GIFTED

✨Goodbye Kolkata✨

✿Darshan✿
.
The cab dropped me infront of the orphanage.
Tomorrow we are leaving Kolkata.
I have to meet Vaani one last time.
I slowly took steps towards the graveyard holding
a bouquet of white roses.
I already talked to Veer over the phone that I'm coming. Maybe he'll be inside...

Few kids are playing on the orphanage ground.
While looking at those happy faces I went towards the graveyard.
It's 8 a.m.

The weather is pretty comfortable.
As I stood infront of her grave,
I felt good.
This place is... Calm, peaceful.
The sound of rustling leaves are like saying good morning to me. I put the roses on her and
I sat on the grass bed beside it.
Closed my eyes to breathe in the air of this place.
After few moments, I opened my eyes.
It's funny that I feel like Vaani is sitting next to me even though I can't see her anymore. She must be in peace.

Me : "  Bye bolke jaana tha na... "

I don't know how, but I'm sure that she heard me....
A weird yet beautiful feeling is wrapping in entirely, As if Vaani is saying...

Vaani : I never left... I am always there, by your side.

I smiled.

Me : " you are acting like my girlfriend"

Vaani : Ew.. who wants you as a boyfriend !!!

Me : Heh ! Main itna bhi bura nehi hoon.

Vaani : Haa haa pata hai.. bachpan  mein chhoti chhoti baaton mein rota tha...

Me : Arey... That was ages ago... Now ladkiya Marti hai mujhpe..

She laughed, I smiled.

Sunrays are peeking through the leaves. A warm breeze touched me gently as if it touched my shoulder saying " now it's time for goodbye".

Me : Sorry .

Vaani : For what ?

Me : For not being there with you when you needed me the most.
Sorry for forgetting you... Sorry for not helping you.. Sorry....For.. being a bad friend... So--rry.

My voice cracked. I felt heaviness on the chest also the moisture in my eyes.
I hope Vaani forgives me... Even of she doesn't... I'm okay with it.
Suddenly I felt something.
My hand.... It's... Warm. As if someone's holding it. But i ... I can't see anyone there... I... I should be scared right now but... It feels nice... Comforting. I closed my eyes to feel it and then...
a voice echoed through the rustling leaves saying,

Vaani : You are that friend who stays even after death. 
I was and I am happy to be your friend Darsh !
If I get another life, I wish to be your best friend all over again.
There's nothing to forgive you for...  You did more than I expected from you.
Thank you Darsh.

A teardrop rolled down on my cheek.
I opened my eyes.
A single rose was on my hand.
I smiled.
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