Just ten minutes to go and the calendar would read 8th of May. Frankly speaking, I was in deep dilemma. It had been a while since we spoke to each other. My thumb hovered over your initials and was debating whether I should wish you. I closed my eyes and thought of you. Few moments passed and I realised it's time. My thumb tapped 'AL' and my heart accelerated.
Three rings later I heard your voice. It pacified my heart otherwise who would have burst out of my chest.
AL: Hello.
Me: Hi! Happy birthday. Remember me?
AL: Look who is calling me after decades. Thanks a lot.
*She remembers my voice*
Your voice touched me. Hearing it was better than everything I had experienced before. I realised that during the chain of my thoughts, awkward silence crept us. And then she took the pleasure of breaking the ice.
AL: So it was been a while, isn't it?
Me: Yeah it has been a while. Yes. So any special plans today?
AL: Nothing as such. Actually I am leaving the city so it has kept me busy for few days.
Me: When will you be leaving though?
AL: The day after tomorrow.
*Mentally, I slapped myself. All these months we could have spent together but I missed it.*
AL: Ummm I was wondering whether we should hang out tomorrow. It's my birthday and... only if you want.
Me: Oh of course. Let's catch up. Food court at Nucleus Mall?
AL: Yeah 5 In the evening will be okay.
Me: Sure. Catch you soon.
AL: Bye and good night.
Me: Sweet dreams.
I tossed the phone aside and switched off the lights. Sleep abandoned me. Nostalgia crept me and the flashbacks started. The good old happy memories kept on coming and I waited for more. The way you laughed, the way you smiled, the way you lived, everything was perfect in you. We were made for each other but not here. But somewhere beyond this world. I gazed out of the window probing for the moon. It's lustre, beautifully spread across the nature and the nocturnals kept singing to their heart's content. Destiny enjoyed watching us in this situation. The promises we made were now impossible to keep. It was the official end of our story. But we still had tomorrow. I retired to my bed where sleep slowly gripped me and hammered the chain of thoughts.
*****************
I grabbed the chair near the window and patiently waited for her. The food court being on the fifth floor provided me the vision of the people hustling below. I sighed and took my mobile out. The clock read 4:40. I was too eager I guess. As soon as I placed my headphone on my ears, I felt her presence. I was too afraid to look around so I kept on staring out of the window and soon i felt a tap. My heart raced for an unknown reason and I turned to her. She was the child of nature. Dressed in green she looked even much more prettier than before. The immature smile emerged from her lips while i stood up and removed my headphone. I smiled nervously and she hugged me. I smelled her hair while my hands patted her back.I felt her heartbeat which was equally as fast as mine. She carelessly glanced around and sat in front of me.
Once she sat down, I got to see her properly. This separation of months had enhanced her beauty. She looked just like a doll. I just wanted to escape this harsh reality. I wanted us to be in a place far from this world, to be in a dreamland where none could seek and we could keep to ourself forever.
But now reality knocked at our door.
AL: So were you waiting for too long?
Me: Naah I just came here. So it has been a while.
AL: Yeah quite a while. We just drifted apart.
And I regret that thing a lot now, I thought.
AL: And I regret that thing a lot now.
Me: I feel the same. But let's not waste our time talking about past. So tell me what i missed about you in these months.
AL: Wait let me order something to drink. Excuse me! Can you please fetch us two ice cream cold coffee.
Waiter: Sure Mam. What flavour would you like to have?
AL: Vanilla for me and chocolate for him.
Waiter: Thank you. Will bring it right away.
All this while I was lost in the melody of your voice.
Me: So the kid has learned to place orders.
AL: Independence makes you strong. Hehehe!
That giggle. I missed it a lot.
Me: You remembered my choice though.
AL: I can never forget about you.
I smiled a smile that showed no expression.
Me: So what was happening in this while.
AL: Well this shifting process kept me busy for a while. Also admission in a new school, and even that in 10th, is quite tiresome. Kept traveling and finally got a school. Nothing interesting to share. By the way you look.. what's the word for it.. ummm appealing maybe.
Me: Hahahaha! Seriously? Traveling has taken a toll on your mental health I think.
AL: Character wise you are the same. God I missed you.
Our order comes. The same old glinted eye I saw when she took her glass eagerly. Nothing had changed at all. We were the same. Our choices and favourites were the same. The only thing that changed was time.
AL: So what's going in your life?
Me: Nothing worth mentioning.
AL: You found someone?
The tone of your voice didn't reveal anything. But that eyes expressed everything.
Me: I am not interested at all. To be honest, no one can replace you for the time being.
AL: First loves are often a confusing thing.
Me: I don't need these quotes from a three year younger kid from me.
AL: Hahahaha! Shut up. You need to learn a lot from me.
Me: I wish you had the time to teach me.
AL: But I am leaving now.
With no answer I sipped my coffee quietly. She did the same. Silence prevailed but it never got awkward. We looked out of the window. I saw birds flying high.
AL: I wish we were that pair of birds. We would be flying together for miles. Build a cosy nest. And would stick to each other.
Me: And unfortunately we are humans.
She choked and I hurriedly passed her the napkin with a sly smile on my face.
AL: Youuuu!
Me: Yes me.
And we burst out laughing. We were literally like a child at that moment, seeking happiness in every small things. We laughed with no reason. People glanced at us but we ignored everyone. Soon tears took place in that eyes. And it wasn't induced by our laughing. I could sense the pain in that tear that you gracefully wiped off your eyes.
AL: We need to talk.
Me: That's what we are doing.
AL: You know what I mean.
Me: Yes I know what you mean. According to me it's better if we keep our friendship intact. Distance plays a vital role and there are things I can't explain. It's just very complicated.
AL: Yeah. I hate to say this but you are right. But it won't be easy for me forgetting someone like you.
Me: We are in the same page now. I think that is what future has stored for us.
AL: Destiny is really a bitch. Looking back we had spent lots of time, made lots of promises, made memories. All seems to fade away now. Life is a devil.
Soon we finished our glasses. I suggested to split the bill but she declined saying it was her birthday and it was her treat. We headed out of the mall.
AL: So I will miss you.
Me: Me too.
I could sense the sadness in her heart. I knew how will this night turn out for her. Alone in her bed with no sleep and she will cry her eyes out.
AL: Hope to make memories again.
Me: Goodbye and All the best for future.
We shook hands and turned around. With each step, the distance between us widened. I refrained myself from glancing back but I couldn't help it. I saw that she was also peeping back. I smiled and waved and so did she. I looked straight and quickened my steps. I took out my phone and deleted her contact. Perhaps this was what destiny had stored for us. I promised myself not to contact her until the day when we both come across each other. But now the probability of meeting at a crossroad is almost zero.
Till then the 'us' becomes you and me.