Who are you?

08(02)

After an hour, you took out some fruits from your bag.

Some green-orangish fruits, that were weirdly shiny and attractive.

"Would you like to have some? My father sent them from abroad.", you said, offering me two of them.

"He works there....in the Arab.", you smiled.

"Ohh...What fruit is it?", I asked out of curiosity, wanting to know more about the strange fruits.

I literally hadn't seen a fruit like it before, not even in pictures.

They seemed like some rare exclusive breed.

They felt velvety in touch and had a soothing aroma. The aroma was mysteriously...

enticing?

"They are called life fruits.", you said capturing my attention.

"They are rare to find. Don't worry they are full of nutrients and safe to eat by almost all. I mean, they don't hamper any already existing health conditions.", you explained.

I nodded.

"I never knew about them, they have quite an alluring appearance. Uniquely attractive.", I mentioned.

"Yes, I too found them to be so, when I had them for the first time. Try it, it's delicious, I promise.", you said assuringly.

I picked one of them. They were of
the size of an apple.

I took my bottle out of my bag, and washed them before eating. You did the same.

We took a bite together.

They were so easy to bite. I mean so soft...The fruit pulp melted on my tongue like a dream.

And my lord, they were heavenly delicious!

"It's soo delicious Chandra!", I exclaimed in joy.

"I told you" ,you said, reciprocating my smile.

We quickly finished eating the first one. And began devouring the second fruit.

"Chandra, you never told me that your father works in Arab", I looked at you.

"Yeah...I guess, I never told you..." You sheepishly smiled.

"Preet..." , you continued, "You know, the poem that we read in the library. The author recently won a booker prize for his recent novel!"

"Oh really! That's amazing.", I beamed.

"Well, he is undeniably a talented writer. I'm sure his prose has been as good as his poetry.", I said, excited at the good news you just shared.

"Yeah, it was his first novel. He only wrote poems before it."

"Waah! First novel and such achievement! It's indeed unbelievable!". We both smiled.

And the last bite of the fruit, and we were done eating. Just two apple size fruits, and I felt so full.

Everything was going fine, we were talking and doing our work.

But then, I noticed your legs started to tremble, and all of sudden you were sweating heavily.

You became restless, and I couldn't tell why?

"Chandra, are you okay?", I asked, worried.

"Yaah, I'm..." You gave a fake smile of assurance, I could notice it.

Hastily, then you picked up your phone and read something.

"Preet, I guess I'm forgetting something. I had an important assignment to complete today. My friends are waiting. I must leave.", you said it in haste.

I could sense the uneasiness. It must be something important. I never saw you this tense and anxious.

"Sure, Chandra. But are you fine? You must have some water, sit down...", I took out my water bottle.

"Thank you, Preet but I'm completely fine. Please don't mind, Preet. I have to leave like this in the middle of the project.", you said, with your puppy eyes.

"It's completely fine. I understand .But..."

"Sorry Preet, I must go..."

And you quickly collected your stuff, stuffed them in your bag, and went away.

I was terrified for second. Were you okay, Chandra?

Was your health fine?

Should I follow you? What if you faint in that anxiety?

I stood up to follow you but you were soon out of sight.

I could only wish you successfully complete your assignment, or whatever that is causing you so much stress.

I've never seen you this tense, Chandra. Take care...