So... What Next - Chapter 11

Chapter 10


I raced back for lunch. There was no way I would be missing home made food after being away for so many months.

I ate to my heart's delight after having a fresh bath. Meeting her dad had renewed my hope in the mission. True, her dad didn't hand over his daughter's hand to me, but at least we were back to speaking terms. I started planning for the next step.

"Where are you going again?" My mom asked as I was leaving.

"Going to meet a few friends, Mom" I replied with a smile.

Within a few minutes I was standing in front of Sapna's office. The weather was gloomy, but it didn't depress me. On the contrary, my spirits had lifted, and I hoped the day progressed in the same decent manner as it had started.

"Can you please come out for a few minutes? Just wanted to tell you something," I sent her a text.

There was no response, as I had expected.

"I do not want to disturb you. You take your time. I am waiting, not a problem," I messaged her again and placed the cell phone in my jeans pocket.

The road ahead was buzzing with vehicles - cars, buses, auto rickshaws. Everyone had a busy schedule to maintain, life had taken a hectic turn where being ahead in the race was the only thing that mattered. The constant honking of cars drummed against my ears, the smoke obstructing my gaze. Yet this was the time when I really needed to focus. I was just a few steps away from my destination. I had to walk steady, so that I did not slip away at this crucial juncture.

Standing at the crossroads, my mind was running a vague engine of dream and faith, when the first drops of monsoon fell on my cheeks. I looked up and the skies had opened, draining me in a watery embrace, with Mother Nature exhibiting her true power. The droplets soon turned into a fierce torrent, with winds blowing faster than a Ferrari. People scurried for cover. I stood at my ground. Love was my shelter, and I was yet to find it.

Perhaps, I won't ever.

Rain brought back memories, the umpteen times we had shared its joy, the past rendezvous, everything. There is something about this weather that really haunts the hearts, soaking it in the beautiful past.

And today, I was all alone, savoring its tears in the midst of an empty canvas of loneliness, an uncharted valley where love was in sight, but it always proved to be a mirage.

My spirit had quickly started to drown in the tide, when I saw her. She was coming out in this fearsome weather, controlling her umbrella with both hands. She was coming for me, atlast.

How pretty she looked, like a fairy flying with the rain, sweeping the earth with its natural beauty. I fell in love with her, all over again.


Chapter 12