Life of Problems

chapter 50

Our exam ended at 11 and we got out of hall.

Where's Nick? Why was he absent today? I asked immediately.

He has went for the competition, said Joe excitedly. Can you believe it?

Really? I and Kathy shouted together surprised.

Congratulations, said Jiya to Joe. Joe smiled sweetly and gave a bow.Jiya? Jwel hesitated. Can we...umm have a talk?

Jiya nodded puzzled. Sure.

We will go then,l said quickly.No need, said Jwel nervously. You guys already know about it. You all were in the tent that day.

Which day? Joe asked confusedly.

The day Jiya told you her purpose of hiding everything from me, Jwel said slowly.Jiya gave Joe a deadly look.

What? Joe said indignantly. I haven't said him a single word, alright? But how have you known th..

I was there, said Jwel guiltily. I...l went to talk to you,he said to Jiya. I was outside the tent after you guys entered,he told us.

Then...l mean... what...Jiya couldn't find any word.

Jwel lowered his head. I was so angry with you for all these years. But it wasn't cause you killed mom but you turned my best friend into a murderer. I felt myself jinxed. No one loved me except you and your live turned into a mess as well. I was angry at you for making me feel this. I decided to punish you,the punishment you deserved for doing all that. And that's what I was doing so far. Then when Joe explained everything,l felt guilty for all these years but still was angry with you. For not telling me the truth. I thought for that bloody man you spoiled my childhood, our

relationship and your life as well. Mom's words were important to you but not me? Not your own happiness?l wanted to scold you, argue with you, ask you to explain yourself. But then that day....

I still spoiled your childhood, didn't l? said Jiya regretfully looking at her foot. I couldn't understand what you really needed and.... thought I was making great sacrifices. I am the one who messed everything up after all. She chuckled sadly. I was always bad at understanding emotions, couldn't understand what you really wanted.

But you didn't mean it. One's work should be judged by intention. You were trying to save my childhood, to give me a perfect life and l...l always insulted you,l was such a fool,l...his voice was blocked with regret.

So? said Jiya slowly. Why are you suddenly saying these? I know l should apologize but l just wasn't ready yet to approach.....

Jiya! shouted Jwel angrily. You're not mother Teresa, okay? If you insulted me back for all these years then l wouldn't be feeling that bad now. Why are you so nice to me? That makes me feel even worse for my behavior. I am really horrible.

You don't need to feel bad. Everything stupid was done by me. You didn't do anything to apologize. I wanted you to think me guilty and so you did. It's not your fault at all, said Jiya slowly. But the one suffered here most was you. I am so sorry,Jwel.

It's neither of your nor her fault, said Joe groaning impatiently. Why do you guys always make things complicated! Bad things were done by adults, you were both just victims. Jiya did what she felt right and you did what you felt right. The situation was tricky enough for

misunderstanding. Also, you were just kids, way too young to handle these complicated things properly and so became victim of it.

And what the result of your work came isn't the main thing,l said softly. Jiya,you may did wrong but still did it for Jwel's sake. And Jwel also wasn't happy for all these years, separated from you and insulting you. The main thing you should focus on is you love each other just like you did 8

years ago, and that's enough for forgiving each other and starting it over.

So, said Kathy this time seriously. Don't pull over the past anymore. Both of you made some mistakes without meaning to. And you can't change the past. So let bygones just be bygones. You have wasted enough time now, understand?

What are you still starting at? Joe said annoyedly. Apologize to each other and make up. I am not doing those detective things anymore now. Those were damn hard .

You will forgive me, right? said Jiya nervously. For my bad understanding in emotion and all these mess l made.

And you, said Jwel,forgive me for being badmouthed and insensible. Will you?

Jiya smiled sweetly,so did Jwel and all of us. Suddenly,the place felt warmer to me and I wished l had a sibling.

She looks so beautiful when she smiles, thought Joe. But it's so rare to see her like this.

So, said Jwel hesitantly, l will call you sisi again from now.

No!groaned Jiya. It's awkward. As we are tweens, just call me Jiya.

Why? asked Jwel. That's what I used to call you before, right?That time we were kids, said Jiya annoyedly. You can't call me that now, people will laugh.

It's cute though, said Joe.

Me and Kathy nodded.

See? said Jwel. I am calling you sisi then.

No way, said Jiya coldly.

Oh yeah, said Jwel stubbornly.

Jiya opened her mouth to protest but before saying anything another voice asked, What's happening here?

Nick?l said happily.

How was the competition,bro? asked Joe excitedly.Good, said Nick smiling. I... actually enjoyed it so much.

When will they announce the result? Jwel asked.

Tomorrow,5 PM. You guys are coming with me, alright? said Nick. I will be extremely nervous to go there alone.

Yeah,no problem, said Kathy. We have a vacation now.

I'm happy for you, Nick, said Jiya in a friendly voice.

I haven't made it yet,sister, said Nick. Don't even know if l will.

Whether you make it or not,you have gained the courage to leave an exam and follow your

dream, said Jiya slowly. So, l am happy for you. Best of luck.

Right! said Jwel. Best of luck, brother.Thanks a lot friends for always being by my side. It wasn't possible without you all, said Nick

gratefully.

Joe gave a nod of welcome and we all laughed. That day was a very good day. Sometimes ,some small things like a good talk with each other or a little support from dear ones

is all we need. But simple things can't be gained simply always. So maybe... life isn't that complicated after all, we are the ones to turn it that way.