her head with a woollen cap to compensate the cool breeze blowing from North. The night ran very slow, and I could hear the chatter of people all around us. The mist of fog began to grew, falling from sky above. We were still seated, like everyone around. Bursting of crackers and music began to gush in.
“It’s a lovely night” I said.
“You ,loved the place” Anannya asked.
“Why don’t we taste some beers” said Gagan standing upright.
“That’s a good idea” smug Anannya.
“I better urge not take a beer but I would love to take a red wine for myself” I said as my voice shivered out in cool breeze.
“Yeah! me too a red wine” she thought the best taste would come from a wine.
Gagan had a bike, he galloped to the store. We both were left behind.
“So, you both good friends”.
“Yeah! He’s a good guy”.
“It’s great thing you have a wonderful friend by your side”.
“Not only that..you’re too a responsible person in my life” she shifted closer to me.
I curled my hand on her shoulder and she slid into my arm. The frost began to get denser, whereas the breeze got more cooler. From the front view I could see Gagan walking in with bottles of wine in his hand. He came and gently took his ground seat beside us. He began to distribute the bottles of wine to each one of us.
“Cheers to you all” he clung the bottle cap.
I forwarded my hand to join, so did Anannya gave her hand.
“It taste good” I said taking a sip.
“It’s the best around here” Gagan added.
“Probably, I would love to spent the night dancing around here” giving a brief glance at Anannya. “Don’t’ worry I won’t dance today” she passed a short smile.
I made a gesture pulling my eyebrow above its level.
“You dance....I never knew that” Gagan exerted his voice loud.
“Not perfect..but my hips moves roughly...pretending to show I dance” she squinted.
That night passed with three of us together under the mist of winter frost. People gathered all around to celebrate the festive night of welcoming Christmas and New Year. I wasn’t so in mood of spurting out my mind in celebration. The effect of slight intoxication churn on my head, I began to feel the aroma of the red wine on my body. I stood up from my seated posture and began to take a limping walk around the open space. I shuffled towards the crowded area. There I saw some competition being held among them. I joined myself into the crowd and began to cheer for anyone who contested. At some point I turned my head back to look at Anannya. They both were still seated. I waved them to come. I waited for them. But, I kept cheering in the crowd. The next time I turned to look back, they were already standing beside me.
“What’s going on” Anannya searched to know.
“Some sort of dancing competition” I said.
A person was shouting aloud on top of his voice. He was collecting cash of money for any bet they put on.
“Wow! There’s a prize money” Gagan mumbled from side.
“Why don’t you try” fumbling my hand inside pocket.
“Oh! I don’t dance”.
I just gave a brief smile looking at him. The surface was paved with smooth and shining carpet, where all the talented dancers performed. At most we could only be a spectator. There never ended any list of competitors. No matter what would be the time, but that night I had wonderful time being with her. Besides, Gagan was a new friend whom I was shortly introduced. When the night began to grew older, something struck on my mind. I came out of the crowd, shuffled to a site that was out of light. I had no idea was it the effect of wine or sleepless night which I have been going through. My body began to grew weaker and out of strength. I felt the blood rushing faster through my veins, moving onto my head. I could stand no more stiff onto the ground. I began to feel the rush of unconscious feeling and fell helplessly on the ground. My breath gradually diminished, and I couldn’t breathe freely. I was taken an instance notice by Anannya. She came rushing to the spot, behind her Gagan followed. She lifted my head from the ground and gently held with her hand. She was rubbing my face.
I was rushed to the nearby hospital. I was given an injection and then they admitted for the night. The doctor said it was the effect of intoxicating wine. He even said there were some poisonous preservatives added in my bottle. But, that happens one in a millionth production. So was I unlucky enough to get victimize. That night, Anannya stayed behind with me in the hospital. Gagan left for his own room. I couldn’t know in what way I should thank her. But, I wanted to pay her graciously all the gratitude that she deserved. She didn’t sleep the whole night, instead she kept sitting by my side. I could feel her hand faintly on my forehead. With my eyes slightly open I could see her hazy.
She held my hand, “You’ll be fine” she said with softness in her eyes.
I felt the touch of her soft palm. I couldn’t make a gesture to let her know what’s on my mind except I could blink my eyes. But, all the while she intended to know what I was going through.
That night passed on until the new Sun spread it’s rays all round. I was supposed to get discharged the very afternoon. Although it wasn’t so serious matter but they did make the right decision admitting to the hospital. I thanked Anannya for saving my life. She was very generous and kind. My humble nature wanted me to show some generosity which I could portray on myself.
By afternoon I was discharged. I walked out of the hospital with Anannya. She was holding my hand. Gagan came up to visit us. He was standing few steps away from the front porch of the hospital building. His bike was parked away from him. As soon as he saw us he forwarded his steps and approached closer to us.
“Hey, are you fine” he embraced me.
“Absolutely” I added myself.
He then gave a minutes hug to Anannya.
“How did you spent the night” he asked peeking at her.
“I just laid beside him” she replied mod
estly.
“I should be leaving” I muttered out.
“No..Don’t do that..” Anannya interrupted, like she was in protest on my decision.
“I’ll be back again, the next Sunday” I managed to reply her back.
“Just spent few hours, by evening you can have your decision to go” said Gagan.
Now, I had to spent the day with them. Either the rest of the hours I would be enjoying myself or I shall have to face some severe consequences for being an irresponsible student. That would probably occur on my return to my institution. But, for the moment I diverted not to think more about it. I knew I was with Anannya, and that’s what I needed. So, we three spent the rest of remaining hours like a good people on earth. Sharing each one’s view of life and the moment of joy and sorrow which each individual has faced. The day went on, and for long time I have never felt charismatic how I felt that day. Anywhere we walked on, she was by my side. I never felt so close to her before, but that day made me realize how truly I loved her. Almost the day past, and the sun began to droop it’s shine below the horizon. I had to come back for my actual duty now. The only duty I had undertaken. With a motive to complete my graduation and settle in life. With my desperate need I wanted to share my life with Anannya.
They came to drop me to the station. Before I could leave, she embraced me. A kiss on forehead I preceded to offer her. I gave a last glance at her for a week. She kept watching me, her eyes turned slightly depressed. I waved at her and stepped into the bus. Beside her, stood Gagan. I could just shook my hand with him. I bid them goodbye for a week. I settled at a window seat. I kept watching them through the space out of the window until they both left me away. After hours of travelling, finally I was back to my own place. Had tired some journey. On reaching back to my room I couldn’t more stay awake but went straight to bed. I did text to Anannya, and informed about me.
Twenty Two
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The day had shifted to noon. While beside me the seat still laid empty. I turned to look around, and then out of the window. I stopped to write for a moment. I slid out my cell phone, there were pending messages from Isha. Inbox had nothing more than her messages. I scroll down to read one. Thought for second to text back. Nothing fancy words but in brief I wrote back to her. I tried calling Dad. Since months we haven’t had any conversation between us. Neither he did made any contact with me. I had the complete understanding that goes in his life. So, maybe I didn’t want to let him feel tense about me. I always wanted him not to worry about me. More he’s a busy Man, encased into his small cubical room with his daily books. I did suggested him many times, he could open a library out of his books. But, his interest never paid attention towards that. Anytime, anyone needed a book, people used to come to him and borrow for week or months. Some even borrowed for years and never returned back. Now that sort of irresponsible act Dad never appreciated. He didn’t ask much about me, but I was interested to let him know what had been going into my life. With short conversation, we ended our talks. My diary was left closed on my lap. My eyes rolled to look outside. I could feel the extreme velocity of the bus passing other vehicles. I had no idea what I would be doing on reaching Goa. I expected Isha to pick me up. To compensate the remaining time, I opened the diary and turned an empty page. I began to script the rest.
January, winter grew older and more chilled. I was waiting for the spring to come in. The season of flowers did really had the nature’s beauty. It was one day of that month, I was heading back to my home for the winter vacation. I had to meet her and then catch the flight as early as possible. With every preparations of my luggage and belongings I prepared to come down to Pune. I knew that morning she was waiting, before that she gave me a concerning call. She said she won’t be travelling back to home this winter. I had to head alone. After hours of bus ride, finally I reached her. She came to drove me to the airport. I could feel the realm of winter that prevailed throughout the city. It was morning seven, my flight was scheduled to depart by 8:15am. We were at the airport by 7:00am. I had to undergo checking, and passed my luggage to cargo shift.
She stood before me. Her palm was covered with woollen gloves. I stepped closer to her, held her hand. She glared at me for long minutes.
“I’ll miss you” my voiced shivered out.
She placed her palm on my cheek. I could feel the roughness of her gloves, instead her soft palm. “I’ll miss you too” she said softly.
I had very short time in my hand. I was still left with the security inspection. She came closer and embraced me that lasted for minutes. Before I could leave finally, one last time I kissed on her forehead. I turned to walk towards the security check up. She stood watching at me. I waved my hand. She smiled back and blew a kiss out of her hand. I was finally through the security check up. Following the queue of people, finally I steeped in on my flight. Now, that I knew I would be reaching home by 7:00pm. Would be empty to do anything, except to spend some time with Mom and Dad. How so ever, there would be some task Dad would imposed on me. That could be nothing more than settling his cubical room which would definitely be untidy. It’s not the first time, every time I fly back his secret room always seemed unsettled. But, I loved to do his jobs. That’s the only thing I had to do at home. Grab some book out of his shelf and starts to read. Never paid interest on any family business. Instead, I had my own world where I could spent most of my time.
I was in the mid air by now, had no sense when the flight took off. At some intervals I tried to peep out of the small size glass window, nothing was so clear but some shapes of landmass was visible from such altitude. The clouds passed on and the crystals clear sky was lightened by the bright sun. The hostess began to serve. Every passengers were in mood of celebrating this good new year with their families and their friends. So, was I among them. A hostess came up and served me with a bottle of water and a box which was wrapped with aluminium paper. Though that morning, I didn’t feel like having. While in the air I was thinking about Anannya. Due to restriction of electronic usage, I couldn’t text her. All I was waiting for the final stoppage. Excitement rolled on me, couldn’t wait anymore to meet up my family members. I had connected flight. So, I had to halt in Delhi for an hour. I had to change my flight to reach my final destination. In an all I had to fly more two hours from Delhi. As it headed towards North, the chilled winter grew more rough. The cold began to catch more intensely and the weather began to alter. I could feel the dampness around, as our flight headed towards Guwahati. That’s the place where I was suppose to land. So, the last half of the journey was terrible. Above all the main factor was the winter, which was so intense in that part of the country. I could feel the slight shake of our plane. It had came down to lower altitude. In every interval of fifteen minutes, the altitude decreased. Now I was sure to realize we were about to land. We were warned to fastened our seat belt from the cockpit. I managed to sit up straight and pulled my belt to fastened on me. Beside, me a girl was seated. Perhaps according to my calculation she was a college girl. She boarded from Delhi airport. She was too heading back home to spent the winter. Up to now we haven’t exchanged words between us. She was beautiful. Was it her pride that kept her mum, I had no idea.
So, the plane was in a position to land. I could feel the elevation that it angled with the runway. Finally, the rear wheel touched the ground and the jerk shook my body. Finally, it covered few metres along the runway to apply its final brake. The halted plane was under the mist of dense fog. I knew winter would be wild here. It would crush and squeeze us. As I got down out of the plane, I failed to see the clear sky. Instead, a sky covered with dense fog was the nature of the weather. I felt the harsh cold immediately and covered myself with woollen Jacket. There was no sign of bright light from any direction. Neither the solar rays could shine the day. I marched ahead through the breeze of fog which were trashing harshly on me. The porch was few yards away. My Dad had been waiting for me. I collected my luggage from the rolling
table, and headed to look out for my Dad. I waved my hand and shouted “Hey Dad”.
He sensed and turned to look around, he gave a smile at first and then waved his hand at me. I hurried my step to reach him. He gave me a hug and I touched his feet. He didn’t change, yet he looked fit and fine.
“I believe you must be catching cold, Son” said Dad.
“Yeah! I didn’t expect this much”.
He nodded and we followed towards the parking lot.
“Where’s Mom” I tried to know.
“She was quiet busy, so couldn’t come” Dad answered.
I opened the front door of the car. Before I could take my seat I glanced at my wrist watch. Its 3:00pm, yet the ambient was very faint. Faintly light prevailed but all under the white fog. I settled at front seat just next to Dad. He had to handle the steering wheel. Within few minutes we were out of the airport zone. I knew my Dad had improved in driving. I could see his hands and legs perfectly moving and controlling the car. The last time it wasn’t the same, within few months he had worked out on it. I closed the window, and the rush of chilled wind was diminished. I thought of texting to Anannya. I grabbed out my mobile phone out of my left pocket and began to write. While I was texting her, Dad broke words out of his mouth. He was very keen to know about the semester I had.
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