Life of Problems

chapter 69

Jiya was walking out of canteen when she suddenly bumped into a boy.

Sor...she stopped seeing Joe. Well, it's not like she's seeing him after a long time. They meet almost everyday in class. But it's been almost two months after their argument and they hadn't talked at all in the meantime. She thought of asking how is he doing but didn't asked anything.

Sorry, said Joe quickly and left. Jiya sighed and started walking again.

*

Nick was walking unaware of his surrounding. He bumped into people but didn't care. He wasn't himself now. He couldn't feel anything. He was walking without bothering to know where he was going. He continued walking until he stumbled and fell down on the footpath.

He didn't bother to get up, kept sitting there still. Voices were ringing inside his head. Voice of his mother saying, "you won't cry, right? I know you're a brave boy." Voice of his father, "you should go back now,dear. Focus on your life." Voice of Mr Penn," see Nick, l know you're very talented. I specially considered to take you as my student. But you're not giving enough effort neither are you focusing. It's not too late. If you think art is not truly the thing for you, you would better 

choose the right thing for you and leave it."

His body was trembling from his tears. He was crying before everyone but he didn't care. Everything seemed so useless. Every formality, modesty seemed pretentious. Is art really the 

path for him?

Are you okay boy? a concerned voice came. Nick looked up. An elderly woman was standing before him. She looked worried about this unknown boy. Why?

Nick nodded wiping his eyes. He stood up and suddenly felt embarrassed for his behavior.

Go home, she said smiling kindly. Everything will be alright, okay? So, don't give up.

Nick nodded again and left the place quickly. He was quite confused at that woman's behavior but maybe she is right, maybe everything will be alright.

He sighed, l miss you mom. Now l see ,l am not as brave and responsible as you thought.

*

I logged into my email account. Seeing an email from the publisher l have sent my manuscript to, l opened it excitedly.

Sorry. We can't publish your book, the email said.

Argggh! Why the hell won't you publish it! You publish books far worse than this. I threw my phone in frustration.

Oh shit! I realized what l have done and quickly approached to pick up my phone. Don't break, don't break, l muttered.

Thank God,l said finding the phone fine. I sighed and laid down there on the floor. What else do l write now,l thought.