Destined To Be Yours

Ep 7

"Stephen?"
Kate walks to Stephen.

"What's wrong?"

Stephen quickly wipes his tears away
"Kate? What are you doing here?"

Stephen asks.

"I was taking a walk and thought of having some fresh air here, when I saw you."

"Now you may leave when you have got your fresh air."

Kate sighs.
"Look, I'm not in the mood for an argument. You seemed to be crying and that's why I thought, I may give you some company."

"How can your company make me feel good?"
Stephen looks away.

"Think of me as a rock, you may share your thoughts. I always do this when I feel down. Actually, this place is my secret hideout. Whenever I feel sad or depressed, I come here. The light breeze, calm water, silent atmosphere, makes me feel good. Not everything can be shared. There are things that can't be shared, even to the person who is closest to you. You see that tree there, with blooming flowers, that is my secret - keeper. I share all my thoughts with that tree, since childhood.
Now, you see, that the tree bears flowers. But when I first saw it, it had nothing but a few dry saplings. One day, I fought with my best friend, and I felt so sad that I ran here. When I saw that plant, I felt as if, it also fought with it's friend and is sad. So I decided, I will make its happy. Since that day, I started watering that plant, everyday and now, it has become like that. I have many memories surrounding that tree."

Kate looks at Stephen, who got immersed in her words.

Kate clicks her tongue.
"Look at me, I just kept on talking about me without even letting you speak."

Stephen shakes his head side-to-side.
"I like it. You are the first person who didn't kept on asking about my problems but shared yours as well. Sometimes, listening to others' can make your problem seem small."
Stephen smiles.

Kate saw him smiling for the first time and for what she knows, that smile was the heartiest smile she could have ever saw.

"You can smile?"
Kate taunts Stephen.

"Yes, but only in front of very few people."

"You have a brother?"
Kate asks.

"Hmm."

"It seemed as if your parents love him more than you."

"They sure do."

"Don't you feel angry on him?"

"No. Even if I have 99 reasons to die, my only reason to stay alive, will be him. I still remember the day, maybe we were 5-6 then, when we were learning how to ride a bicycle. While cycling, we both crashed against each other and fell. My parents rushed to him and asked whether he was okay. I was left with my bruises alone. I felt so bad but then I saw my brother approaching towards me and offering me a hand asking whether I was okay or not. He is the only one, whom I can rely onto, be it in my best or worst."

Kate sees the glow in Stephen's eyes.

He surely loves his brother!

"Now, we're even. You shared something and I did the same."
Stephen says while looking at his watch.
It was past 8 p.m.

"It's getting late. You should head back home."

Kate nods and gets up.

She offers her hand.
"Hi! I'm Kate Wilson."

Stephen shakes her hand,
"I'm Stephen Jones. Nice to meet you."

Kate heads back home.