Kismet

Chapter 6- Stars

"You can ask your mom to send me some more chicken gravy when you come next time!" Justin requested, pouring water to his mouth avoiding his flirtatious behaviour.

 Melissa nodded disappointingly and responded, "Only if I come back!" Justin paused and turned to her, "why not?"

"I came here only for a 2 weeks' holiday," she answered desperately.

Melissa explained her family background and how hard they have strive to earn a better living. She has been feeling the pinch and she has arrived here only for a limited holiday with the help of her cousin and now he is nowhere to be found. Despite her family's hard financial instability, somehow she has succeeded in her education and completed her BSc degree in Biology.

Her frankness was quite uncontrollable when it comes for a conversation with Justin. She has not even said those things for her friends, but it was unconditional again... Was it an invisible force urged her to speak her personal issues?

"You never know how hard it was for us... It was tough- disappointing! But I never gave up! Things never turned out the way I want, but if I wished heartily God always grant it," she spoke emotionally, 'I've always hoped to study in a US college , but..." she smiled humbly, "well, at least for MSc... it will remain as a dream!"

She realized that she has spoken things she must not and tried to drive it off with a giggle, "I've been speaking mad... Aren't I!"

He was impressed by her honesty and her strength. Justin was left high-strung with her touchy words, he asked: "Which university you prefer the most?"

"Any..." She yelped, "but, Stanford's my favourite, though I know it's not gonna happen for a million centuries! But I will always believe..." She cut it out and said, "my family means everything to me and it's my duty to uphold its honour."

He was amazed because he heard words that he has never heard from any other girl he has met.

And again her emotions deprived of empathy, she unleashed her diatribe:  "Money is just a modern requirement to live, but it's not everything. People like you never know the meaning of it- in fact all you know is to squander around!"

Whilst Justin's calmness scattered away, "is it your thing to insult?"

Melissa replied, "I don't, but what can I do if truth's bitter!"

"Ohh... I can never win over her!" He thoughts himself.

"Well you're the only first crazy girl not to freak out seeing me!" he deduced pompously, crossing his legs. She pondered for a moment and questioned politely, "why should I?" And it was a huge strike back for him.

"What?" he yelled and broke out in a gleeful laughter. It was hilarious that he did not annoy himself, yet he found her defiant nature appealing. He wondered if she is being deliberately obtuse.

"Perhaps you don't know me..." he amused.

"I think I know you more... Well, the guy who was on headlines all over the newspapers because of bratty behaviour, isn't it?"

Justin stumbled, but unyielded, "there are people who are mad of me all over the world, wishing and even praying to meet me. But you on the other hand, lying right next to me isn't even feeling worthy of this chance! Ridiculous..."

"You are human, I'm human; so why would I have to freak out seeing you. You're a person with loads of heaviness on your head, hiding yourself as if you're a prey..." She said.

"What did you said?" Justin asked confused.

"The truth is that you are far removed from reality!" Justin was annoyed this time for Melissa's opinion.

"I didn't ask for this all... It is my destiny that changed everything. And you still think I'm to be blamed?" He said and walked away.

Though he did found her irritating her as happiness; her reflection enhances his curiosity and delight, but her hated her insults.

That is his way, he does not like someone to blame him either correct him in a way because he is that sensitive. Almost he did not felt time is running and it is turning up to midnight. Melissa caught the sight of a glittering star on the bluish sky.

The sky was more like a blanket of stars. And Joshua tree of course is popular among astronomical projects and for star gazing. "Look... Make a wish!" She urged childishly. Justin was not impressed, "I don't believe those stupid fairytale myths!" But that did hit her heart and she felt sad.

It is not only Justin who is sensitive, even Melissa is supposed to ultra-sensitive.

 She gazed at the star fleetingly.

Unexpectedly, Justin too wanted to join this childish activity because he titanically felt a deep desire to make a wish. But he did not wanted to be second either.

Melissa closed her eyes and made a special wish based on her own privacy. As she opened their eyes, there was a humongous flash of fireworks and it was sharp 12 'o clock.

"Wow!" she exclaimed with glee for the wondrous vision in front of her. Justin gazed at her and asked, "Do you know what this is for?" She shook her head side to side with a no. "Coz it's my birthday!" said Justin with a low tone.